bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Review article: faecal calprotectin and histologic remission in ulcerative colitis
Authors: D'Amico Ferdinando , Bonovas Stefanos , Danese Silvio , Peyrin‐Biroulet Laurent
Published: February 2020

Background

Histologic healing is emerging as a new therapeutic goal in both routine practice and clinical trials in ulcerative colitis (UC). However, it requires repeated endoscopies and biopsies. Faecal calprotectin is a non‐invasive marker of mucosal healing (endoscopic and histologic healing).

Aim

To conduct a systematic review to clarify the correlation between faecal calprotectin levels and histologic activity in UC patients.

Methods

We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE and Web of Science through September 2019 to identify studies in patients with confirmed diagnosis of UC, reporting the correlation between faecal calprotectin levels and histologic analysis.

Results

Twelve studies enrolling 1168 patients were included in the final review. Histologic remission was defined according to nonvalidated scores in five articles and using partially validated scores in seven articles. Faecal calprotectin values were measured in 6 of 12 studies (50%) with the same kit, while the remaining six studies adopted individually different kits. A clear correlation between faecal calprotectin levels and histology was showed in all included studies. Eleven different faecal calprotectin cut‐off points were identified to distinguish histological remission from histological activity, ranging from 40.5 to 250 μg/g.

Conclusions

Faecal calprotectin can be used to predict histologic remission in patients with UC, but the cut‐off level varies across studies, according to the test used to measure this biomarker and according to the definition of histologic remission. Larger prospective studies using validated histologic indexes are needed to identify a globally accepted faecal calprotectin cut‐off level to discriminate between histologic remission and histologically active disease.
CHRNA5 rs16969968 polymorphism is associated with lung cancer risk: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhou Wei , Zhu Wenjie , Tong Xunliang , Ming Shuhong , Ding Yong , Li Yi , Li Yanming
Published: February 2020

Objective

To evaluate the genetic association between rs16969968 and lung cancer risk by meta‐analysis.

Data source

We searched eligible studies from MEDLINE, Web of Science and EMBASE up to Dec, 2017.

Study selection

Association studies concerning rs16969968 and lung cancer risk were included. We assessed the association strength between this polymorphism and risk of lung cancer by calculating odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI).

Results

A total of 26 data sets comprising 30 772 lung cancers and 90 954 controls were included. rs16969968 was found to be associated with lung cancer risk in population of European ancestry in all models (A vs. G: OR = 1.30, 95%CI 1.27‐1.33, P < 0.001; AA + GA vs. GG: OR = 1.38, 95%CI 1.33‐1.43, P < 0.001; AA vs. GG + GA: OR = 1.45, 95%CI 1.38‐1.53, P < 0.001), consistent with previous genome‐wide association study (GWAS). However, no association was observed in Asians (A vs. G: OR = 1.19. 95%CI 0.95‐1.49, P = 0.131). The minor allele A may increase the risk of lung cancer in both smokers (OR = 1.33, 95%CI 1.29‐1.39, P < 0.001) and nonsmokers (OR = 1.25, 95%CI 1.12‐1.39, P < 0.001). There was no obvious publication bias in all analyses.

Conclusions

Our analysis provided more evidence that rs16969968 is a susceptibility locus of lung cancer in the Caucasians and that it may be not associated with the risk in the Asians.
Conversion to belatacept within 1‐year of renal transplantation in a diverse cohort including patients with donor‐specific antibodies
Authors: Santeusanio Andrew D. , Bhansali Arjun , Weinberg Alan , Shapiro Ron , Delaney Veronica , Florman Sander , De Boccardo Graciela
Published: February 2020

Early conversion from a calcineurin inhibitor to belatacept has the potential to improve long‐term renal allograft function; however, there remains limited experience with this strategy among African Americans and patients with preformed donor‐specific antibodies (DSA). To examine these subgroups, we performed a single‐center review of kidney transplant recipients converted to belatacept within 1‐year of transplant between 01/2011 and 10/2017. All patients received lymphocyte‐depleting induction with maintenance tacrolimus and mycophenolate +/− corticosteroids. Patients were switched to belatacept for clinical indication and followed from date of conversion until allograft failure or study conclusion. The primary endpoint at 1‐year was a composite of allograft loss, biopsy proven rejection, de novo DSA formation, proteinuria, and declining renal function. Thirty‐two patients were included in the review. The majority were African American, and 28.1% had DSA at transplant. Patient and allograft survival at 1‐year was 96.9% and 93.8%, respectively, and estimated glomerular filtration rate improved from 41.9 to 58.4 mL/min. No African Americans or patients with pretreatment DSA developed rejection or allograft failure within 1‐year. The only clinical variable correlated with suboptimal allograft function was baseline weight ≥80 kg (OR = 6.2; 95% CI, 1.2‐32.3). Early conversion to belatacept appears safe for select patients with DSA and African Americans receiving lymphocyte‐depleting induction.
Valentine on a crab—Type A interrupted aortic arch with type 2 aortopulmonary window
Authors: Kotera Sai Suraj , Gopalakrishnan Arun , Raja Javid , Sivasubramonian Sivasankaran , Menon Sabarinath
Published: February 2020

A 10‐day‐old infant was evaluated for heart failure and differential cyanosis. Type A interrupted aortic arch with duct‐dependent lower body circulation was identified. There was associated type 2 aortopulmonary window which led to a “Valentine on a crab” appearance on echocardiography. Pattern recognition in imaging is useful for early identification of anomalies and for triaging appropriate evaluation and management.
The emergence of beech leaf disease in Ohio: Probing the plant microbiome in search of the cause
Authors: Burke David J. , Hoke Adam J. , Koch Jennifer
Published: February 2020

American beech (Fagus grandifolia) is the target of a newly emerging disease in North America called beech leaf disease (BLD) that affects and disfigures leaves and which can lead to tree mortality. Beech leaf disease may be caused by a newly recognized subspecies of the anguinid nematode Litylenchus crenatae subsp. mccannii, but the associations of this nematode with bacterial and fungal taxa are unknown. We examined microbial communities associated with beech leaves affected by BLD in a 16‐year‐old American beech plantation using molecular methods. We detected L. crenatae subsp. mccannii in anywhere from 45% to 90% of leaves depending on the degree of visual BLD symptoms. Approximately 37% of asymptomatic leaves contained L. crenatae subsp. mccannii, whereas 90% of buds associated with symptomatic leaves contained L. crenatae subsp. mccannii. We found that fungal communities on leaves and buds were unaffected by BLD, but bud and leaves had significantly different fungal communities. Bacterial communities on buds also were unaffected by BLD, but bacterial communities were significantly different between symptomatic and asymptomatic leaves suggesting that the nematode could be altering the community of bacteria on the leaves. Clone libraries indicate that Wolbachia, an intracellular endosymbiont of arthropods, was found only on symptomatic leaves and buds associated with either symptomatic or asymptomatic leaves. In addition, only symptomatic leaves contained taxa in the genus Mucilaginibacter, which previous studies suggest could produce exopolysaccharides. These bacterial taxa could represent a marker for the vector of L. crenatae subsp. mccannii that enables spread between trees and a possible endosymbiont that could facilitate nematode feeding and establishment on nematode infested leaves. Our results are the first to examine changes to the leaf microbiome of this newly emerging pest and may aid identification of mechanisms associated with the spread and success of L. crenatae subsp. mccanni.
Infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus specialization in a multihost salmonid system
Authors: Páez David J. , LaDeau Shannon L. , Breyta Rachel , Kurath Gael , Naish Kerry A. , Ferguson Paige F. B.
Published: February 2020

Many pathogens interact and evolve in communities where more than one host species is present, yet our understanding of host–pathogen specialization is mostly informed by laboratory studies with single species. Managing diseases in the wild, however, requires understanding how host–pathogen specialization affects hosts in diverse communities. Juvenile salmonid mortality in hatcheries caused by infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV) has important implications for salmonid conservation programs. Here, we evaluate evidence for IHNV specialization on three salmonid hosts and assess how this influences intra‐ and interspecific transmission in hatchery‐reared salmonids. We expect that while more generalist viral lineages should pose an equal risk of infection across host types, viral specialization will increase intraspecific transmission. We used Bayesian models and data from 24 hatcheries in the Columbia River Basin to reconstruct the exposure history of hatcheries with two IHNV lineages, MD and UC, allowing us to estimate the probability of juvenile infection with these lineages in three salmonid host types. Our results show that lineage MD is specialized on steelhead trout and perhaps rainbow trout (both Oncorhynchus mykiss), whereas lineage UC displayed a generalist phenotype across steelhead trout, rainbow trout, and Chinook salmon. Furthermore, our results suggest the presence of specialist–generalist trade‐offs because, while lineage UC had moderate probabilities of infection across host types, lineage MD had a small probability of infection in its nonadapted host type, Chinook salmon. Thus, in addition to quantifying probabilities of infection of socially and economically important salmonid hosts with different IHNV lineages, our results provide insights into the trade‐offs that viral lineages incur in multihost communities. Our results suggest that knowledge of the specialist/generalist strategies of circulating viral lineages could be useful in salmonid conservation programs to control disease.
Determinants of soil organic carbon sequestration and its contribution to ecosystem carbon sinks of planted forests
Authors: Wang Shiqiang , Huang Yao
Published: February 2020

The area of forest established through afforestation/reforestation has been increasing on a global scale, which is particularly important as these planted forests attenuate climate change by sequestering carbon. However, the determinants of soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration and their contribution to the ecosystem carbon sink of planted forests remain uncertain. By using globally distributed data extracted from 154 peer‐reviewed publications and a total of 355 sampling points, we investigated above‐ground biomass carbon (ABC) sequestration and SOC sequestration across three different climatic zones (tropical, warm temperate, and cold temperate) through correlation analysis, regression models, and structural equation modeling (SEM). We found that the proportion of SOC sequestration in the ecosystem C sequestration averaged 14.1% globally, being the highest (27.0%) in the warm temperate and the lowest (10.7%) in the tropical climatic zones. The proportion was mainly affected by latitude. The sink rate of ABC (RABC) in tropical climates (2.48 Mg C ha−1 year−1) and the sink rate of SOC (RSOC) in warm temperate climates (0.96 Mg C ha−1 year−1) were higher than other climatic zones. The main determinants of RSOC were the number of frost‐free days, latitude, mean annual precipitation (MAP), and SOC density (SOCD) at the initial observation; however, these variables depended on the climatic zone. According to the SEM, frost‐free period, mean annual temperature (MAT) and MAP are the dominant driving factors affecting RSOC in Chinese plantations. MAT has a positive effect on RSOC, and global warming may increase RSOC of temperate plantations in China. Our findings highlight the determinants of SOC sequestration and quantitatively reveal the substantial global contribution of SOC sequestration to ecosystem carbon sink provided by planted forests. Our results help managers identify and control key factors to increase carbon sequestration in forest ecosystems.
Human Ebp1 rescues the synthetic lethal growth of fission yeast cells lacking Cdb4 and Nup184
Authors: Osemwenkhae Osaretin P. , Sakuno Takeshi , Hirano Yasuhiro , Asakawa Haruhiko , Hayashi‐Takanaka Yoko , Haraguchi Tokuko , Hiraoka Yasushi
Published: February 2020

Cdb4 is a protein with unknown functions that binds to curved DNA in vitro in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Homologues of Cdb4 were identified in a wide range of eukaryotes, including human Ebp1. Both S. pombe Cdb4 and human Ebp1 are nonpeptidase members of the methionine aminopeptidase family. It has been reported that Ebp1 homologues are involved in cell growth regulation and differentiation. However, opposing functions have also been considered and debated upon, and the precise biological functions of this conserved protein are largely unknown. S. pombe cdb4 is a nonessential gene, and no obvious phenotypes have been detected in cells with cdb4 gene deletion. In this study, we identified nup184, encoding a component of the nuclear pore complex, as a gene responsible for the synthetic lethal phenotype associated with cdb4. Furthermore, the synthetic lethal phenotype of Cdb4 was suppressed by over‐expression of human Ebp1, suggesting that it has conserved crucial functions in S. pombe Cdb4 and human Ebp1. This synthetic lethal phenotype associated with Cdb4 and Nup184 provides a molecular genetics tool to study the functions of S. pombe Cdb4 and its conserved members of proteins, including human Ebp1.
Hemoglobins F, A2, and E levels in Laotian children aged 6‐23 months with Hb E disorders: Effect of age, sex, and thalassemia types
Authors: Kingchaiyaphum Benchawan , Sanchaisuriya Kanokwan , Fucharoen Goonnapa , Chaibunruang Attawut , Hess Sonja Y. , Hinnouho Guy‐Marino , Barffour Maxwell A. , Wessells Kimbery R. , Kounnavong Sengchanh , Fucharoen Supan
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Determination of hemoglobins (Hbs) F, A2, and E is crucial for diagnosis of thalassemia. This study determined the levels of Hbs F, A2, and E in children aged 6‐23 months and investigated the effect of age, sex, and types of thalassemia on the expression of these Hbs.

Methods

A total of 698 blood samples of Laotian children including 272 non‐Hb E, 271 Hb E heterozygotes, and 155 Hb E homozygotes were collected. Hb profiles were determined using the capillary zone electrophoresis. Coinheritance of α‐thalassemia and the homozygosity for Hb E mutation were checked by PCR‐based assay.

Results

Children heterozygous and homozygous for Hb E had significantly higher Hb F and A2 levels than non‐Hb E children (median Hb F = 1.1% for non‐Hb E group, 2.7% for Hb E heterozygotes, and 9.4% for Hb E homozygotes; median Hb A2 = 2.6% for non‐Hb E group, 3.8% for Hb E heterozygotes, and 5.2% for Hb E homozygotes). The median Hb E levels were 21.9% for Hb E heterozygotes and 85.3% for Hb E homozygotes. Comparing within group, there was a statistically significant difference between children with and without an α‐gene defect for Hb A2 and E, but not Hb F. Based on a multiple regression analysis, age and sex were significantly associated with the expression of Hb F and A2 but not Hb E.

Conclusions

Our findings can guide the development of a diagnostic approach to thalassemia in children aged 6‐23 months.
The analogia fidei in Catholic Theology
Authors: Joseph White Thomas
Published: February 2020

This article explores four components of a Catholic dogmatic conception of the analogia fidei: the intellectual unity of the biblical texts as Scripture, the harmony of the Scriptures and the Church’s doctrinal pronouncements, the unity or analogy between the supernatural mysteries of the faith, and the compatibility and concord of truths of natural reason with truths of divine revelation. This classical conception of divine revelation is compared with alternatives in modern theology, particularly those of Schleiermacher and Rahner, Barth and Balthasar. I argue that, despite their respective strengths, neither modern post metaphysical theological anthropologies nor christological revisions of classical ontology are able to provide the intellectual resources that the traditional Catholic model of the analogia fidei provides, particularly for engaging with distinctively modern questions and contemporary intellectual challenges to Christianity.
‘Only ever as a last resort’: Mental health nurses' experiences of restrictive practices
Authors: Power Tamara , Baker Ashley , Jackson Debra
Published: February 2020

Nurses play a crucial role in the implementation of restrictive practices such as seclusion and restraint. Restrictive practices have been widely recognized as harmful practices and efforts to reduce their use have been in place for several years. While some reductions have been achieved, more information and insight into the perspectives and experiences of front‐line mental health nursing staff is required if further changes are to be realized. Sixty‐five respondents participated in an online survey to investigate Australian mental health nurses' personal experiences and opinions regarding restrictive practices. Analysis revealed restrictive practices as a complex, contested and challenging area of practice. Analysis of data revealed five main ways that restrictive practices were framed by respondents. These were as follows: as a response to fear; to maintain safety for all; a legacy of time and place; the last resort; and, a powerful source of occupational distress. In addition, findings revealed the need to support staff involved in restrictive practices. This need could be satisfied through the implementation of procedures to address post‐restrictive distress at all levels of the organization. Ensuring an optimal work environment that includes appropriate staffing, availability of supportive education and structured routine debriefing of all episodes of restrictive practice is critical in achieving further reductions in seclusion and restraint.
Using technology and remote support services to promote independent living of adults with intellectual disability and related developmental disabilities
Authors: Tassé Marc J. , Wagner Jordan B. , Kim Minje
Published: February 2020

Background

The use of remote support technologies is a newer form of service that can contribute to increased independence while giving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities a sense of home safety. This research reviewed the use of remote support services, which is a waiver service that includes smart home technologies and remote support staff that can be called upon, when needed.

Method

Using focus groups and telephone interviews, the present authors asked users of remote support services about their experience, including what they liked most and least about their experience with these technologies.

Results

Overall, increased independence and a sense of security and home safety were identified as the two principal benefits. Remote support technologies may be a part of the solution to addressing the lack of direct support professionals available to provide in‐home care.

Conclusions

The present authors discuss the benefits of remote support technologies and offer recommendations for future research regarding remote support technologies and the potential benefits of this newer form of support service.
Blood pressure variability at different time periods within first 24 hours after admission and outcomes of acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Geng Xuyang , Liu Xinyao , Li Fang , Wang Jiamin , Sun Hongwei , Feng Anqi , Sun Yanyan , Sun Hongwei , Yang Fan , Zhao Jingbo , Tang Ying
Published: February 2020

This study discusses the association between blood pressure (BP) variability at different time periods within first 24 hours after admission and the functional outcome in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). We observed BP variability within first 24 hours after admission and evaluated the association between BP variability at different time periods (4 am‐8 am, 10 am‐2 pm, 4 pm‐8 pm, 10 pm‐2 am) and the functional outcome in AIS. National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) were applied to evaluate short‐ (7 days) and long‐term functional outcome. The 24 hours after admission and early morning (4 am‐8 am) systolic blood pressure (SBP) variability were associated with poor outcome at day 7 (adjusted OR = 1.567, 95% CI = 1.076‐2.282; adjusted OR = 1.507, 95% CI = 1.028‐2.209, respectively). Compared with the impact of the 24‐hour BP variability on long‐term functional outcome, the early morning SBP was proved to be a strongly independent predictor for functional outcome at 3 months (adjusted OR = 1.505, 95% CI = 1.053‐2.152), 6 months (adjusted OR = 1.560, 95% CI = 1.048‐2.226), and 12 months (adjusted OR = 1.689, 95% CI = 1.104‐2.584). The BP variability in other time period groups was shown to have no influence on functional outcome. In addition, attempts to explain early morning BP variability with baseline characteristic factors at admission found that baseline SBP is the most influential (2.71%) factor. About 95.87% of the SBP variability in early morning was unexplained. In our study, early morning SBP variability is the strongest independent predictor for functional outcome in (AIS) patients, and baseline SBP after admission should be monitored as a control indicator of early morning SBP variability in the treatment of AIS patients.
Maternal plasma kisspeptin‐10 level in preeclamptic pregnant women and its relation in changing their reproductive hormones
Authors: Al‐Kaabi Maysoun A. , Hamdan Farqad B. , Al‐Matubsi Hisham
Published: February 2020

Aims

To evaluate plasma kisspeptin‐10 (KP‐10) as a marker for preeclampsia and assess its relation to altered reproductive hormones in preeclamptic pregnant women.

Methods

First time pregnant women (n = 100) at 20 weeks of gestation participated in this study and divided into preeclamptics (n = 60) and normotensives (n = 40).

KP‐10, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), beta‐human chorionic gonadotropin (β‐hCG), estradiol (E2) and progesterone were evaluated during 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy for all women.

Results

Kisspeptin‐10 levels were reduced in preeclampsia (PE) women compared with normotensive pregnancies. In the 2nd trimester, area under receiver–operator characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.662, positive and negative predictive values were 32.8 and 94.6, and test sensitivity and specificity were 55% and 87.5%, respectively. In the 3rd trimester, area under ROC curve was 0.747 positive and negative predictive values were 22.2 and 97.3, and test sensitivity and specificity were 83.3% and 67.5%, respectively.

In PE patients, plasma KP‐10 demonstrated an inverse correlation with E2 (during the 2nd trimester), LH and FSH (during the 3rd trimester), and positively correlated with β‐hCG (during the 3rd trimester).

Conclusion

This study showed significantly reduced plasma KP‐10 levels in PE women. This suggests that KP‐10 may play an important role in the pathophysiology of PE. Therefore, combined with previous studies, to diagnose the PE, testing for maternal KP‐10 plasma levels may be useful as an effective screening, but because of low positive predictive value and inadequate test sensitivity, screening cannot be recommended. Furthermore, KP‐10 in PE patients demonstrated significant positive correlation with β‐hCG.
Effects of Written Versus Spoken Production Modalities on Syntactic Complexity Measures in Beginning‐Level Child EFL Learners
Authors: HWANG HAERIM , JUNG HYEYOUNG , KIM HYUNWOO
Published: February 2020

Learner corpus studies using syntactic complexity as a construct for characterizing learner proficiency have found that higher proficiency permits learners to produce more complex syntactic structures. However, the majority of previous studies have focused on writing, almost exclusively with adult second language (L2) learners. Given the fundamentally different mechanisms underlying speaking and writing activities, this study investigated (a) how different processes involved in writing and speaking performance affect child L2 learners’ sentence production, and (b) whether syntactic complexity is a better predictor of proficiency in a particular production type. To this end, we analyzed syntactic complexity for written and spoken corpora supplied by native Korean‐speaking child learners of English using 7 syntactic complexity indices. Results showed that learners used longer sentences, more subordination, more verb phrases per T‑unit, and less coordination in writing than in speaking. In addition, a prediction model fitted to the written corpus explained more of the variance in proficiency scores than a model based on the spoken corpus. These findings indicate that the different processes underlying writing and speaking influence the way that beginning‐level child L2 learners produce sentences in writing and speaking tasks.
Immigration Selection and the Educational Composition of the US Labor Force
Authors: Van Hook Jennifer , Bélanger Alain , Sabourin Patrick , Morse Anne
Published: February 2020

Immigration policy is often viewed as an important regulator of the flow of labor and human capital into the labor market. In the US context, this perspective underlies efforts to raise the educational levels of newly admitted US immigrants, which has been proposed through a variety of mechanisms. Yet it remains unclear whether and under what circumstances such changes would significantly raise the educational level of the US labor force. We use a microsimulation model to evaluate the effects of various policy proposals that would seek to admit more highly educated immigrants. Results suggest that adopting a Canadian‐style admissions policy that explicitly selects immigrants based on educational attainment would lead to a better educated labor force, especially among immigrants and their descendants. Eliminating all unauthorized immigration or family reunification and diversity admission categories, however, would have minimal impact. Additionally, the effects of all policy scenarios on the educational composition of the entire labor force are likely to be modest and would be conditional on the continuation of intergenerational mobility and high levels of immigration.
Laparoscopic Ladd’s procedure in neonates: A simple landmark detorsion technique
Authors: Pham Hien Duy , Okata Yuichi , Vu Hoan Manh , Xuan Nam Tran , Duc Tam Tran
Published: February 2020

Background

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of our simple landmark technique for laparoscopic detorsion and the Ladd’s procedure (lap‐Ladd) for malrotation with midgut volvulus in neonates and to identify the risk factors for reoperation after the lap‐Ladd.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective chart review of 42 patients after lap‐Ladd for malrotation between April 2017 and June 2019. Information regarding patient status and intraoperative and postoperative data were analyzed.

Results

Thirty‐one patients had volvulus (73.8 %), while 11 patients did not (26.2%). The median age and weight between the two groups at operation were 9 days (range, 3–28 days), 3.2 kg (range, 2–8 kg) and 6 days (range, 2–11), 2.9 kg (range, 2–3.8 kg), respectively. The operative time was significantly shorter in patients with volvulus compared to those without (60 vs 105 min, P = 0.002). Two cases were converted to open surgery because of ischemic changes of the total small intestine during surgery. Reoperation was required in two patients with volvulus (due to adhesive small bowel obstruction and recurrent volvulus). There was no significant predictive factor for reoperation after the lap‐Ladd procedure.

Conclusion

Our simple landmark lap‐Ladd procedure demonstrated feasibility and good short‐term outcomes in neonates with malrotation, regardless of the presence or absence of volvulus.
Implicit protectionism via state enterprises and technology transfer from foreign enterprises
Authors: Haraguchi Junichi , Matsumura Toshihiro
Published: February 2020

We formulate a mixed triopoly in which one state enterprise competes with one domestic and one foreign private enterprise. The private enterprise can transfer its technology to the private rival, which reduces the rival’s production cost. We show that if the privatization policy is endogenous, then the foreign firm voluntarily transfers its technology. We also show that the foreign enterprise may strategically raise its local ownership share. These results suggest that the existence of a state enterprise and its potential future privatization serve as an industrial policy that improves the domestic firm’s competitive advantage relative to the foreign enterprise.
Prospective teachers anticipate challenges fostering the mathematical practice of making sense
Authors: Keazer Lindsay , Jung Hyunyi
Published: February 2020

Problem solving has long been a priority in mathematics education, and the first Common Core mathematical practice (SMP1) focuses on this priority through the language of “Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.” We present findings from a survey about how prospective elementary teachers' (PTs) make sense of potential difficulties with fostering SMP1. Findings suggested that PTs' common anticipated difficulties relate to planning a solution pathway and self monitoring whether the solution makes sense. Moreover, a third of PTs disclosed that their anticipated difficulties are linked to their own personal struggles with aspects of SMP1. An alternative interpretation of SMP1 surfaced in which a small number of PTs described SMP1 as necessitating that a teacher teach multiple solution methods to students, instead of engaging students in productive struggle to develop their own strategies. We present a framework illustrating the connections between SMP 1 and Pólya's problem solving phases, and we discuss how these findings connect to and build on previous research of PTs' experiences with problem solving. We offer implications for the targeted support needed in teacher preparation programs to address these struggles, to prevent them from being replicated in their students.
The novel HLA‐A*33 variant, HLA‐A*33:03:43, detected by next generation sequencing
Authors: Loginova Maria , Paramonov Igor , Verevkina Lyubov , Zarubin Maksim
Published: February 2020

The new allele HLA‐A*33:03:43 showed one synonmous nucleotide difference with HLA‐A*33:03:01:01 in codon −1 (GCG/GCC).
Applicability of optical coherence tomography in blue‐fronted parrots (Amazona aestiva)
Authors: Pecora Ricardo Augusto , Watanabe Sung Song , Brito Guimarães Marta , Otsuki Denise Aya , de Moraes Barros Paulo Sergio , de Mendonça Vaz Safatle Angélica
Published: February 2020

Objective

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) measurement of adult blue‐fronted parrots (Amazona aestiva), free from infectious, inflammatory or neoplastic systemic diseases and from any ophthalmological illness, aim at its characterization, as well as to standardize the examination technique for the species.

Procedure

Pupillary dilation was achieved with rocuronium bromide (5 mg/mL) at 0, 2, 15, 17, 30, and 32 minutes. The animals were sedated with midazolam maleate (0.5 mg/kg/IM) and anesthetized with propofol (5.0 mg/kg/IV). Measurements were made to evaluate the thickness of the total retina (TR), sensorineural retinal (SR), and ganglion cell complex (GCC), 2 millimeters (mm) from the pecten toward the fovea. OCT data were compared to measurements of retinal histological slides from enucleated eyes of blue‐fronted parrots, scanned in automatic fluorescence microscope and measured with by the VS‐ASW® software.

Results

Averages of measurements from the 43 retinas evaluated by OCT were TR: 279.40 micrometers (μm), SR: 255.90 μm, and GCC: 138.60 μm, respectively, and the measurements of six retinas using fluorescence microscopy were 260.30 μm for TR, 238.20 μm for SR, and 129.30 μm for GCC, demonstrating a high correlation coefficient between all measurements (r = .8698, P < .0001). It is also possible to evaluate the anatomy of the retina and to identify its layers, variations and abnormalities using OCT images. Variations were found between the different areas of the retina, both in the images of the histological slides and in the images of the OCT.

Conclusion

Optical coherence tomography is a valuable technique for in vivo evaluation of retinal structures in blue‐front parrots, providing detailed and accurate images. This method improves the understanding of retinal diseases, monitoring the beginning, progression and therapy of retinal diseases, in the same individuals during longitudinal studies. In comparison to histological investigations, OCT enables imaging in vivo, therefore reducing the number of euthanized animals or enucleated eyes.
How Has the General Data Protection Regulation Changed the Routine of a Public Authority in Romania?
Authors: Andrea Kajcsa
Published: February 2020

The changes that have been brought about by the General Data Protection Regulation starting with May 2018 are complex and ambitious. The General Data Protection Regulation is one of the most wide ranging pieces of legislation passed by the EU in recent years, and it introduces many concepts that are yet to be fully discovered in practice, such as the right to be forgotten, data portability and data breach notification. This paper intends to analyze the main obligations that public bodies, particularly, have after the GDPR has entered into force, and to evaluate the impact this legislative act has on the routine activities carried out by public authorities in Romania. To reach our goal, we will make reference to the obligations that are specific to public administration authorities as well as to those that public bodies are exempted from. We will also analyze the national legislative measures adopted in Romania after GDPR started to be in force, and the degree to which these have particularized the way public bodies are allowed and obliged to process personal data in Romania.
Energía eólica y territorio: sistemas de información geográfica y métodos de decisión multicriterio en La Guajira (Colombia)
Authors: Guerrero Hoyos Benito Gustavo , Vélez Macías Fabio De Jesús , Morales Quintero Diana Elizabeth
Published: February 2020

La energía eólica se ha convertido en una de las energías renovables de mayor crecimiento en la última década. En Colombia, aunque la entrada de la energía eólica ha tenido que enfrentar ciertas barreras, el Gobierno busca incentivar el desarrollo de esta fuente. En este trabajo se desarrolla una metodología para identificar y evaluar zonas con potencial eólico en Colombia. Se establecen criterios ambientales, técnicos y económicos con los que se crean mapas de zonas restringidas y evaluadas. El método de Proceso de Análisis Jerárquico (AHP) es implementado para calcular la importancia relativa de cada criterio de evaluación, para ello se tiene en cuenta la opinión de expertos en campos relacionados con la energía eólica. Finalmente, se propone un índice de factibilidad de las zonas para el desarrollo de la energía eólica. La metodología propuesta se aplica en el departamento de La Guajira. Los resultados muestran que existe un porcentaje importante del área total del departamento disponible para el desarrollo de proyectos de energía eólica.
Predictive Forward Dynamic Simulation of Manual Wheelchair Propulsion on a Rolling Dynamometer
Authors: Brown Colin , McPhee John
Published: February 2020

Research studies to understand the biomechanics of manual wheelchair propulsion often incorporate experimental data and mathematical models. This project aimed to advance this field of study by developing a two-dimensional (2D) model to generate first of its kind forward dynamic fully predictive computer simulations of a wheelchair basketball athlete on a stationary ergometer. Subject-specific parameters and torque generator functions were implemented in the model from dual X-ray absorptiometry and human dynamometer measurements. A direct collocation optimization method was used in a wheelchair propulsion model for the first time to replicate the human muscle recruitment strategy. Simulations were generated for varying time constraints and seat positions. Similar magnitudes of kinematic and kinetic data were observed between simulation and experimental data of a first push. Furthermore, seat heights inferior to the neutral position were found to produce similar joint torques to those reported in previous studies. An anterior seat placement produced the quickest push time with the least amount of shoulder torque required. The work completed in this project demonstrates that fully predictive simulations of wheelchair propulsion have the potential of varying simulation parameters to draw meaningful conclusions.
Hybrid Phase-Change Lattice Boltzmann Simulation of Vapor Condensation on Vertical Subcooled Walls
Authors: Zhao Wandong , Gao Yuan , Li Ruijie , Qiu Songgang , Zhang Ying , Xu Ben
Published: February 2020

Saturated vapor condensation on homogenous and heterogeneous subcooled walls is presented in this study by adopting a hybrid phase-change multiple-relaxation-time Lattice Boltzmann model. The effects of wall wettability on the condensation process, including droplets' growth, coalescence and falling, and the influence of vapor flow to condensation are investigated. The results demonstrate that the heat fluxes around the triple-phase contact lines are higher than that in other cold areas in homogeneous subcooled walls, which actually indicates the fact that filmwise condensation is preventing the continuous condensation process. Furthermore, the dropwise condensation can be formed more easily on the heterogeneous surface with a mixed surface wettability. At last, the dynamic process of condensation of continuous vapor flow is also investigated by considering the homogenous and heterogeneous subcooled surfaces. The results show that the heterogeneous surface with mixed wettability does not significantly contribute to the formation, growth of droplets, when compared to the homogeneous surface. It is expected that this study can bring more attention to simulate condensation using multiphase LBM for complex geometries in heat transfer community.
Combined Influence of Fluid Viscoelasticity and Inertia on Forced Convection Heat Transfer From a Circular Cylinder
Authors: Sasmal C. , Khan Mohd Bilal , Chhabra R. P.
Published: February 2020

In this study, the combined influence of fluid viscoelasticity and inertia on the flow and heat transfer characteristics of a circular cylinder in the steady laminar flow regime have been studied numerically. The momentum and energy equations together with an appropriate viscoelastic constitutive equation have been solved numerically using the finite volume method over the following ranges of conditions: Reynolds number, 0.1≤Re≤20; elasticity number (= Wi/Re, where Wi is the Weissenberg number), 0≤El≤0.5; Prandtl number, 10≤Pr≤100 for Oldroyd-B and finitely extensible nonlinear elastic-Peterlin (FENE-P) (with two values of the chain extensibility parameter L2, namely 10 and 100) viscoelastic fluid models including the limiting case of Newtonian fluids (El = 0). New extensive results are presented and discussed in terms of the streamline and isotherm profiles, drag coefficient, distribution of the local and surface averaged Nusselt number. Within the range of conditions embraced here, the separation of boundary layers (momentum and thermal) is seen to be completely suppressed in an Oldroyd-B fluid whereas it is accelerated for a FENE-P fluid in comparison with that seen for a Newtonian fluid otherwise under identical conditions. At a fixed elasticity number, both the drag coefficient and average Nusselt number are seen to be independent of the Reynolds number beyond a critical value for an Oldroyd-B fluid. In contrast, the drag coefficient decreases and the average Nusselt number increases with Reynolds number for a FENE-P fluid at a constant value of the elasticity number. Finally, a simple correlation for the average Nusselt number for a FENE-P fluid is presented which facilitates the interpolation of the present results for the intermediate values of the governing parameters and/or its a priori estimation in a new application.
The Role of Anodization in Naturally Cooled Heat Sinks for Power Electronic Devices
Authors: Zhang Zhongchen , Collins Michael , Lau Eric , Botting Chris , Bahrami Majid
Published: February 2020

Effect of anodization on the thermal performance of naturally cooled heat sinks in power electronic devices made of die-cast aluminum alloy A380 and machined aluminum alloy 6061 was investigated experimentally and numerically. Various types of anodization were examined with different thickness of anodic aluminum oxide layer (AAO), pore size distributions, and surface coloring conditions. A customized natural convection and thermal radiation experimental chamber was built to measure the cooling capacity and heat sink temperatures. A 3D numerical model was also developed and validated against the collected data to provide more details into the contribution of the radiation heat transfer. The total emittance of the anodized samples was determined by a Fourier transform infrared reflectometer (FTIR) spectroscopy method. The results show a significant improvement in total hemispherical emissivity from 0.14 to 0.92 in anodized die-cast aluminum samples. This increase resulted in a considerable reduction in overall thermal resistance, up to 15%; where up to 41% of the total heat dissipation was contributed by thermal radiation. In spite of the rather distinguishable surface morphologies, the measurements suggested that thermal emissivity of the anodized die-cast Al A380 and Al alloy 6061 samples were in the same range.
Differential transcriptome profiling of the diapause and cold-responsive genes in unfed adult Dermacentor silvarum Olenev (Acari: Ixodidae)

Authors: Yu Zhijun , Pei Tingwei , Zhang Meng , Wang Tongxuan , Jia Qingying , Yang Xiaolong , Gao Zhihua , Wang Kuang , Wang Wei , Liu Jingze
Published: February 2020

The tick Dermacentor silvarum mainly overwinters in northern China as an unfed adult entering diapause; however, little is known about the involvement of genes and pathways in summer diapause and overwintering adults of this species. Hence, we investigated the differential transcriptome profile of D. silvarum ticks’ diapause and cold-responsive genes and pathways during its summer diapause, overwintering, and questing/active stages. Through transcriptomic sequencing, a total of 136,740 unigenes were assembled, and 1,549, 2,196, and 2,125 differentially expressed genes (DEG) were identified in active and diapause, diapause and overwintering, and active and overwintering ticks, respectively. Between active and diapause ticks, 875 genes were up-regulated, while 674 genes were found down-regulated in diapause ticks. When compared with active ticks, overwintering ticks had 993 up-regulated genes and 1,132 down-regulated genes. Comparison between diapause and overwintering ticks revealed 745 up-regulated and 1,451 down-regulated genes in overwintering ticks. Gene Ontology analysis revealed that, among the active, diapause, and overwintering ticks, most of the DEGs in molecular function were enriched in catalytic activity and hydrolase activity. In the cellular component, most DEGs were assigned to the integral component of the cell membrane , whereas the oxidation-reduction process was the most enriched among biological processes. In addition, the lysosome pathway was the most enriched pathway identified in KEGG pathway analysis. The above results deepened our understanding of the mechanism underlying diapause and overwintering adaptation of ticks, which is important for integrative prevention and control of ticks and tick-borne diseases.
Optical and mass spectrometric measurements of dissociation in low frequency, high density, remote source O2/Ar and NF3/Ar plasmas
Authors: Li Hanyang , Zhou Yingliang , Donnelly Vincent. M.
Published: February 2020

Remote plasma sources are widely used in applications such as chamber cleaning and flowable chemical vapor deposition. In these processes, it is desirable that the dissociation rate of feed gases be as high as possible and stable. Here, the authors present results on radical densities and gas dissociation fractions for a 400 kHz toroidal transformer-coupled plasma source (MKS Instruments), operating at a power density of 5–50 W/cm3 with feed gas mixtures of O2 or NF3 in Ar and pressures of 0.4 or 2.0 Torr. Radical densities and feed gas dissociation percentages in the plasma were measured by optical emission spectroscopy combined with Ar actinometry. In the plasma, O2 was about 60% dissociated in dilute O2 mixtures (10%–20%). Dissociation decreased with the increasing addition of O2, dropping to 10% dissociation for 90% O2 in the feed gas. NF3 was >95% dissociated for all NF3/Ar mixtures. Little or no dependence on the flow rate was found. Plasma products flow into an anodized Al downstream chamber that is probed by vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) absorption spectroscopy and line-of-sight molecular beam mass spectrometry. In the downstream chamber, O recombined on the walls to form O2 (detected by VUV O2 absorption). The measured downstream O/O2 ratio was a strongly increasing function of an increasing flow rate reproduced by a downstream global model with O wall recombination probability of γO between 0.001 and 0.002. NF3 does not reform in the downstream chamber, as verified by VUV absorption and mass spectrometry. No NF or NF2 was detected, and F mostly recombined to form F2 at the back of the downstream chamber, along with N2. The F2, F, and N2 product absolute number densities were consistent with the 3:1 F:N mass balance of the NF3 feed gas.
Impact of thermal process on interfacial microstructures of Ti- and Pt-based electrodes on C-doped InGaAsSb
Authors: Hoshi Takuya , Shiratori Yuta , Sugiyama Hiroki , Matsuzaki Hideaki
Published: February 2020

The authors investigate the impact of the thermal process on interfacial microstructures of Ti- and Pt-based electrodes deposited on C-doped InGaAsSb with the aim of improving base electrode formation in double heterojunction bipolar transistors (DBHTs). In a Ti-based electrode, as-deposited Ti reacts with oxygen originating from a native oxide of the C-doped InGaAsSb surface and forms a Ti–O transition layer at the Ti/InGaAsSb interface. After annealing at 300 °C, oxygen in the transition layer diffuses into the upper Ti layer, which causes a reduction of contact resistivity. Annealing at 400 °C causes significant interface degradation due to Ti-As reaction. In contrast, an Au/Pt/Ti/Pt electrode is more stable against annealing. However, Pt diffusion into the InGaAsSb to a depth of 20–30 nm is observed after annealing at 400 °C. To use Pt as the base electrode of ultrahigh-speed DHBTs with a thin InGaAsSb base, the thickness of the Pt layer must be carefully optimized to suppress the penetration of Pt into the base and collector regions.