bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic variants of TBX6 and TBXT identified in patients with congenital scoliosis in Southern China
Authors: Feng Xin , Cheung Jason Pui Yin , Je Jimmy S. H. , Cheung Prudence W. H. , Chen Shuxia , Yue Ming , Wang Ni , Choi Vanessa N. T. , Yang Xueyan , Song You‐Qiang , Luk Keith D. K. , Gao Bo
Published: July 2020

Congenital scoliosis (CS) is a spinal deformity present at birth due to underlying congenital vertebral malformation (CVM) that occurs during embryonic development. Hemivertebrae is the most common anomaly that causes CS. Recently, compound heterozygosity in TBX6 has been identified in Northern Chinese, Japanese, and European CS patient cohorts, which explains about 7%‐10% of the affected population. In this report, we recruited 67 CS patients characterized with hemivertebrae in the Southern Chinese population and investigated the TBX6 variant and risk haplotype. We found that two patients with hemivertebrae in the thoracic spine and one patient with hemivertebrae in the lumbar spine carry the previously defined pathogenic TBX6 compound heterozygous variants. In addition, whole exome sequencing of patients with CS and their family members identified a de novo missense mutation (c.G47T: p.R16L) in another member of the T‐box family, TBXT. This rare mutation compromised the binding of TBXT to its target sequence, leading to reduced transcriptional activity, and exhibited dominant‐negative effect on wild‐type TBXT. Our findings further highlight the importance of T‐box family genes in the development of congenital scoliosis.
Age‐related differences in morphology and kinematics of the native hip
Authors: Akiyama Keisuke , Sakai Takashi , Koyanagi Junichiro , Yoshikawa Hideki , Sugamoto Kazuomi
Published: July 2020

Our objectives were to clarify morphology of the hip as well as infinitesimal femoral head movement in specific positions in young and elderly volunteers without joint degeneration. Both hips of 20 young and 20 elderly healthy volunteers were examined. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed at four different positions for each hip: neutral, 45° flexion, 15° extension, and the Patrick position. Femoral and pelvic bone images were separately extracted when in the neutral position and superimposed over the images of each different position by using voxel‐based registration. The distance between the acetabular center and the femoral head center (FHC) at the neutral position was defined as 3D‐migration. The distance between FHCs at neutral position and that at each different position was defined as 3D‐translation. The x‐, y‐, and z‐axes pointed in the anterior, cranial, and lateral directions, respectively. 3D‐migration‐y in the elderly was more caudal than that in the young (P < .001). 3D‐translation of 45° flexion in the elderly was larger than that in the young with statistical significance (P = .001), while 3D‐translation of the Patrick position in the elderly was smaller than that in the young (P = .012). Age was significantly correlated with 3D‐translation in 45° flexion (r = .431; P < .001) and that in Patrick (r = −.296; P = .008). These results can be used as a basis for the natural course with aging of morphometry and kinematics of the hip, as well as for potential disease progression in osteoarthritis of the hip.
The MdXTHB gene is involved in fruit softening in ‘Golden Del. Reinders’ (Malus pumila)
Authors: Ma Mengmeng , Yuan Yongbing , Cheng Chenxia , Zhang Yong , Yang Shaolan
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

Fruit softening is a major determinant of commercial value and shelf life. A transcriptomic analysis of ‘Golden Delicious’ and ‘Golden Del. Reinders’ (a bud mutation of ‘Golden Delicious’ that readily softens) apple fruit was conducted during storage.

RESULTS

A comparative analysis of the obtained expression profiles of fruit between two cultivars identified 1345 upregulated and 3475 downregulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The DEGs identified were associated with cellular processes and carbohydrate metabolism and were especially enriched in cell‐wall‐related genes. Among the cell‐wall‐related genes, the xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolases (XTH) gene MdXTHB was significantly upregulated and exhibited high expression levels in ‘Golden Del. Reinders’ fruit, which had a lower level of firmness relative to ‘Golden Delicious’. Overexpression of MdXTHB in both ‘Golden Delicious’ and ‘Fuji’, which typically maintain high levels of firmness in storage, exhibited faster rates of softening and an earlier peak of ethylene production than empty‐vector‐infiltrated fruit did.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study indicate that MdXTHB potentially promotes apple fruit softening by degrading the fruit cell wall. This result is also useful to designing further experiments on the molecular regulation of fruit softening in apple. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Pharmacokinetics study of 16 active ingredients from Tabson‐2 decoction in normal and d‐galactose induced osteoporosis rats by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Li Na , Dong Xin , Ma Feixiang , Tian Xianting , Bu Ren , Li Chunyan , Gao Peng , Lu Yingyuan , Xue Peifeng , Guo Xiaoyu , Tu Pengfei
Published: July 2020

Tabson‐2 decoction is the traditional Mongolian formula for anti‐osteoporosis, and the ambiguous of active ingredient is an important factor in restricting its modernization and globalization. Although pharmacokinetic profiles research is a viable approach to find the components being responsible for formula efficacy, the pharmacokinetics study of Tabson‐2 decoction has not been elucidated yet. Owing to the existence of isomers, low bioavailability of some small molecule and interference of endogenous, the pharmacokinetics study of Tabson‐2 decoction are more difficult than that of chemical drugs. In our experiment, a specific and sensitive liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated for simultaneous determination of 16 active ingredients in Tabson‐2 decoction, which could fulfill the requirements of multi‐compounds pharmacokinetic study of Tabson‐2 decoction. Additionally, the ingredients with significant distributions in rats were gentianic acid, chlorogenic acid, and aucubin, which could be the main potential active components in Tabson‐2 decoction. The components with a significant bioavailability difference between normal and d‐galactose induced osteoporosis rats were achieved as well. These data offer useful information for screening the active ingredients in Tabson‐2 decoction, and assessing the bioavailability of these active ingredients in different physiological status, which might provide a possible mechanism of anti‐osteoporosis efficacy of Tabson‐2 decoction.
Significant soil acidification caused by grazing exclusion across China’s grassland areas
Authors: Hong Jiangtao , Xu Xin , Pang Bo , Ma Xingxing , Wang Xiaodan
Published: July 2020

Soil pH is strongly associated with soil biogeochemical cycles and biodiversity in terrestrial ecosystems. Grazing exclusion (GE) has been widely adopted as an effective practice to restore degraded grasslands. However, the effect of GE on soil pH is still poorly understood and remains inconclusive. We synthesized data for 63 sites from the peer‐reviewed literature and 43 additional field sites and investigated the differences in soil pH following grazing exclusion across China’s grasslands. The mean pH across all samples decreased by 0.13 units with grazing exclusion (mean pH 8.15 and 8.02 for the grazed and grazing exclusion groups, respectively, p < 0.001). The pH of the surface soil (0–20 cm) showed the greatest rates of decrease in grazing exclusion grasslands, whereas the pH of the deep soil layers (20–100 cm) showed a limited response to grazing exclusion. In general, the largest rate of decrease in soil pH occurred after medium‐term periods (5–15 years) of grazing exclusion, whereas a smaller rate of change was found over short‐ (≤5 years) and long‐term periods (≥15 years) of grazing exclusion. Of the environmental factors examined, the climatic conditions, accumulation of biomass and the soil carbon and nitrogen dynamics were important factors influencing soil pH following grazing exclusion. Our results indicate that grazing exclusion causes significant soil acidification, especially in surface soils and humid areas. Our results provide an important reference for the future management of China’s grasslands.
TNF‐α‐dependent lung inflammation upregulates superoxide dismutase‐2 to promote tumor cell proliferation in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Han Xiaojing , Liu Xiaoyi , Wang Xiuqing , Guo Wenli , Wen Yue , Meng Wei , Peng Daijun , Lv Ping , Zhang Xianghong , Shen Haitao
Published: July 2020

Manganese superoxide dismutase (SOD‐2), an important primary antioxidant enzyme located in mitochondria, plays a critical role in tumor progression. Reportedly, the proinflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, can increase SOD‐2 expression in a human lung adenocarcinoma cell line in vitro, indicating that TNF‐α‐mediated inflammation may regulate SOD‐2 expression, which may be related to cancer promotion. Using a urethane‐induced inflammation‐driven lung adenocarcinoma (IDLA) mice model, we investigated whether and how TNF‐α‐mediated inflammation upregulated SOD‐2 expression in lung adenocarcinoma. Our results showed that SOD‐2 was mostly expressed on surfactant protein‐C+ AT‐II cells (alveolar type II cell) and tumor cells in IDLA mice, which were surrounded by CD68+ macrophages. Blocking TNF‐α‐dependent inflammation downregulated SOD‐2 expression in inflamed lung tissues at the protumor stage and also inhibited SOD‐2 expression in tumor cells in the IDLA model. In human lung adenocarcinoma, both the number of infiltrating CD68+ macrophages and TNF‐α expression correlated positively with SOD‐2 expression, which is related to lymph node metastasis and TNM stage. We collected the conditioned medium from lipopolysaccharide‐activated phorbol myristate acetate‐induced THP1 (M1) cells to stimulate A549 and H1299 cells and observed that THP1‐M1 upregulated SOD‐2 by secreting TNF‐α. Blocking SOD‐2 expression significantly inhibited TNF‐α‐induced cell proliferation in A549 and H1299 cells in vitro. Thus, TNF‐α‐mediated lung inflammation can upregulate SOD‐2 expression in lung adenocarcinoma, and macrophages contribute to SOD‐2 upregulation by secreting TNF‐α.
Dynamics Study of Superionic Conducting Glass Na3PS4 Using Quasi‐Elastic Gamma‐Ray Scattering: Analysis Based on Diffraction and Reverse Monte Carlo–Density Functional Theory Modeling
Authors: Saito Makina , Onodera Yohei , Ohara Koji , Kurokuzu Masayuki , Yoda Yoshitaka , Seto Makoto
Published: July 2020

Superionic conducting glass Na3PS4 has been studied as a candidate of electrolyte for all‐solid‐state batteries. However, the microscopic dynamics of relaxation units, Na and PS4 ions, in Na3PS4 glass is not known despite its essential importance to the ionic conduction mechanism. Momentum‐transfer dependence data of the experimental intermediate scattering function values for Na3PS4 glass is measured at subpicosecond and nanosecond time scales, respectively, by a quasi‐elastic gamma‐ray scattering experiment using time‐domain interferometry. The dynamics data is analyzed based on Faber–Ziman partial static structure factors that are obtained using a model glass structure constructed from the combination of density functional theory calculation and reverse Monte Carlo modeling for diffraction spectra. The analysis successfully explains the experimental result and reveals the vibrational and angstrom‐scale translational motion of respective relaxation units, i.e., Na and PS4 ions in the unique time scales: the translational motion of some Na ions occurs at picosecond to nanosecond time scale, whereas the movement of PS4 ions rarely occurs in the superionic conducting Na3PS4 glass.
Correlation between Structures and Physical Properties of Binary ZnO–P2O5 Glasses
Authors: Masai Hirokazu , Onodera Yohei , Kohara Shinji , Ohkubo Takahiro , Koreeda Akitoshi , Fujii Yasuhiro , Koshimizu Masanori , Yamawaki Masato
Published: July 2020

The structures and various corresponding physical parameters of non‐crystalline materials have attracted much attention owing to their wide diversity. Because solving the structure of glass is one of the most challenging issues in glass science, it is essential to combine several experimental and modeling techniques. Herein, the physical properties and structures at different length scales of binary zinc phosphate (ZP) glass are examined using different probes. The 3D structures constructed by reverse Monte Carlo modeling based on the datasets of 31P nuclear magnetic resonance, neutron and X‐ray diffraction, and Zn K‐edge X‐ray absorption fine structure indicate that the volume fraction and the connectivity of cavities in these ZP glasses vary significantly depending on the chemical composition. In addition, the compositional‐dependent modification of the network structure is examined through the diffraction peaks in X‐ray and neutron data, the boson peak of Raman scattering, and positron annihilation lifetime data. Furthermore, the correlations between structural parameters at different length scales are discussed using statistical principal component analysis. It is demonstrated that such numerical analysis based on the experimental results is important not only for simple oxide systems, but also for multicomponent glass systems.
Identification and structural characterization of lipid A from Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas putida and Pseudomonas taiwanensis using liquid chromatography coupled to high‐resolution tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Froning Matti , Helmer Patrick O. , Hayen Heiko
Published: July 2020

Rationale

Lipid A is a part of the lipopolysaccharide layer, which is a main component of the outer membrane from Gram‐negative bacteria. It can be sensed by mammalians to identify the presence of Gram‐negative bacteria in their tissues and plays a key role in the pathogenesis of bacterial infections. Lipid A is also used as an adjuvant in human vaccines, emphasizing the importance of its structural analysis.

Methods

In order to distinguish and characterize various lipid A species, a liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) method was developed. Isolation of lipid A from different bacteria was carried out using a modified Bligh and Dyer extraction following a mild acid hydrolysis. Chromatography was performed using a bifunctional reversed‐phase‐based stationary phase. High‐resolution MS using negative electrospray ionization was applied and MS/MS experiments utilizing high‐energy collisional dissociation generated diagnostic product ions, which allowed the assignment of the side chains to distinct positions of the lipid A backbone.

Results

The method was applied to lipid A isolations of Escherichia coli (E. coli), Pseudomonas putida (P. putida) and Pseudomonas taiwanensis (P. taiwanensis). Various lipid A species were identified by their accurate masses and their structures were characterized using MS/MS experiments. Previously described lipid A structures from E. coli were identified and their structures confirmed by MS/MS. For the biotechnologically relevant strains P. putida and P. taiwanensis, we confirmed species by MS/MS, which have previously only been analyzed using MS. In addition, several lipid A species were discovered that have not been previously described in the literature.

Conclusions

The combination of LC and MS/MS enabled the selective and sensitive identification and structural characterization of various lipid A species from Gram‐negative bacteria. These species varied in their substituted side chains, speaking of fatty acids and phosphate groups. Characteristic product ions facilitated the assignment of side chains to distinct positions of the lipid A backbone.
Interval set‐membership estimation for continuous linear systems
Authors: Xu Feng , Yang Songlin , Liang Bin
Published: July 2020

This article proposes a mixed interval set‐membership estimation (ISME) method for continuous linear time‐invariant (LTI) systems by combining the positive system theory and the set theory. The proposed ISME method gives a new mixed interval‐set estimation framework for continuous LTI systems, whose benefit consists in that it has potential to achieve a balance of computational complexity and robust state estimation conservatism with respect to the interval observer (IO) and the set‐valued observer (SVO) for continuous LTI systems. Particularly, the proposed ISME method first uses a coordinate transformation such that the original system is transformed into an equivalent system. Second, the equivalent system is partitioned into two subsystems, where the first subsystem has a Meztler and Hurwitz subsystem matrix and then an IO is designed for the first subsystem based on the positive system theory. Because it is not guaranteed that the second subsystem also has a Meztler and Hurwitz subsystem matrix, a zonotopic SVO is further designed for the second subsystem based on the set theory. Consequently, an integration of the two steps above provides the whole SE results for the original system. At the end of this article, an example is used to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed ISME method.
The classification of the Compositae: A tribute to Vicki Ann Funk (1947–2019)
Authors: Susanna Alfonso , Baldwin Bruce G. , Bayer Randall J. , Bonifacino José Mauricio , Garcia‐Jacas Núria , Keeley Sterling C. , Mandel Jennifer R. , Ortiz Santiago , Robinson Harold , Stuessy Tod F.
Published: July 2020

The classification of the family Compositae (Asteraceae) has been much improved in the last decades by the application of molecular methods culminating in the recompilation published in 2009, Systematics, evolution, and biogeography of Compositae. Additional evidence of relationships has come from the use of high‐throughput sequencing methods. Our late colleague Vicki Ann Funk (1947–2019) was a pioneer in this line of research. Together with her team, she contributed to the achievement of a mature classification of the family, which she left outlined. In this paper, we contribute this classification including all of the recent advances at the subtribal level and review in depth all contributions to Compositae classification made since the 2009 compilation.
Fate of environmental pollutants: A review
Authors: Aryal Niroj , Wood Jonae , Rijal Ishara , Deng Dongyang , Jha Manoj K. , Ofori‐Boadu Andrea
Published: July 2020

A review of the literature published in 2019 on topics associated with the fate of environmental pollutants is presented. Environmental pollutants covered include pharmaceuticals, antibiotic‐resistant bacteria and genes, pesticides and veterinary medicines, personal care products and emerging pollutants, PFAS, microplastics, nanomaterials, heavy metals and radionuclides, nutrients, pathogens and indicator organisms, and oil and hydrocarbons. For each pollutant, the occurrence in the environment and/or their fate in engineered as well as natural systems in matrices including water, soil, wastewater, stormwater, runoff, and/or manure is presented based on the published literature. The review includes current developments in understanding pollutants in natural and engineered systems, and relevant physico‐chemical processes, as well as biological processes.
Automatic detection of pith location along norway spruce timber boards on the basis of optical scanning
Authors: Habite Tadios , Olsson Anders , Oscarsson Jan
Published: July 2020

Knowledge of annual ring width and location of pith in relation to board cross-sections, and how these properties vary in the longitudinal direction of boards, is relevant for many purposes, such as assessment of shape mechanical properties and stability of sawn timber. Hence, the present research aims at developing a novel method and an algorithm, based on data obtained from optical surface scanning, by which the pith location along the length of sawn timber boards can be determined accurately and automatically. The first step of the method is to identify clear wood sections, free of defects along boards. Then time-frequency analysis, using the continuous wavelet transform, is applied to detect the surface annual ring width distribution of the four sides of the selected sections. Finally, the pith location is estimated by comparing annual ring width distributions on the different surfaces, and assuming that annual rings are concentric circles with the pith in the centre. The proposed algorithm was applied to a total sample of 104 Norway spruce boards. Results indicate that optical scanners and the suggested automatic method allow for accurate detection of annual ring width and location of pith along boards. For a sample of boards with the pith located within the cross-section, a mean error of 2.6 mm and 3.2  mm in the depth and thickness direction, respectively, was obtained. For a sample of boards of which 60% with pith located outside the cross-section, a mean discrepancy between automatically and manually determined pith locations of 3.9 mm and 5.8 mm in depth and thickness direction, respectively, was obtained.
Use of a symptom-based questionnaire to screen for the presence of significant voiding dysfunction in patients with multiple sclerosis and lower urinary tract symptoms: a pilot study
Authors: Li Vivien , Panicker Jalesh N. , Haslam Collette , Chataway Jeremy
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Lower urinary tract dysfunction is common in people with multiple sclerosis, leading to overactive bladder symptoms, voiding difficulties or a combination. First-line medications for overactive bladder symptoms are effective. Current guidelines recommend measuring post-void residual volume (PVR) before commencing these treatments, as they can potentially exacerbate voiding difficulties in those with significant underlying voiding dysfunction (pre-treatment PVR > 100 ml). However, facilities to do so are not readily available to all clinicians, potentially delaying effective therapy.

Aims

To conduct a pilot study investigating the association between lower urinary tract symptoms and PVR volume in people with multiple sclerosis using a validated questionnaire and to determine if questionnaire scores can be used to exclude a significantly elevated (> 100 ml) PVR volume.

Methods

Patients with multiple sclerosis referred to a tertiary hospital uro-neurology service completed the Urinary Symptom Profile questionnaire and underwent PVR measurement by bladder ultrasound. A ratio of the questionnaire low stream score/total score was calculated to standardise the relative degree of voiding symptoms compared to overall lower urinary tract symptoms.

Results

Of 40 patients (29 females, mean age 50 years), 30% had an elevated PVR volume. PVR volume was correlated with low stream score and ratio of low stream/total score. A cut-off of > 0.15 for low stream/total score ratio had 92% sensitivity and 71% specificity in predicting an elevated PVR volume.

Conclusion

A symptom-based questionnaire maybe a useful screening tool to distinguish patients in whom PVR measurement is required from those who could safely start on treatment for overactive bladder symptoms.
Motor-evoked potentials in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: potential implications in detecting subclinical UMN involvement in lower motor neuron phenotype
Authors: Zoccolella Stefano , Mastronardi Antonella , Scarafino Antonio , Iliceto Giovanni , D’Errico Eustachio , Fraddosio Angela , Tempesta Irene , Morea Antonella , Scaglione Gaspare , Introna Alessandro , Simone Isabella Laura
Published: July 2020

Background

In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the involvement of lower motor neuron is well defined by electromyography, whereas a reliable marker of upper motor neuron (UMN) damage still lacks. Aim of the study was to estimate the role of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)-induced motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) as marker of subclinical UMN involvement.

Methods

Clinical evidence of UMN damage was prospectively compared to MEPs in 176 ALS patients diagnosed between 2011 and 2014, and classified according to existing diagnostic criteria. Finally, we evaluated the appearance of clinical UMN signs and the level of diagnostic certainty in ALS after 1 year of follow-up.

Results

At presentation, abnormal MEPs were found in 80% of patients with clinical evidence of UMN damage and in 72% of patients without clinical involvement of UMN. Among these latter, 61% showed appearance of UMN clinical signs after 1 year. Approximately 70% of patients with clinical lower motor neuron (LMN) phenotype showed MEP abnormalities, while they were considered not classifiable ALS according to Airlie house or Awaji criteria. Furthermore, abnormal MEPs in absence of clinical UMN signs at baseline were found in 80% of spinal ALS that after 1-year developed UMN signs at limbs, compared to 50% of bulbar ALS.

Conclusions

TMS is a reliable marker of subclinical UMN damage particularly among LMN phenotype and ensure an early ALS diagnosis in ~ 70% of such cases.
Systems analysis for deployment of internet of things (IoT) in the maritime industry
Authors: Hiekata Kazuo , Wanaka Shinnosuke , Mitsuyuki Taiga , Ueno Ryuji , Wada Ryota , Moser Bryan
Published: July 2020

Various industries are undergoing transformation given recently available pervasive sensors, low-cost and low-latency digital communication, and distributed control technologies. The objective of this paper is to support the introduction of Internet of things (IoT) technologies in the maritime industry. The maritime industry is analyzed as a system of systems to define performance criteria and functions to be modeled and analyzed through simulation. In this case, the simulation of a shipping system includes models of operation, cargo loading, fuel loading, and docking for maintenance. In the simulation, various kinds of IoT technologies are defined by several input parameters. By changing the parameters, the simulator evaluates the impact of those technologies quantitatively. As a case study, 11 IoT technologies are evaluated and compared. The result reveals several insights that weight of the ship is the most impactful for the profit, controlling damage of the ship’s hull by operation is the most important for safety, and improvement in efficiency at ports is the key to reducing delay time in operation. Moreover, this paper shows that the sensitivity analysis by changing the input parameters can support the decision making of how much investment will be effective in considering the technologies’ levels.
Post-collection Separation of Plastic Waste: Better for the Environment and Lower Collection Costs?
Authors: Dijkgraaf Elbert , Gradus Raymond
Published: July 2020

The European Union advocates a plastic waste recycling rate of more than 55%. Even for the Netherlands, which has already invested heavily in recycling plastic waste of households, it will still be a challenge to meet this target. The preferred solution to fulfil this target in the Netherlands is implementing separate collection schemes at the curbside, although some municipalities invested in post-separation. We show, based on data for 2013–2014, that post-collection separation is an advisable alternative, with an increased separation of plastic waste compared with home separation. This is even slightly the case if home separation is combined with a unit-based pricing system for unsorted waste and with a frequent door-to-door collection of plastic waste. Moreover, there are indications that the cost effectiveness of recycling plastic waste increases if post separation is chosen. In addition, some claim that unit-based pricing of unsorted waste is important to create an awareness effect to buy less packaging material. However, based on the combination of post separation and unit-based pricing, we have no indication for such awareness effect as the price effect on the amount of plastic waste is insignificantly small.
Implicit Anthropologies in Pre-philosophical Śaivism with Particular Reference to the Netra-tantra
Authors: Flood Gavin
Published: July 2020

While there are overt philosophies of the person in both dualistic and non-dualistic Śaivism that developed their doctrines explicitly in relation to each other and to non-Śaiva traditions, especially Buddhism, many Śaiva texts exemplify what might be called a pre-philosophical discourse. Such works contain philosophical ideas but do not present systematic arguments (that is the job of later commentators) and are often regarded as divine revelation (namely the tantras but other genres of literature might also be included such as paddhatis). It is this layer of the articulation of concepts linked to practices that the paper exposes, which the arguments of the later philosophers reflect upon and from which they develop. The claim here is that through an analysis of pre-philosophical literature, texts such as the Netra-tantra, we can build a picture of the conceptual universe of the early medieval period that forms the basis for the development of thinking by the later philosophers. One way of doing this is through the micro-study of particular textual passages and from that to build a larger picture of pre-philosophical discourse.
Towards constructive design feedback dialogues: guiding peer and client feedback to stimulate children’s creative thinking
Authors: Schut Alice , van Mechelen Maarten , Klapwijk Remke M. , Gielen Mathieu , de Vries Marc J.
Published: July 2020

Design feedback is an essential pedagogical tool that can help young novice designers navigate divergent and convergent paths while designing. However, design feedback is often met with resistance, which counteracts its potential to help novice designers evaluate their design and generate new solution directions. In this paper, we report on the construction and utilization of a design feedback intervention during a real-life design project with a group of primary school children (aged 8–12). The goal of the intervention was to stimulate young novice designers’ creative thinking by guiding the design feedback dialogues with their peers and clients. The intervention was designed according to the following key principles: (1) guide towards a shared understanding of the design through low-level convergent feedback, (2) stimulate critical reflection and evaluation of the design to help identify and internalize possible shortcomings through high-level convergent feedback, and (3) provide a way to move forward by guiding new generative thoughts through high-level divergent feedback. Overall, the results show that the intervention can support young novice designers, their peers, and clients in engaging in constructive feedback dialogues, thereby stimulating their creative thinking. Our main contribution entails a detailed understanding of the successes and obstacles within the feedback dialogues, as guided by the intervention. Based on these results, we propose a set of refined design principles to inform feedback interventions. With this research we hope to give insight in the complexity of design feedback dialogues, while also inspiring design educators to actively try out these key principles.
The Different Roles of Hedonic and Eudaimonic Motives for Activities in Predicting Functioning and Well-Being Experiences
Authors: Giuntoli Laura , Condini Federica , Ceccarini Francesco , Huta Veronika , Vidotto Giulio
Published: July 2020

Research on hedonic and eudaimonic orientations has previously focused on their effects on well-being experiences. Very little is known about their associations with functioning. A preliminary objective of the study was to establish the factorial validity of the Hedonic and Eudaimonic Motives for Activities–Revised (HEMA-R) on an Italian sample (N = 461) through a confirmatory factor analysis. The main objective was to study the distinctive patterns of correlates between different types of orientations to well-being and several outcome measures of positive experiences (flourishing, life satisfaction, positive affect), negative experiences (negative affect, depression, anxiety, stress) and functioning (dispositional coping strategies) by means of a multivariate linear model. The Italian version of the HEMA-R showed a three-factor structure, namely eudaimonic, pleasure, and relaxation orientations. Pleasure orientation was positively related to positive experiences of well-being and negatively related to negative experiences. Eudaimonic orientation was associated with positive experiences. Furthermore, eudaimonic orientation showed a positive relation with several adaptive coping strategies, whereas relaxation was associated with avoidant coping strategies. The results reflect that pleasure orientation is aimed at achieving pleasant feelings, while Eudaimonic orientation is aimed at living well. Our findings also suggest that pleasure orientation may reflect the “pursuit of pleasure” component of Hedonia, while relaxation orientation may reflect its “pain avoidance” component. Overall, this study supports the importance of distinguishing between Eudaimonia, and the pleasure and relaxation components of Hedonia to predict individual differences in subjective experiences and functioning.
Central limit theorems for nearly long range dependent subordinated linear processes
Authors: Wendler Martin , Wu Wei Biao
Published: July 2020

The limit behavior of partial sums for short range dependent stationary sequences (with summable autocovariances) and for long range dependent sequences (with autocovariances summing up to infinity) differs in various aspects. We prove central limit theorems for partial sums of subordinated linear processes of arbitrary power rank which are at the border of short and long range dependence.
Research tasks on ethics in applied linguistics
Authors: De Costa Peter I. , Sterling Scott , Lee Jongbong , Li Wendy , Rawal Hima
Published: July 2020

The growing concern for ethics in applied linguistics may be attributed to attempts to stem the rising incidence of ethical lapses in order to ensure that the core ethical principles of (1) respect for persons, (2) yielding optimal benefits while minimizing harm, and (3) justice are preserved. Following a brief historical review of this topic, and building on the growing commitment to carry out ethical applied linguistic research, we map out seven research tasks that will enhance our understanding of how to extend this expanding research agenda. By inviting applied linguists to evaluate their methodological practices and those of their peers, we also argue for the need to develop the ethical dispositions of emerging applied linguists, with a view to create a more robust field.
A Quadruped Soft Robot for Climbing Parallel Rods
Authors: Zhu Nana , Zang Hongbin , Liao Bing , Qi Huimin , Yang Zheng , Chen Mingyang , Lang Xin , Wang Yunjie
Published: July 2020

Soft robots can perform effectively inspecting than rigid robots in some special environments such as nuclear pipelines and high-voltage cables. This article presents a versatile quadruped soft rod-climbing robot (SR-CR) that consists of four bending actuators and a telescopic actuator. The bending actuator is composed of flexible bellows with multiple folding air chambers, elastic telescopic layer (ETL), and strain-limiting layer (SLL). The telescopic actuator provides the energy for the robot to climb forward. The SR-CR is activated by a control strategy that alternates the body deformation and feet pneumatic clenched for stable climbing. The robot can climb rods at 90°, with the maximum speed of up to 2.33 mm/s (0.018 body length/s). At 0.83 HZ, the maximum moving speed of the robot in climbing horizontally parallel rods can reach 18.43 mm/s. In addition, the SR-CR can also achieve multiple impressive functions, including turning around a corner at a rate of 7 mm/s (0.054 body length/s), carrying a payload of 3.7 times its self-weight on horizontal rods at a speed of 9 mm/s (0.069 body length/s).
Investigation into a national outbreak of STEC O157:H7 associated with frozen beef burgers, UK, 2017
Authors: Byrne Lisa , Kaindama Lukeki , Bentley Maria , Jenkins Claire , Aird Heather , Oliver Isabel , Paranthaman Karthik
Published: July 2020

In November 2017, Public Health England identified an outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 in England where whole genome sequencing results indicated cases were likely to be linked to a common source, and began investigations. Hypothesis generation included a review of enhanced surveillance data, a case-case study and trawling interviews. The hypothesis of interest was tested through the administration of focussed questionnaires and review of shopping history using loyalty card data. Twelve outbreak cases were detected, eight were hospitalised and four developed haemolytic uraemic syndrome. Frozen beef burgers supplied by a national retailer were identified as the vehicle of the outbreak. Testing of two left-over burger samples obtained from the freezers of two separate (unlinked) cases and a retained sample from the production premises were tested and found to be positive for the outbreak strain. A voluntary recall of the burgers was implemented by the retailer. Investigations at the production premises identified no contraventions of food safety legislation. Cooking guidance on the product packaging was deemed to be adequate and interviews with the cases/carers who prepared the burgers revealed no deficiencies in cooking practices at home. Given the long-shelf life of frozen burgers, the product recall likely prevented more cases.
Investigation on knowledge, attitudes and practices about food safety and nutrition in the China during the epidemic of corona virus disease 2019
Authors: Luo Yingyi , Chen Linjun , Xu Fei , Gao Xiaoxia , Han Dan , Na Lixin
Published: July 2020

Objective:

To investigate the knowledge, attitudes and practices (K-A-P) about food safety and nutrition in Chinese adults who were recruited to the online survey during the epidemic of corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Design:

Participants were recruited by an online snowball sampling method. An electronic questionnaire was sent to our colleagues, students, friends, other professionals and their referrals helped us recruit more participants. The questionnaire included socio-demographic information, the attention paid to COVID-19, K-A-P about food safety and nutrition. Multiple and logistic regression analyses were used to explore related factors of K-A-P.

Subjects:

Totally, 2272 participants aged 24·09 ± 9·14 years, from twenty-seven provinces, autonomous districts or municipalities, with 18·3 % male and 83·4 % with a medical background.

Results:

The total possible knowledge score was 8·0, the average score was 5·2 ± 1·6 and 4·2 % obtained 8·0. The total possible attitudes score was 8·0, the average score was 6·5 ± 1·4 and 36·1 % obtained 8·0. The total possible food safety practices score was 5·0, the average score was 3·7 ± 1·0 and 20·7 % obtained 5·0. During this public emergency, 79·4 % participants changed diet habits, including increasing vegetables, fruit and water intake and reducing sugary drinks and snacks. Gender, age, educational and professional background, disease history, the attention paid to COVID-19 and related knowledge were associated with K-A-P.

Conclusion:

There was room for the improvement of K-A-P in participants during this public health emergency and further strengthening education about food safety and nutrition is needed. Findings indicate that education should address biased or misleading information and promote nutritious food choices and safe food practices.
Depression Symptoms as Mediator Between Adolescents' Sense of Loneliness at School and Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Behaviors
Authors: Madjar Nir , Sarel-Mahlev Ella , Brunstein Klomek Anat
Published: July 2020

Abstract. Background: Previous studies indicated that perception of school experiences (i.e., teachers' psychological support and perceived peer climate) is associated with nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) behaviors among adolescents. Aims: The purpose of the current study was to explore whether depression symptoms mediate the relationship between sense of loneliness in school and NSSI behaviors among adolescents. Method: The sample included high-school students ( N = 306; 51.6% girls) who completed surveys assessing their subjective sense of loneliness (feeling lonely, spending their time alone in school, and reporting a small number of friends), depression symptoms, and NSSI behaviors. Results: Multiple-group structural equation modeling, stratified by gender, supported the hypothesized model. Sense of loneliness was associated with depression symptoms, which in turn were associated with NSSI. Positive school attitudes were associated with depression symptoms only for girls. Results were robust when controlling for the relationships with parents. Limitations: The study is based on cross-sectional data, which limits the ability to make causal conclusions, and the instruments are based on self-report scales. Conclusion: Mental health professional are advised to note the significant role of subjective sense of loneliness in school as a possible risk factor for depression symptoms, which may be associated with NSSI behaviors.
A Brighter Future for Coral Reef Islands
Authors: Thomasy Hannah
Published: July 2020

Although some islands demonstrate more resiliency than previously thought, island communities may require significant flood-resistant infrastructure to maintain their way of life.
Interhemispheric Comparisons of Large Nighttime Magnetic Perturbation Events Relevant to GICs
Authors: Engebretson Mark J. , Kirkevold Kathryn R. , Steinmetz Erik S. , Pilipenko Viacheslav A. , Moldwin Mark B. , McCuen Brett A. , Clauer C. R. , Hartinger Michael D. , Coyle Shane , Opgenoorth Hermann , Schillings Audrey , Willer Anna N. , Edwards Thom R. , Boteler David H. , Gerrard Andy J. , Freeman Mervyn P. , Rose Michael C.
Published: July 2020

Nearly all studies of impulsive magnetic perturbation events (MPEs) with large magnetic field variability (dB/dt) that can produce dangerous geomagnetically induced currents (GICs) have used data from the Northern Hemisphere. Here we present details of four large‐amplitude MPE events (|ΔBx| > 900 nT and |dB/dt| > 10 nT/s in at least one component) observed between 2015 and 2018 in conjugate high‐latitude regions (65–80° corrected geomagnetic latitude), using magnetometer data from (1) Pangnirtung and Iqaluit in eastern Arctic Canada and the magnetically conjugate South Pole Station in Antarctica and (2) the Greenland West Coast Chain and two magnetically conjugate chains in Antarctica, AAL‐PIP and BAS LPM. From one to three different isolated MPEs localized in corrected geomagnetic latitude were observed during three premidnight events; many were simultaneous within 3 min in both hemispheres. Their conjugate latitudinal amplitude profiles, however, matched qualitatively at best. During an extended postmidnight interval, which we associate with an interval of omega bands, multiple highly localized MPEs occurred independently in time at each station in both hemispheres. These nighttime MPEs occurred under a wide range of geomagnetic conditions, but common to each was a negative interplanetary magnetic field Bz that exhibited at least a modest increase at or near the time of the event. A comparison of perturbation amplitudes to modeled ionospheric conductances in conjugate hemispheres clearly favored a current generator model over a voltage generator model for three of the four events; neither model provided a good fit for the premidnight event that occurred near vernal equinox.
Analysis of the foveal microvasculature in sickle cell disease using swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography
Authors: Mokrane A. , Gazeau G. , Lévy V. , Fajnkuchen F. , Giocanti-Aurégan Audrey
Published: July 2020

Ischemic microangiopathy was clearly identified in sickle cell disease (SCD) using fluorescein angiography. A prospective observational clinical study was conducted to assess the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area and explore perifoveal microvasculature changes in the superficial (SCP) and deep (DCP) capillary plexus using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and compare two genotypes—HbS/HbS (HbSS) and HbS/HbC (HbSC)-to control. All consecutive patients with electrophoretic confirmation of SCD were included. Swept-source OCTA scans (Triton Plus, Topcon, Tokyo, Japan) with a 3 × 3-mm scanning area and ultra-wide field (UWF) retinography (California, Optos, Fife, Scotland) were recorded for all patients. For OCTA analysis, preset parameters were used to segment the SCP and DCP. The FAZ area was manually assessed. The number of vascular branching points was automatically assessed based on the vascular skeletonization using ImageJ software. Eyes were staged based on Goldberg’s classification of SCD retinopathy (SCDR) using UWF imaging. Forty-six eyes of 24 patients were included in the HbSS (n = 27) and HbSC (n = 19) groups and 16 eyes of 8 unaffected patients in a control group. In the DCP, the FAZ was significantly larger in the HbSC (p = 0.0001) and HbSS (p = 0.0004) groups compared to controls. The FAZ area in the SCP, CRT and number of superficial vascular branching points did not significantly differ between both genotypes. There were less branching points in the HbSC (p = 0.034) and HbSS (p = 0.0014) groups than in controls. The Goldberg stage was significantly higher in the HbSC group than in the HbSS group (2.21 vs. 1.22, p = 0.0062). OCTA provides useful information on macular microvasculature and structural alterations associated with SCDR. Ischemic abnormalities are more predominant in the DCP in case of SCDR and no difference was found between genotypes of patients visually asymptomatic.
Microfibril-associated glycoprotein 4 (Mfap4) regulates haematopoiesis in zebrafish
Authors: Ong Sheena L. M. , de Vos Ivo J. H. M. , Meroshini M. , Poobalan Yogavalli , Dunn N. Ray
Published: July 2020

Microfibril-associated glycoprotein 4 (MFAP4) is an extracellular matrix protein belonging to the fibrinogen-related protein superfamily. MFAP4 is produced by vascular smooth muscle cells and is highly enriched in the blood vessels of the heart and lung, where it is thought to contribute to the structure and function of elastic fibers. Genetic studies in humans have implicated MFAP4 in the pathogenesis of Smith-Magenis syndrome, in which patients present with multiple congenital abnormalities and mental retardation, as well as in the severe cardiac malformation left-sided congenital heart disease. Comprehensive genetic analysis of the role of MFAP4 orthologues in model organisms during development and tissue homeostasis is however lacking. Here, we demonstrate that zebrafish mfap4 transcripts are detected embryonically, resolving to the macrophage lineage by 24 h post fertilization. mfap4 null mutant zebrafish are unexpectedly viable and fertile, without ostensible phenotypes. However, tail fin amputation assays reveal that mfap4 mutants have reduced numbers of macrophages, with a concomitant increase in neutrophilic granulocytes, although recruitment of both cell types to the site of injury was unaffected. Molecular analyses suggest that loss of Mfap4 alters the balance between myeloid and lymphoid lineages during both primitive and definitive haematopoiesis, which could significantly impact the downstream function of the immune system.