bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the performance of targeted sequence capture, RNA‐Seq, and degenerate‐primer PCR cloning for sequencing the largest mammalian multigene family
Authors: Yohe Laurel R. , Davies Kalina T. J. , Simmons Nancy B. , Sears Karen E. , Dumont Elizabeth R. , Rossiter Stephen J. , Dávalos Liliana M.
Published: September 2019

Multigene families evolve from single‐copy ancestral genes via duplication, and typically encode proteins critical to key biological processes. Molecular analyses of these gene families require high‐confidence sequences, but the high sequence similarity of the members can create challenges for sequencing and downstream analyses. Focusing on the common vampire bat, Desmodus rotundus, we evaluated how different sequencing approaches performed in recovering the largest mammalian protein‐coding multigene family: olfactory receptors (OR). Using the genome as a reference, we determined the proportion of intact protein‐coding receptors recovered by: (a) amplicons from degenerate primers sequenced via Sanger technology, (b) RNA‐Seq of the main olfactory epithelium, and (c) those genes captured with probes designed from transcriptomes of closely‐related species. Our initial re‐annotation of the high‐quality vampire bat genome resulted in >400 intact OR genes, more than doubling the original estimate. Sanger‐sequenced amplicons performed the poorest among the three approaches, detecting <33% of receptors in the genome. In contrast, the transcriptome reliably recovered >50% of the annotated genomic ORs, and targeted sequence capture recovered nearly 75% of annotated genes. Each sequencing approach assembled high‐quality sequences, even if it did not recover all receptors in the genome. While some variation may be due to limitations of the study design (e.g., different individuals), variation among approaches was mostly caused by low coverage of some receptors rather than high rates of assembly error. Given this variability, we caution against using the counts of intact receptors per species to model the birth‐death process of multigene families. Instead, our results support the use of orthologous sequences to explore and model the evolutionary processes shaping these genes.
The benefit of collective reputation
Authors: Neeman Zvika , Öry Aniko , Yu Jungju
Published: September 2019

We study a model of reputation with two long‐lived firms who operate under a collective brand or as two individual brands. Firms' investments in quality are unobserved and can only be sustained through reputational concerns. In a collective brand, consumers cannot distinguish between the two firms. In the long run, this generates incentives to free‐ride on the other firm's investment, but in the short run, it mitigates the temptation to milk a good reputation. The signal structure and consumers' prior beliefs determine which effect dominates. We interpret our findings in light of the type of industry in which the firms operate.
Catheter‐related infections: A Scandinavian observational study on the impact of a simple hygiene insertion bundle
Authors: Thorarinsdottir Hulda Rosa , Rockholt Mika , Klarin Bengt , Broman Marcus , Fraenkel Carl‐Johan , Kander Thomas
Published: September 2019

Background

Catheter‐related infections (CRIs) and catheter‐related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) are among the most frequent hospital acquired infections. CRI/CRBSI studies in Scandinavian cohorts are scarce. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the CRI/CRBSI incidence and the association between potential risk factors, including the introduction of a simple hygiene insertion bundle and CRIs at a large university hospital in Sweden.

Methods

We retrospectively included all patients aged 12 and above who received a central venous catheter (CVC) or a central dialysis catheter during a 2‐year period, 1 year before and 1 year after the implementation of a simple hygiene insertion bundle. Microbiological data, including catheter tip cultures and blood cultures, were merged with CVC insertion data.

Results

A total of 1722 catheter insertions in 1428 patients were included. CRI and CRBSI incidence were 1.86/1000 and 0.62/1000 catheter days, respectively. In a multivariable regression model, the implementation of a simple hygiene insertion bundle was the independent factor most strongly associated with significantly lower CRI‐incidence (95% confidence interval [CI] of odds ratio [OR] 0.23‐0.92, P = .029). Choosing multiple lumen catheters was associated with increasing CRI‐incidence (95% CI of OR 1.11‐2.39, P = .013).

Conclusion

The incidence of catheter‐related infections and catheter‐related bloodstream infections in this Scandinavian cohort was low. The implementation of a simple hygiene insertion bundle seems to be an effective intervention for reducing catheter‐related infections. The use of multiple‐lumen catheters is associated with increased risk of catheter‐related infections.
Size‐conditioned mandatory capital adequacy disclosure and bank intermediation
Authors: Zelenyuk Natalya , Faff Robert , Pathan Shams
Published: September 2019

We add to the literature on the real effects of macroprudential regulation by investigating the novel link between a mandatory capital adequacy disclosure and bank intermediation. The mandatory disclosure stems from the Federal Reserve regulation change of 2013 and leads to identification of bank intermediation effects with treatment methods. A combined empirical strategy of difference‐in‐differences and regression discontinuity design point to economically significant evidence for the reduction of both lending and on‐balance sheet liquidity creation, for banks that disclose their capital adequacy as prescribed by the regulation.
Structural holes and hedge fund return comovement: evidence from network‐connected stock hedge funds in China
Authors: Li Lu , Li Yang , Wang Xueding , Xiao Tusheng
Published: September 2019

Using data from a new hedge fund database, we examine the impact of social networks on the return comovement of stock hedge funds in China. We use structural holes in the college alumni networks of managers to measure the managers’ social network positions. We perform an empirical analysis on a sample of 3,012 hedge fund products in China from 2010 to 2017. We find that greater structural holes are associated with higher return comovement. The positive impact of the structural holes on return comovement is not affected by market cycles, a manager's major in college, or his or her abilities.
Quadratus lumborum block for analgesia after caesarean section: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Irwin R. , Stanescu S. , Buzaianu C. , Rademan M. , Roddy J. , Gormley C. , Tan T.
Published: September 2019

Quadratus lumborum block has been shown to provide satisfactory analgesia after caesarean section performed under neuraxial anaesthesia. However, its efficacy has not been demonstrated in patients who have received intrathecal morphine. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of quadratus lumborum block as part of a multimodal analgesic regimen including intrathecal morphine. This was a prospective, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial. Participants were randomly allocated to receive bilateral quadratus lumborum block (40 ml levobupivacaine 0.25%) or sham block (control) after undergoing elective caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia. The primary outcome was 24‐h morphine consumption measured by patient‐controlled analgesia. Secondary outcomes included pain scores and quality of recovery. Data from 86 women were analysed. Median (IQR [range]) 24‐h morphine consumption was similar in patients receiving quadratus lumborum block and sham block (12 (8–29 [0–68]) mg vs. 14 (5–25 [0–90]) mg, respectively; p = 0.986). There was a reduction in median (IQR [range]) visual analogue scale pain scores at 6 h with quadratus lumborum block compared with sham block both at rest (6 (0–14 [0–98]) mm vs. 14 (3–23 [0–64]) mm (p = 0.019); and on movement: 23 (10–51 [0–99]) mm vs. 44 (27–61 [2–94]) mm; (p = 0.014)). There was no difference in pain scores at any other time‐point up to 48 h. When used in conjunction with intrathecal morphine and spinal anaesthesia, bilateral quadratus lumborum block does not reduce 24‐h morphine consumption after caesarean section.
Requirement of activating transcription factor 5 for murine fetal liver erythropoiesis
Authors: Zhang Shuping , Chen Jane‐Jane
Published: September 2019

Activating transcription factor 5 (ATF5) is necessary for the development of various tissues, particularly under stress. Dysfunctions of ATF5 have been shown to be involved in many diseases. The exact function of ATF5 is tissue‐specific, and its role in erythropoiesis is still unknown. We here employed the loss of function strategy to investigate the role of ATF5 in murine erythropoiesis. We found that knockdown of Atf5 impaired the proliferation of fetal liver erythroid progenitors. Furthermore, erythroid differentiation was inhibited by ATF5 deficiency. Our study suggests that ATF5 may be a potential therapeutic target for treating blood diseases with ineffective erythropoiesis.
New technique to reduce systemic side effects of timolol eye drops: The tissue press method—Cross‐over clinical trial
Authors: Müller Luzia , Jensen Berit P. , Bachmann Lucas M. , Wong Dickson , Wells Anthony P.
Published: September 2019

Importance

Nasolacrimal occlusion (NLO) is effective in reducing systemic absorption of eye drop medication but it is difficult and often performed poorly. We propose an alternative easier and equally effective technique.

Background

To test the effectiveness of systemic absorption, we evaluated plasma concentration and ocular effects after topically administered timolol and compared to NLO.

Design

Cross‐over trial carried out in Capital Eye Specialist, Wellington.

Participants

A total of 21 subjects over 18 years without contraindications for topical beta‐blocker medication and not using systemic beta‐blockers.

Methods

During three clinic visits separated by at least one week, alternative approaches to reduce systemic eye drop absorption were tested. These were: (a) nasolacrimal (punctal) occlusion for 5 min, (b) tissue press method or (c) no intervention. Timolol plasma levels were measured 1 h after drop application. At each visit, baseline measurement of blood pressure, heart rate and intraocular pressure (IOP) were performed, and repeated 1 h after timolol 0.5% eye drop application.

Main Outcome Measures

Comparison of timolol plasma concentration after each intervention. Secondary outcome measurements included effects on blood pressure, heart rate and IOP.

Results

Plasma timolol concentrations after tissue press method and NLO were significantly lower than those without intervention. Comparing tissue press method to NLO, there were no significant differences in plasma levels of timolol, blood pressure, heart rate or IOP.

Conclusion and Relevance

The tissue press method is equally effective as NLO in reducing systemic absorption of timolol. It is also easier and faster to administer.
Bias in the detection of negative density dependence in plant communities
Authors: Detto Matteo , Visser Marco D. , Wright S. Joseph , Pacala Stephen W.
Published: September 2019

Regression dilution is a statistical inference bias that causes underestimation of the strength of dependency between two variables when the predictors are error‐prone proxies (EPPs). EPPs are widely used in plant community studies focused on negative density‐dependence (NDD) to quantify competitive interactions. Because of the nature of the bias, conspecific NDD is often overestimated in recruitment analyses, and in some cases, can be erroneously detected when absent. In contrast, for survival analyses, EPPs typically cause NDD to be underestimated, but underestimation is more severe for abundant species and for heterospecific effects, thereby generating spurious negative relationships between the strength of NDD and the abundances of con‐ and heterospecifics. This can explain why many studies observed rare species to suffer more severely from conspecific NDD, and heterospecific effects to be disproportionally smaller than conspecific effects. In general, such species‐dependent bias is often related to traits associated with likely mechanisms of NDD, which creates false patterns and complicates the ecological interpretation of the analyses. Classic examples taken from literature and simulations demonstrate that this bias has been pervasive, which calls into question the emerging paradigm that intraspecific competition has been demonstrated by direct field measurements to be generally stronger than interspecific competition.
Catch‐up growth in the rhinoceros beetle Trypoxylus dichotomus (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae): Smaller neonates gain relatively more body mass during larval development
Authors: Hoshizaki Sugihiko
Published: September 2019

Body size often varies among conspecific neonates. As larger adults generally have higher fitness than smaller conspecifics, it is adaptive for smaller neonates to subsequently gain relatively more size increments during larval development (catch‐up growth). Although catch‐up growth has been suggested in insects, inappropriate methods have been used to examine the size dependence of growth increments. Therefore, it remains unclear to what extent catch‐up growth is common among insects. The present study examined the size dependence of growth increments among larvae of Trypoxylus dichotomus using reduced major axis regression of final to initial body masses. Catch‐up growth was found consistently for larval instars. Furthermore, simulations of the size increments revealed that not only sexual divergence of the mean size, but also catch‐up growth within sexes plays a role in the development of sexual divergence in the body size distribution of T. dichotomus. The significance of catch‐up growth in body size evolution was discussed.
Effect of allele combinations at Ppd‐1 loci on durum wheat grain filling at contrasting latitudes
Authors: Arjona Jose M. , Royo Conxita , Dreisigacker Susanne , Ammar Karim , Subirà Joan , Villegas Dolors
Published: September 2019

Flowering time is the most critical developmental stage in wheat, as it determines environmental conditions during grain filling. Thirty‐five spring durum genotypes carrying all known allele variants at Ppd‐1 loci were evaluated in fully irrigated field experiments for three years at latitudes of 41°N (Spain), 27°N (northern Mexico) and 19°N (southern Mexico). Relationships between weight of central grains of main spikes (W) and thermal time from flowering to maturity were described by a logistic equation. Differences in flowering time between the allele combination causing the earliest (GS100/Ppd‐B1a) and the latest (Ppd‐A1b/Ppd‐B1a) flowering were 7, 20 and 18 days in Spain, northern Mexico and southern Mexico, respectively. Flowering delay drastically reduced the mean grain filling rate (R) and W at all sites. At autumn‐sowing sites, an increase of 1°C in mean temperature during the first half of the grain filling period decreased W by 5.2 mg per grain. At these sites, W was strongly dependent on R. At the spring‐sowing site (southern Mexico), W depended on both R and grain filling duration. Our results suggest that incorporating the allele combinations GS100/Ppd‐B1a and GS105/Ppd‐B1a (alleles conferring photoperiod insensitivity) in newly released varieties can reduce the negative effects of climate change on grain filling at the studied latitudes.
Management of mental health conditions in refugee youth: An overview for the psychiatric‐mental health nurse practitioner
Authors: Kameg Brayden N.
Published: September 2019

Topic

In 2017, there were a total of 70 million forcibly displaced individuals or refugees, worldwide. Unfortunately, over 50% of refugees are under the age of 18 years. Refugee youth are at‐risk for a variety of mental health conditions.

Purpose

The purpose of this report is to provide psychiatric‐mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) with an understanding of unique cultural implications in refugee youth, risk factors towards the development of psychiatric illness, and means to identify those at‐risk for sequelae or those meeting diagnostic criteria. Also presented are foundational treatment and management implications to ensure the provision of culturally sensitive and efficacious care to this unique population.

Sources used

Utilizing PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO, a literature review was conducted to identify relevant publications pertaining to mental health issues in refugee youth spanning from 2013 to present. Reference lists of identified articles were also searched.

Conclusions

A variety of risk and protective factors are discussed, spanning from premigration, during flight, and postsettling periods. PMHNPs must be proficient in screening and diagnosis of mental health conditions in refugee youth and implementation of pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions. PMHNPs must also be well versed in community‐based resources that can be utilized to promote optimal outcomes.
Synergistic interaction of hypertension and hyperhomocysteinemia on chronic kidney disease: Findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999‐2006
Authors: Shi Wenrui , Zhou Yaping , Wang Haoyu , Sun Yingxian , Chen Yihan
Published: September 2019

Hypertension and hyperhomocysteinemia are two independent risk factors of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Our study aimed to evaluate whether hypertension and hyperhomocysteinemia act synergistically toward renal injury. Our analysis included 13 693 subjects from the National Health and Nutritional Survey (NHANES) 1999‐2006. Association was assessed by multivariate logistic regressions. The interaction was investigated on both additive and multiplicative scales. CKD had a prevalence of 17.62% in the NHANES population. After adjusting for age, sex, race, education, physical activity, drinking frequency, current smoking status, poverty‐to‐income ratio, Total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, serum folate, vitamin B12, body mass index, waist circumference, and diabetes mellitus, patients with both hypertension and hyperhomocysteinemia had a 5.072 (3.967‐6.486) times risk of CKD than their healthy compartments, higher than that in patients with only hypertension or hyperhomocysteinemia. Moreover, additive interaction of hypertension and hyperhomocysteinemia was significant (relative excess risk due to interaction: 2.107, 95% CI: 1.071‐3.143; the attributable proportion due to interaction: 0.415, 95% CI: 0.270‐0.561; synergy index: 2.072, 95% CI: 1.449‐2.962). Finally, subgroup analyses elucidated the interaction was robust in those with only reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate or albuminuria, and stratification analyses based on gender showed consistency with the main results. Hypertension and hyperhomocysteinemia may act synergistically toward a greater renal injury than the sum of their independent effects. Our findings suggest the coexistence itself also correlates with a deteriorative impact on renal function in addition to the effects of hypertension and diabetes themselves. The results may support the rationality and value of simultaneous tight control of hypertension and hyperhomocysteinemia to prevent CKD.
Ready for the Revolution? Why Publishing Consumer Research Is Changing
Authors: Paul Hill Ronald
Published: September 2019

Thirty‐five years after completing my Ph.D. at the University of Maryland, publishing academic research on consumer well‐being, or any field for that matter, is on the precipitous of major changes that will make it almost unrecognizable during Gen‐Y's scholarly lifetime. There are many possible causes, from technological advancements in publishing to transdisciplinary ways of fostering research. Regardless, how we think, write, read, and review scholarship is undergoing massive reform. We ignore them at our own peril and must reconsider important aspects of our lives as educators, researchers, and citizens.
Clinical and dermoscopic evaluation of fractional carbon dioxide laser in management of keratosis pilaris in Egyptian type skin
Authors: Ismail Shaimaa , Omar Salma Samir
Published: September 2019

Background

Numerous treatment modalities for keratosis pilaris have been tried with limited success.

Aim

To determine the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of fractional CO2 laser in the treatment of KP.

Patients and methods

This prospective, single‐blinded split‐body placebo‐controlled comparative study was conducted on 60 patients with bilateral KP of arms (group A) and thighs (group B). One side randomly received fractional CO2 laser treatment (power 12 W, time on 3 ms, PPI 5) in the form of two sessions four weeks apart. The contralateral control side was treated with a topical keratolytic (10% urea). Standardized digital clinical and dermoscopic photographs were obtained at each visit.

Results

Significant improvement has been demonstrated clinically and dermoscopically in both arm and thigh lesions after fractional CO2 laser. In group A, excellent improvement was noted in 10 patients (33.3%), good improvement in 18 patients (60%), and moderate improvement in 2 patients (6.7%) at the second visit. In group B, minimal improvement was noted in 2 (6.7%) patients, moderate improvement in 16 patients (53.3%), and good improvement in 12 patients (40%) at the second. Control sides showed minimal improvement on the arm lesions only. No side effects were reported in both groups. The mean pain score in group A was not significantly different from that group B (P = .057). Patient satisfaction was significantly higher in the laser‐treated side arm lesions (P < .001).

Conclusion

Fractional CO2 laser was associated with significant clinical and dermoscopic improvement of keratosis pilaris lesions in Egyptian patients.
Difference in Z scores of placental weight and fetal/placental weight ratio by mode of delivery
Authors: Matsuda Yoshio , Itoh Toshiya , Okada Eisaku , Sasaki Kemal , Itoh Hiroaki , Kanayama Naohiro
Published: September 2019

Aim

The difference of placental weight (PW) and fetal/placental weight ratio (F/P) Z scores by mode of delivery is unclear. To investigate such differences and the actual conditions underlying the imbalance between fetal and placental growth.

Methods

The data from Japanese database 2013 were assessed. Light‐for‐dates (LFD, n = 12 884), appropriate‐for‐dates (n = 114 464) and heavy‐for‐dates (n = 13 164) from 140 512 placentas/infants of mothers delivered a singleton infant. Using Z scores of PW and F/P based on the standard curves of a sex‐, parity‐ and gestational‐age‐specific PW and F/P, the rate of inappropriately heavy placenta according to the mode of delivery (vaginal [VD] vs cesarean [CS]) was investigated.

Results

(i) The PW and F/P were heavier and bigger in VD than in CS, in each subgroup. In the LFD groups, the PW Z score in VD was higher than that in CS, whereas the F/P Z score was lower than in VD than that in CS. (ii) Data of single regression analyses between the PW Z score and F/P Z score in VD groups were different from those in CS, especially in LFD infants. (iii) In the LFD subgroups, the rates of inappropriately heavy placenta in VD (n = 7781) and CS (n = 5103) were 0.54% and 0.86%, respectively.

Conclusion

Difference in the mode of delivery influenced the PW and F/P, and the rate of inappropriately heavy placenta is associated with mode of delivery among LFD infants. This methodology might give us a clue to search a useful way for identifying the high‐risk groups requiring postnatal counseling.
Downregulation of Mad2 and BubR1 increase the malignant potential and nocodazole resistance by compromising spindle assembly checkpoint signaling pathway in cervical carcinogenesis
Authors: Wang Li , Wang Jian , Jin Yubiao , Zheng Jun , Yang Yongbin , Xi Xiaowei
Published: September 2019

Aim

To explore the involvement of Mad2 and BubR1 in cervical carcinogenesis.

Methods

The expressions of Mad2 and BubR1 in tissues of high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL), low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL) and chronic cervicitis were analyzed immunohistochemistrily and compared with those of p16INK4A. PEGFP‐Mad2 and pEGFP‐BubR1 were transfected into SiHa cells to overexpress Mad2 and BubR1 and Si‐RNAs to knockdown. Cell viability was measured by cell counting kit‐8 (CCK‐8) assay. Migration and invasion capabilities were detected by Transwell. Propidium iodide staining with flow cytometry was used for cell cycle analysis and apoptosis was detected using Annexin V/7‐AAD staining after nocodazole treatment.

Results

The expression of Mad2 was significantly lower in HSIL than those in chronic cervicitis and LSIL, however, the expression of BubR1 showed no significant differences. To detect HSIL in cervical lesions, Mad2 had a sensitivity of 88.44% and a specificity of 87.23%, Mad2 was less sensitive and more specific than p16INK4a. In SiHa cells, knockdown of Mad2 and BubR1 increased cell growth, reinforced invasion capacity and migration potency, inhibited apoptosis and decreased G2‐phase distribution after nocodazole treatment. Oppositely, the overexpression strategies made cells show decreased malignant behaviors, raised apoptosis and increased G2‐phase distribution.

Conclusion

Mad2 negativity was specific to identify HSIL immunohistochemistrily. Downregulation of Mad2 and BubR1 increase the malignant behavior and nocodazole resistance of SiHa cells via causing spindle assembly checkpoint defect. This mechanism may contribute to cervical carcinogenesis and resistance to microtubule‐targeting drugs.
Luminal 5‐HT4 receptors—A successful target for prokinetic actions
Authors: Gwynne Rachel M. , Bornstein Joel C.
Published: September 2019

The prokinetic effects of 5‐HT4 receptor (5‐HT4R) agonists have been utilized clinically for almost three decades to relieve symptoms of constipation. Surprisingly, the mechanism(s) of action of these compounds is still being debated. Recent studies highlight luminal 5‐HT4Rs as an alternative and effective target for these prokinetic agents. These include the study by Shokrollahi et al (2019, Neurogastroenterol Motil, e13598) published in the current issue of Neurogastroenterology and Motility, who found that activation of mucosal 5‐HT4Rs by intraluminal prucalopride, significantly enhanced propulsive motor patterns in rabbit colon. The authors highlight the idea that development of agonists targeting luminal 5‐HT4Rs in the colonic mucosa might be more effective and safer in achieving prokinetic effects on intestinal motility. The purpose of this mini‐review is to discuss the evidence for luminal 5‐HT4Rs as an emerging target for prokinetic agents in facilitating propulsive motor patterns in the colon.
Esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction on manometry: Outcomes and lack of benefit from CT and EUS
Authors: Liu Andy , Woo Matthew , Nasser Yasmin , Gupta Milli , Buresi Michelle C. , Curley Michael , Li Dorothy Y. , Wilsack Lynn , Andrews Christopher N.
Published: September 2019

Background

Esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO) is a manometric diagnosis based on the Chicago Classification defined by inadequate relaxation of the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) with swallowing, but with sufficient peristalsis such that the criteria for achalasia are not met. Possible causes include anatomical and functional etiologies. Further investigations, including computed tomography (CT) of the chest and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), to help elucidate the etiology of EGJOO have been suggested, but the utility of this approach has not been proven.

Methods

All new diagnoses of EGJOO made in the calendar years 2015‐2016 were included. A review was performed for each patient to assess clinical outcomes, diagnostic, and therapeutic interventions after the EGJOO diagnosis.

Key Results

107 EGJOO patients were included. Their primary complaints were dysphagia (68%), chest pain (12%), reflux (8%), pre‐operative assessment (6%), regurgitation (3%), and cough (3%). The mean IRP was 21.8 mm Hg. After a mean follow‐up period of 463 days, the etiology of EGJOO remained undetermined in 67% of patients. 48% of patients were investigated with cross‐sectional imaging (and 10% with EUS to rule out external compression or malignancy as a cause of EGJOO; none of these tests provided any further useful information). In only two cases did the EGJOO progress to achalasia.

Conclusions & Inferences

EGJOO is a manometric diagnosis with unclear clinical significance and outcome. CT and EUS of the GEJ were unhelpful at determining the cause of this entity. In this series, very few appear to progress to achalasia, none were due to malignancy, and many resolved spontaneously.
Public health nurse delivered group cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for postpartum depression: A pilot study
Authors: Van Lieshout Ryan J. , Layton Haley , Feller Andrea , Ferro Mark A. , Biscaro Anne , Bieling Peter J.
Published: September 2019

Objectives

Although postpartum depression (PPD) affects 1 in 5 women, just 15% receive treatment. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a first‐line treatment for PPD. The objective of this pilot study was to determine the feasibility and acceptability of public health nurse (PHN)‐delivered group CBT for PPD and to determine preliminary estimates of effect.

Design

A pre–posttest design was used. Participants provided data before and after the CBT groups.

Sample

Seven women who were over the age of 18 and had given birth in the past year participated.

Measurements

Feasibility and acceptability focused on PHN training, recruitment, retention, and adherence to the intervention. Participants provided data on depression, worry, health care utilization and mother‐infant relations. Women and their partners reported on infant temperament.

Intervention

Participants attended a 9‐week CBT group delivered by two PHNs.

Results

The PHN training, CBT intervention and our study protocol were found to be feasible and acceptable to participants. Reductions were seen in depression and worry. The number of health care visits decreased; mother‐infant relations improved.

Conclusions

These findings highlight the feasibility of PHN‐delivered group CBT for PPD and suggest that it could reduce the burden of PPD on women and their children.
Noncognitivism and the Frege‐Geach Problem in Formal Epistemology
Authors: Lennertz Benjamin
Published: September 2019

This paper makes explicit the way in which many theorists of the epistemology of uncertainty, or formal epistemologists, are committed to a version of noncognitivism—one about thoughts that something is likely. It does so by drawing an analogy with metaethical noncognitivism. I explore the degree to which the motivations for both views are similar and how both views have to grapple with the Frege‐Geach Problem about complex thoughts. The major upshot of recognizing this noncognitivism is that it presents challenges and opportunities not only in the philosophy of mind and language but also in epistemology itself. I present some examples where attention to the implicit noncognitivism in formal epistemology has affected or should affect epistemological theory. And I suggest that it is likely that further examples of this sort will arise.
Trust, Distrust, and Security: An Untrustworthy Immigrant in a Trusting Community
Authors: Bilgic Ali , Hoogensen Gjørv Gunhild , Wilcock Cathy
Published: September 2019

In security studies, there is an unquestioned assumption of a linear link between trust and security. However, such an assumption neglects complex identity dynamics that can be involved in trust‐building discourses for engendering security. There needs to be greater examination into what is meant by trust, and upon what, and whom, and how the politics of identity works in social trust building and how states can influence this process. This article contributes to the literature on trust, security, and identity in International Relations (IR) by making a case for a conceptual focus on the formation of particularized distrust towards “the other” as a corollary to trust and security of “the self.” It is argued that in the construction of a political community where security is associated with trust, particularized distrust can also be promoted through institutional discourses—strengthening the “trusting we” by constructing “the other” who can challenge social trust and feelings of security associated with it. The argument is illustrated through critically examining a state‐level narrative in Norway in relation to “the other,” that is, the immigrant. Through this illustrative example, mutual constitutiveness of trust and distrust in a self/other discursive construction will be shown.
Extended Analysis and Evidence Integration of Chloroprene as a Human Carcinogen
Authors: Sax Sonja N , Gentry P. Robinan , Van Landingham Cynthia , Clewell Harvey J. , Mundt Kenneth A.
Published: September 2019

β‐Chloroprene is used in the production of polychloroprene, a synthetic rubber. In 2010, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published the Integrated Risk Information System “Toxicological Review of Chloroprene,” concluding that chloroprene was “likely to be carcinogenic to humans.” This was based on findings from a 1998 National Toxicology Program (NTP) study showing multiple tumors within and across animal species; results from occupational epidemiological studies; a proposed mutagenic mode of action; and structural similarities with 1,3‐butadiene and vinyl chloride. Using mouse data from the NTP study and assuming a mutagenic mode of action, EPA calculated an inhalation unit risk (IUR) for chloroprene of 5 × 10−4 per µg/m3. This is among the highest IURs for chemicals classified by IARC or EPA as known or probable human carcinogens and orders of magnitude higher than the IURs for carcinogens such as vinyl chloride, benzene, and 1,3‐butadiene. Due to differences in pharmacokinetics, mice appear to be uniquely responsive to chloroprene exposure compared to other animals, including humans, which is consistent with the lack of evidence of carcinogenicity in robust occupational epidemiological studies. We evaluated and integrated all lines of evidence for chloroprene carcinogenicity to assess whether the 2010 EPA IUR could be scientifically substantiated. Due to clear interspecies differences in carcinogenic response to chloroprene, we applied a physiologically based pharmacokinetic model for chloroprene to calculate a species‐specific internal dose (amount metabolized/gram of lung tissue) and derived an IUR that is over 100‐fold lower than the 2010 EPA IUR. Therefore, we recommend that EPA's IUR be updated.
Welfare effects of energy subsidy reform in developing countries
Authors: Groot Loek , Oostveen Thijs
Published: September 2019

We analyze the potential welfare effect of energy subsidy reforms. The income distributions of eleven developing countries from different geographical regions are simulated using the assumption that income is lognormally distributed. We use the concept of the compensating variation to measure how much compensation is required to compensate consumers for a price increase in formerly subsidized goods. The behavior of consumers is modeled by a standard Cobb–Douglas and a quasilinear utility function. In the Cobb–Douglas case, a fixed fraction of income is spent on the subsidized good, which does not change after a price increase. With quasilinear preferences, the optimal amount of the subsidized good does not vary with income, but does change as prices change. We show theoretically and empirically that the required compensating variation can be set below the saved expenditures on subsidies, so a budget neutral reform can have a positive effect on social welfare.
Characterization of an HLA‐B*15:10:01 variant, HLA‐B*15:10:01:05, identified in a Brazilian individual
Authors: Vianna Romulo , Secco Danielle , Santos Angela , Porto Luís Cristóvão
Published: September 2019

Characterization of an HLA‐B*15:10:01 variant, HLA‐B*15:10:01:05.
Understanding Social Media’s Role in Propagating Falsehood in Conflict Situations: Case of the Cameroon Anglophone Crisis
Authors: Ngange Kingsley Lyonga , Mokondo Moki Stephen
Published: September 2019

Social media have been welcomed as important tools that contribute to satisfying the daily information needs of citizens in today’s global society. To many, they serve as an open and alternative source of information especially where the conventional media fail to play their role of serving the public’s interest first. Notwithstanding, there have been serious and legitimate concerns about the spread of fake news over social media especially during the 2016 US presidential elections (Allcott & Gentzkow, 2017). This coincided with the Cameroon Anglophone Crisis (CAC) in which the Cameroon government blamed social media users for spreading false information about the crisis to the extent that government shut down the Internet in the two affected Anglophone regions of the country for 93 days in 2017. This article therefore, examines the content of information (graphics, audios, videos, texts) posted on two widely used social media platforms (WhatsApp and Facebook) during the Anglophone Crisis, in order to understand how falsehood is propagated especially during crisis situations. A qualitative approach to analyse data of falsehood during the crisis was used and three major ways were identified through which falsehood was propagated. Principally, social media activists used computer software to distort pictures and superimpose content that depict the messages they wanted to pass across. They also spread rumours using texts, audio clips and distorted videos. The conclusion is that social media have been awash with falsehood in the Cameroon Anglophone Crisis. The major recommendation therefore, is that users of social media should make efforts to verify the authenticity of information obtained from such media before consuming and disseminating to others. The December 2014 Law on Terrorism in Cameroon treats such offences seriously and defaulters are severely punished with heavy jail sentences and fines.
Ferrofluid Flow and Heat Transfer From a Sphere in the Presence of Nonuniform Magnetic Fields
Authors: Abbasi Zeinab , Dehkordi Asghar Molaei
Published: September 2019

In this article, the effects of nonuniform magnetic fields on the hydrodynamics and heat transfer from a heated sphere to its surrounding ferrofluid flow have been investigated. Kelvin body forces originate from the nonuniformity of the applied magnetic field and can generate the vortices behind the sphere leading to a considerable change in the velocity and temperature fields. The applied magnetic field disturbs the thermal boundary layer and decreases heat-transfer resistance, leading to a significant enhancement in the heat-transfer coefficient. Variations of the local and average Nusselt number value (Nu), separation angle, recirculation length, and drag coefficient were considered to investigate the effects of magnetic field intensity, Reynolds number, and the relative magnetic permeability of the sphere. In addition, the arrangement of the coils was optimized to provide the highest heat-transfer rate. Moreover, the obtained results indicate that enhancement in Nuavg is much larger than the drag resistance penalty.
Reduced Order Models for Nonlinear Dynamic Analysis With Application to a Fan Blade
Authors: Balmaseda Mikel , Jacquet-Richardet G. , Placzek A. , Tran D.-M.
Published: September 2019

In this work, reduced order models (ROM) that are independent from the full order finite element models (FOM) considering geometrical nonlinearities are developed and applied to the dynamic study of a fan. The structure is considered to present nonlinear vibrations around the prestressed equilibrium induced by rotation enhancing the classical linearized approach. The reduced nonlinear forces are represented by a polynomial expansion obtained by the stiffness evaluation procedure (STEP) and then corrected by means of a proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) that filters the full order nonlinear forces (StepC ROM). The linear normal modes (LNM) and Craig-Bampton (C-B) type reduced basis are considered here. The latter are parameterized with respect to the rotating velocity. The periodic solutions obtained with the StepC ROM are in good agreement with the solutions of the FOM and are more accurate than the linearized ROM solutions and the STEP ROM. The proposed StepC ROM provides the best compromise between accuracy and time consumption of the ROM.
Mathematical Relationship Between Palpation Forces and Displacement Associated With Restriction
Authors: Hoyer Anneke , Degenhardt Brian F. , Palumbo Todd Hammond , Webb Steven J. , Fales Roger C.
Published: September 2019

Based on the clinical data, a mathematical model was developed that characterized the palpation forces and the associated deformation/displacement of the surface of the body when osteopathic clinicians examine the low back or lumbar spine region. The purpose of this work was to better understand the haptic perception of clinicians who use palpation to assist in their assessment of patients with low back pain. Clinicians use palpation to identify areas of reduced tissue compliance thought to be associated with restriction of segmental vertebral motion. Using existing experimental data generated by multiple clinicians examining human volunteers, palpation forces and associated displacements were modeled by using three key variables: stiffness, damping, and inertia of the system. Of the total number of force application cycles analyzed, 92% had a goodness of fit, R2, that was better than 95% (R2≥ 0.95). When comparing the experimental data to the response of the three-parameter force/displacement mathematical model, the mathematical model delivered an accurate representation of palpation forces and displacements. A normalized stiffness difference (NSD) was generated to compare to clinician assessments. Recommendations for design specifications of a palpation-training device were suggested.
Design Evaluation of a Novel Multicompartment Unloader Knee Brace
Authors: Budarick Aleksandra R. , MacKeil Bradley E. , Fitzgerald Stephen , Cowper-Smith Christopher D.
Published: September 2019

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a significant problem in the aging population, causing pain, impaired mobility, and decreased quality of life. Conservative treatment methods are necessary to reduce rapidly increasing rates of knee joint surgery. Recommended strategies include weight loss and knee bracing to unload knee joint forces. Although weight loss can be beneficial for joint unloading, knee OA patients often find it difficult to lose weight or begin exercise due to knee pain, and not all patients are overweight. Unicompartment offloader knee braces can redistribute joint forces away from one tibiofemoral (TF) compartment; however, <5% of patients have unicompartmental tibiofemoral osteoarthritis (TFOA), while patients with isolated patellofemoral or multicompartmental OA are much more common. By absorbing body weight (BW) and assisting the knee extension moment using a spring-loaded hinge, sufficiently powerful knee-extension-assist (KEA) braces could be useful for unloading the whole knee. This paper (1) describes the design of a spring-loaded tricompartment unloader (TCU) knee brace intended to provide unloading in all three compartments of the knee while weight-bearing, (2) measures and compares the force output of the TCU against the only published and commercially available KEA brace, and (3) calculates the static unloading capacity of each device. The TCU and KEA braces delivered maximum assistive moments equivalent to reducing BW by approximately 45 and 6 lbs, respectively. The paper concludes that sufficiently powerful spring-loaded knee braces show promise in a new class of multicompartment unloader knee orthoses, capable of providing a clinically meaningful unloading effect across all three knee compartments.
Investigation of Turbulence Effects on the Nonlinear Vibration of a Rigid Rotor Supported by Finite Length 2-Lobe and Circular Bearings
Authors: Koondilogpiboon Nuntaphong , Inoue Tsuyoshi
Published: September 2019

This study investigated the effect of turbulence on the nonlinear vibration of a symmetrical rigid rotor supported by two identical journal bearings. The bearings consisted of various length to diameter (L/D) ratio circular and 2-lobe bearings with differing pad preloads. Two turbulent (Ng–Pan–Elrod and Constantinescu model) and one laminar Reynolds equations were selected for comparison, and they were solved using a finite difference method to obtain nonlinear bearing forces. The nonlinear equations of motion for the rotor-bearing system were solved using a shooting method and arclength continuation to obtain limit cycles for each bearing configuration. Floquet multiplier analysis was then utilized to identify the stability of the obtained limit cycles. For the cases of the circular and 2-lobe bearing without pad preload, the turbulent Reynolds equations yielded a lower onset speed of instability and L/D ratio at which the bifurcation type changed from supercritical to subcritical than the laminar Reynolds equation. However, at higher pad preloads (preloads of 0.25 or 0.5), the turbulence effects increased the onset speed of instability, especially for L/D ratios > 0.7, and only supercritical bifurcation was observed. For all bearing configurations, the ratio of the limit cycle whirl frequency to shaft rotational speed for both turbulence bearing models was higher than that of the laminar bearing model, and the Ng–Pan–Elrod turbulence model always generated lower onset speed of instability than the Constantinescu model.
Analytical Solution for Solid Cylindrical Heat Source Model With Convective Boundary Condition
Authors: Zhou Yang , Xu Cheng , Sego David , Zhang Dong-hai
Published: September 2019

The energy pile technology has been widely used, and the solid cylindrical heat source (SCS) model is usually adopted to describe the heat transfer process between the energy pile and the surrounding soil. This paper investigates the SCS model with a convective boundary condition (SCS-3 model), and realistic conditions such as transversely isotropic ground and groundwater flow are all included in the model. An analytical solution for the problem is established using Green's function method and the theory of moving heat sources. Solutions for the SCS model with a boundary condition of the first kind (SCS-1 model) and for the line source (LS) model with a convective boundary condition (LS-3 model) are recovered as special cases of the solution in this paper. Computational examples are presented, and comparisons between different models are made. First, the SCS-1 model is compared with the SCS-3 model, showing the error caused by neglecting the surface convective effect. Second, the LS-3 model is compared with the SCS-3 model, showing the error associated with neglecting the size of heat source. The effects of groundwater flow velocity and convective heat transfer coefficient on the temporal and spatial variations of these errors are also investigated.