bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Draft Genome Sequence of
Deinococcus
sp. Strain S9, Isolated from Microbial Mat Deposits of Hot Springs Located atop the Himalayan Ranges at Manikaran, India
Authors: Talwar Chandni , Singh Amit Kumar , Singh Durgesh Narain , Nagar Shekhar , Singh Yogendra , Shakarad Mallikarjun , Negi Ram Krishan , Lal Rup
Published: July 2019

Here, we present the draft genome sequence of
Deinococcus
sp. strain S9, a red-pigmented and moderately thermophilic bacterium isolated from microbial mat deposits around the hot springs at Manikaran, Himachal Pradesh, India. The draft genome (3.34 Mb) contains 101 contigs with an average GC content of 66.4%.
The Genome Sequence of the Halobacterium salinarum Type Strain Is Closely Related to That of Laboratory Strains NRC-1 and R1
Authors: Pfeiffer Friedhelm , Marchfelder Anita , Habermann Bianca , Dyall-Smith Mike L.
Published: July 2019

High-coverage long-read sequencing of the
Halobacterium salinarum
type strain (91-R6) revealed a 2.17-Mb chromosome and two large plasmids (148 and 102 kb). Population heterogeneity and long repeats were observed. Strain 91-R6 and laboratory strain R1 showed 99.63% sequence identity in common chromosomal regions and only 38 strain-specific segments. This information resolves the previously uncertain relationship between type and laboratory strains.
Draft Genome Sequences of Acinetobacter baumannii Isolates Recovered from Sewage Water from a Poultry Slaughterhouse in Germany
Authors: Savin Mykhailo , Parcina Marijo , Schmoger Silvia , Kreyenschmidt Judith , Käsbohrer Annemarie , Hammerl Jens A.
Published: July 2019

Acinetobacter baumannii
is an important human pathogen usually associated with severe hospital-acquired infections. Here, we announce the draft genome sequences of two livestock-associated isolates recovered from sewage water from a poultry slaughterhouse in Germany. Short-read whole-genome sequencing was conducted to determine the genetic basis of their antimicrobial resistance phenotype.
Lower to middle Paleozoic sequence stratigraphy and paleontology in the greater Louisville, Kentucky, area
Authors: Brett Carlton E. , Hartshorn Kyle R. , Waid Christopher B.T. , McLaughlin Patrick I. , Bulinski Katherine V. , Thomka James R. , Paton Timothy R. , Freeman Rebecca L. , Dattilo Benjamin F.
Published: July 2019

The Cincinnati Arch region of Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana is an icon of North American Paleozoic stratigraphy, as it exposes strata ranging from Ordovician to Pennsylvanian in age. In particular, the highly fossiliferous Ordovician, Silurian, and Middle Devonian successions have been extensively studied since the nineteenth century, and continue to serve as a crucial proving ground for new methods and models of biostratigraphy, chemostratigraphy, and sequence stratigraphy in mixed clasticcarbonate depositional settings. These strata are locally capped by Middle Devonian limestones with their own diverse fauna and unique depositional history. Outcrops near Louisville, Kentucky, provide an excellent opportunity to examine these strata firsthand and discuss sequence stratigraphy, chemostratigraphy, sedimentary environments, and paleoecology. A series of new roadcuts south of Mount Washington, Kentucky, exposes the lower to middle Richmondian Stage (Upper Ordovician, Cincinnatian) and presents a diverse suite of marine facies, from peritidal mudstones to offshore shoals, coral biostromes, and subtidal shales. These exposures are well suited for highlighting the revised sequence stratigraphy of the Cincinnatian Series, presented herein. Nearby outcrops also include much of the local Silurian succession, allowing an in-depth observation of Llandovery and Wenlock strata, including several chemostratigraphically important intervals that have improved regional and international correlation. Supplementary exposures east and north of Louisville provide context for subjacent and superjacent Ordovician-Silurian strata, as well as examples of lateral facies changes and unconformities. Additionally, the Falls of the Ohio at Clarksville, Indiana, features an exceptional outcrop of the overlying Middle Devonian succession, including an extensive and well-preserved biostrome of corals, sponges, and other marine fauna. These fossil beds, coupled with significant exposures in local quarries, are critical for understanding the paleoecology and stratigraphy of the Middle Devonian of the North American midcontinent.
Significance of Pleistocene fluvial systems and glaciations on the landscape evolution of northern Kentucky
Authors: Massey Matthew A. , Andrews William , Martin Steven L. , Hammond Maxwell , Bottoms Antonia E.
Published: July 2019

Pleistocene glacial and interglacial episodes had a profound influence on erosion, sediment transport, and topographic expression in the Midwestern United States. Northern Kentucky hosts a variety of fluvial and glacial features that record these Quaternary advances and retreats of the Laurentide ice sheet. This field trip highlights the major glacial and interglacial episodes of the Pleistocene, including the Pliocene–Early Pleistocene Teays drainage system, the Early–Middle Pleistocene pre–Illinois glacial Episode, the Middle Pleistocene Yarmouth interglacial, the Illinois glacial Episode in the Middle Pleistocene, the Sangamon interglacial, and the Late Pleistocene Wisconsin Episode. The Old Kentucky River was tributary to the Teays, depositing sands at ca. 1.5 Ma, confirmed by multiple 10Be-26Al cosmogenic radionuclide burial ages. Glacial till uncoformably overlies Old Kentucky River sands and demonstrates that pre-Illinois ice extended into Kentucky. The modern-day course of the Ohio River was incised after the pre−Illinois Episode, and then aggraded with transportation of Illinois Episode glacial outwash. Deposition of outwash at the mouths of tributaries caused impoundment and slackwater deposition in tributary valleys; the Claryville Clay has long been assumed to represent a pre-Illinois lacustrine deposit, but new optically stimulated luminescence feldspar geochronology yields a Middle Pleistocene age of ca. 320 ka. We have not observed Illinoian till in Kentucky. The final advance of the Laurentide ice sheet did not reach Kentucky, however, high sediment volumes were transported along the Ohio River and impounded tributaries, similar to the Illinois Episode.
At the edge of the Laurentide Ice Sheet: Stratigraphy and chronology of glacial deposits in central Indiana
Authors: Loope Henry M. , Antinao José Luis , Monaghan G. William , Autio Robert J. , Curry B. Brandon , Grimley David A. , Huot Sébastien , Lowell Thomas V. , Nash Thomas A.
Published: July 2019

This field guide provides an updated synthesis of the stratigraphy and chronology of glacial deposits in central Indiana near the southern limit of glaciation in the midcontinent. Central Indiana contains evidence of multiple glaciations—deposits from the last two glaciations (Oxygen Isotope Stages [OIS] 2 [Wisconsin Episode] and 6 [Illinois Episode]) have been the focus of recent stratigraphic and chronologic investigation. New radiocarbon and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating from outcrop and core has refined the timing of OIS 2 and OIS 6 ice sheet advances, outwash/slackwater aggradation, glacial lake formation, and eolian activity. Radiocarbon ages within or below late Wisconsin till from three sites within 5 km (3 mi) of the late Wisconsin maximum limit indicate an age of 24.0 k cal yr B.P. for maximum OIS 2 ice sheet extent in central Indiana, consistent with chronology from Illinois and Ohio. A subsequent >50 km (31 mi) readvance (21.6 k cal yr B.P.) across central Indiana came within 10 km (6 mi) of the maximum limit and in the western part of the field-trip area, terminated in glacial Lake Eminence. The start of outwash aggradation and associated slackwater sedimentation in the West Fork White River valley and tributaries began ca. 27 k cal yr B.P. and continued until ca. 20.5 k cal yr B.P., representing the timing of ice sheet advance into and out of the paleo–White River drainage basin. Ice sheet advance and retreat rates average ~40 m/yr before and after the global Last Glacial Maximum (ca. 26−21 k cal yr B.P.) when ice was within ~50 km of the late Wisconsin maximum. OSL dating of pre-Wisconsin outwash and glacio-lacustrine sediment return ages between ca. 218 and 127 ka, confirming deposition during OIS 6. These ages document spatially complex sedimentation in bedrock valleys beyond the Wisconsin limit.
Trails west and the Civil War in the Kansas City, Missouri/Kansas, region
Authors: Aber* James S. , Aber Susan W.
Published: July 2019

The Kansas City metropolitan region is a key geographic point in the exploration, settlement, and development of the United States. Several major pre-industrial trails originated from this vicinity, and the most important Civil War conflict west of the Mississippi, the Battle of Westport, took place here. Bedrock geology consists of Upper Pennsylvanian cyclothems that represent repeated marine transgressions and regressions over a shallow continental shelf and lowland. The modern landscape was shaped largely as a result of Pleistocene glaciation and related glacial meltwater drainage.
Curved slickenlines preserve direction of rupture propagation
Authors: Kearse Jesse , Kaneko Yoshihiro , Little Tim , Van Dissen Russ
Published: July 2019

Slip-parallel grooves (striations) on fault surfaces are considered a robust indicator of fault slip direction, yet their potential for recording aspects of earthquake rupture dynamics has received little attention. During the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake (South Island, New Zealand), >10 m of dextral strike-slip on the steeply dipping Kekerengu fault exhumed >200 m2 of fresh fault exposure (free faces) where it crossed bedrock canyons. Inscribed upon these surfaces, we observed individual striae up to 6 m long, all of which had formed during the earthquake. These were typically curved. Using simulations of spontaneous dynamic rupture on a vertical strike-slip fault, we reproduce the curved morphology of striae on the Kekerengu fault. Assuming strike-slip pre-stress, our models demonstrate that vertical tractions induced by slip in the so-called cohesive zone result in transient changes in slip direction. We show that slip-path convexity is sensitive to the direction of rupture propagation. To match the convexity of striae formed in 2016 requires the rupture to have propagated in a northeast direction, a prediction that matches the known rupture direction of the Kaikōura earthquake. Our study highlights the potential for fault striae to record aspects of rupture dynamics, including the rupture direction of paleo strike-slip earthquakes.
Fifteen-minute consultation: Therapeutic hypothermia for infants with hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy—translating jargon, prognosis and uncertainty for parents
Authors: Cawley Paul , Chakkarapani Ela
Published: July 2019

Hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy may lead to death or severe long-term morbidity. Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) increases survival without impairments in childhood, but prognostic uncertainty may remain for years after birth. Clear and accurate communication is imperative but challenging. This article explores the predictive value of routinely performed assessments during TH, as well as the qualitative research relating to parental experience. This article will benefit paediatric trainees, consultants and nurse practitioners in providing: (1) the background information needed for initiating a conversation with parents regarding outcome and (2) optimising their communication with parents in translating jargon, prognosis and uncertainty.
Laser eye procedure is safe and effective as an early treatment for glaucoma
Authors: Cook Rob , Thomas Vaughan , Martin Rosie
Published: July 2019

The study

Gazzard G, Konstantakopoulou G, Garway-Heath E, et al. Selective laser trabeculoplasty versus eye drops for first-line treatment of ocular hypertension and glaucoma (LiGHT): a multicentre randomised controlled trial. Lancet 2019; doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(18)32213-X.

This project was funded by the NIHR Health Technology Assessment Programme (project number 09/104/40) and was sponsored by the Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

To read the full NIHR Signal, go to https://discover.dc.nihr.ac.uk/content/signal-000774/early-glaucoma-laser-eye-treatment-trabeculoplasty
Women with physical disability in pregnancy resident education: a national survey as a needs assessment for curriculum improvement in obstetrics and gynaecology in Canada
Authors: Bekdache Gharid Nourallah , Berndl Anne
Published: July 2019

Objectives

To explore the current status to which Canadian obstetrics and gynaecology (Ob-Gyn) programmes teach residents about pregnancy in patients with physical disabilities, and to assess the level of interested in providing formal education sessions in this field. This study also assesses the residents’ perception of their knowledge and their comfort level caring for women with physical disabilities (WWPD), which will further determine the need for incorporation of this topic into the residency curriculum.

Design

Cross-sectional survey.

Setting

All Canadian English accredited Ob-Gyn residency programmes.

Participants

Programme directors and residents.

Main outcome measures

The current self-reported education and exposure Canadian Ob-Gyn residents have surrounding WWPD in pregnancy, and if there is an interest in further education in this area.

Methods

An online survey was developed and distributed to all Canadian English accredited Ob-Gyn residency programme directors and residents. Answers were collected over a 2-month period in 2017, which consisted of an initial email and two email reminders. Questions were in three key areas: demographic characteristics, knowledge gap and level of interest in a formal method of education.

Results

Eighty-four residents and nine programme directors participated in the surveys. Eighty-six per cent of residents and all programme directors responded that there are no formal scheduled training sessions on WWPD as part of the residency curriculum. Two-thirds of the residents reported being uncomfortable with the management issues surrounding a woman with a disability in pregnancy. A vast majority of residents (91.67%) and all programme directors have an interest in incorporating this topic into the residency curriculum to meet the need of pregnant women with disabilities.

Conclusions

This survey indicated that there is both a need for and interest in education in the area of pregnancy and physical disability in the Canadian Ob-Gyn residency programme. This information suggests that the development of educational materials in this area should be considered to address an unmet need with the ultimate goal of improving the care provided to WWPD in pregnancy. Future projects in this area should focus on content development taking into account the CanMEDS and competency-based medical education framework.
What matters most to patients about primary healthcare: mixed-methods patient priority setting exercises within the PREFeR (PRioritiEs For Research) project
Authors: Edwards Louisa , Monro Melody , Butterfield Yaron , Johl Ravin , Loftsgard Kent Cadogan , Pelletier Hayley , McGavin Colleen , Lavergne M Ruth
Published: July 2019

Objectives

To identify patient-generated priority topics for future primary care research in British Columbia (BC), Canada within a diverse patient population.

Design

Mixed-methods priority setting exercises framed by the dialogue model, using the nominal group technique (rank-ordered scoring) and province-wide online surveys capturing importance ratings of the top 10 primary healthcare topics from patients and primary care providers.

Setting

BC, Canada.

Participants

Topic identification was completed by 10 patient partners (7 female, 3 male) from the BC Primary Health Care Research Network Patient Advisory; online surveys were completed by 464 patients and 173 primary care providers.

Results

The 10 members recruited to the patient advisory provided over 80 experiences of what stood out for them in BC primary care, which were grouped thematically into 18 topics, 10 of which were retained in province-wide surveys. Top-rated survey topics for both patients (n=464) and providers (n=173) included being unable to find a regular family doctor/other primary healthcare provider, support for living with chronic conditions, mental health resources and information sharing, including electronic medical records. However, all 10 topics were rated important, on average, by both groups.

Conclusions

The current project activities demonstrate the feasibility of including patients in priority setting exercises for primary healthcare in general, rather than focusing on a condition-specific population or disease area. There was considerable overlap between patient-generated topics and topics previously identified by other stakeholders, but patients identified two additional topics (mental health resources, improve and strengthen patient–provider communication). More similarities than differences in topic importance between patients and providers emerged in the online surveys. The project activities that follow (rapid literature reviews, multistakeholder dialogue) will highlight under-researched topics and inform the development of specific research questions.
Association between predialysis hypermagnesaemia and morbidity of uraemic restless legs syndrome in maintenance haemodialysis patients: a retrospective observational study in Zhejiang, China
Authors: Yang Yi , Ye Hongying , He Qien , Zhang Xiaohui , Yu Biying , Yang Jingjuan , Chen Jianghua
Published: July 2019

Objective

The aim of the present study was to determine whether the predialysis serum magnesium level was associated with morbidity of uraemic restless legs syndrome (RLS) in maintenance haemodialysis patients.

Design

A retrospective observational study of morbidity of uraemic RLS was conducted.

Setting

Patients on maintenance haemodialysis three times a week.

Participants

We reviewed 578 patients receiving maintenance haemodialysis for >1 year as our cohort.

Outcome measures

Uraemic RLS was diagnosed according to International RLS Study Group criteria, and hypermagnesaemia was defined as serum magnesium level >1.02 mmol/L.

Results

The prevalence of uraemic RLS was 14.4% in our study cohort. Univariate analysis indicated that patients with uraemic RLS differed significantly from non-RLS ones in certain demographic and clinical characteristics, including younger age, longer dialysis duration, higher serum parathyroid hormone level and higher prevalence of predialysis hyperphosphataemia and hypermagnesaemia. Binary logistic-regression model analysis indicated that predialysis hypermagnesaemia was independently associated with uraemic RLS and conferred an increase in morbidity of the syndrome (OR=2.024; 95% CI 1.160 to 3.532; p=0.013). Moreover, we found that dialysis duration and predialysis hyperphosphataemia were independently associated with morbidity of uraemic RLS.

Conclusions

Our data indicated that the predialysis serum magnesium level was associated with morbidity of uraemic RLS in maintenance haemodialysis patients and that predialysis hypermagnesaemia might serve as an independent risk factor for the syndrome.
Multivariate analysis of biopsychosocial determinants of professional activity among patients after kidney or liver transplantation in Poland
Authors: Wesolowska-Gorniak Katarzyna , Wojtowicz Monika , Gierus Jacek , Wlodarczyk Elzbieta , Federowicz Magdalena , Czarkowska-Paczek Bozena
Published: July 2019

Objective

The aim of the present study was to assess the employment rate among kidney and liver transplant recipients in Poland and identify the predictors of employment.

Settings

The study was based on a self-prepared questionnaire containing five parts: demographic data and professional, medical, physical and psychological factors. This is a multicentre study involving four hospitals in Poland.

Participants

The investigated group consisted of 285 individuals (92 women and 185 men; 8 no sex given) aged between 18 and 45 years who underwent kidney or liver transplantation 1–5 years prior. Because of missing data, 279 questionnaires were considered regarding employment status after transplantation and 277 when sex differences were considered.

Results

A total of 120 patients (43%) worked full-time, 42 (15%) part-time and 117 (42%) remained unemployed, with a higher employment rate post-transplantation among men than women (60% vs 55%, p=0.04). More women performed white collar work (74% vs 41%, p=0.0003) and had to modify their working position than men (22% vs 7%, p=0.0118). Factors determining employment after transplantation included higher level of education (OR=27.08; p=0.0096), employment 1 year prior to transplantation (OR=11.05; p<0.001) and good psychological adaptation (OR=4.23; p<0.001). Men working the year before transplantation had higher education (OR=9.66; p=0.0356). Among men, more kidney recipients worked compared with liver recipients (OR=3.567; p=0.0417). Among women, age determined employment status (OR=0.89; p=0.0234).

Conclusion

Higher education is the most important predictor of employment after transplantation. Therefore, rehabilitation programmes including vocational activity should be directed to increase the level of education, both pretransplantation and post-transplantation if possible.
Critical design considerations for time-to-event endpoints in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis clinical trials
Authors: van Eijk Ruben P A , Nikolakopoulos Stavros , Roes Kit C B , Middelkoop Bas M , Ferguson Toby A , Shaw Pamela J , Leigh P Nigel , Al-Chalabi Ammar , Eijkemans Marinus J C , van den Berg Leonard H
Published: July 2019

Background

Funding and resources for low prevalent neurodegenerative disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are limited, and optimising their use is vital for efficient drug development. In this study, we review the design assumptions for pivotal ALS clinical trials with time-to-event endpoints and provide optimised settings for future trials.

Methods

We extracted design settings from 13 completed placebo-controlled trials. Optimal assumptions were estimated using parametric survival models in individual participant data (n=4991). Designs were compared in terms of sample size, trial duration, drug use and costs.

Results

Previous trials overestimated the hazard rate by 18.9% (95% CI 3.4% to 34.5%, p=0.021). The median expected HR was 0.56 (range 0.33–0.66). Additionally, we found evidence for an increasing mean hazard rate over time (Weibull shape parameter of 2.03, 95% CI 1.93 to 2.15, p<0.001), which affects the design and planning of future clinical trials. Incorporating accrual time and assuming an increasing hazard rate at the design stage reduced sample size by 33.2% (95% CI 27.9 to 39.4), trial duration by 17.4% (95% CI 11.6 to 23.3), drug use by 14.3% (95% CI 9.6 to 19.0) and follow-up costs by 21.2% (95% CI 15.6 to 26.8).

Conclusions

Implementing distributional knowledge and incorporating accrual at the design stage could achieve large gains in the efficiency of ALS clinical trials with time-to-event endpoints. We provide an open-source platform that helps investigators to make more accurate sample size calculations and optimise the use of their available resources.
5.3.5 Rule for examining the muscles of the upper limb
Authors: Gates Peter
Published: July 2019

The current technique taught for examining the muscles of the upper limb does not differentiate between the various causes of weakness in the arm, in particular peripheral nerve and nerve root lesions. The 5.3.5 rule describes examining the muscles in a specific order: 5 at the shoulder, 3 at the elbow and 5 at the wrist and hand. The examiner records the number of the weak muscles. They then consult the tables to determine the cause of the weakness. This rule enables the diagnosis of all peripheral nerve and nerve root problems (radiculopathy) that cause weakness in the arm. It does not require detailed knowledge of neuroanatomy. It does require the examiner to learn how to examine each muscle so that they do not miss weakness or ‘detect’ weakness when there is none.
Outcome of two variations of a surgical technique performed for canine unilateral arytenoid lateralisation
Authors: Perez Lopez Pablo , Barnes Darren Christopher , Nelissen Pieter , Demetriou Jackie
Published: July 2019

BackgroundThe purpose of this study is to compare the rate of aspiration pneumonia and survival time of dogs undergoing two unilateral arytenoid lateralisation (UAL) techniques.

MethodsEighty dogs diagnosed with laryngeal paralysis were treated by one of two UAL techniques: (1) a standard technique (ST) and (2) an anatomic preservation technique (APT). Outcome was assessed by in clinic re‐examination and an owner follow‐up questionnaire.

ResultsMinor complications were reported for 22 per cent of dogs undergoing ST and 26 per cent for APT. Major complications were 7 per cent for ST versus 23 per cent for APT. Postoperative aspiration pneumonia was reported for 7 per cent of cases in ST and 17 per cent in APT. The median survival time for ST was 636 days and was 1067 days for APT. Cause of death was related to the laryngeal paralysis in 22 per cent, neurological deterioration in 16 per cent and for non‐associated reasons in 59 per cent of cases. There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of aspiration pneumonia or survival time among the treatment groups. Owners reported that their dogs improved after both surgical procedures, with 90 per cent of the owners satisfied with the surgical outcome. Eighteen per cent of the dogs suffered recurrence of clinical signs.

ConclusionsIn this study, there was no significant difference in risk of aspiration pneumonia or survival time following arytenoid lateralisation by either an ST or an APT.
Profit Opportunities from Vedanta and Cairn India Merger
Authors: Mohanty Pitabas , Mishra Supriti
Published: July 2019

On June 14, 2015, Vedanta Resources PLC of the UK announced the merger of two of its Indian subsidiaries, namely, Vedanta Limited and Cairn India Limited. Per the terms of the merger, Vedanta Limited would issue one share of itself for every share of Cairn India. In addition, it would also issue a preference share of INR 10 in face value. The stock prices of the two companies, however, soon started trading outside the range suggested by the above exchange ratio. This gave rise to different possible trading strategies for the investors with different possible outcomes. The case is written around mid-September 2015, when the share prices of both companies declined and the shareholders were yet to receive any formal communication from the management.
HCL Infosystems Ltd. (A) and (B)
Authors: Bajaj Gita
Published: July 2019

When Prem Seshadri was appointed executive vice chairman and MD of HCLI, the Indian IT conglomerate was bleeding in losses. Developing competitiveness and a DNA of evolution was imperative. This case details a two-year journey of reinventing the performance management system and using technology for behavioral change and cultural transformation. PULSE was developed to implement a weekly feedback system for 4,500 employees. However, in 2016, PULSE data revealed a surge in silver and bronze badges and a decline in gold ones. What story was PULSE telling? Students apply diagnosis at organizational, group, and individual levels to evaluate the intervention and identify the way forward.
Structural Behavior of Digitally Fabricated Thin-Walled Timber Columns
Authors: Alqaryouti Yousef , Fernando Dilum , Gattas Joseph
Published: July 2019

This paper aims to investigate the structural behavior of digitally fabricated thin-walled timber sections with edge connectivity provided by integral mechanical press-fit joints. Experimental, numerical, and analytical investigations have been developed to accurately characterize the press-fit section behavior and their failure modes. Plywood fiber orientation, material thickness, and connection tightness are considered as potential factors that may affect the performance of the press-fit jointing system. Experimental testing of square hollow sections (SHSs) under uniaxial compressive loading showed failure of sections through both conventional crushing and novel pop-off bifurcation failures. Pop-off buckling behaviors were shown to be governed by the integral joint transverse stiffness and its magnitude relative to a critical edge stiffness value. Columns with joint transverse stiffness value less than the critical edge stiffness value exhibited pop-off failures. These joint stiffness values were obtained from testing of unloaded joints and were used to obtain accurate predictions of column failure modes. Joint stiffness values for loaded joints were then predicted with an interpolation model mapping axial strain to a tighter connection tolerance and these were used to obtain accurate estimations for column failure load in most of the tested column types. Comparative investigations showed thin-walled sections with integral joints only to be capable of matching the compressive capacities of glued sections, for instances where crushing governed. Similarly, the weight-specific compressive capacity of timber sections was found to be comparable to thin-walled steel sections when crushing governs.
Constructing Novel Block Layouts for Webpage Analysis
Authors: Jiang Zexun , Yin Hao , Wu Yulei , Lyu Yongqiang , Min Geyong , Zhang Xu
Published: July 2019

Webpage segmentation is the basic building block for a wide range of webpage analysis methods. The rapid development of Web technologies results in more dynamic and complex webpages, which bring new challenges to this area. To improve the performance of webpage segmentation, we propose a two-stage segmentation method that can combine visual, logic, and semantic features of the contents on a webpage. Specifically, we devise a new model to measure the similarities of the elements on webpages based on both visual layout and logic organization in the first stage, and we propose a novel block regrouping method using semantic statistics and visual positions in the second stage. This two-stage method can effectively conduct webpage segmentation on complicated and dynamic webpages. The performance and accuracy of the method are verified by comparing with two existing webpage segmentation methods. The experiment results show that the proposed method significantly outperforms the existing state of the art in terms of higher precision, recall, and accuracy.
Data in motion: Supporting youth interest in athletics through multimodal data analytics
Authors: Perez Melissa , Jones Stephanie , Thompson JaCoya , Worsley Marcelo
Published: July 2019

Engagement in STEM learning using athletics and data analytics allows young people to use customizable technological devices to analyze performance.
Esports as a catalyst for connected learning: the North America Scholastics Esports Federation
Authors: Lee Je Seok , Steinkuehler Constance
Published: July 2019

Collegiate esports' rising popularity has created a host of new educational and research opportunities, ranging from understanding and modeling these communities to expanding programs beyond college into high-school learning environments.
Roles of exosomes in metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Lafitte Marie , Lecointre Céline , Roche Serge
Published: July 2019

Metastases remain a major cause of cancer morbidity and mortality. This is a multistep process that involves aberrant cell communication, leading to tumor cell dissemination from the primary tumor and colonization of distinct organs for secondary tumor formation. The mechanisms promoting this pathological process are not fully understood, although they may be of obvious therapeutic interest. Exosomes are small cell-secreted vesicles that contain a large variety of proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids with important signaling activities, and that represent an evolutionarily conserved mechanism for cell-to-cell communication. Not surprisingly, exosome activities have gained strong interest in cancer biology and might play essential roles in metastasis development. Here, we will describe recent findings on the role of exosomes in cancer metastasis formation, particularly in colorectal cancer (CRC). We will also discuss the potential therapeutic value of these vesicles in metastatic cancer.
Effects of whole body skin cooling on human cognitive processing: a study using SEPs and ERPs
Authors: Nakata Hiroki , Kobayashi Fumino , Lawley Justin S. , Kakigi Ryusuke , Shibasaki Manabu
Published: July 2019

The present study investigated the effect of whole body skin cooling on somatosensory ascending processing by utilizing somatosensory-evoked potentials (SEPs) and motor execution, as well as inhibitory processing by event-related potentials (ERPs). Fourteen healthy participants wearing a water-perfused suit performed two sessions ( sessions 1 and 2) consisting of SEPs and ERPs with somatosensory Go/No-go paradigms under two conditions (cold stress and control) on different days. In session 2, under the cold stress condition, whole body skin cooling was achieved by circulating 20°C water through the suit for 40 min, whereas 34°C water was perfused in the other sessions. The mean skin temperature decreased from 35.0 ± 0.5°C ( session 1) to 30.4 ± 0.9°C ( session 2) during whole body skin cooling, but the internal temperature was maintained. Whole body skin cooling delayed the peak latencies of N20, P25, and P45 components at C4′ of SEPs (all: P < 0.05). Moreover, the peak latencies of P14, N18, and P22 components at Fz of SEPs and the Go-P300 component of ERPs were delayed (all: P < 0.05). In contrast, the peak amplitudes of all individual components of SEPs as well as N140 and P300 of ERPs remained unchanged. These results suggest that passive whole body skin cooling delays neural activities on somatosensory processing and higher cognitive function.
Intrinsic temporal tuning of neurons in the optic tectum is shaped by multisensory experience
Authors: Busch Silas E. , Khakhalin Arseny S.
Published: July 2019

For a biological neural network to be functional, its neurons need to be connected with synapses of appropriate strength, and each neuron needs to appropriately respond to its synaptic inputs. This second aspect of network tuning is maintained by intrinsic plasticity; yet it is often considered secondary to changes in connectivity and mostly limited to adjustments of overall excitability of each neuron. Here we argue that even nonoscillatory neurons can be tuned to inputs of different temporal dynamics and that they can routinely adjust this tuning to match the statistics of their synaptic activation. Using the dynamic clamp technique, we show that, in the tectum of Xenopus tadpole, neurons become selective for faster inputs when animals are exposed to fast visual stimuli but remain responsive to longer inputs in animals exposed to slower, looming, or multisensory stimulation. We also report a homeostatic cotuning between synaptic and intrinsic temporal properties of individual tectal cells. These results expand our understanding of intrinsic plasticity in the brain and suggest that there may exist an additional dimension of network tuning that has been so far overlooked.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We use dynamic clamp to show that individual neurons in the tectum of Xenopus tadpoles are selectively tuned to either shorter (more synchronous) or longer (less synchronous) synaptic inputs. We also demonstrate that this intrinsic temporal tuning is strongly shaped by sensory experiences. This new phenomenon, which is likely to be mediated by changes in sodium channel inactivation, is bound to have important consequences for signal processing and the development of local recurrent connections.
Accurate and affordable assessment of physiological and pathological tremor in rodents using the accelerometer of a smartphone
Authors: Carlsen Eva Maria Meier , Amrutkar Dipak V. , Sandager-Nielsen Karin , Perrier Jean-François
Published: July 2019

Tremor is a common symptom for the most prevalent neurological disorders, including essential tremor, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson’s disease. Despite the devastating effects of tremor on life quality, available treatments are few and unspecific. Because of the need for specific and costly devices, tremor is rarely quantified by laboratories studying motor control without a genuine interest in trembling. We present a simple, reliable, and affordable method aimed at monitoring tremor in rodents, with an accuracy comparable to that of expensive, commercially available equipment. We took advantage of the accelerometer integrated in modern mobile phones working with operating systems capable of running downloaded apps. By fixing a smartphone to a cage suspended by rubber bands, we were able to detect faint vibrations of the cage. With a mouse in the cage, we showed that the acceleration signals on two horizontal axes were sufficient for the detection of physiological tremor and harmaline-induced tremor. We discuss the advantages and limitations of our method.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The majority of patients suffering from neurological disorders suffer from tremor that severely disrupts their life quality. Because of the high cost of specific scientific equipment, tremor is rarely quantified by laboratories working on motor behavior. For this reason, the potential anti-tremor effect of most compounds tested in animals remains unknown. We describe an affordable technique that will allow any laboratory to measure tremor accurately with a smartphone.
Simulating perinodal changes observed in immune-mediated neuropathies: impact on conduction in a model of myelinated motor and sensory axons
Authors: Sleutjes Boudewijn T. H. M. , Kovalchuk Maria O. , Durmus Naric , Buitenweg Jan R. , van Putten Michel J. A. M. , van den Berg Leonard H. , Franssen Hessel
Published: July 2019

Immune-mediated neuropathies affect myelinated axons, resulting in conduction slowing or block that may affect motor and sensory axons differently. The underlying mechanisms of these neuropathies are not well understood. Using a myelinated axon model, we studied the impact of perinodal changes on conduction. We extended a longitudinal axon model (41 nodes of Ranvier) with biophysical properties unique to human myelinated motor and sensory axons. We simulated effects of temperature and axonal diameter on conduction and strength-duration properties. We then studied effects of impaired nodal sodium channel conductance and paranodal myelin detachment by reducing periaxonal resistance, as well as their interaction, on conduction in the 9 middle nodes and enclosed paranodes. Finally, we assessed the impact of reducing the affected region (5 nodes) and adding nodal widening. Physiological motor and sensory conduction velocities and changes to axonal diameter and temperature were observed. The sensory axon had a longer strength-duration time constant. Reducing sodium channel conductance and paranodal periaxonal resistance induced progressive conduction slowing. In motor axons, conduction block occurred with a 4-fold drop in sodium channel conductance or a 7.7-fold drop in periaxonal resistance. In sensory axons, block arose with a 4.8-fold drop in sodium channel conductance or a 9-fold drop in periaxonal resistance. This indicated that motor axons are more vulnerable to developing block. A boundary of block emerged when the two mechanisms interacted. This boundary shifted in opposite directions for a smaller affected region and nodal widening. These differences may contribute to the predominance of motor deficits observed in some immune-mediated neuropathies.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Immune-mediated neuropathies may affect myelinated motor and sensory axons differently. By the development of a computational model, we quantitatively studied the impact of perinodal changes on conduction in motor and sensory axons. Simulations of increasing nodal sodium channel dysfunction and paranodal myelin detachment induced progressive conduction slowing. Sensory axons were more resistant to block than motor axons. This could explain the greater predisposition of motor axons to functional deficits observed in some immune-mediated neuropathies.
Analysis of Mortality and Survival Rate of Liver Cancer in Zhejiang Province in China: A General Population-Based Study
Authors: Fei Fang-Rong , Hu Ru-Ying , Gong Wei-Wei , Pan Jin , Wang Meng
Published: July 2019

Background. Few accurate up-to-date studies provide liver cancer mortality and survival information in Zhejiang province. This research aimed to depict the mortality and survival of liver cancer in Zhejiang province in China during 2005-2010. Methods. The data were collected from the Zhejiang Chronic Disease Surveillance Information and Management System, and the mortality rates of liver cancer were calculated by gender, age, and areas. Chinese population census in 2000 and Segi’s world population were used for age-standardized mortality rate. The observed and relative survival rates of liver cancer patients were analyzed. Results. The crude mortality rate of liver cancer was 32.11/105. The age-standardized mortality rate was 17.39/105 and 23.07/105 by Chinese population (ASIRC) and Segi’s world population (ASIRW), respectively. The crude liver cancer mortality rate and age-standardized rate in urban areas were lower than those of rural areas. The overall 1-, 3-, and 5-year observed survival (OS) rates of liver cancer patients were 38.61%, 21.65%, and 16.83%, respectively. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year relative survival (RS) rates of liver cancer patients were 39.49%, 23.27%, and 19.09%, respectively. Survival rate decreased obviously within 1 to 5 years and then leveled off. It was shown that the male overall survival rate was higher than the female one and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusions. Both lower mortality and better survival rates were observed in urban areas, compared to rural areas. Relevant parties including government, public resource, and propaganda department should devote enough attention to rural areas.
Evaluation of the Effect of Fly Ash and Slag on the Properties of Cement Asphalt Mortar
Authors: Le Tri H. M. , Park Dae-Wook , Park Jin-Yong , Phan Tam M.
Published: July 2019

The application of cement asphalt mortar (CAM) in modern high-speed railways has been gaining attention due to its combined merits between asphalt and cement hydration product characteristics. To promote sustainable development, it is promising to utilize by-products in the making of new CAM instead of using only cement. In this research, the cement content was partly replaced by fly ash or ground-granulated blast furnace (GGBS) slag to achieve this objective. Then, laboratory experiments were conducted to determine the effect of these admixtures on the fresh and hardened characteristics of CAM. The test results revealed that the CAM mixture with slag received better fresh properties compared to the controlled mixture. However, the poor pozzolanic property of these by-product materials may lead to the low strength development. Meanwhile, although the mixture with fly ash suffered from slow strength establishment compared to the control mix at an early age, the strength of this condition increases dramatically after 28 days. Based on the findings, the application of appropriate fly ash content in the CAM mixture will not only provide ideal workable time and mixing stability but also ensure the required strength for the design target. This combination also serves as a cost-effective and environmental solution.
Pricing and Ordering Decisions in a Retailer Dominant Channel Involving a Third‐Party Logistics Provider
Authors: Chen Xiaoxu , Xu Peng , Walker Thomas , Huang Shengzhong
Published: July 2019

This paper theoretically investigates pricing and ordering decisions in a supply chain system comprised of a dominant retailer, a manufacturer, and a third‐party logistics (3PL) provider. The paper introduces the logistics service level as an additional variable and obtains the equilibrium pricing and ordering decisions of the supply chain members by applying game theory. Our analysis focuses on the effects of three sensitivity coefficients, i.e., the retailer’s order quantity to the manufacturer’s wholesale price, the 3PL’s logistics service price, and the logistics service level on equilibrium decisions. In addition, we explore the effect of the logistics investment cost and the market risk on equilibrium decisions. Finally, we present a numerical illustration to validate our theoretical results and explore their effects on channel performance.
How Can Temperature Logs Help Identify Permeable Fractures and Define a Conceptual Model of Fluid Circulation? An Example from Deep Geothermal Wells in the Upper Rhine Graben
Authors: Vidal Jeanne , Hehn Régis , Glaas Carole , Genter Albert
Published: July 2019

Identifying fluid circulation in fracture zones (FZs) is a key challenge in the extraction of deep geothermal heat from natural reservoirs in the Upper Rhine Graben. This study focuses on permeable FZs present within the granitic basement penetrated by deep geothermal well GPK-1 at Soultz and GRT-1 and GRT-2 at Rittershoffen (France). The various temperature (T) log datasets acquired from these wells during production and at equilibrium, with the associated flow logs, allow for the unique opportunity to interpret fluid circulation at the borehole scale. All permeable FZs identified by permeability indicators measured during drilling operations and from image logs spatially coincide with positive or negative T anomalies observed in the T logs during production and/or at equilibrium. However, within the FZs, partially open fractures act as narrower paths for circulation at different temperatures. These temperatures can even be estimated with confidence if the associated flow log is available. The polarity of the T anomalies correlates with the state of equilibrium of the well and thus can change over the well history. During production, the temperature of the water inflow through the fractures can be estimated relative to the mixture of water circulating below the fractures. At thermal equilibrium, the water temperature is estimated with respect to the temperature of the surrounding rock formation. Because temperature fluxes and geothermal fluids are intimately linked, T logs are a useful, reliable, and very sensitive tool to localize the inflow of geothermal water through FZs.