bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The White Matter Module-Hub Network of Semantics Revealed by Semantic Dementia
Authors: Sundqvist Martina , Routier Alexandre , Dubois Bruno , Colliot Olivier , Teichmann Marc
Published: February 2020

Cognitive neuroscience exploring the architecture of semantics has shown that coherent supramodal concepts are computed in the anterior temporal lobes (ATL), but it is unknown how/where modular information implemented by posterior cortices (word/object/face forms) is conveyed to the ATL hub. We investigated the semantic module-hub network in healthy adults (n = 19) and in semantic dementia patients (n = 28) by combining semantic assessments of verbal and nonverbal stimuli and MRI-based fiber tracking using seeds in three module-related cortices implementing (i) written word forms (visual word form area), (ii) abstract lexical representations (posterior–superior temporal cortices), and (iii) face/object representations (face form area). Fiber tracking revealed three key tracts linking the ATL with the three module-related cortices. Correlation analyses between tract parameters and semantic scores indicated that the three tracts subserve semantics, transferring modular verbal or nonverbal object/face information to the left and right ATL, respectively. The module-hub tracts were functionally and microstructurally damaged in semantic dementia, whereas damage to non-module-specific ATL tracts (inferior longitudinal fasciculus, uncinate fasciculus) had more limited impact on semantic failure. These findings identify major components of the white matter module-hub network of semantics, and they corroborate/materialize claims of cognitive models positing direct links between modular and semantic representations. In combination with modular accounts of cognition, they also suggest that the currently prevailing “hub-and-spokes” model of semantics could be extended by incorporating an intermediate module level containing invariant representations, in addition to “spokes,” which subserve the processing of a near-unlimited number of sensorimotor and speech-sound features.
Assessing Maritime Security and Human Rights: The Role of the EU and its Member States in the Protection of Human Rights in the Maritime Domain
Authors: Galani Sofia
Published: February 2020

Over the years, the European Union (EU) and its Member States have taken significant steps to enhance maritime security. However, these initiatives are mostly focused on the safety of ships and the protection of the marine environment rather than the protection of human rights at sea. Without belittling the importance of these initiatives, this article argues that it is time the protection of human rights at sea was also incorporated in the efforts to enhance maritime security. This argument is supported by the analysis of the legal framework which shows that the EU and its Member States as flag, coastal or port States have assumed responsibility to protect human rights at sea under the law of the sea, human rights law and EU law.
Negative Partiality
Authors: Brandt Josh
Published: February 2020

At the outset of the Republic, Polemarchus advances the bold thesis that “justice is the art which gives benefit to friends and injury to enemies”. He quickly rejects the hypothesis, and what follows is a long tradition of neglecting the ethics of enmity. The parallel issue of how friendship (and other positive relationships) affects the moral sphere has, by contrast, been greatly illuminated by discussions both ancient and contemporary. This article connects this existing work to the less explored topic of the normative significance of our negative relationships. I explain how negative partiality should be conceptualized through reference to the positive analogue, and argue that at least some forms of negative partiality are justified. I further explore the connection between positive and negative relationships by showing how both are justified by ongoing histories of encounter (though of different kinds). However, I also argue that these relationships are in some important ways asymmetrical (i.e. friendship is not the mirror image of enmity).
Identification and Reidentification of Some Fragments of 4Q70 (4QJera)
Authors: Tigchelaar Eibert
Published: February 2020

A study of the new photographs of 4Q70 facilitates the identification of some of the hitherto unidentified fragments and improved identifications of some fragments that were identified differently in the official DJD edition. In the case of frag. 2 one may reconstruct the lines differently from the edition to make the text of MT fit easier. The new identifications of fragments also provide additional information on the extant columns and the original sheets.
Revision of Hypoxys Amyot & Serville, 1843 stat. rest. (Heteroptera Pentatomidae)
Authors: NUNES BENEDITO MENDES , CAMPOS LOURIVAL DIAS , DA SILVA MENDONCA MARIA THAYANE , DE PAIVA CUNHA EDUARDO VICTOR , FERNANDES JOSE ANTONIO MARIN
Published: February 2020

Hypoxys is one of four subgenera of Edessa (Fabricius, 1787) together with Aceratodes (De Geer, 1773), Dorypleura (Lepeletier & Serville, 1825) and Edessa (Fabricius, 1787). This taxon has a very confusing taxonomy due to incorrect use of the names available, imprecise descriptions, and large number of very similar species. To illustrate the confusion, Hypoxys potentially includes a large number of species of Edessa, but actually contains only the type species, according to the most recent catalogue. The name E. quadridens Fabricius, 1803, type species of Hypoxys, was used for more than a century as a label to identify a large group of similar species. In this work we continue revising Edessa elevating Hypoxys to genus based on the following morphological characters: proximal part of costal margin black; evaporatorium with a deep notch on lateral margin; anterior arms of metasternal process acuminate; pygophore longer than wide and subrectangular or barrel-shaped in dorsal view; dorsal rim of pygophore well-projected, almost reaching posterolateral angles and finishing in a small lobe; and posterolateral angles of pygophore not developed. Hypoxys is being divided in four species groups to include 17 species transferred from Edessa. H. quadridens group comprises: Hypoxys quadridens (Fabricius, 1803) (type species), H. boerneri (Breddin, 1904) comb. nov., H. claricolor (Breddin, 1907) comb. nov., H. dolosus (Breddin, 1907) comb. nov., H. eburatulus (Breddin, 1907) comb. nov., H. necopinatus (Breddin, 1907) comb. nov., H. offuscatus (Breddin, 1907) comb. nov. and H. trabeculus (Breddin, 1907) comb. nov. H. triangularis group comprises: H. triangularis (Dallas, 1851) comb. nov. (type species), H. capito (Breddin, 1904) comb. nov. and H. subrastratus (Bergroth, 1891) comb. nov. H. oxyacanthus group comprises: H. oxyacanthus (Breddin, 1904) comb. nov. (type species), H. brachyacanthus (Breddin, 1904) comb. nov., H. infulatus (Breddin, 1904) comb. nov., H. leptacanthus (Breddin, 1904) comb. nov. and H. tragelaphus (Breddin, 1903) comb. nov. H. balteatus group comprises only H. balteatus (Walker, 1868) comb. nov. These groups of species will be useful to organize the new species of Hypoxys that will be described in upcoming papers. Descriptions, measurements, photos of genitalia of both sexes; photos in dorsal and ventral views of the species; and distribution maps are provided. Males of H. capito, H. claricolor, H. eburatulus, H. infulatus, and H. subrastratus are described for the first time. Female of H. necopinatus is described for the first time. Edessa jugalis is considered a junior synonym of H. quadridens; E. rimata a junior synonym of H. offuscatus; E. scabriventris and E. leprosula junior synonyms of H. triangularis; E. pachyacantha a junior synonym of H. tragelaphus; E. orba a junior synonym of E. oxyacanthus. A key to the species of Hypoxys is also provided.
Scale microornamentation of five species of Pareas (Serpentes, Pareidae) from China
Authors: GUO YUHONG , WANG GUANGLI , RAO DINGQI
Published: February 2020

Due to the highly conserved morphology of its members, the taxonomy of Pareas remains contentious. Microornamentation was examined on the exposed surfaces of dorsal scales from the midbody region of five species of genus Pareas. The results showed that the ultrastructural characteristics are similar in some respects and different in others. Similarly, all species exhibit arc and pore structures, but the shape, number and arrangement of these arcs and pores differ. In particular, the microornamentation of the dorsal scales of Pareas yunnanensis, thus far regarded as a synonym of P. chinensis, is obviously different from that of P. chinensis. Thus, P. yunnanensis is revalidated. The ultrastructural characteristics of these five species of Pareas are very different from those of reported for P. carinatus. P. carinatus may not belong to the same genus as other Pareas species.
A new species of Atractodenchelys (Synaphobranchidae, Anguilliformes) from Vietnam
Authors: VAN VO QUANG , HO HSUAN-CHING
Published: February 2020

A new species of the synaphobranchid genus Atractodenchelys is described based on 31 specimens collected off Quy Nhon and Nha Trang, southern Vietnam. The new species can be distinguished from the only two congeners in the genus by having much fewer total vertebrae (155‒158, vs. 168‒172 in A. phrix and 186‒199 in A. robinsorum), a relatively long head (head length 10.1‒12.3% TL), a relatively short snout (30.0‒35.8% HL), head longer than trunk length (vs. about equal in length in both species); and 5‒6 compound teeth on vomer (vs. 7‒8 in A. robinsorum).
New species of Miroculis Edmunds, 1963 (Ephemeroptera: Leptophlebiidae) based on nymphs and imagos from Chapada Diamantina’s Complex, Northeast Brazil
Authors: OLIVEIRA IAN , CAMPOS ROGÉRIO , CALOR ADOLFO R.
Published: February 2020

Miroculis Edmunds represents one of the most species-rich genera amongst Neotropical leptophlebiids comprising 25 valid species, with 18 of them reported from Brazil. Although several species have been described throughout the years, the taxonomy of Miroculis has focused mainly on male imagos, with other semaphoronts often unknown. Here, Miroculis (Miroculis) niltoi sp. nov. is described based on nymphs and imagos from Chapada Diamantina’s Complex, Northeast Brazil. Male imagos of M. (M.) niltoi sp. nov. can be distinguished by the styliger plate being medially cleft with a well-sclerotized ventrally-directed process at the posteromedial margin, while female imagos can be distinguished by the egg guide being well-developed, reaching sternum IX, and sternum IX about as long as wide, with a shallow apical cleft. Together with Miroculis (Miroculis) samba Costa, Almeida & Salles and Miroculis (Miroculis) wolverine Costa, Almeida & Salles, M. (M.) niltoi sp. nov. represents species within Miroculis with male imago exhibiting both extremely long penes and styliger plate. Now, Miroculis comprises 26 valid species, with 19 of them reported from Brazil.
Slow Modes of the Equatorial Waveguide
Authors: Emanuel Kerry
Published: February 2020

A recently developed linear model of eastward-propagating disturbances has two separate unstable modes: convectively coupled Kelvin waves destabilized by the wind dependence of the surface enthalpy flux, and slow, MJO-like modes destabilized by cloud–radiation interaction and driven eastward by surface enthalpy fluxes. This latter mode survives the weak temperature gradient (WTG) approximation and has a time scale dictated by the time it takes for surface fluxes to moisten tropospheric columns. Here we extend that model to include higher-order modes and show that planetary-scale low-frequency waves with more complex structures can also be amplified by cloud–radiation interactions. While most of these waves survive the WTG approximation, their frequencies and growth rates are seriously compromised by that approximation. Applying instead the assumption of zonal geostrophy results in a better approximation to the full spectrum of modes. For small cloud–radiation and surface flux feedbacks, Kelvin waves and equatorial Rossby waves are destabilized, but when these feedbacks are strong enough, the frequencies do not lie close to classical equatorial dispersion curves except in the case of higher-frequency Kelvin and Yanai waves. An eastward-propagating n = 1 mode, in particular, has a structure resembling the observed structure of the MJO.
Proposed particle swarm optimization technique for the wind turbine control system
Authors: Iqbal Atif , Ying Deng , Saleem Adeel , Hayat Muhammad Aftab , Mateen Muhammad
Published: February 2020

Wind energy is a useful and reliable energy source. Wind turbines are attracting attention with the dependency of the world on clean energy. The turbulent nature of wind profiles along with uncertainty in the modeling of wind turbines makes them more challenging for prolific power extraction. The pitch control angle is used for the effective operation of wind turbines at the above-nominal wind speed. To extract stable power as well as to keep wind turbines in a safe operating region, the pitch controller should be intelligent and highly efficient. For this purpose, proportional–integral–derivative controllers are mostly used. The parameters for the proportional–integral–derivative controller are unknown and calculated by numerous techniques, which is a quite cumbersome task. In this research, the particle swarm optimization technique is used but the conventional particle swarm optimization technique cannot tackle the system’s nonlinearity and uncertainties. Hence, the proposed particle swarm optimization algorithm is employed for the calculation of the controller’s optimal parameters. The proposed technique is implemented on a 5-MW wind turbine, which is designed using the Bladed software. Simulation is performed using MATLAB/Simulink to validate the effectiveness of the proposed technique. A variable wind profile is fed as input into the system and the proposed controller provides satisfactory results for the power, rotor speed, and torque. The system is stable and the settling time is reduced.
Liberating the Mind: Rastafari and the Theorization of Maroonage as Epistemological (Dis) engagement
Authors: Goldson Randy R.
Published: February 2020

This article explores the concept of maroonage (other spellings “maronage,” “marronnage,” and “marronage”) as a process of epistemological engagement and disengagement using the way in which the Rastafari movement constructs, organizes, and legitimates knowledge and knowledge production. By focusing on the Rastafari processes of knowledge production and legitimation, this article allows for a theorization of maroonage as a constant engagement not only in the sense of physical withdrawal from hegemonic systems of dominance but an ideological opting out. While many Rastafarians live in secluded communities and choose not to participate in systems that work against their interest, many have renegotiated the process of knowing such that they can be in Babylon but not of Babylon. The epistemic shifts in Rastafari discourse on a Black God, King, and Zion stand as exemplars of epistemological self-determination characteristic of the maroonage on the ideological level. The article develops by: (a) looking at ideology, (b) the contours of Rastafari epistemology, (c) the sociopolitical context of epistemological (dis) engagement, and (d) the epistemic shift in Rastafari discourse on a Black God, King, and Zion as epistemological self-determination.
Ichthyophonus sp. Infection in Opaleye (Girella nigricans)
Authors: LaDouceur Elise E. B. , Leger Judy St , Mena Alexandria , Mackenzie Ashley , Gregg Jacob , Purcell Maureen , Batts William , Hershberger Paul
Published: February 2020

Over a 3-year-period, 17 wild-caught opaleye ( Girella nigricans) housed in a public display aquarium were found dead without premonitory signs. Grossly, 4 animals had pinpoint brown or black foci on coelomic adipose tissue. Histologically, liver, spleen, heart, and posterior kidney had mesomycetozoan granulomas in all cases; other organs were less commonly infected. Four opaleye had goiter; additional substantial lesions were not identified. Granulomas surrounded melanized debris, leukocytes, and mesomycetozoa represented by folded membranes (collapsed schizont walls), intact schizonts (50- to >200 µm in diameter with a multilaminate membrane), plasmodia (budding from schizonts or free in tissue), or rarely germinal tubes (budding from schizonts). Ichthyophonus was grown from fresh tissues in tissue explant broth cultures of the heart, liver, and/or spleen. Polymerase chain reaction using 18S ribosomal DNA primers amplified a 1730-bp region, and the DNA sequence was most similar to Ichthyophonus hoferi, which is often associated with freshwater aquaculture fish.
Bicuspid Aortic Valve in 2 Model Species and Review of the Literature
Authors: Fernández Borja , Soto-Navarrete María Teresa , López-García Alejandro , López-Unzu Miguel Ángel , Durán Ana Carmen , Fernández M. Carmen
Published: February 2020

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is the most common human congenital cardiac malformation. Although the etiology is unknown for most patients, formation of the 2 main BAV anatomic types (A and B) has been shown to rely on distinct morphogenetic mechanisms. Animal models of BAV include 2 spontaneous hamster strains and 27 genetically modified mouse strains. To assess the value of these models for extrapolation to humans, we examined the aortic valve anatomy of 4340 hamsters and 1823 mice from 8 and 7 unmodified strains, respectively. In addition, we reviewed the literature describing BAV in nonhuman mammals. The incidences of BAV types A and B were 2.3% and 0.03% in control hamsters and 0% and 0.3% in control mice, respectively. Hamsters from the spontaneous model had BAV type A only, whereas mice from 2 of 27 genetically modified strains had BAV type A, 23 of 27 had BAV type B, and 2 of 27 had both BAV types. In both species, BAV incidence was dependent on genetic background. Unlike mice, hamsters had a wide spectrum of aortic valve morphologies. We showed interspecific differences in the occurrence of BAV between humans, hamsters, and mice that should be considered when studying aortic valve disease using animal models. Our results suggest that genetic modifiers play a significant role in both the morphology and incidence of BAV. We propose that mutations causing anomalies in specific cardiac morphogenetic processes or cell lineages may lead to BAV types A, B, or both, depending on additional genetic, environmental, and epigenetic factors.
Workplace Success Strategies for Employees With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A New Frontier for Human Resource Development
Authors: Johnson Karen R. , Ennis-Cole Demetria , Bonhamgregory Matthew
Published: February 2020

The increased prevalence of young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) translates into a dire need to find ways to facilitate successful employment opportunities. Employment options are limited because of impaired communication and social skills that are vital for the workplace. There are a growing number of studies published on the need for employment, and primarily social psychologists, medical, and rehabilitation professionals have conducted this research; this necessitates multidisciplinary research that involves workforce development experts. Our study identified ways that human resource development (HRD) professionals can foster skill development and promote a work environment that supports the success of employees with ASD. Through a narrative literature review, key themes were identified as critical employment strategies that fall within the scope of HRD. As agents of change, HRD professionals can play a role in the multifaceted and multidisciplinary approach needed to facilitate improved work outcomes of employees with ASD.
The Object Economy: “Alternative” Banking in Chicago
Authors: Degenshein Anya
Published: February 2020

In 2017, more than 22 percent of all U.S. households used an alternative financial service at least once. While fringe-banking enterprises mainly serve people with low or moderate incomes who lack access to more conventional banking services, pawnshops in particular also provide an important and distinct last resort for many customers.
Early childhood education leadership in Finland through the lens of structure and agency
Authors: Varpanen Jan
Published: February 2020

In early childhood education, the concept of distributed leadership has emerged as a key analytical tool for understanding leadership as well as a normative guide for what leadership should be. The concept originates in Peter Gronn’s work, where it is positioned as overcoming the structure-agency debate, which is a foundational question in the study of social reality. While distributed leadership itself has been extensively studied, the problem motivating Gronn’s work—the structure-agency problematique—has rarely been investigated. In an effort to create a deeper understanding of the role of structure and agency in constituting early childhood education leadership, this study examines how these two key dimensions of social reality structure early childhood education center leaders’ understanding of leadership. The data for the study consist of focus group interviews where early childhood education center leaders discuss various aspects of leadership. The data are analyzed in the broad framework of post-structural discourse analysis, using the analytic concept of frame, which reveals the interplay of structure and agency in early childhood education leaders’ understandings of their work. The findings show that early childhood education center leaders’ understanding of leadership is mainly focused on the side of structure and offers few chances for the kind of collective effort hoped for by Gronn.
Ephemeral Storytelling With Social Media: Snapchat and Instagram Stories at the Brooklyn Museum
Authors: Villaespesa Elena , Wowkowych Sara
Published: February 2020

The usage of social media in the context of the museum visit continues to grow. This research examined Instagram and Snapchat stories shared by visitors at the Brooklyn Museum via semi-structured interviews and photo-elicitation. The results provide insights into the characteristics of this ephemeral media and the motivations behind these posts. Similar to traditional photography, ephemeral content on social media is often motivated by capturing an artwork found to be aesthetically pleasing, documenting a feeling, sharing an experience, or building self-identity. However, the content shared is shaped by the ephemeral aspect that motivates minimal curation and editing. The study results add to the rapidly evolving field of social media within the museum context. Moreover, it advocates for an active role for the museum to have policies and opportunities that respond to these behaviors and learn from the content shared informing interpretation and learning materials.
Comparing CAR T-cell toxicity grading systems: application of the ASTCT grading system and implications for management
Authors: Pennisi Martina , Jain Tania , Santomasso Bianca D. , Mead Elena , Wudhikarn Kitsada , Silverberg Mari Lynne , Batlevi Yakup , Shouval Roni , Devlin Sean M. , Batlevi Connie , Brentjens Renier J. , Dahi Parastoo B. , Diamonte Claudia , Giralt Sergio , Halton Elizabeth F. , Maloy Molly , Palomba Maria Lia , Sanchez-Escamilla Miriam , Sauter Craig S. , Scordo Michael , Shah Gunjan , Park Jae H. , Perales Miguel-Angel
Published: February 2020

Various grading systems are currently used for chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell–related toxicity, cytokine release syndrome (CRS), and immune effector cell–associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS). We compared the recently proposed American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (ASTCT) grading system to other grading scores in 2 populations of adults: patients (n = 53) with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) treated with 1928z CAR T-cells (clinicaltrials.gov #NCT01044069), and patients (n = 49) with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) treated with axicabtagene-ciloleucel (axi-cel) or tisagenlecleucel after US Food and Drug Administration approval. According to ASTCT grading, 82% of patients had CRS, 87% in the B-ALL and 77% in the DLBCL groups (axi-cel: 86%, tisagenlecleucel: 54%), whereas 50% of patients experienced ICANS, 55% in the B-ALL and 45% in the DLBCL groups (axi-cel: 55%, tisagenlecleucel: 15%). All grading systems agreed on CRS and ICANS diagnosis in 99% and 91% of cases, respectively. However, when analyzed grade by grade, only 25% and 54% of patients had the same grade in each system for CRS and ICANS, respectively, as different systems score symptoms differently (upgrading or downgrading their severity), leading to inconsistent final grades. Investigation of possible management implications in DLBCL patients showed that different recommendations on tocilizumab and steroids across current guidelines potentially result in either overtreating or delaying treatment. Moreover, because these guidelines are based on single products and different grading systems, they cannot be universally applied. To avoid discrepancies in assessing and managing toxicities of different products, we propose that unified grading be used across clinical trials and in practice and that paired management guidelines with product-specific indications be developed.
BOLD differences normally attributed to inhibitory control predict symptoms, not task-directed inhibitory control in ADHD
Authors: Chevrier Andre , Schachar Russell J.
Published: February 2020

Background

Altered brain activity that has been observed in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) while performing cognitive control tasks like the stop signal task (SST) has generally been interpreted as reflecting either weak (under-active) or compensatory (over-active) versions of the same functions as in healthy controls. If so, then regional activities that correlate with the efficiency of inhibitory control (i.e. stop signal reaction time, SSRT) in healthy subjects should also correlate with SSRT in ADHD. Here we test the alternate hypothesis that BOLD (blood-oxygen-level-dependent) differences might instead reflect the redirection of neural processing resources normally used for task-directed inhibitory control, towards actively managing symptomatic behaviour. If so, then activities that correlate with SSRT in TD should instead correlate with inattentive and hyperactive symptoms in ADHD.

Methods

We used fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) in 14 typically developing (TD) and 14 ADHD adolescents performing the SST, and in a replication sample of 14 healthy adults. First, we identified significant group BOLD differences during all phases of activity in the SST (i.e. warning, response, reactive inhibition, error detection and post-error slowing). Next, we correlated these phases of activity with SSRT in TD and with SSRT, inattentive and hyperactive symptom scores in ADHD. We then identified whole brain significant correlations in regions of significant group difference in activity.

Results

Only three regions of significant group difference were correlated with SSRT in TD and replication groups (left and right inferior frontal gyri (IFG) during error detection and hypothalamus during post-error slowing). Consistent with regions of altered activity managing symptomatic behaviour instead of task-directed behaviour, left IFG correlated with greater inattentive score, right IFG correlated with lower hyperactive score and hypothalamus correlated with greater inattentive score and oppositely correlated with SSRT compared to TD.

Conclusions

Stimuli that elicit task-directed integration of neural processing in healthy subjects instead appear to be directing integrated function towards managing symptomatic behaviour in ADHD. The ability of the current approach to determine whether altered neural activities reflect comparable functions in ADHD and control groups has broad implications for the development and monitoring of therapeutic interventions.
A dignitary medicine curriculum developed using a modified Delphi methodology
Authors: Al Mulhim Mobarak A. , Darling Robert G. , Sarin Ritu , Hart Alex , Kamal Hetaf , Al Hadhirah Abdullah , Voskanyan Amalia , Hofmann Lewis , Connor Bradley A. , Band Roger A. , Jones James , Tubb Richard , Jackson Ronny , Baez Amado Alejandro , Wasser Edward , Conley Sean , Lang William , Ciottone Gregory
Published: February 2020

Background

Dignitary medicine is an emerging field of training that involves the specialized care of diplomats, heads of state, and other high-ranking officials. In an effort to provide guidance on training in this nascent field, we convened a panel of experts in dignitary medicine and using the Delphi methodology, created a consensus curriculum for training in dignitary medicine.

Methods

A three-round Delphi consensus process was performed with 42 experts in the field of dignitary medicine. Predetermined scores were required for an aspect of the curriculum to advance to the next round. The scores on the final round were used to determine the components of the curriculum. Scores below the threshold to advance were dropped in the subsequent round.

Results

Our panel had a high degree of agreement on the required skills needed to practice dignitary medicine, with active practice in a provider’s baseline specialty, current board certification, and skills in emergency care and resuscitation being the highest rated skills dignitary medicine physicians need. Skills related to vascular and emergency ultrasound and quality improvement were rated the lowest in the Delphi analysis. No skills were dropped from consideration.

Conclusions

The results of our work can form the basis of formal fellowship training, continuing medical education, and publications in the field of dignitary medicine. It is clear that active medical practice and knowledge of resuscitation and emergency care are critical skills in this field, making emergency medicine physicians well suited to practicing dignitary medicine.
Genome wide association analysis on semen volume and milk yield using different strategies of imputation to whole genome sequence in French dairy goats
Authors:   The VarGoats Consortium, Talouarn Estelle , Bardou Philippe , Palhière Isabelle , Oget Claire , Clément Virginie , Tosser-Klopp Gwenola , Rupp Rachel , Robert-Granié Christèle
Published: February 2020

Background

Goats were domesticated 10,500 years ago to supply humans with useful resources. Since then, specialized breeds that are adapted to their local environment have been developed and display specific genetic profiles. The VarGoats project is a 1000 genomes resequencing program designed to cover the genetic diversity of the Capra genus. In this study, our main objective was to assess the use of sequence data to detect genomic regions associated with traits of interest in French Alpine and Saanen breeds.

Results

Direct imputation from the GoatSNP50 BeadChip genotypes to sequence level was investigated in these breeds using FImpute and different reference panels: within-breed, all Capra hircus sequenced individuals, European goats and French mainland goats. The best results were obtained with the French goat panel with allele and genotype concordance rates reaching 0.86 and 0.75 in the Alpine and 0.86 and 0.73 in the Saanen breed respectively. Mean correlations tended to be low in both breeds due to the high proportion of variants with low frequencies.

For association analysis, imputation was performed using FImpute for 1129 French Alpine and Saanen males using within-breed and French panels on 23,338,436 filtered variants. The association results of both imputation scenarios were then compared. In Saanen goats, a large region on chromosome 19 was significantly linked to semen volume and milk yield in both scenarios. Significant variants for milk yield were annotated for 91 genes on chromosome 19 in Saanen goats. For semen volume, the annotated genes include YBOX2 which is related to azoospermia or oligospermia in other species. New signals for milk yield were detected on chromosome 2 in Alpine goats and on chromosome 5 in Saanen goats when using a multi-breed panel.

Conclusion

Even with very small reference populations, an acceptable imputation quality can be achieved in French dairy goats. GWAS on imputed sequences confirmed the existence of QTLs and identified new regions of interest in dairy goats. Adding identified candidates to a genotyping array and sequencing more individuals might corroborate the involvement of identified regions while removing potential imputation errors.
Dynamic changes in membrane lipid composition of leaves of winter wheat seedlings in response to PEG-induced water stress
Authors: Wang Yajing , Zhang Xinying , Huang Guirong , Feng Fu , Liu Xiaoying , Guo Rui , Gu Fengxue , Zhong Xiuli , Mei Xurong
Published: February 2020

Background

Membrane lipid composition associates closely with membrane stability and fluidity under water stress. In this study, lipidomic analyses based on electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) were carried out to explore dynamic changes of membrane lipids in term of molecular species caused by PEG (Polyethylene glycol-6000)-induced water stress in wheat seedlings.

Results

Among the main phospholipids, phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), and phosphatidylglycerol (PG) are primary degradation targets, and PC was degraded in the largest degree. Membrane ion leakage dramatically increased later than the significant reduction of these phospholipids, indicating that the loss of membrane integrity lagged behind severe phospholipid degradation. Monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG) increased firstly and decreased later, while digalactosyldiacylglycerol (DGDG) ratcheted up with stress. DGDG/MGDG increased after stress for 3 days, and unsaturation of DGDG was promoted with stress. Variation trends of galactolipids differed among molecular species. The time when MGDG (34:3), DGDG (34:3) began to decline approached to the time when non-stomatal limitation impaired photosynthesis. While the two predominant molecular species MGDG (36:6) and DGDG (36:6) began to decline later. So we speculated that MGDG (34:3), DGDG (34:3) might be key components in photosynthesis apparatus and participate in photosynthesis directly. While the two predominant molecular species, MGDG (36:6) and DGDG (36:6) might locate in thylakoid lipid bilayer matrix and play roles in stabilizing the membrane. The research provides new insights into the dynamic response of lipid metabolism to PEG-induced water stress.

Conclusion

In wheat plants under water stress, the major molecular species of PC, PE and PG were degraded, MGDG and DGDG molecular species had differing degradation time courses.
Clinical and functional patient characteristics predict medical needs in older patients at risk of functional decline
Authors: Scharf Anne-Carina , Gronewold Janine , Dahlmann Christian , Schlitzer Jeanina , Kribben Andreas , Gerken Guido , Frohnhofen Helmut , Dodel Richard , Hermann Dirk M.
Published: February 2020

Background

The rising number of older multimorbid in-patients has implications for medical care. There is a growing need for the identification of factors predicting the needs of older patients in hospital environments. Our aim was to evaluate the use of clinical and functional patient characteristics for the prediction of medical needs in older hospitalized patients.

Methods

Two hundred forty-two in-patients (57.4% male) aged 78.4 ± 6.4 years, who were consecutively admitted to internal medicine departments of the University Hospital Essen between July 2015 and February 2017, were prospectively enrolled. Patients were assessed upon admission using the Identification of Seniors at Risk (ISAR) screening followed by comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA). The CGA included standardized instruments for the assessment of activities of daily living (ADL), cognition, mobility, and signs of depression upon admission. In multivariable regressions we evaluated the association of clinical patient characteristics, the ISAR score and CGA results with length of hospital stay, number of nursing hours and receiving physiotherapy as indicators for medical needs. We identified clinical characteristics and risk factors associated with higher medical needs.

Results

The 242 patients spent [median(Q1;Q3)]:9.0(4.0;16.0) days in the hospital, needed 2.0(1.5;2.7) hours of nursing each day, and 34.3% received physiotherapy.

In multivariable regression analyses including clinical patient characteristics, ISAR and CGA domains, the factors age (β = − 0.19, 95% confidence interval (CI) = − 0.66;-0.13), number of admission diagnoses (β = 0.28, 95% CI = 0.16;0.41), ADL impairment (B = 6.66, 95% CI = 3.312;10.01), and signs of depression (B = 6.69, 95% CI = 1.43;11.94) independently predicted length of hospital stay. ADL impairment (B = 1.14, 95%CI = 0.67;1.61), cognition impairment (B = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.07;1.07) and ISAR score (β =0.26, 95% CI = 0.01;0.28) independently predicted nursing hours. The number of admission diagnoses (risk ratio (RR) = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.04;1.08), ADL impairment (RR = 3.54, 95% CI = 2.29;5.47), cognition impairment (RR = 1.77, 95% CI = 1.20;2.62) and signs of depression (RR = 1.99, 95% CI = 1.39;2.85) predicted receiving physiotherapy.

Conclusion

Among older in-patients at risk for functional decline, the number of comorbidities, reduced ADL, cognition impairment and signs of depression are important predictors of length of hospital stay, nursing hours, and receiving physiotherapy during hospital stay.
Clinical and prognostic differences between methicillin-resistant and methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus infective endocarditis
Authors: Hidalgo-Tenorio Carmen , Gálvez Juan , Martínez-Marcos Francisco Javier , Plata-Ciezar Antonio , De La Torre-Lima Javier , López-Cortés Luis Eduardo , Noureddine Mariam , Reguera José M. , Vinuesa David , García Maria Victoria , Ojeda Guillermo , Luque Rafael , Lomas José Manuel , Lepe Jose Antonio , de Alarcón Arístides
Published: February 2020

Background

S. aureus (SA) infective endocarditis (IE) has a very high mortality, attributed to the age and comorbidities of patients, inadequate or delayed antibiotic treatment, and methicillin resistance, among other causes. The main study objective was to analyze epidemiological and clinical differences between IE by methicillin-resistant versus methicillin-susceptible SA (MRSA vs. MSSA) and to examine prognostic factors for SA endocarditis, including methicillin resistance and vancomycin minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values > 1 μg/mL to MRSA.

Methods

Patients with SA endocarditis were consecutively and prospectively recruited from the Andalusia endocarditis cohort between 1984 and January 2017.

Results

We studied 437 patients with SA endocarditis, which was MRSA in 13.5% of cases. A greater likelihood of history of COPD (OR 3.19; 95% CI 1.41–7.23), invasive procedures, or recognized infection focus in the 3 months before IE onset (OR 2.9; 95% CI 1.14–7.65) and of diagnostic delay (OR 3.94; 95% CI 1.64–9.5) was observed in patients with MRSA versus MSSA endocarditis.

The one-year mortality rate due to SA endocarditis was 44.3% and associated with decade of endocarditis onset (1985–1999) (OR 8.391; 95% CI (2.82–24.9); 2000–2009 (OR 6.4; 95% CI 2.92–14.06); active neoplasm (OR 6.63; 95% CI 1.7–25.5) and sepsis (OR 2.28; 95% CI 1.053–4.9). Methicillin resistance was not associated with higher IE-related mortality (49.7 vs. 43.1%; p = 0.32).

Conclusion

MRSA IE is associated with COPD, previous invasive procedure or recognized infection focus, and nosocomial or healthcare-related origin. Methicillin resistance does not appear to be a decisive prognostic factor for SA IE.
The associations between some biological markers, obesity, and cardiovascular risk in Slovenian children and adolescents
Authors: Varda Nataša Marčun , Medved Martina , Ojsteršek Laura
Published: February 2020

Introduction

The occurrence of cardiovascular diseases and metabolic disorders steadily increases with the body mass index (BMI). Since the latter is not the best and earliest indicator of obesity and cardiovascular risk, the aim of the study was to evaluate some potential biological markers that would allow us to detect children and adolescents at higher risk at an early stage.

Methods

A sample of 330 children and adolescents were included in the study and divided into four groups: obese patients with hypertension, normal-weight patients with hypertension, patients with mildly elevated lipids and a control group of healthy children and adolescents. Some clinical parameters (age, body weight, body height, BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference, blood pressure), biochemical parameters (glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, apolipoprotein A1, homocysteine) and biological markers of obesity (ghrelin, adiponectin, leptin) were evaluated.

Results

Ghrelin and adiponectin were found to have a strong negative statistically significant correlation with BMI in all three observed groups (p < 0.001), but not in the control group (p = 0.053 and p = 0.316, respectively). In addition, leptin had a strong positive statistically significant correlation with BMI in all four groups (p < 0.001 for the research groups, p = 0.009 for the controls). In the group of obese patients with hypertension, statistically significant differences in all three markers of obesity were found in comparison to the control group (p < 0.001 for all markers). In the group of patients with mildly elevated lipids, ghrelin and leptin were significantly different (p = 0.002 and p < 0.001, respectively). In the group of normal-weight hypertensive patients, only values of ghrelin were different compared to the control group (p = 0.001).

Conclusion

In the research groups, significant differences were found in clinical, biochemical and biological parameters compared to the control group. The observed biological markers of obesity are useful early markers for identifying groups of patients that are at cardiovascular risk.
Government spending, recession, and suicide: evidence from Japan
Authors: Matsubayashi Tetsuya , Sekijima Kozue , Ueda Michiko
Published: February 2020

Backgrounds

Austerity has been shown to have an adverse influence on people’s mental health and suicide rates. Most existing studies have focused on the governments’ reactions to a single event, for example, the Great Recession of 2008.

Methods

This study focused on significant changes in fiscal policy between 2001 and 2014 in Japan. The size of expenditures by national and local governments decreased dramatically between 2001 and 2006 under the neoliberal reform and then increased after the global economic crisis and the Great East Japan Earthquake. Using the data from 47 prefectures between 2001 and 2014, we tested whether more spending by the local governments was associated with a lower suicide rate in their jurisdiction. We also investigated whether this relationship was particularly salient during a more severe recession.

Results

Our analysis revealed that an increase of 1% in the per capita local government expenditures was associated with a decrease of 0.2% in the suicide rates among males and females aged between 40 and 64 and that this correlation was strengthened as the unemployment rate increased, particularly among males.

Conclusions

Government’s reaction to economic crises can either exacerbate or mitigate the negative impact of the economic recession on people’s mental health and suicide rates.
Association of short-term exposure to sulfur dioxide and hospitalization for ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke in Guangzhou, China
Authors: Shen Shuqun , Li Xing , Yuan Chao , Huang Qin , Liu Dongyang , Ma Shuoyi , Hui Jialiang , Liu Ruiyu , Wu Tongwei , Chen Qing
Published: February 2020

Background

In developing countries, ambient sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a serious air pollutant concern, but there is no enough and consistent epidemiological evidence about its health effects on stroke hospitalization.

Methods

We collected the daily air pollution data, meteorological data and number of daily hospital admissions for ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, in Guangzhou from January 1st 2009 to December 31st 2014. Then we applied generalized additive model with a quasi-Poisson link to assess the relationship between short-term SO2 exposure and the total number of hospital admissions for ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. In addition, we evaluated the effect of ambient SO2 by age (< 65 years and ≥ 65 years).

Results

During the study period, a 24-h mean concentration of ambient SO2 of 27.82 μg/m3, a total of 58,473 ischemic stroke and 9167 hemorrhagic stroke hospital admissions hospital were recorded. Ambient SO2 was found to increase the risk for both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke hospital admission in single pollutant model. The maximum value of percentage changes for ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke occurred in lag 0 day and lag 1 day, per 10 μg/m3 increase in SO2 concentrations was corresponded to a 1.27% (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.42–2.12%) and 1.55% (95%CI, 0.02–3.11%) increased risk, respectively. The association between SO2 and ischemic stroke hospitalization was robust to two pollutant model, but for hemorrhagic stroke it’s partially weakened after adjusting for co-pollutants. The effect of ambient SO2 on ischemic stroke appeared to be greater for people < 65 years old, but null effect on hemorrhagic stroke was identified for both age groups.

Conclusions

We found short-term exposure to ambient SO2 may significantly increase the risks of hospitalization for ischemic stroke. The findings may contribute to a better understanding of the health effects of low-levels of SO2.
Health care providers’ perspectives of diet-related non-communicable disease in South Africa
Authors: Hunter-Adams Jo , Battersby Jane
Published: February 2020

Background

In South Africa, diet-related non-communicable diseases (dr-NCDs) place a significant burden on individuals, households and the health system. In this article, we investigate the experiences of eight key informants within the public sector health care system (nurse, doctor and dietician), in order to reflect on their experiences treating dr-NCDs.

Methods

We interviewed eight key informants who were central to the primary care service for at least 40,000 people living in a low-income neighbourhood of Cape Town, South Africa. In previous work, we had interviewed and conducted ethnographic research focused on dr-NCDs in the same neighbourhood. We then conducted a thematic analysis of these interviews.

Results

The perspectives of key informants within the public sector therefore offered insights into tensions and commonalities between individual, neighbourhood and health systems perspectives. In particular, the rising prevalence of dr-NCDs alarmed providers. They identified changing diet as an important factor driving diabetes and high blood pressure in particular. Health care practitioners focused primarily on patients’ individual responsibility to eat a healthy diet and adhere to treatment. A marked lack of connection between health and social services at the local level, and a shortage of dieticians, meant that doctors provided rapid, often anecdotal dietary advice. The single dietician for the district was ill-equipped to connect dr-NCDs with the upstream determinants of health. While providers often had empathy and understanding of patients’ circumstances, their training and context had not equipped them to translate that understanding into a clinical context. Providers seemingly could not reconcile their empathy with their perception of dr-NCDs as a failure of prudence or responsibility by patients. Significant shortcomings within health systems and social services make reflexive practice very difficult.

Conclusions

Supporting health care providers in understanding context, through approaches such as translational competency, while strengthening both health and social services, are vital given the high burden of NCDs in South Africa.