bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social consequences of common ground in the
act of bonding
Authors: Yamaguchi Masataka
Published: May 2020

This chapter is concerned
with the act of “bonding” in intercultural
encounters. Drawing on a sociocognitive theory
of context, I analyze interactions taken from my
fieldwork in the United States and research
interviews in New Zealand. Against the dominant
trend of antimentalism in linguistic anthropology,
I focus on common ground (CG) as a cognitive
context in interaction. Analytically, I attend to
face strategies and relationship implicative
actions. My point is argue that the notion of CG
needs to be refined and extended by taking into
account ideological components. For further
empirical studies, I suggest that we should
specify what kinds of ideologies are integrated
into components of common ground and explore how
we can create bonding between participants with
conflicting ideologies across national boundaries.
Implications for linguistic anthropology are also
discussed from an evolutionary perspective.
Familial bonding
Authors: Sunakawa Chiho
Published: May 2020

In this chapter, I discuss
how the sense of familial bonding emerges in
webcam-mediated interactions between Japanese
families in Japan and the United
States. I argue that a close relationship between
participants who rarely meet in person is an
interactional achievement. My analytical foci are
twofold. First, I analyze how participants repeat
each other’s utterances and bodily movements such
as hand gestures and facial expressions. Through
what I call ‘mediated repetitions’, participants
share understanding and encourage the virtual
participants’ involvement in locally unfolding
interaction frames. Second, I investigate how the
organization of talk becomes relevant as
participants maneuver webcams. I argue that the
interactional efforts of coordinating repetitions
and converting webcam capabilities into new
interactional modalities contribute to the
creation of a sense of bonding across geographical
boundaries.
Related wild species for breeding of tomato resistant to early blight disease (Alternaria solani)
Authors: Chaerani
Published: May 2020

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicumL.) is susceptible to many fungal diseases, including early blight of foliage caused by the necrotroph fungusAlternaria solani. Frequent application of fungicide is the major component to keep the disease low. Resistant tomato cultivar is the most desirable as it can reduce the cost of disease control significantly. So far, sources of resistance to early blight can only be found in wild relative species of tomato, and few of them have been used in traditional breeding. Unfortunately, tomato lines bred from wild donor parent still exhibit poor horticultural performances like low yield, and late maturity, and indeterminate plant habit, which hinders the release of these lines directly as cultivars. The quantitative expression and polygenic control of the early blight resistance trait, as well as the influence of plant developmental stages and environmental conditions, complicate phenotypic selection in traditional breeding. Genotypic selection by using closely linked-markers to the resistance loci is thus preferred, but mapping of early blight resistance QTL in interspecific crosses of tomato have not obtained markers which are useful for marker-assisted breeding. This review presents sources of early blight resistance in wild species of tomato and efforts in dissecting early blight resistance QTL via linkage analysis with molecular markers. Strategies to obtain closely-linked markers and genomics-assisted breeding to facilitate the introgression of useful resistance genes to cultivated tomato are discussed.
On importance of technical and economic research in determining the optimal parameters and structure of solar heat pump plants
Authors: Amerkhanov R A , Grigorash O V , Armaganyan E G
Published: May 2020

The energy saving in production processes of industrial agricultural production as well as in everyday life was studied. The effective means of saving fuel resources and environmental protection when using solar heating systems were given. The increasing importance of technical and economic studies to determine the structure of solar heat pump installations and their optimal parameters was shown. The types of technical schemes and profiles of equipment in the stages of design work are presented. Various methods for determining efficiency in the energy sector as well as thermodynamic analysis and its disadvantages are presented. The use of this method is proposed to consider exergy economic optimization using exergy efficiency.
Modeling methods to assess technical condition of low-pressure earthen dams
Authors: Bandurin M A , Vanzha V V , Shishkin A S , Litovko F S , Sidakov A A
Published: May 2020

The paper discusses the main parameters of the modern modeling methods and its application, which are used to assess the technical condition of long-running, low-pressure earthen dams. In Russia, the matter on justification to extend the operation life for hydraulic constructions of irrigation systems requires to be overhauled and discussed more. During the long-term operation of the low-pressure earthen dams, many construction elements can fail. Based on the surveys performed, the technical condition of the Kuban and Protoka rivers regulation system for a significant length is assessed as emergency. Over a long period of operation, some significant damages and changes in the main constructions of the river regulation system occurred. As a result of numerical experiments, the boundaries of the low-pressure earthen dams containing typical damage of the same type were systematized, which allows streaming the process of laying down the radarograms of georadar sounding subsurface and determining the points at which concrete strength should be measured during a field examination. As a result of numerical experiments conducted by the finite element method, the reliability of the low-pressure earthen dams of irrigation systems has been simulated to identify various combinations of possible destructive impacts. The degree of danger and the boundaries showing some characteristic zones of destruction which can occur in the low-pressure earthen dams’ parts have been defined. Empirical dependencies have been obtained to evaluate the performance of the low-pressure earthen dams with a changing location and nature of the lesions, allowing determining the maximum allowable damage scope for further safe operation of a hydraulic construction.
Innovative technology for complex processing of plants of different cucurbits species
Authors: Donchenko L V , Sobol I V , Rodionova L Ya , Vlaschik L V , Vnukova T N
Published: May 2020

Global environmental degradation in almost all regions of the world dictates the need for expansion of a range of specialized products with powerful detoxification properties. Another equally urgent problem is an increasing output of competitive products per one unit of processed agricultural products. Pectic substances are effective plant-based sorbents. Cucurbit crops, such as desert gourd and watermelon, present promising raw materials for pectin production. Due to high pectin content, pulp and juice of their fruits, in particular desert gourds, have high viscosity and special consistency. Here we show the results of analysis of the total content of pectin substances and their fractional composition (mass fraction of protopectin and hydrated pectin). The results obtained formed the basis for development of an innovative technology for desert gourd and watermelon processing with production of pectin products. To evaluate fields of their applications, basic analytical characteristics of pectin’s were studied: content of free and methoxylated carboxyl groups, degree of esterification, methoxyl and acetyl moieties, and complexing ability. A characteristic of isolated pectin’s allowed us to evaluate the feasibility of cucurbit crop processing for expansion of the range of pectin-containing foods and increase of their production volumes. We also show data on the global and Russian food markets of pectin-containing foods.
Mathematical modelling of heart rhythm in dairy cattle
Authors: Emelyanova A S , Stepura E E , Gerasimov M A , Emelyanov S D
Published: May 2020

The article discusses the issues of mathematical modeling and processing of cardiointervalogramms of cows with different vegetative regulation. An analysis of the sinus rhythm with subsequent mathematical processing of statistical parameters is presented. The work examines the variational pulsograms of an experimental group of animals, using correlation rhythmography, analyzes the scattergrams, autocorrelation clouds in cows with different levels of vegetative regulation. Studies of heart rate variability indicators for Jersey breed cows are relevant. This is a unique method that allows one to take into account the breed characteristics of cattle, predict milk productivity and increase the period of economic use. The stress index is an indicator that most fully informs about the degree of tension of the body's compensatory mechanisms, as well as about the level of functioning of the central circuit of the regulation of heart rhythm. Based on the stress index, the initial vegetative tone was calculated.
Development of an adjustable safety lock with glass and plastic rods used for a reversable plow
Authors: Kudzaev A B , Tsgoev A E , Tsgoev D V , Korobeinik I A , Kalagova R V
Published: May 2020

The article deals with a design of the adjustable lightweight safety device made from composite materials and used for reversible plows. Initially, a design scheme was developed. It was theoretically and experimentally investigated. Research was conducted by the Department of Tractors and Agricultural Machines of the Gorsky State Agrarian University. As a result, software was developed. It is used to determine rational values of the main parameters of the safety lock. The following values of the parameters were obtained: the diameter of fiberglass rods dr = 16 mm; the rod length lr = 0.85 m; the number of rods nr = 16 (8 in each spring); the height of the center of the stop e = 0.15 m; the radius of the crank rr = 0.12 m; the rod length lr = 0.25 m; the initial value of the angle of crank rotation acro = 30 … 700. During the laboratory experimental studies, using the strain gauging method, we studied a change in the traction resistance of a section when it is deepened, and reliability of obstacles of various heights. The traction resistance was 7800 … 11600N, which is sufficient to ensure reliable operation of the plow section in the North Caucasus region. In all experiments, a decrease in the traction resistance was observed when the section returned after deepening to its original position, which was caused by the gravity section and hysteresis losses in the composite rods. Field tests of the upgraded model of the reversible plow PON-3 confirmed high efficiency of the safety lock design.
Pilot installation for applying protective coating on the surface of the agricultural equipment
Authors: Ushanev A I , Uspensky I A , Yukhin I A
Published: May 2020

Agricultural machinery is operated in difficult conditions and severe environment. Due to contact with road surfaces, soil, plants, fuels and lubricants, as well as fertilizers and pesticides, when changing temperature conditions and under the influence of a number of other factors, surfaces of agricultural machinery become old and corroded, which reduces their performance and worsens some of its parameters. Most agricultural machines are operated from 10-15 to 55-60 days during the year, and for the remaining time, they are subject to high-quality storage. During long-term storage, the dimensions of parts change due to corrosion, as well as the quality of their material decreases due to structural transformations and residual deformations caused by the machine’s own weight. Efficiency and its service life can increase by 10-15% due to the application of a protective coating on the surface of agricultural machines, which reduces the influence of external factors on their safety. The use of a developed spray gun in the design of a hydraulic installation for applying a protective coating on the surface of agricultural machinery allows one to reduce unit costs by 13.8% and electricity costs by 12.3%. The economic effect of using a hydraulic coating system with the developed spray gun will amount to 75,539.3 rubles per year when processing 124.9 m2 of agricultural machinery surface.
Technological Challenges & Environmental Mitigation via Bio-oil Production from Biomass Resources
Authors: Ibrahim M D , -Gopakumar S T , Abakr Y A , Yakub M I , Zwalnan S J
Published: May 2020

Biomass is among the most promising energy source in the twenty-first century amidst the energy scenario in the global community as a carbon-neutral fuel. Climate change is a global threat to the ecosystem and will be minimized by the introduction of renewable energy into the stream of the world energy projects. This study focuses on drawbacks and prospects of the thermochemical technology such as bubbling fluidized bed, circulating fluidized bed, conical spouted bed, rotary cone, auger and ablative reactors. The challenges are complexities in scale-up of the technologies, sustainability of non - food crop and biomass residues supply, bulkiness and high moisture content, transport network to a centralized storage facility and deoxygenated catalysts development for a higher purity of bio-oil yield and stability. However, the bio-oil yield for BFB, CFB, CSB, RC, A-R and AbR are at an average of 3.52-60, 45.2-75, 9.93–70, 14.27–51.8, 21.7-53.6, 50–70 wt.% respectively. The BFB & CFB are often used, while the AbR shows the highest bio-oil yield. The most promising technology is the AbR with a high propensity of more than 70wt.% bio-oil yield. Therefore, a techno-economic analysis of the technologies of specific capacity across board be employed for equipment selection, simplified process plant; higher yield with cost-effective operation and maintenance cost etc. Global biodiesel production has been projected from (36 to 39) bln L between 2017-2027 [1] when achieved will go a long way in curtailing the effect of climate change.
A Study of Indoor Carbonaceous Aerosols and the Socio-Economic Parameters in a Rural Area of Himachal Pradesh, India
Authors: Verma Kopal , Kulshrestha Umesh
Published: May 2020

Solid Biomass Fuel (SBF) burning is one of major reasons for the indoor air pollution and high disease burden in rural areas of India. This study has made an effort to find out the association of carbonaceous aerosol (CA) emissions with the socio-economic factors in the households of a rural village, Baggi in Himachal Pradesh, India. Also, the emissions of Organic Carbon (OC) and Elemental Carbon (EC) were evaluated for different types and combination of fuel combustion for cooking and heating purposes. Enhanced average concentrations of OC (240 μg/m3) and EC (118.4 μg/m3) were found with sole biomass burning (wood) on the Chullah (traditional low-budget cookstoves) due to inefficient and incomplete combustion. Although, there was a significant reduction of 53% and 41% in OC and EC respectively when a combination of biomass and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) was used for cooking. With LPG, the concentrations of OC and EC significantly declined to as low as 38.1 μg/m3 and 31.6 μg/m3 respectively. Also, an excellent inter-relationship was identified between the socio-economic parameters such as the kitchen’s ventilation, education, financial status, etc. and CA emissions. In the house with very good ventilation (2 wide windows), the total CA emissions were as low as 86.7μg/m3. Also, the family members were educated and financially affluent. On the other hand, the total CA emissions were escalated by a significant 75.9% where the ventilation facility was extremely poor (small window and slit in the roof), the family was limitedly educated, and financial status lied below poverty line. On an average, the women in this village were found to spend 5 hours per day in the kitchen area. The socio-economic parameters are necessarily important towards the mitigation indoor air pollution and hence carbonaceous aerosols.
Comparison of measured and simulated NO2 integral content in the lower troposphere in Moscow region
Authors: Postylyakov O , Borovski A , Kirsanov A , Vasileva A , Elansky N
Published: May 2020

We presented preliminary results of a comparison of the NO2 integral contents (IC) measured by the DOAS technique and simulated by the COSMO-Ru7-ART chemical transport model at Zvenigorod Scientific Station (ZSS) located in 38 km west from Moscow. The comparison covers January and July of 2014 when background and polluted by Moscow air masses were observed at ZSS. The measured NO2 IC in the atmospheric boundary layer observed at ZSS does not exceed 0.5 × 1016 molec × cm−2 in background conditions of the atmosphere when non-east wind direction dominated. It grows up to 5.4 × 1016 molec × cm−2 when polluted air masses come from Moscow megacity. Simulated NO2 IC has similar behaviour. As a whole, a good agreement between measured and simulated datasets is observed. Some overestimation of the NO2 emission presents for sources located to the south and north-east from ZSS. Underestimation of the NO2 emission presents for sources located inside of Moscow megacity and located to south-west from ZSS.
Morphology and photoluminescence of nano-porous anodic alumina membranes obtained in oxalic acid at different anodization potentials
Authors: Ramana Reddy P , K M Ajith , Udayashankar N K
Published: May 2020

Porous Anodic alumina (PAA) with highly ordered pore geometry serves as an ideal template for future development of nanodevices. In the present work, PAA was prepared by varying anodization potential from 10 to 50 V in oxalic acid at 8 °C with a constant electrolyte concentration of 0.3 M. The influence of anodization potential on the structural and photoluminescence (PL) properties of PAA has been studied. The effect of anodization potential on the main pore characteristics of PAA such as pore diameter, interpore distance, pore density, porosity and circularity was studied. It was observed that circularity of PAA was nearly equal to one in the case of anodization potential of 40 V. Highest regularity ratio (RR) obtained for PAA formed in 40 V and it was calculated by WSxM software. It was noticed that with increasing anodization potential there is a slight change in PL spectra of PAA and shows a strong PL peak in blue region.
Conformational diversity of dynactin sidearm and domain organization of its subunit p150
Authors: Saito Kei , Murayama Takashi , Hata Tomone , Kobayashi Takuya , Shibata Keitaro , Kazuno Saiko , Fujimura Tsutomu , Sakurai Takashi , Toyoshima Yoko Y.
Published: May 2020

Using nanogold labeling and deletion mutant analysis, we determined the domain organization of dynactin subunit p150 and discovered that its CC1 domain adopted either a folded or an extended form. Furthermore, the entire sidearm of dynactin exhibited several characteristic forms, and the equilibrium among them depended on salt concentrations.
The splicing-factor Prp40 affects dynein–dynactin function inAspergillus nidulans
Authors: Qiu Rongde , Zhang Jun , Xiang Xin
Published: May 2020

We performed a genomewide mutant screen for genes affecting dynein-mediated early-endosome distribution in Aspergillus nidulans, and we unexpectedly identified Prp40A, a homologue of the yeast splicing factor Prp40. Prp40A and its higher eukaryotic homologues may represent new factors affecting the assembly and function of dynein-dynactin.
5. More triangles and squares
Authors: Wilson Robin
Published: May 2020

‘More triangles and squares’ explores Diophantine equations, named after the mathematician Diophantus of Alexandria. These are equations requiring whole number solutions. Which numbers can be written as the sum of two perfect squares? Joseph-Louis Lagrange’s theorem guarantees that every number can be written as the sum of four squares, and Edward Waring correctly suggested that there are similar results for higher powers. In 1637, Fermat conjectured that no three positive integers, a, b, and c, can satisfy the equation an+bn=cn, if n is greater than 2. Known as ‘Fermat’s last theorem’, this conjecture was eventually proved by Andrew Wiles in 1995.
Smell: A Very Short Introduction
Authors: Cobb Matthew
Published: May 2020

Smell: A Very Short Introduction is an exploration of the science and physiology of smell and its historical, cultural, and environmental significance. What happens in our brains when we smell something? How do human olfactory processes differ from those of mammals, birds, and insects? Is there a link between smell and genetics? The connection between smell and memory is more than a literary conceit, with smells proving more effective than images at unlocking memories. The same odour can have different meanings to different people. Smells themselves are often blends, and our reactions to them are influenced by our memories and cultural conditioning.
Globalization in history
Authors: Steger Manfred B.
Published: May 2020

Is globalization a new phenomenon, and is it fundamentally different from the centuries-old process of modernization? ‘Globalization in history’ explores the spatial expansion of social relations and the corresponding rise of the global imaginary, recognizing them as gradual processes with deep historical roots. Following the settling of prehistoric tribes, the premodern period saw technological advances which formed the foundations of many of today’s innovations. The early modern period saw the birth of capitalism and the modern period brought about industrialization and a population explosion. Our current period is described as ‘the great convergence’, in which different and widely spaced people and connections can come together more rapidly than ever.
Loyalty and Disclosure in Legal Ethics
Authors: Zipursky Benjamin C
Published: May 2020

As fiduciaries, lawyers owe duties of loyalty to their clients, and such duties are widely understood to entail strong duties of confidentiality. This article addresses the question of whether loyalty-based duties of confidentiality preclude the legal system from imposing on lawyers duties to disclose that their clients have been engaging in financial fraud. It distinguishes two possible bases for such duties of disclosure: alleged duties of care to investors who will suffer financial harm if these frauds are not revealed, and legislative mandates requiring lawyers to report evidence of legal violations to a government institution. The latter—driven by a “gatekeeping” rationale, and illustrated here by a (failed) proposal of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission—is different in substance and structure from the former, “duty-of-care” rationale. The article argues that, while there may be good arguments based on a lawyer’s role-based duty of loyalty to a reject a duty-of-care based rationale for disclosure duties, these arguments do not defeat the gatekeeping, legislative-mandate rationales for disclosure duties. While a stringent duty of loyalty to a client may indeed conflict with the structure of duties of care to third parties, it need not conflict with a positive mandate to report legal violations.
Detectable Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in Human Breast Milk of a Mildly Symptomatic Patient With Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Authors: Tam Patrick C K , Ly Kathleen M , Kernich Max L , Spurrier Nicola , Lawrence Diana , Gordon David L , Tucker Emily C
Published: May 2020

SARS-CoV-2 is a novel coronavirus and causative pathogen to the pandemic illness COVID-19. Although RNA has been detected in various clinical samples, no reports to date have documented SARS-CoV-2 in human milk. This case report describes an actively breastfeeding patient with COVID-19 infection with detectable viral RNA in human milk.
Clinical Outcomes of Coronavirus Disease 2019 With Evidence-based Supportive Care
Authors: Larson Derek T , Sherner John H , Gallagher Kia M , Judy Cynthia L , Paul Madison B , Mahoney Alexandra M , Weina Peter J
Published: May 2020

Calls for adherence to evidence-based medicine have emerged during the initial wave of the COVID-19 pandemic but reports of outcomes are lacking. This retrospective study of an institutional cohort including 135 patients with confirmed COVID-19 demonstrates positive outcomes when organizational standards of care consist of evidence-based supportive therapies.
Surveillance of neo-squamous epithelium after ablation of Barrett’s esophagus: is it better to use jumbo over standard biopsy forceps?
Authors: Duvvuri Abhiram , Desai Madhav , Srinivasan Sachin , Chandrashekar Viveksandeep Thoguluva , Vennelaganti Sreekar , Vennalaganti Prashanth , Jani Bhairvi , Lim Diego , Ciscato Camilla , Spaggiari Paola , Consolo Pierluigi , Porter Jaime , Ferrara Elisa , Kennedy Kevin , Gupta Neil , Mathur Sharad , Sharma Prateek , Repici Alessandro
Published: May 2020

Background and Aims: As obtaining adequate tissue on biopsy is critical for the detection of residual and recurrent intestinal metaplasia/dysplasia in Barrett’s esophagus (BE) patients undergone Barrett’s endoscopic eradication therapy (BET), we decided to compare the adequacy of biopsy specimens using jumbo versus standard biopsy forceps. Methods: This is a two-center study of patients’ post-radiofrequency ablation of dysplastic BE. After BET, jumbo (Boston Scientific©, Radial Jaw 4, opening diameter 2.8 mm) or standard (Boston Scientific©, Radial Jaw 4, opening diameter 2.2 mm) biopsy forceps were utilized to obtain surveillance biopsies from the neo-squamous epithelium. Presence of lamina propria and proportion of squamous epithelium with partial or full thickness lamina propria was recorded by two experienced gastrointestinal pathologists who were blinded. Squamous epithelial biopsies that contained at least two-thirds of lamina propria were considered ‘adequate’. Results: In a total of 211 biopsies from 55 BE patients, 145 biopsies (29 patients, 18 males, mean age 61 years, interquartile range [IQR] 33–83) were obtained using jumbo forceps and 66 biopsies (26 patients, all males, mean age 65 years, IQR 56–76) using standard forceps biopsies. Comparing jumbo versus standard forceps, the proportion of specimens with any subepithelial lamina propria was 51.7% versus 53%, P = 0.860 and the presence of adequate subepithelial lamina propria was 17.9% versus 9.1%, P = 0.096 respectively. Conclusions: Use of jumbo forceps does not appear to have added advantage over standard forceps to obtain adequate biopsy specimens from the neo-squamous mucosa post-ablation.
The Case of Female Perpetrators of International Crimes: Exploratory Insights and New Research Directions
Authors: Ferizović Jasenka
Published: May 2020

Although conflicts are often considered to be an exclusively male domain, historical records of conflicts throughout the 20th century show that women also actively participate in warfare – not only as peace activists, humanitarian workers, health care providers, politicians and soldiers but also as perpetrators of crimes. Nevertheless, the participation of women in the commission of international crimes, such as war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide, has long been considered an anomaly that falls beyond the ‘normal’ scope of conflict-related criminality. Consequently, this topic has been deemed marginal in scholarly circles and, until recently, has remained significantly under-researched. This article contributes to the existing research by presenting an original analysis of the characteristics of conflict-related criminality among women and of criminal prosecutions of female perpetrators of international crimes in modern conflicts, primarily focusing on World War II, and the wars in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia. It further offers a first systematic overview and analysis of domestic trials of women prosecuted for international crimes before the courts in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Serbia.
New gravity data and 3-D density model constraints on the Ivrea Geophysical Body (Western Alps)
Authors: Scarponi M , Hetényi G , Berthet T , Baron L , Manzotti P , Petri B , Pistone M , Müntener O
Published: May 2020

We provide a high-resolution image of the Ivrea Geophysical Body (IGB) in the Western Alps with new gravity data and 3-D density modelling, integrated with surface geological observations and laboratory analyses of rock properties. The IGB is a sliver of Adriatic lower lithosphere that is located at shallow depths along the inner arc of the Western Alps, and associated with dense rocks that are exposed in the Ivrea-Verbano Zone (IVZ). The IGB is known for its high seismic velocity anomaly at shallow crustal depths and a pronounced positive gravity anomaly. Here, we investigate the IGB at a finer spatial scale, merging geophysical and geological observations. We compile existing gravity data and we add 207 new relative gravity measurements, approaching an optimal spatial coverage of 1 data point per 4–9 km2 across the IVZ. A compilation of tectonic maps and rock laboratory analyses together with a mineral properties database is used to produce a novel surface rock-density map of the IVZ. The density map is incorporated into the gravity anomaly computation routine, from which we defined the Niggli gravity anomaly. This accounts for Bouguer Plate and terrain correction, both considering the in situ surface rock densities, deviating from the 2670 kg m–3 value commonly used in such computations. We then develop a 3-D single-interface crustal density model, which represents the density distribution of the IGB, including the above Niggli-correction. We retrieve an optimal fit to the observations by using a 400 kg m–3 density contrast across the model interface, which reaches as shallow as 1 km depth below sea level. The model sensitivity tests suggest that the ∼300–500 kg m–3 density contrast range is still plausible, and consequently locates the shallowest parts of the interface at 0 km and at 2 km depth below sea level, for the lowest and the highest density contrast, respectively. The former model requires a sharp density discontinuity, the latter may feature a vertical transition of densities on the order of few kilometres. Compared with previous studies, the model geometry reaches shallower depths and suggests that the width of the anomaly is larger, ∼20 km in west–east direction and steeply E–SE dipping. Regarding the possible rock types composing the IGB, both regional geology and standard background crustal structure considerations are taken into account. These exclude both felsic rocks and high-pressure metamorphic rocks as suitable candidates, and point towards ultramafic or mantle peridotite type rocks composing the bulk of the IGB.
Gestational weight gain, birthweight and early-childhood obesity: between- and within-family comparisons
Authors: Badon Sylvia E , Quesenberry Charles P , Xu Fei , Avalos Lyndsay A , Hedderson Monique M
Published: May 2020

Background

Associations of excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) with greater birthweight and childhood obesity may be confounded by shared familial environment or genetics. Sibling comparisons can minimize variation in these confounders because siblings grow up in similar environments and share the same genetic predisposition for weight gain.

Methods

We identified 96 289 women with live births in 2008–2014 at Kaiser Permanente Northern California. Fifteen percent of women (N = 14 417) had at least two births during the study period for sibling analyses. We assessed associations of GWG according to the Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommendations with birthweight and obesity at age 3 years, using conventional analyses comparing outcomes between mothers and sibling analyses comparing outcomes within mothers, which control for stable within-family unmeasured confounders such as familial environment and genetics. We used generalized estimating-equations and fixed-effects models.

Results

In conventional analyses, GWG above the IOM recommendations was associated with 88% greater odds of large-for-gestational age birthweight [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.80, 1.97] and 30% greater odds of obesity at 3 years old (95% CI: 1.24, 1.37) compared with GWG within the IOM recommendations. In sibling analyses, GWG above the IOM recommendations was also associated with greater odds of large-for-gestational age [odds ratio (OR): 1.36; 95% CI: 1.20, 1.54], but was not associated with obesity at 3 years old (OR = 0.98; 95% CI: 0.84, 1.15).

Conclusions

GWG likely has a direct impact on birthweight; however, shared environmental and lifestyle factors within families may play a larger role in determining early-childhood weight status and obesity risk than GWG.
Nano-second protein dynamics of key residue at Position 38 in catechol-O-methyltransferase system: a time-resolved fluorescence study
Authors: Liu Fan , Zhang Jianyu
Published: May 2020

Human catechol-O-methyltransferase, a key enzyme related to neurotransmitter metabolism, catalyses a methyl transfer from S-adenosylmethionine to catechol. Although extensive studies aim to understand the enzyme mechanisms, the connection of protein dynamics and enzyme catalysis is still not clear. Here, W38in (Trp143Phe) and W38in/Y68A (Trp143Phe with Tyr68Ala) mutants were carried out to study the relationship of dynamics and catalysis in nano-second timescale using time-resolved fluorescence lifetimes and Stokes shifts in various solvents. The comprehensive data implied the mutant W38in/Y68A with lower activity is more rigid than the ‘WT’−W38in, suggesting the importance of flexibility at residue 38 to maintain the optimal catalysis.
Specialization versus competition: an anatomy of increasing returns to scale
Authors: Bucci Alberto , Ushchev Philip
Published: May 2020

We develop a model of monopolistic competition with a differentiated intermediate good and variable elasticity of technological substitution. The model allows to study the nature and origins of external increasing returns. We single out two sources of scale economies: specialization and competition. The former depends only on how total factor productivity (TFP) varies with input diversity, while the latter is fully captured by the behavior of the elasticity of substitution across inputs. This distinction gives rise to a full characterization of the rich array of competition regimes in our model. The necessary and sufficient conditions for each regime to occur are expressed in terms of the relationships between TFP and the elasticity of substitution as functions of the input diversity. Moreover, we demonstrate that, despite the folk wisdom resting on constant elasticity of substitution models, specialization economies are in general neither necessary nor sufficient for external increasing returns to emerge. This highlights the profound and nontrivial role of market competition in generating agglomeration economies and other phenomena driven by scale economies.
A functional structural model of grass development based on metabolic regulation and coordination rules
Authors: Gauthier Marion , Barillot Romain , Schneider Anne , Chambon Camille , Fournier Christian , Pradal Christophe , Robert Corinne , Andrieu Bruno
Published: May 2020

Shoot architecture is a key component of the interactions between plants and their environment. We present a novel model of grass, which fully integrates shoot morphogenesis and the metabolism of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) at organ scale, within a three-dimensional representation of plant architecture. Plant morphogenesis is seen as a self-regulated system driven by two main mechanisms. First, the rate of organ extension and the establishment of architectural traits are regulated by concentrations of C and N metabolites in the growth zones and the temperature. Second, the timing of extension is regulated by rules coordinating successive phytomers instead of a thermal time schedule. Local concentrations are calculated from a model of C and N metabolism at organ scale. The three-dimensional representation allows the accurate calculation of light and temperature distribution within the architecture. The model was calibrated for wheat (Triticum aestivum) and evaluated for early vegetative stages. This approach allowed the simulation of realistic patterns of leaf dimensions, extension dynamics, and organ mass and composition. The model simulated, as emergent properties, plant and agronomic traits. Metabolic activities of growing leaves were investigated in relation to whole-plant functioning and environmental conditions. The current model is an important step towards a better understanding of the plasticity of plant phenotype in different environments.
Uncommon clinical presentation of a common bug: Group AStreptococcusmeningitis
Authors: Lee Jimin , Blackburn Julie , Pham-Huy Anne
Published: May 2020

Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a common pathogen in paediatric infections. However, it is a rare etiologic agent of bacterial meningitis. We describe a case of Streptococcus pyogenes meningitis complicated by sensorineural hearing loss in an immunocompetent 7-year-old boy. Clinicians should be aware of GAS as a potential cause of paediatric meningitis, especially with prominent symptoms suggestive of frontal sinusitis. Meningitis caused by GAS has been shown to be associated with significant mortality and morbidity, including neurological complications. Early screening for sensorineural hearing loss in patients with GAS meningitis can facilitate timely cochlear implant.
Legal Power in Action: How Latinx Adult Children Mitigate the Effects of Parents’ Legal Status through Brokering
Authors: García Valdivia Isabel
Published: May 2020

Scholars have long demonstrated that Latinx children engage in cultural and linguistic brokering on behalf of their immigrant parents. This article adds to this literature by examining how the transition to adulthood enables adult children to deploy their legal power to assist their immigrant parents. This study identifies three types of brokering using legal power: securing loans or access to credit, sponsoring immigration petitions, and becoming a legal guardian for siblings. Using 37 in-depth interviews with adult children, parents, and extended family members with varying legal statuses in California, I show that citizen adult children have greater capacity than DACAmented adult children in mixed-status families to exercise legal power when brokering. In addition, adult children’s legal power may be enhanced or limited by incomplete paperwork, family tensions, and economic background. These findings provide an understanding of how the transition to legal adulthood affects the way adult children of immigrants help their undocumented parents access resources and information, negotiate the effects of immigration laws, and reduce some inequality suffered by their families.
Sleep Deprivation Etiologies Among Patients in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Al Mutair Abbas , Shamsan Abbas , Salih Samer , Al-Omari Awad
Published: May 2020

Background

Sleep deprivation among patients is a common problem in the intensive care unit (ICU). Studies have tried to find the etiologies of sleep deprivation. Poor sleep quality in the ICU has effects such as delirium, weakening the wound healing, and anxiety. Researches have concluded that the etiologies for sleep deprivation are multifactorial.

Objectives

The aim of this review is to discuss the etiologies of sleep deprivation among ICU patients. This review also aims to discuss effects of sleep deprivations and provide implications for promoting sleep quality in the ICU.

Methods

For this literature review, ProQuest, MEDLINE, and Up To Date were used to find articles about sleep deprivation among ICU patients. The search was narrowed to articles between 2008 and 2019. A total of 23 articles were included that were found to match the inclusion criteria.

Results

Findings indicated that sleep deprivations etiologies among ICU patients can be environmental and nonenvironmental. Sensory overload, sensory deprivation, and patients' care activities are environmental etiologies for sleep deprivation. The nonenvironmental factors include pharmacological, physical, and psychological factors.

Discussion

Sleep deprivation etiologies are multifactorial and have several effects on ICU patients. Sleep protocol and staff training should be introduced to reduce unnecessary interventions by ICU staff. Tele-ICU monitoring can also be introduced to reduce unnecessary interventions where clinicians can monitor patients remotely and therefore enhance sleep in the ICU. During their stay in the ICU, patients can be instructed to wear earplugs and also have aromatherapy massage to reduce stress and enhance sleep quality. More research on the physical pain and the psychological factors using objective methods should be conducted in the future.
Implementing Cardiac Surgical Unit—Advanced Life Support Through Simulation-Based Learning
Authors: Marler Gregory S. , Molloy Margory A. , Engel Jill R. , Walters Gloria , Smitherman Melanie B. , Sabol Valerie K.
Published: May 2020

Background

The European Association for Cardio Thoracic Surgery and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons endorse Cardiac Surgical Unit–Advanced Life Support, a protocol designed specifically for cardiothoracic surgical patients who suffer postoperative cardiac arrests. To enhance patient outcomes and to reduce death rates, cardiothoracic intensive care unit nurses must be able to perform the protocol with confidence, proficiency, and without delays. To this end, simulation-based learning (SBL) is a pedagogical method ideal for optimized learning.

Objectives

This quality improvement project was designed to implement a post–cardiac surgery resuscitation protocol in a nonacademic, community medical center to enhance nurse knowledge, confidence, and proficiency for optimal patient outcomes.

Methods

The Cardiac Surgical Unit–Advanced Life Support is an evidence-based resuscitation protocol that was implemented using didactic, hands-on training, and SBL. It was evaluated using knowledge surveys, comparisons in nurse confidence and performance measures, and patient outcomes data.

Results

Nurses' knowledge gains (ie, mean test scores) on our test were statistically significant between 3 time points (F2,60 = 81.204, P < .001). Knowledge significantly increased from pre-education to immediate post-education (P < .001), but declined from immediate post-education to 3-month post-education assessments (P < .001); however, the 3-month post knowledge mean was still higher than the pre-education knowledge mean (P < .001). Nurses were confident in their ability to apply the protocol, although results failed to show a correlation between confidence and performance ability. Statistical significance for delay in cardiopulmonary resuscitation was found between pre– and post–nursing education patient cardiac arrest events (P = .05).

Conclusions

Didactic and hands-on learning supported knowledge retention over time for cardiothoracic surgical intensive care unit nurses. Improving self-confidence and the application of an unfamiliar resuscitation protocol through SBL and any impact a training program has on patient outcomes will require ongoing practice and more evaluation.
Rapid Emergence of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia During JAK2 Inhibitor Therapy in a Patient With Myelofibrosis
Authors: Sousos Nikolaos , Buck Gemma , Rodriguez‐Meira Alba , Norfo Ruggiero , Hamblin Angela , Pezzella Francesco , Davies Jennifer , Hublitz Philip , Psaila Bethan , Mead Adam J.
Published: May 2020

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text
A bispecific antibody demonstrates limited measurability in routine coagulation assays
Authors: Hartmann Rudolf , Feenstra Tjerk , Knappe Sabine , Schrenk Gerald , Scheiflinger Friedrich , Dockal Michael
Published: May 2020

Accurate monitoring of coagulation, needed for optimal management of patients with haemophilia A with inhibitors, presents a challenge for treating physicians. Although global haemostatic assays may be used in this population, their utility with nonfactor therapies has yet to be established in the clinical setting. The aim of this study was to assess options for potential haemostatic activity monitoring and feasibility for factor VIII (FVIII)-equivalency measurement with a sequence identical analogue (SIA) to emicizumab using different coagulation assays. SIA was analysed using five commercial chromogenic assays and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) assays including clot waveform analysis using five different triggers. Recombinant FVIII served as a comparator in all assays. Thrombin generation in haemophilia A plasma was measured using extrinsic and intrinsic trigger conditions (tissue factor or Factor XIa). Of the five chromogenic assays, a concentration-dependent increase in Factor Xa was observed with one assay, with human Factor IXa and X reagents. The SIA dose–response signal plateaued at therapeutically relevant concentrations and was nonparallel with FVIII reference, thereby not permitting FVIII-equivalence assessment. aPTT varied between reagents, with aPTT normalization occurring at low and below-therapeutic SIA concentrations. SIA [600 nmol/l (90 μg/ml)] only partially restored thrombin generation in individual haemophilia A patient plasma. FVIII-equivalence of SIA could not be determined using standard FVIII protocols and was found to be highly influenced by assay type, analytical conditions and parameters used for calculation. New and/or modified methodology and standard reagents specific for use with nonfactor therapies are required for their utilization in the clinical setting.
Clinical outcomes after multiple self-expandable metallic stent placement using stent-in-stent technique for malignant gastric outlet obstruction
Authors: Mo Jin Won , Kim Young Min , Kim Jie-Hyun , Shin Seung Yong , Youn Young Hoon , Park Hyojin
Published: May 2020

Self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) placement is widely used for relieving symptoms in malignant gastric outlet obstruction (MGOO). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of multiple gastroduodenal stent placement using the stent-in-stent technique and to identify factors predictive of stent patency.

We retrospectively analyzed data from 170 patients with GOO receiving SEMS using the stent-in-stent technique between July 2006 and July 2018. Of these, 90 had been treated with SEMS placement for MGOO. Technical and clinical success rates were evaluated. Clinical outcomes and predictors of stent patency were also analyzed.

Second SEMS placement was used in 34.4% of cases and 9.7% were treated with third SEMS placement because of prior stent dysfunction. Median stent patency time was 15.7 weeks for the first SEMS, 10.4 weeks for the second, and 11.3 weeks for the third. The technical and clinical success rates were 100% and 97.8% for the first SEMS, 100% and 90.3% for the second, respectively, and both 100% for the third. Multivariable analysis showed that use of covered SEMS and chemotherapy after first and second SEMS placement was significant predictors of stent patency. Serious complications such as bleeding or perforation did not occur in any patient.

Second and third gastroduodenal SEMS placement using the stent-in-stent technique is safe and effective for management of first stent dysfunction in MGOO. Stent patency is significantly associated with the use of covered SEMS and chemotherapy after SEMS placement.