bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphometric analysis of peripheral myelinated nerve fibers through deep learning
Authors: Moiseev Daniel , Hu Bo , Li Jun
Published: November 2018

Irrespective of initial causes of neurological diseases, these disorders usually exhibit two key pathological changes—axonal loss or demyelination or a mixture of the two. Therefore, vigorous quantification of myelin and axons is essential in studying these diseases. However, the process of quantification has been labor intensive and time‐consuming because of the requisite manual segmentation of myelin and axons from microscopic nerve images. As a part of AI development, deep learning has been utilized to automate certain tasks, such as image analysis. This study describes the development of a convolutional neural network (CNN)—based approach to segment images of mouse nerve cross sections. We adapted the U‐Net architecture and used manually‐produced segmentation data accumulated over many years in our lab for training. These images ranged from normal nerves to those afflicted by severe myelin and axon pathologies; thus, maximizing the trained model's ability to recognize atypical myelin structures. Morphometric data produced by applying the trained model to additional images were then compared to manually obtained morphometrics. The former effectively shortened the time consumption in the morphometric analysis with excellent accuracy in axonal density and g‐ratio. However, we were not able to completely eliminate manual refinement of the segmentation product. We also observed small variations in axon diameter and myelin thickness within 9.5%. Nevertheless, we learned alternative ways to improve accuracy through the study. Overall, greatly increased efficiency in the CNN‐based approach out‐weighs minor limitations that will be addressed in future studies, thus justifying our confidence in its prospects. Note: All the relevant code is freely available at https://neurology.med.wayne.edu/drli‐datashairing
Amniotic Fluid Phosphatidylglycerol for Prediction of Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Dhall Kamala , Majumdar Siddartha , Rupinder Raj , Narang Anil
Published: November 2018

Clinical usefulness of phosphatidylglycerol in amniotic fluid has been questioned by many recent studies and its predictive value has not been found to be better than L/S ratio is complicated pregnancy except in diabetes mellitus. Prematurity, birth asphyxia and androgens of the male babies are the other contributory factors for the development of respiratory distress syndrome.
Immunologic Parameters and Prognosis in Cervical Cancer Patients Treated with Radiotherapy
Authors: Saito Toshiaki , Jimi Shoji , Watanabe Yukio , Kurano Akihiko , Mashiba Harukazu
Published: November 2018

Responsiveness of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) to phytohemagglutinin (PHA), cell‐mediated cytotoxicity (CMC) and antibody‐dependent cell‐mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) of sera were examined in 24 patients with cervical cancer before and after radiotherapy to evaluate whether these parameters could be of prognostic value.

Only the responsiveness of PBL to PHA before radiation therapy was significantly higher in patients with a good clinical course as compared to patients with a poor clinical course (p<0.05). CMC in patients with a poor clinical course was reduced after radiation therapy whereas it showed a stable value in patients with a good clinical course. ADCC activity of sera showed no significant difference in relation to the clinical course of patients. The present study indicates the superiority of PHA response of lymphocytes to CMC and ADCC activity of sera to predict the clinical course of patients.
Experience with Real Time Ultrasound Directed Transcervical Chorionic Villus Biopsy
Authors: Liu David T.Y. , Norman Sandie , Richardson Ros , Cooke Pat , Johnson Jane , Symonds E. Malcolm
Published: November 2018

The introduction of real time ultrasound to transcervical chorionic villus biopsy allowed successful collection from 65% of 107 consecutive studied patients. The collection rate was obtained despite the need for time to develop scanning skills and a limit of only two attempts at biopsy. The quantity in 69% of biopsy samples was· considered sufficient for use in prenatal diagnosis.

Biopsy was most successful between 8 and 10 weeks gestation. No amniotic sac was perforated. Bleeding of varying severity associated with 65% of biopsies was not improved despite use of ultrasound.

Both linear array or sector scanners were suitable for our purpose. Clarity of the scan picture is affected by many factors. Successful biopsy is not always dependent on visualisation of the placenta or tip of the collecting cannula.

Apart from expertise and ultrasound guidance, better design in biopsy implements can improve successful collection to levels acceptable for clinical applications.
Placental Transfer and Newborn Metabolism of Local Anesthetics when used for Cesarean Section under Epidural Anesthesia
Authors: Fuchi Isao , Noda Kiichiro
Published: November 2018

This study was designed to determine which of three local anesthetics had the least influence on fetuses and newborn babies when used for cesarean section under epidural anesthesia. Three common clinical local anesthetics were used in the comparisons. Placental transfer was calculated by comparing drug concentrations in the mothers' venous blood immediately after delivery to those in the umbilical venous blood of the fetuses or newborns. For lidocaine, the ratio was 0.44, for bupivacaine it was 0.19 and for mepivacaine it was 0.77. Lidocaine and bupivacaine were detectable in the blood of newborns for up to six hours after birth while mepivacaine was detectable for more than 24 hours after birth.
A 5‐Year Clinicopathological Study of 2000 Postmenopausal Women from Northern India†
Authors: Sarin Ashi R. , Singla Prem , Gupta Sudershan K.
Published: November 2018

To correlate the clinical picture with the endometrial pattern, 2000 symptomatic postmenopausal Indian women were studied over a 5‐year period (1977–82). Patients were categorized into two groups:—

A: Symptoms other than bleeding (1250 patients)

B: Postmenopausal bleeding (750 patients)

High incidence of genital malignancy (37.8%) was observed in Group B compared to Group A (0.4%). Atrophic endometrium was found in 49.6% in Group A in contrast to 4.1% in Group B. Proliferative endometrium was similar in A and B groups (40.5% and 41.1% respectively). Hyperplastic endometrium was found in 20.1% in Group B compared to 7.7% in Group A.

Incidence of associated genital lesions was much higher in Group B (66.8%) as compared to Group A (20.4%). Menopausal syndrome was infrequent (4.2%) and menopause occurred relatively earlier (Mean age: 46.2 ± 2.46 years [mean ± SD]).
A Huge Rapidly Growing Leiomyoma in the First Trimester of Pregnancy
Authors: Kawarabayashi Tatsuhiko , Uchiyama Yoichi , Nakamura Satoru , Sugimori Hajime
Published: November 2018

A case of primigravida complicated with a huge leiomyoma which weighed 10 kg and revealed very rapid growth in the first trimester of pregnancy is presented. Though atypical ultrasonographic findings and the clinical course prevented our correct diagnosis, the histologic examination, which showed massive edema, revealed the leiomyoma's presence. Diagnostic problems and etiology are discussed.
Plasma Phosphorus, Alkaline Phosphatase and Calcium Levels, and Bone Mass of the Second Metacarpal in Women: Relation to Body Weight
Authors: Kono Shinzo , Iiguma Tadahito , Takenaka Shizuhiro , Unoki Masakazu
Published: November 2018

Plasma phosphorus (P), alkaline phosphatase (AIP), and calcium (Ca) levels were measured in 5183 normal women aged from 20 to 79 years, and the metacarpal index (MCI), maximal (△GSmax) and minimal (△GSmin) densities of the second metacarpal were determined by roentgenography in 154 normal and bilaterally‐oophorectomized women, aged from 20 to 74 years. Results from different body‐weight groups were compared according to chronological age and postmenopausal year. Plasma P and AIP levels correlated negatively with body weight, but the percent deviation of these plasma levels from the normal average was approximately 8–10 times higher in the markedly slender group than in the markedly obese group. However, a steady change not found in plasma Ca level. All MCI, △GSmax and △GSmin values correlated positively with body weight, except for an inverse relation in △Gsmax between moderately and markedly obese groups. These results suggest that slender constitution might be responsible for postmenopausal osteoporosis.
A Rapid, Sensitive and Quantitative High‐performance Liquid Chromatographic Determination of Catecholestrogens in Human Serum
Authors: Sagara Yusuke , Okatani Yuji , Kiriyama Takayuki , Takeda Yoshihiko
Published: November 2018

The present study was designed to develop a more convenient and rapid HPLC method for the determination of catecholestrogens in human serum using a high sensitivity electrochemical detector. We found unconjugated 2‐mE2 and 3‐mE1 in the plasma during pregnancy. The metabolism of catecholestrogens has not been clarified. In this study significant correlations were demonstrated, between E1 and 2‐OHE1, E1 and 2‐mE1, and E2 and 2‐OHE1 but not between E2 and 2‐OHE2, E2 and 2‐mE1, E2 and 2mE2. These data indicate that the formation of 2‐OHE1 and 2‐mE1 from E1 is the main route of estrogen metabolism during pregnancy and that E2 participates in the formation of catecholestrogens via its conversion to E1. The proposed simultaneous determination of 6 estrogen metabolites related to catecholestrogen should provide a valuable tool for the exploration of these compounds during pregnancy.
The role of appetite‐regulating hormones: Ghrelin and leptin in the nutritional status of children with neurogenic bladder due to myelomeningocele
Authors: Bagińska Joanna O , Liszewska Alicja , Wasilewska Anna , Korzeniecka‐Kozerska Agata
Published: November 2018

Aim

We wanted to investigate serum levels of ghrelin and leptin – appetite‐regulating hormones – and their correlation with the nutritional status of children with neurogenic bladder (NB) due to myelomeningocele (MMC) in comparison to healthy individuals.

Methods

This prospective analysis was conducted on 67 children with NB after MMC and 20 healthy children. Children's medical charts were analysed to determine age, gender, anthropometric measurements, body mass index (BMI), activity assessment using Hoffer's scale and renal function parameters. Serum total ghrelin and leptin levels were measured using the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

There were no differences in the age, gender, weight and BMI between the studied groups. Median serum levels of ghrelin and leptin were higher compared with the reference group. A significant negative correlation between serum leptin concentration and Hoffer's scale was found in children with NB.

Conclusions

Elevated levels of leptin and ghrelin could be considered factors influencing nutritional status in children with NB due to MMC. Children with NB after MMC may have disturbed endocrine regulation of energy homeostasis. Physical activity may be the factor that affects serum leptin concentration.
Fever after meningococcal B immunisation: A case series
Authors: Campbell Gillian , Bland Ruth M , Hendry Scott J
Published: November 2018

Aim

To document the clinical features and management of infants presenting with fever after their first meningococcal B vaccination and develop guidance for clinicians.

Methods

A prospective case series over 12 months was conducted in a tertiary paediatric hospital. Infants ≤3 months of age with fever who had received their first set of immunisations within the preceding 72 h were included.

Results

A total of 92 infants met the inclusion criteria, accounting for 0.78% of the local vaccinated population. The most commonly described associated features were poor feeding, sleepiness and irritability; 66 patients (72%) were admitted to hospital. Median C‐reactive protein (CRP) was 12 mg/L, and median white cell count (WCC) was 16 × 109/L. Fifteen patients (16%) had a lumbar puncture and were commenced on antibiotics. There was one confirmed bacterial infection in an infant who had presented with fever starting 54 h after immunisation. All other microbiology samples were negative. There were no cases of missed serious bacterial infection (SBI) in those patients who were observed or discharged.

Conclusions

The routine investigation of infants presenting with post‐immunisation fever is not warranted if the infant appears otherwise well on examination. Where other common associated features are present or there is clinical concern, a period of observation is a prudent course of action. Paracetamol should be given peri‐immunisation as per the national guidance. We suggest selective use of investigations, especially inflammatory markers, which are unlikely to discriminate between SBI and post‐immunisation response. We advocate extra caution in infants presenting with fever more than 48 h after immunisation.
Treatment of feline patellar luxation with polyethylene sulcal ridge prostheses
Authors: Mills J. , Hargittai T.
Published: November 2018

Patellar luxation and associated pelvic limb lameness were treated with polyethylene sulcal ridge augmentation prostheses in four cats. In all cases, the lameness resolved within weeks of a single surgery. No important complications were encountered. On radiographs obtained at least 2 years postoperatively, three cases showed radiographic progression of degenerative joint disease, and one showed evidence of screw loosening, but these were not reflected in apparent lameness and no case required revision.
Terrestrial slugs (Mollusca: Gastropoda) share common anti‐predator defence mechanisms but their expression differs among species
Authors: O'Hanlon A. , Williams C. D. , Gormally M. J.
Published: November 2018

Predation is a key selective force in the evolution and maintenance of multiple traits in prey animals. Terrestrial slugs (Mollusca: Gastropoda) are an interesting group in which to study anti‐predator behaviour because few predators are mollusc‐specialists. Ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae), however, are important slug predators and slugs appear to possess general defences when carabids are encountered. Slugs may avoid areas recently visited by carabids (primary defence) or, when attacked, exude highly viscous mucus (secondary defence). Slugs are, however, a polyphyletic group which are present in diverse habitats with varying predation risk. We examined whether avoidance of cues from Pterostichus niger, a generalist carabid predator, is a primary defence shared by a number of slug species from different taxonomic families representing varying degrees of ecological specialization and found, for the first time, that multiple slug species appear to exhibit a general avoidance of carabid scents. Additionally, we examined whether mucus chemistry is altered in response to predation attempts, and whether this is a secondary defence common to multiple species. We found that calcium, a vital element for molluscs, is secreted in greater amounts when slugs are attacked. Choice experiments with P. niger demonstrated that calcium did not affect beetle feeding behaviour but that high‐viscosity gel deterred feeding. We discuss how calcium secretion may contribute to mucus viscosity and represent an effective secondary defence mechanism common to slugs. Results from no‐choice feeding trials suggest that carabid beetles may prevent slugs from exuding defensive mucus by attacking the mantle region. Overall, we show that slugs share common primary and secondary defences but that their expression varies among species, possibly reflecting the natural risk of predation experienced by each slug species. Additionally, some species‐specific anti‐predator traits were observed which cannot be explained as responses to carabids alone, highlighting the importance of considering multiple predators when interpreting anti‐predator behaviour in prey animals.
ZmPBF and ZmGAMYB transcription factors independently transactivate the promoter of the maize (Zea mays) β‐carotene hydroxylase 2 gene
Authors: Jin Xin , Bai Chao , Bassie Ludovic , Nogareda Carmina , Romagosa Ignacio , Twyman Richard M. , Christou Paul , Zhu Changfu
Published: November 2018

The maize (Zea mays) enzyme β‐carotene hydroxylase 2 (ZmBCH2) controls key steps in the conversion of β‐carotene to zeaxanthin in the endosperm. The ZmBCH2 gene has an endosperm‐preferred and developmentally regulated expression profile, but the detailed regulatory mechanism is unknown.

To gain insight into the regulation of ZmBCH2, we isolated 2036 bp of the 5′‐flanking region containing the 263 bp 5′‐untranslated region (5′‐UTR) including the first intron. We linked this to the β‐glucuronidase reporter gene gusA.

We found that high‐level expression of gusA in rice seeds requires the 5′‐UTR for enhanced activation. Truncated variants of the ZmBCH2 promoter retained their seed‐preferred expression profile as long as a prolamin box and AACA motif were present.

We identified candidate genes encoding the corresponding transcription factors (ZmPBF and ZmGAMYB) and confirmed that their spatiotemporal expression profiles are similar to ZmBCH2. Both ZmPBF and ZmGAMYB can transactivate ZmBCH2 expression in maize endosperm. To eliminate potential confounding effects in maize, we characterized the regulation of the minimal promoter region of ZmBCH2 in transgenic rice. This revealed that ZmPBF and ZmGAMYB independently transactivate the ZmBCH2 promoter. The mechanism that underpins our data provides an exciting new strategy for the control of target gene expression in engineered plants.
What Does It Mean to Be Human? A Feminist and Anti‐Racist CritiqueT&T Clark Reader in Theological Anthropology, MarcCortez and Michael P.Jensen (eds), Bloomsbury T&T Clark, 2018 (ISBN 978‐0‐567‐65557‐8), viii + 424 pp., pb £33.99ReSourcing Theological Anthropology: A Constructive Account of Humanity in the Light of Christ, MarcCortez, Zondervan, 2017 (ISBN 978‐0‐310‐51643‐9), 304 pp., pb $29.99
Authors: O'Donnell Karen
Published: November 2018

Examination and analysis of two recent publications on theological anthropology, one a monograph and the other an anthology of key texts co‐edited by the author of the monograph, raises questions of who is included and excluded in theological writing which considers what it means to be human. I argue that when the white male voice is privileged in these kinds of volumes, to the marginalization of the voices of women, of people of color, of LGBTQI people, of differently abled people, then the answer to this question—what does it mean to be human?—is skewed and incomplete. As theologians and teachers, we have a responsibility in our citation and text‐selection practices to be critically reflective about who we include: such selections are politically, pedagogically, and theologically significant.
Evolution of contourite systems in the late Cretaceous Chalk Sea along the Tornquist Zone
Authors: Hübscher Christian , Hseinat Mu'ayyad Al , Schneider Matthias , Betzler Christian
Published: November 2018

Based on integration of seismic reflection and well data analysis this study examines two major contourite systems that developed during the late Cretaceous in the southern Baltic Sea. The evolution of these Chalk Sea contourite systems between the Kattegat and the southern Baltic Sea started when Turonian to Campanian inversion tectonics overprinted the rather flat sea floor of the epeiric Chalk Sea. The Tornquist Zone and adjacent smaller blocks were uplifted and formed elongated obstacles that influenced the bottom currents. As a consequence of the inversion, the sea floor west of the Tornquist Zone tilted towards the north‐east, creating an asymmetrical sub‐basin with a steep marginal slope in the north‐east and a gentle dipping slope in the south‐west. A south‐east directed contour current emerged in the Coniacian or Santonian along the south‐western basin margin, creating contourite channels and drifts. The previously studied contourite system offshore Stevns Klint is part of this system. A second, deeper and north‐west directed counter‐flow emerged along and parallel to the Tornquist Zone in the later Campanian, but was strongest in the Maastrichtian. This bottom current moderated the evolution of a drift‐moat system adjacent to the elevated Tornquist Zone. The near surface Alnarp Valley in Scania represents the Danian palaeo‐moat that linked the Pomeranian Bay with the Kattegat. The previously studied contourite system in the Kattegat represents the north‐western prolongation of this system. This study links previous observations from the Kattegat and offshore Stevns Klint to the here inferred two currents, a more shallow, south‐east directed and a deeper, north‐west directed flow.
“Making Over” Poor Women: Gender, Race, Class, and Body Size in a Welfare‐to‐Work Nonprofit Organization
Authors: Gruys Kjerstin
Published: November 2018

Drawing on 13 months of participant observation at a welfare‐to‐work nonprofit that provides unemployed poor women with used business attire, I assess the extent to which—and how—this “objectified cultural capital” is transmitted to clients. I advance prior theorizing in this area by considering whether clients’ “bodily capital” impacts the services they receive. I find that despite providing needed services to clients, the organization reifies many of the inequalities it seeks to remedy. When sorting clothing donations, staff and volunteers curate particularly classed embodiments by selecting garments that are work‐appropriate yet not luxurious. Also, well‐intentioned efforts to provide a luxurious shopping‐esque experience for clients ironically produces service scripts that facilitate control over clients’ behavior. Finally, service interactions reproduce inequities between different types of clients along the lines of race, class, and body size, such that clients with more privileged bodily capital fare better than those with stigmatized embodiments. I use these findings to caution against romanticized understandings of philanthropic efforts to remedy social inequality, while also underscoring the importance of taking embodiment—particularly the striking social disadvantages of larger body size—into account when examining the intersections of gender, race, and class.
When type 1 diabetes meets celiac disease
Authors: Vidan‐Jeras Blanka
Published: November 2018

Type1 diabetes (T1D) and celiac disease (CD) may occur together. HLA‐DQ8 and DQ2 are key genetic risk factors in both. Overall, the patients with co‐existing T1D and CD (T1D+CD) were shown to have HLA profile more similar to patients with T1D than those with CD. Slovenian patients with both diseases had the frequency of DQB1*02:01 (86.5%) very similar to patients with CD (83.8%) in contrast to the significantly different frequency of the same allele in patients with T1D (52.24%). The DQ2 conveyed higher risk for developing both T1D and CD in the same individual than DQ8. Additionally, the A1‐B8‐DR3‐DQ2‐MICA*008 ancestral haplotype (8.1AH) was over‐represented in Slovenian (T1D+CD) patients, where B*08 was the most significant independent risk factor. Moreover, C*07, that is also present in the 8.1AH, could have an impact on the innate immunity rout of this susceptibility through interaction with KIRs. In the genotype context, the CD risk in T1D patients was associated with DR3‐DQ2/DR3‐DQ2, whereas the risk for T1D in CD patients was associated with DR3‐DQ2/DR4‐DQ8. Less frequent screening for the second disease related antibodies could be considered in patients with the first disease and low risk genotype for obtaining the second‐one. Individuals carrying high risk DR3‐DQ2/DR3‐DQ2 or DR3‐DQ2/DR4DQ8 are more likely to develop both autoimmune diseases together than individuals carrying any other HLA genotypes.
Antimicrobial agent prescription: a prospective cohort study in patients with sepsis and septic shock
Authors: Castaño Pablo , Plaza Maribel , Molina Fernando , Hincapié Carolina , Maya Wilmar , Cataño Juan , González Javier , León Alba , Jaimes Fabián
Published: November 2018

Objective

To assess the true association between appropriate prescription of antibiotics and prognosis in patients with sepsis, a key issue in health care and quality improvement strategies.

Methods

Prospective cohort study in three university hospitals to determine whether the empirical prescription of antibiotics was adequate or inadequate, and to compare hospital death rates and length of stay according to different classifications of antibiotics prescription. Logistic regression models for risk estimation were fitted.

Results

A total of 705 patients with severe sepsis were included. No differences were found in positive‐culture patients (n = 545) regarding the risk of death with insufficient spectrum antibiotics, compared to patients who received adequate spectrum antibiotics (OR = 0.90; 95% CI = 0.55–1.48). Delay in initiating antibiotics was not associated with the risk of death in patients with adequate spectrum of antibiotics, either with positive (OR = 1.04; 95% CI = 0.99–1.08) or negative cultures (OR = 0.98; 95% CI = 0.92–1.04). There were no differences in the length of hospital stay, according to the antibiotic prescription (median 11 days, IQR = 7–18 days for the whole cohort).

Conclusions

No associations were found between inadequate antibiotic prescription or delay to initiate therapy and mortality or length of stay.
Multiplex blood group typing by cellular surface plasmon resonance imaging
Authors: Szittner Zoltan , Bentlage Arthur E.H. , van der Donk Eric , Ligthart Peter C. , Lissenberg‐Thunnissen Suzanne , van der Schoot C. Ellen , Vidarsson Gestur
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND

Blood‐group typing of donors and patients is essential to avoid incompatible transfusions. Transfusion of incompatible RBCs may result in alloimmunization complicating future transfusions or in the presence of antibodies in adverse reactions. With more than 300 blood group antigens identified, it is difficult to provide fully compatible blood. Currently, standard practice is to match for the most immunogenic antigens. While the current agglutination‐based RBC‐typing methods are reliable for testing a selected number of antigens, they are not easily adaptable for high‐throughput multiplex blood typing beyond the current standard.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) is a label‐free method to follow molecular—and, very recently, also cellular—interactions in real time. Demonstration of binding of RBCs to blood group antigen‐specific antibodies by SPR has already been achieved. Here, we demonstrate the generation of an SPR array equipped with clinically relevant blood group antibodies (A, B, and Rh blood groups). To validate this method, we blindly compared typing of 946 blood donors with results of current diagnostic agglutination‐based methods.

RESULTS

RBC typing was achieved by monitoring RBC binding to blood group–specific antibodies on the sensor simultaneously within 5 minutes per sample. Regeneration of the chip was robust, allowing for typing of at least 100 samples. The typing results gave a 100% match with classical serology with all antibodies tested besides anti‐E/e monoclonals, which gave inconsistent results due to low antibody specificity.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that SPR‐based RBC typing for multiple antigens can be realized simultaneously with high‐quality antibodies, enabling reduced hands‐on time and possibly improving cost efficiency.
Quality of erythrocyte concentrates derived from lipemic whole blood donations
Authors: de Laleijne‐Liefting Lara A.E. , Lagerberg Johan W. , de Korte Dirk
Published: November 2018

Introduction

Several studies indicate that lipemic plasma can have an adverse effect on the quality of platelets and red blood cell concentrates (RCC) during storage. The aim of this study was to expand the knowledge of donor characteristics in relation to RCC storage quality.

Materials and methods

Donor characteristics of lipemic whole blood (WB) donations were obtained. As control, historical data on donor characteristics were used. RCCs in SAGM were produced from these lipemic WB donations, and in vitro quality during cold storage was determined. In plasma, triglyceride levels were determined. Results were compared with normal, non‐lipemic donations.

Results

A total of 26 lipemic WB donations were evaluated of which only two were obtained from a female donor. Mean age of donors in this study was 50 years. A total of 18 donors (69%) showed overweight (BMI 25–30) or were obese (BMI > 30). Lipemic donations were drawn between 2:40 and 8:40 PM, with 22 donations after 6:00 PM. Triglyceride levels in lipemic plasma were on average 5·9 mmol/L. At day 42 of storage, the lipemic group showed significant higher haemolysis (1·24 ± 0·82%), as compared to the control group (0·30 ± 0·14%).

Discussion

Haemolysis during storage was greatly enhanced in RCCs from lipemic WB donations. Based on the limited set of donations in this evaluation, a tentative conclusion is that highest chance of lipemic plasma exists in donations from men over 50 years with BMI > 25, donating in the evening. Based on these investigations, our blood service decided not to use lipemic WB for the production of (cellular) blood products.
Leopard tortoises in southern Africa have greater genetic diversity in the north than in the south (Testudinidae)
Authors: Spitzweg Cäcilia , Hofmeyr Margaretha D. , Fritz Uwe , Vamberger Melita
Published: November 2018

In contrast to mammals, little is known about the phylogeographic structuring of widely distributed African reptile species. With the present study, we contribute data for the leopard tortoise (Stigmochelys pardalis). It ranges from the Horn of Africa southward to South Africa and westwards to southern Angola. However, its natural occurrence is disputed for some southern regions. To clarify the situation, we used mtDNA sequences and 14 microsatellite loci from 204 individuals mainly from southern Africa. Our results retrieved five mitochondrial clades; one in the south and two in the north‐west and north‐east of southern Africa, respectively, plus two distributed further north. Using microsatellites, the southern clade matched with a well‐defined southern nuclear cluster, whilst the two northern clades from southern Africa corresponded to another nuclear cluster with three subclusters. One subcluster had a western and central distribution, another occurred mostly in the north‐east, and the third in a small eastern region (Maputaland), which forms part of a biodiversity hotspot. Genetic diversity was low in the south and high in the north of our study region, particularly in the north‐east. Our results refuted that translocations influenced the genetic structure of leopard tortoises substantially. We propose that Pleistocene climatic fluctuations caused leopard tortoises to retract to distinct refugia in southern and northern regions and ascribe the high genetic diversity in the north of southern Africa to genetic structuring caused by the survival in three refuges and subsequent admixture, whereas tortoises in the south seem to have survived in only one continuous coastal refuge.
Migrants and Refugees in European Union: “Warm Peace”, Human Rights Education and Political Sustainability
Authors: Magalhães Manuela , Campina Ana
Published: November 2018

Considering the EU position and their state member facing serious Human Rights violation as well as a political complex diplomatic development (inside and outside) the European context. Holocaust has obliged millions of European citizens to “escape” from their own countries to be able to survive. The political consequences of this movement were controlled based on the diplomacy considering the war context and each state “position”. Due the most different reasons, along the 20th century the migration in, from and to Europe was an important and strong social movement but without a negative global political impact but economical. However, the last decade, especially after 2010 with the “Spring Arab” revolutions in Middle East and North Africa, Europe has been the destination of millions - illegal migrants and Refugees.
Teaching of Focus Structures in English
Authors: Altiner Cennet
Published: November 2018

English permits certain non-prototypical sentence forms that have focusing or foregrounding effect. Focus structures place certain elements of the basic version of the sentence in different positions in order to make them more prominent. Due to the widespread usage of them, EFL/ESL teachers should be familiar with the grammar of these structures and how they are usually used, the points learners have difficulty with, and the necessary pedagogical implications for teaching these structures. However, the problems that ESL/EFL students have while using English focus structures have not been widely investigated. Thus, this paper firstly looks into the cleft sentences, formed through movement of constituents and other changes, and the sentences with fronting and left-dislocation involving only movement. Then, studies which reveal a clearer picture of learners' problems with these structures are presented. Finally, some activities are designed in order to show how focus structures can be handled in language learning classroom.
The Effect of Project-Based Learning on Students’ Attitude Towards English Classes
Authors: Duman Burcu , Yavuz Özlem Kuuk
Published: November 2018

The purpose of this research is to define the effect of project- based learning on students’ attitude towards English classes. The study group of the research consisted of 51 students attending grade 10 at an Anatolian high school in the Western Black Sea region of Turkey. In the quantitatively designed research, the “control group pre-test– post-test design”, one of the experimental designs, was applied. The “Scale of Attitude towards English Classes” was used as the data collection tool. The scale consists of 20 items and three sub-dimensions. The research data were compared by applying the Mann Whitney U test and the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test, calculating the standard deviation value and arithmetic average on the SPSS22 program. Results of the research indicate that there was a significant difference between the experimental group’s pre-test and post-test scores in favour of the post-test. There was a significant difference between the experimental and control groups’ post-test results in favour of the experimental group.
Experiences of compassion fatigue in direct care nurses: a qualitative systematic review
Authors: Salmond Erin , Salmond Susan , Ames Margaret , Kamienski Mary , Holly Cheryl
Published: November 2018

Objective:

The objective of this review was to describe the experiences of direct care nurses with work-related compassion fatigue.

Introduction:

The cumulative demands of experiencing and helping others through suffering have been considered to contribute to the potential of compassion fatigue. However, there is a lack of clarity on what specifically contributes to and constitutes compassion fatigue. Nurses suffering from compassion fatigue experience physical and emotional symptoms that leave them disconnected from patients and focused on the technical rather than the compassionate components of their role. This disconnect can also affect personal relationships outside of work.

Inclusion criteria:

This review included any qualitative studies describing the experiences of direct care nurses from any specialty or any nursing work setting.

Methods:

This review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) approach for qualitative systematic reviews. Studies included in this review include those published in full text, English and between 1992, when the concept of compassion fatigue was first described, and May 2017, when the search was completed. The main databases searched for published and unpublished studies included: PubMed, CINAHL, Academic Search Premiere, Science Direct, Scopus, PsycINFO, Web of Science and the Virginia Henderson Library.

Results:

Twenty-three papers, representing studies conducted in seven countries and 821 total nurse participants, met the criteria for inclusion. From these, a total of 261 findings were extracted and combined to form 18 categories based on similarity in meaning, and four syntheses were derived: i) Central to the work of nursing and the professional environment in which nurses work are significant psychosocial stressors that contribute to compassion stress and, if left unchecked, can lead to compassion fatigue; ii) Protection against the stress of the work and professional environment necessitates that the individual and team learn how to respond to “the heat of the moment”; iii) Nurses and other administrative and colleague staff should be alert to the symptoms of compassion fatigue that present as profound, progressive, physical and emotional fatigue: a feeling that the nurse just can’t go on and a sense of being disconnected and drained, like a gas tank on empty; and iv) Keeping compassion fatigue at bay requires awareness of the threat of compassion fatigue, symptoms of compassion fatigue, and the need for work-life balance and active self-care strategies.

Conclusions:

The major conclusions of this review are that compassion fatigue prevention and management must be acknowledged, and both personal and organizational coping strategies and adaptive responses are needed to keep nurses balanced, renewed and able to continue compassionate connection and caring.
Microlearning in health professions education: a scoping review protocol
Authors: De Gagne Jennie C. , Woodward Amanda , Park Hyeyoung K. , Sun Huilin , Yamane Sandra S.
Published: November 2018

Review questions:
Calcineurin–AKAP interactions: therapeutic targeting of a pleiotropic enzyme with a little help from its friends
Authors: Gildart Moriah , Kapiloff Michael S. , Dodge‐Kafka Kimberly L.
Published: November 2018

The ubiquitous Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent phosphatase calcineurin is a key regulator of pathological cardiac hypertrophy whose therapeutic targeting in heart disease has been elusive due to its role in other essential biological processes. Calcineurin is targeted to diverse intracellular compartments by association with scaffold proteins, including by multivalent A‐kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs) that bind protein kinase A and other important signalling enzymes determining cardiac myocyte function and phenotype. Calcineurin anchoring by AKAPs confers specificity to calcineurin function in the cardiac myocyte. Targeting of calcineurin ‘signalosomes’ may provide a rationale for inhibiting the phosphatase in disease.
Inert and Reactive Oxide Particles for High-Temperature Thermal Energy Capture and Storage for Concentrating Solar Power
Authors: Jackson Gregory S. , Imponenti Luca , Albrecht Kevin J. , Miller Daniel C. , Braun Robert J.
Published: November 2018

Oxide particles have potential as robust heat transfer and thermal energy storage (TES) media for concentrating solar power (CSP). Particles of low-cost, inert oxides such as alumina and/or silica offer an effective, noncorrosive means of storing sensible energy at temperatures above 1000 °C. However, for TES subsystems coupled to high-efficiency, supercritical-CO2 cycles with low temperature differences for heat addition, the limited specific TES (in kJ kg−1) of inert oxides requires large mass flow rates for capture and total mass for storage. Alternatively, reactive oxides may provide higher specific energy storage (approaching 2 or more times the inert oxides) through adding endothermic reduction. Chemical energy storage through reduction can benefit from low oxygen partial pressures (PO2) sweep-gas flows that add complexity, cost, and balance of plant loads to the TES subsystem. This paper compares reactive oxides, with a focus on Sr-doped CaMnO3–δ perovskites, to low-cost alumina-silica particles for energy capture and storage media in CSP applications. For solar energy capture, an indirect particle receiver based on a narrow-channel, counterflow fluidized bed provides a framework for comparing the inert and reactive particles as a heat transfer media. Low-PO2 sweep gas flows for promoting reduction impact the techno-economic viability of TES subsystems based on reactive perovskites relative to those using inert oxide particles. This paper provides insights as to when reactive perovskites may be advantageous for TES subsystems in next-generation CSP plants.
Modeling underwater hearing and sound localization in the frog Xenopus laevis
Authors: Vedurmudi Anupam P. , Christensen-Dalsgaard Jakob , van Hemmen J. Leo
Published: November 2018

Animals that are small compared to sound wavelengths face the challenge of localizing a sound source since the main cues to sound direction—interaural time differences (ITD) and interaural level differences (ILD)—both depend on size. Remarkably, the majority of terrestrial vertebrates possess internally coupled ears (ICE) with an air-filled cavity connecting the two eardrums and producing an inherently directional middle-ear system. Underwater, longer wavelengths and faster sound-speed reduce both ITD and ILD cues. Nonetheless, many animals communicate through and localize underwater sound. Here, a typical representative equipped with ICE is studied: the fully aquatic clawed frog Xenopus laevis. It is shown that two factors improve underwater sound-localization quality. First, inflated lungs function as Helmholtz resonator and generate directional amplitude differences between eardrum vibrations in the high-frequency (1.7–2.2 kHz) and low-frequency (0.8–1.2 kHz) range of the male advertisement calls. Though the externally arriving ILDs practically vanish, the perceived internal level differences are appreciable, more than 10 dB. As opposed to, e.g., lizards with thin and flexible eardrums, plate-like eardrums are shown to be Xenopus' second key to successfully handling aquatic surroundings. Based on ICE, both plate-like eardrums and inflated lungs functioning as Helmholtz resonators explain the phonotaxis performance of Xenopus.
Integration approach to solve the Couette inverse problem based on nonlinear rheological models in a coaxial cylinder rheometer
Authors: Li Mengyuan , Han Jianguo , Liu Yu , Yan Peiyu
Published: November 2018

The Couette inverse problem of how the relationships between shear stress and shear strain rate based on rheological models are transformed into the relationships between torque and rotational speed is one of the most important theoretical problems for selecting a suitable rheological model for a fluid and correctly calculating the rheological parameters of the fluid. To date, however, great errors have been made in previous studies on the Couette inverse problem based on some nonlinear rheological models, especially for the modified Bingham model and Herschel–Bulkley model, which are widely used in shear-thickening or shear-thinning fluids with yield stress, such as fresh cementitious materials. In this paper, the detailed steps of establishing an integral approach are shown to solve the Couette inverse problem in a coaxial cylinder rheometer. The correctness of the integral approach has been verified by comparing the Reiner–Riwlin equation and the relationship between torque and rotational speed obtained by the integral approach based on the Bingham model. To show the process of solving the Couette inverse problem using the integral approach, the detailed calculation process of the relationships between torque and rotational speed based on some nonlinear rheological models of a fluid, such as the non-Newtonian fluid model, Casson model, Parabolic model, and Robertson–Stiff model, has been shown. According to the integral approach, errors in the relationships between torque and rotational speed based on the modified Bingham model and Herschel–Bulkley model in a coaxial cylinder rheometer have been corrected.
Negative feedback increases information transmission, enabling bacteria to discriminate sublethal antibiotic concentrations
Authors: Ruiz Raul , de la Cruz Fernando , Fernandez-Lopez Raul
Published: November 2018

Bacteria have evolved 2-bit depth sensors able to evaluate antibiotic threats.
Cardiac cell–integrated microneedle patch for treating myocardial infarction
Authors: Tang Junnan , Wang Jinqiang , Huang Ke , Ye Yanqi , Su Teng , Qiao Li , Hensley Michael Taylor , Caranasos Thomas George , Zhang Jinying , Gu Zhen , Cheng Ke
Published: November 2018

A microneedle cardiac stromal cell patch has been developed for therapeutic heart regeneration after myocardial infarction.
Ion-induced sulfuric acid–ammonia nucleation drives particle formation in coastal Antarctica
Authors: Jokinen T. , Sipilä M. , Kontkanen J. , Vakkari V. , Tisler P. , Duplissy E.-M. , Junninen H. , Kangasluoma J. , Manninen H. E. , Petäjä T. , Kulmala M. , Worsnop D. R. , Kirkby J. , Virkkula A. , Kerminen V.-M.
Published: November 2018

Antarctica is producing atmospheric aerosol of its own from trace gases emitted by the coastal flora and fauna.
A functional proteomics platform to reveal the sequence determinants of lysine methyltransferase substrate selectivity
Authors: Cornett Evan M. , Dickson Bradley M. , Krajewski Krzysztof , Spellmon Nicholas , Umstead Andrew , Vaughan Robert M. , Shaw Kevin M. , Versluis Philip P. , Cowles Martis W. , Brunzelle Joseph , Yang Zhe , Vega Irving E. , Sun Zu-Wen , Rothbart Scott B.
Published: November 2018

Mapping lysine methyltransferase substrate selectivity reveals gaps in the proteome-wide curation of lysine methylomes.
Antibiotics Stimulate Formation of Vesicles in
Staphylococcus aureus
in both Phage-Dependent and -Independent Fashions and via Different Routes
Authors: Andreoni Federica , Toyofuku Masanori , Menzi Carmen , Kalawong Ratchara , Mairpady Shambat Srikanth , François Patrice , Zinkernagel Annelies S. , Eberl Leo
Published: November 2018

Bacterial membrane vesicle research has so far focused mainly on Gram-negative bacteria. Only recently have Gram-positive bacteria been demonstrated to produce and release extracellular membrane vesicles (MVs) that contribute to bacterial virulence.
Roles of
d
-Lactate Dehydrogenases in the Anaerobic Growth of
Shewanella oneidensis
MR-1 on Sugars
Authors: Kasai Takuya , Suzuki Yusuke , Kouzuma Atsushi , Watanabe Kazuya
Published: November 2018

NADH-dependent LDHs are conserved among diverse organisms and contribute to NAD
+
regeneration in lactic acid fermentation. However, this type of LDH is also present in nonfermentative bacteria, including members of the genus
Shewanella
, while their physiological roles in these bacteria remain unknown. Here, we show that LdhA (an NADH-dependent
d
-LDH) works in concert with Dld (a quinone-dependent
d
-LDH) to transfer electrons from NADH to quinones during sugar catabolism in
S. oneidensis
MR-1. Our results indicate that
d
-lactate acts as an intracellular electron mediator to transfer electrons from NADH to membrane quinones. In addition,
d
-lactate serves as a temporal electron sink when respiratory electron acceptors are not available. Our study suggests novel physiological roles for
d
-LDHs in providing nonfermentative bacteria with catabolic flexibility under electron acceptor-limited conditions.