bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Innovative elastoplastic J2‐flow model incorporating cyclic and non‐cyclic failure effects of metals as inherent constitutive features
Authors: Zhan Lin , Wang Si‐Yu , Xi Hui‐Feng , Xiao Heng
Published: August 2019

A new finite strain elastoplastic J2‐flow model is proposed toward directly simulating cyclic and non‐cyclic failure effects of metals. The main novelties of this model are as follows:

The usual notion of yielding is rendered irrelevant in a more realistic sense of representing elastoplastic behaviors of metals up to failure;

The thermodynamic consistency requirement from the second law may be identically fulfilled;

Failure effects under cyclic and non‐cyclic conditions may be automatically incorporated as inherent constitutive features, with involving neither additional variables nor ad hoc failure criteria;

Hardening‐to‐softening effects of metals up to failure may be effectively characterized in a unified manner.

Simulation results are provided and compared with experimental data for monotonic and cyclic failure effects for both uniaxial and torsional deformation modes. In particular, both the Swift effects and the failure effects of twisted metal tubes are simultaneously simulated for four cases of finite torsion, including free‐end and fixed‐end torsion under monotonic and cyclic loadings, and accurate agreement with finite strain data for both torsional modes is accomplished for the first time.
Introduction
Authors: Hammel Tanja
Published: August 2019

The Introduction shows that the book is not a conventional biography on Mary Elizabeth Barber. It is a critical examination of the knowledge the British-born settler scientist produced from the 1840s to the 1880s and the insights we gain into knowledge production in a settler colony. This chapter is an overview of the research fields: the social history of knowledge and science and white women in the historiography of science in a (settler) colonial context. Hammel takes what she calls a ‘relational’ approach and cross-contextualises Barber with analogous, parallel and contrary cases. Barber is thus seen within a broader context, and new insights are offered about what enabled or halted her knowledge production. The book is by no means a simple celebration of a hitherto marginalised historical actor; rather, Barber is used to debunk existing biases.
African Farmers and Medicinal Plant Experts
Authors: Hammel Tanja
Published: August 2019

This chapter reflects the difficulty of obtaining information on African experts and their knowledge production. The discussion focuses on photographs/illustrations, carefully assessing their unwieldy dimensions which convey more than their producer could control. Such sources offer insights into how tacit African knowledge (agriculture, nutrition, medicine) was crucial for the survival of settlers/colonisers. The Bowker/Barber family at first relied on their Mfengu, Xhosa and Khoekhoe neighbours, imitating their agricultural and husbandry practices. Moreover, settler families learned about the nutritional, medicinal and veterinarian potentials of plants and were heavily dependent on African wagon drivers. Through the course of time, such aspects of emulation and collaboration would give way to much more rigid divisions. Insights are also provided into how knowledge was shared or co-produced and the limitations involved

.
African Naturalists, Collectors and Taxidermists
Authors: Hammel Tanja
Published: August 2019

This chapter deals with Africans’ scientific work, exploring their roles in the collection and compilation of knowledge on flora and fauna. It demonstrates that European experts in the second half of the nineteenth century did not become less dependent on their African counterparts. Men and women scientists related differently to their African collaborators: For women, it was impossible to display proximity in the manner their men counterparts did, thus silencing Africans’ contributions to their own scientific work even more. The final parts of the chapter are more closely tied to Barber and the ways in which African experts’ knowledge and practices (e.g. taxidermy) influenced her work. European scientists did not silence their African fellow experts altogether, but their relation was hierarchical and exploitative.
Colonial Legacies in Post-Colonial Collections
Authors: Hammel Tanja
Published: August 2019

This chapter discusses the history of Barber’s sources and places them in a much broader context by narrating how specific scientific disciplines, archival practices and politics of memory have been evolving in South Africa. This chapter assesses post-apartheid museum politics and engages critically with digitisation projects.
HSS@Home, Physical Therapist-Led Telehealth Care Navigation for Arthroplasty Patients: A Retrospective Case Series
Authors: Fisher Charles , Biehl Elizabeth , Titmuss Matthew P. , Schwartz Rachelle , Gantha Chandra Sekhar
Published: August 2019

Background

As the rate of total joint arthroplasties performed in the USA continues to increase, so does the push for more value-based care. Bundled payments have encouraged organizations to be creative in limiting care overuse. Telehealth is one option for caring for arthroplasty patients post-surgery while limiting costs and improving communication with the surgical team.

Questions/Purposes

We sought to determine the effects of the implementation of HSS@Home, a telehealth rehabilitation program that uses patients’ existing technology, in patients after they had undergone total knee or total hip arthroplasty.

Methods

In this retrospective case series, of 32 patients referred, 19 patients (nine men and ten women; average age, 69 years) were enrolled in HSS@Home after undergoing a pre- and post-operative screening process. Telehealth video visits were conducted, wherein a physical therapy navigator assisted patients in following exercise and mobility programs, addressing patients’ concerns while transitioning to outpatient therapy. Patients were seen within 24 h of hospital discharge, 3 times a week for 3 weeks, for an average of 11 sessions. Episodes of care were recorded in the patient's electronic medical record.

Results

There were no readmissions among the 19 patients. Nurse practitioners were consulted for all patients, predominantly for non-emergent reasons. Feedback from patients and physicians was positive, and no overutilization of care was found.

Conclusion

HSS@Home was a promising alternative to live, in-home physical therapy that was effective in monitoring this series of patients after hip or knee arthroplasty. This preliminary data sets the stage for further research into the use of telehealth technology to provide rehabilitative care to arthroplasty patients.
Attrition among New Zealand medical students completing research degrees: A 20-year analysis
Authors: Alamri Yassar , Wilkinson Tim J.
Published: August 2019

Introduction Not all medical students who intercalate research degrees go on to completion. No study to date has investigated the specific reasons. Understanding this minority would fill an important research gap.

Methods A list was obtained of intercalating medical students who enrolled at our institution between 1995 and 2014. Students who withdrew from an intercalated research degree were then invited to complete an online survey via email.

Results Over the study period, 178 medical students commenced an intercalated honours or PhD degree with their medical degree, and 13 students withdrew from that program, giving an overall attrition rate of 7.3%. Students who withdrew from the intercalated degree were also more likely to withdraw from their medical degree (40%); this is compared with 3.6% of students who completed the intercalated degree, but eventually withdrew from their medical degree.

Discussion Demographics of this cohort were not dissimilar to those of completing students. Although withdrawing students had a higher exit rate from the medical degree, the rate of research involvement remained similar pre- and post-intercalation. The most commonly cited reasons for withdrawal were decreased satisfaction with research, and conflict with supervisors.
Factors Influencing Couples’ Sexuality in the Puerperium: A Systematic Review
Authors: Serrano Drozdowskyj Elena , Gimeno Castro Esther , Trigo López Elena , Bárcenas Taland Inés , Chiclana Actis Carlos
Published: August 2019

Introduction

The puerperium is a period of adaptation in which various transformations take place in the lives of women and men on their way to becoming mothers and fathers. These changes can also have repercussions on their sexual relations. How the couple deals with this transition is crucial to the well-being of the couple and affects how parents relate to the baby.

Aim

This study aimed to explore the factors that influence sexuality in both women and men during postpartum.

Methods

We conducted a bibliographic review of 236 articles found on the PubMed database and published from 2008 to January 2019.

Main Outcome Measure

The main outcome measure was the impact of various physical, psychological, and sociocultural factors on couples’ sexual functioning during postpartum.

Results

The main problems that couples face after childbirth can be classified as (i) psychological changes, such as loss of a sense of self, transitioning to parenthood, taking on the new roles of mother and father, and feelings of abandonment among men; (ii) body changes in women that affect their self-image and perineal trauma; (iii) hormonal changes in women and men that can lead to reduced sexual desire in both and vaginal dryness or dyspareunia in women; (iv) changes in the marital relationship, including changes in each other’s roles, taking time for intimacy, and initiating sexual intercourse; (v) sociocultural influences, such as social support, culturally expected roles, and beliefs regarding when to resume sex; and (vi) lifestyle changes, especially with regard to baby care.

Conclusion

Sexuality during postpartum is influenced by multiple factors: physical, psychological, and sociocultural. Our findings offer a deeper understanding of how the transition to parenthood affects sexual relationships during the postpartum period. Implications regarding caring for and promoting the sexual health of individuals and couples after childbirth are discussed, and some medical recommendations for parents are offered.
#HerskovitsMustFall? A Meditation on Whiteness, African Studies, and the Unfinished Business of 1968
Authors: Allman Jean M.
Published: August 2019

Why is African Studies in North America dominated by white scholars? In this reflection piece, the 2018 president of the African Studies Association revisits the organization’s sixty-year history, exposing the processes by which white privilege was hardwired into African Studies at the organization’s founding in 1957 and then secured first by the displacement of the much older tradition of African American scholarship on Africa and second by the “recolonization American-style” of knowledge production on the continent in the postcolonial era.
Where are the silences? A scoping review of child participatory research literature in the context of the Australian service system
Authors: Grace Rebekah , Knight Jenny , Baird Kelly , Ng Jonathan , Shier Harry , Wise Sarah , Fattore Tobia , McClean Tom , Bonser Gill , Judd-Lam Sarah , Kemp Lynn
Published: August 2019

This paper presents a scoping review of the literature on child participatory research in Australia published in academic journals between 2000 and 2018. The review focused on research designed to engage with children and young people in the development, implementation and evaluation of services. A total of 207 papers were identified and distributed across eight service sectors: child protection and family law, community, disability, education, health, housing and homelessness, juvenile justice and mental health. The papers were reviewed against Shier’s participation matrix, demonstrating that almost all of the identified papers included children only as participants who contributed data to adult researchers. Only a small number of papers involved children and young people in the other phases of research, such as designing research questions, analysis and dissemination. There is a clear interest in the engagement of children and young people in service design and decision-making in Australia. This paper is intended to serve as a catalyst for discussion on where there are gaps and where further Australian research is needed.
The costs of consumption smoothing: less schooling and less nutrition
Authors: De Magalhães Leandro , Koh Dongya , Santaeulàlia-Llopis Räul
Published: August 2019

Using novel microdata, we explore lifecycle consumption in Sub-Saharan Africa. We find that households' ability to smooth consumption over the lifecycle is large, particularly, in rural areas. Consumption in old age is sustained by shifting to self-farmed staple food, as opposed to traditional savings mechanisms or food gifts. This smoothing strategy indicates two important costs. The first cost is a loss of human capital as children seem to be diverted away from school and into producing self-farmed food. Second, a diet largely concentrated in staple food (e.g., maize in Malawi) in old age results in a loss of nutritional quality for households headed by the elderly.
Consistent nonlinear deterministic and stochastic wave evolution equations from deep water to the breaking region
Authors: Vrecica T. , Toledo Y.
Published: August 2019

Modelling the evolution of the wave field in coastal waters is a complicated task, partly due to triad nonlinear wave interactions, which are one of the dominant mechanisms in this area. Stochastic formulations already implemented into large-scale operational wave models, whilst very efficient, are one-dimensional in nature and fail to account for the majority of the physical properties of the wave field evolution. This paper presents new two-dimensional (2-D) formulations for the triad interactions source term. A quasi-two-dimensional deterministic mild slope equation is improved by including dissipation and first-order spatial derivatives in the nonlinear part of equation, significantly enhancing the accuracy in the breaking zone. The newly defined deterministic model is used to derive an updated stochastic model consistent from deep waters to the breaking region. It is localized following the approach derived in Vrecica & Toledo (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 794, 2016, pp. 310–342), to which several improvements are also presented. The model is compared to measurements of breaking and non-breaking spectral evolution, showing good agreement in both cases. Finally, the model is used to analyse several interesting 2-D properties of the shoaling wave field including the evolution of directionally spread seas.
“To Dispose of Wealth in Works of Charity”: Entrepreneurship and Philanthropy in Medieval England
Authors: Casson Catherine , Casson Mark
Published: August 2019

While entrepreneurs are increasingly recognized as important participants in the medieval economy, their philanthropic activities have received less attention than those of the gentry and nobility. This article identifies the contribution that the study of medieval entrepreneurs can make to broader business history debates surrounding the identity of philanthropists and their beneficiaries, the types of causes they supported, and their impact on wider society. Philanthropic entrepreneurs used the profits of commerce to provide infrastructure, health care, and education to their local communities. Their patterns of philanthropy differed from those of gentry, lawyers, and administrators. Support for municipal infrastructure emerges as a distinctive feature of entrepreneurial philanthropy, reflecting a belief in the importance of trade networks and civic reputation.
Reduction of cicatricial stenosis after canalplasty for auditory exostoses
Authors: Rojas X M , Bailón M M , González C F
Published: August 2019

Background

Canalplasty for auditory exostoses is reserved for symptomatic patients. This study reviewed the outcomes of our technique regarding cicatricial stenosis.

Method

A chart review was conducted on patients undergoing canalplasty for auditory exostoses between 2002 and 2017. The surgical technique is described.

Results

The study comprised 43 adults (50 operated ears). Exostoses were bilateral in 40 cases (94 per cent) and occlusive in 33 (66 per cent). After drilling, the external auditory meatus was covered with a graft in 34 cases (68 per cent) and a silicone sheet was used in 32 (64 per cent). Cicatricial stenosis appeared in eight cases (16 per cent). Skin grafts were not used in six of these eight cases (p < 0.04), and silicone sheets were used only in one of these eight (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Canalplasty is challenging because of its potential complications. Our data showed that the use of skin grafts and silicone sheets to cover the bared external auditory meatus was associated with a lower rate of cicatricial stenosis.
Elective neck dissection for the node-negative neck during salvage laryngectomy: an analysis of survival outcomes and complication rates
Authors: Gouzos M , Dale O , Sethi N , Foreman A , Krishnan S , Hodge JC
Published: August 2019

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of neck dissection on survival and complication rates in patients with no clinical or radiological evidence of cervical nodal disease (N0) undergoing salvage laryngectomy.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx following primary radiotherapy that required salvage laryngectomy. Disease-free and overall survival rates were compared over three years using Kaplan–Meier analysis. Pharyngocutaneous fistula rate, hospitalisation length and the requirement for further surgical intervention were also compared across cohorts.

Results

Twenty-three cases met the inclusion criteria (17 neck dissections, 6 undissected). No significant differences in survival outcomes were identified. One patient who underwent neck dissection for advanced, recurrent transglottic squamous cell carcinoma showed evidence of occult lymph node metastases. Fistula rates did not differ significantly between dissected and non-dissected groups; however, two patients required surgical repair of post-operative pharyngocutaneous fistula following neck dissection.

Conclusion

In this study, elective neck dissection did not appear to alter survival outcomes or complication rates during salvage laryngectomy. Given the small but significant risk of occult neck metastases, its true value remains unclear.
Coblation tonsillectomy versus cold steel dissection tonsillectomy: a morphological study
Authors: Lieberg N , Aunapuu M , Arend A
Published: August 2019

Objective

To compare the extent of tissue damage produced by conventional cold steel and coblation tonsillectomy.

Methods

Twenty patients underwent conventional and 18 underwent coblation tonsillectomy. The removed tonsils were histopathologically evaluated.

Results

Analgesic use was lower in the coblation group during the early post-operative period. Histological investigation of tonsils removed by the conventional method showed intensive haemorrhage and hyperaemia in the tonsillar capsules, which was not seen in the coblation group. Furthermore, in the coblation group, there was less mast cell degranulation (p= 0.0081) and a smaller amount of skeletal muscle tissue (p= 0.0043) in the tonsillar capsules, indicating less tissue damage.

Conclusion

Compared to the cold steel technique, coblation tonsillectomy is superior in terms of less early post-operative pain and less damage to surrounding tissues. Significantly lower mast cell degranulation in coblation tonsillectomy may contribute to the reduction of post-operative pain.
Vessel Trajectory Online Multi-Dimensional Simplification Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Yuan-qiang , Shi Guo-you , Li Song , Zhang Shu-kai
Published: August 2019

Facilitated by the establishment of terrestrial networks and satellite constellations of Automatic Identification System (AIS) receivers, large quantities of spatial and temporal information that trace ships' paths have been collected. The exponential increase in the amount of AIS data has caused expensive and time-consuming transmission, calculation and storage problems. Using appropriate trajectory simplification methods in a timely manner to compress redundant information while minimising the loss of importation information is important. To minimise the simplification error, this paper proposes an online multi-dimensional simplification algorithm for AIS trajectory streaming data. The simplification algorithm takes into account position, direction and speed preservation. Finally, a comparison experiment with other algorithms is made to examine the effectiveness of this algorithm. The results indicate that the proposed online multi-dimensional simplification algorithm can effectively preserve a ship's motion state, including its position, speed and course.
Can computed tomodensitometry predict ventricular pseudoaneurysm occurrence after heart valve endocarditis?
Authors: Fouilloux Virginie , Aldebert Philippe , Gorincour Guillaume
Published: August 2019

Ventricular pseudoaneurysm is a rare but well-known complication after valvular endocarditis. The lesion was localised exactly where pre-operative CT scan showed lack of enhancement in the postero-lateral wall of the left ventricle. This case demonstrates how much attention must be paid to myocardial CT images and emphazises the need of close follow-up in patients with infective endocartitis.
Assessing perceptions of climate risk and adaptation among small farmers in Oregon's Willamette Valley
Authors: Roesch-McNally Gabrielle , Garrett Amy , Fery Melissa
Published: August 2019

Farmers, particularly small farmers, are on the frontlines of climate change. In Oregon's Southern Willamette Valley, a needs assessment was conducted of small farmers in 2017, where questions related to climate change risks, attitudes toward adaptation and climate beliefs were assessed. Out of all the respondents (n = 123), the majority (70%) believe that climate change is occurring, and is caused mostly by human activities. The majority (58%) also strongly agree with the statement that they will have to change practices to cope with increasing climate variability in order to ensure the long-term success of their operation. Another 52% of these respondents indicated that they have already taken action to respond to climate change on their farms. However, only 32% of respondents agreed with the statement that they have the knowledge and skills to deal with weather-related threats to their operation. While this work is preliminary and not comprehensive, our findings suggest that these small farmers are concerned about climate change, readily accept the science as compared to other farmer groups in the USA, and are looking for additional tools and resource to increase their confidence in responding to the challenges they will face as a consequence of climate change.
The counter-majoritarian difficulty in a neoliberal world: Socio-economic rights and deference in post-2008 austerity cases
Authors: RAGNARSSON KÁRI HÓLMAR
Published: August 2019

In the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis courts and rights took a backseat to demands of markets and international financial institutions for austerity. Deference and judicial restraint were prevalent in austerity litigation across various European jurisdictions. This article argues that the traditional view of deference to political branches on socio-economic rights should be revised in our political-economic context. Drawing on the work of German sociologist Wolfgang Streeck on representation failures of democratic institutions in our neoliberal era, the article argues that law’s abnegation in this sphere has the effect of securing and legitimising neoliberal hegemony and serves the interests of owners of financial capital. Deference in order to avoid judicial overreach does not entail deference to democracy as legislatures have come to view financial markets as their constituency alongside the general citizenry. As public finances have become marketised, deference to legislatures amounts to deference to markets. Judicial minimalism creates not more democracy but a specific set of winners and losers. In light of severe representation failures where legislatures become tools of market justice we might, subject to various caveats, view a more active judicial role as democracy-enhancing and as a potential counterweight in favour of social justice.
Perceived Overprotection and Its Association With Quality of Life in	Dementia
Authors: Niemann-Mirmehdi Mechthild , Häusler Andreas , Gellert Paul , Nordheim Johanna
Published: August 2019

Abstract. To date, few studies have focused on perceived overprotection from the perspective of people with dementia (PwD). In the present examination, the association of perceived overprotection in PwD is examined as an autonomy-restricting factor and thus negative for their mental well-being. Cross-sectional data from the prospective DYADEM study of 82 patient/partner dyads (mean age = 74.26) were used to investigate the association between overprotection, perceived stress, depression, and quality of life (QoL). The analyses show that an overprotective contact style with PwD has a significant positive association with stress and depression, and has a negative association with QoL. The results emphasize the importance of avoiding an overprotective care style and supporting patient autonomy.
Responses of the Northern Bering Sea and Southeastern Bering Sea Pelagic Ecosystems Following Record‐Breaking Low Winter Sea Ice
Authors: Duffy‐Anderson Janet T. , Stabeno Phyllis , Andrews Alexander G. , Cieciel Kristin , Deary Alison , Farley Edward , Fugate Corey , Harpold Colleen , Heintz Ronald , Kimmel David , Kuletz Kathy , Lamb Jesse , Paquin Melanie , Porter Steven , Rogers Lauren , Spear Adam , Yasumiishi Ellen
Published: August 2019

Bering Sea sea ice during winter 2017–2018 was the lowest ever recorded. Ecosystem effects of low ice have been observed in the southeastern Bering Sea, but never in the northern Bering Sea. Observations in both systems included weakened water column stratification, delayed spring bloom, and low abundances of large crustacean zooplankton. Summer Cold Pool presence was extremely limited. Young walleye pollock production and condition were similar to prior warm years, though catches of other pelagic forage fishes were low. Summer seabird die‐offs were observed in the northern Bering Sea, and to lesser extent in the southeastern Bering Sea, and reproductive success was poor at monitored colonies. Selected bottom‐up responses to lack of sea ice in the north were similar to those in the south, potentially providing environmental indicators to project ecosystem effects in a lesser studied system. Results offer a potential glimpse of the broader Bering Sea pelagic ecosystem under future low‐ice projections.
Modeled and Observed Volcanic Aerosol Control on Stratospheric NOy and Cly
Authors: Zambri Brian , Solomon Susan , Kinnison Douglas E. , Mills Michael J. , Schmidt Anja , Neely Ryan R. , Bourassa Adam E. , Degenstein Douglas A. , Roth Chris Z.
Published: August 2019

Decreases in stratospheric NOx associated with enhanced aerosol have been observed after large volcanic eruptions, for example, after the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991. While the 1991 Mount Pinatubo eruption was the last large explosive eruption, recent studies have shed light on the impacts of moderate‐sized eruptions since the year 2000 on the global stratospheric aerosol budget. We use an ensemble of simulations from a coupled climate‐chemistry model to quantify and analyze changes in NO and NO2 (NOx), N2O5, HNO3, ClO, and ClONO2 during periods of increased stratospheric volcanic aerosol concentrations since 2000. By using an ensemble approach, we are able to distinguish forced responses from internal variability. We also compare the model ensemble results to satellite measurements of these changes in atmospheric composition, including measurements from the Optical Spectrograph and Infrared Imaging Spectrometer on the Odin satellite and the Aura Microwave Limb Sounder. We find decreases in stratospheric NOx concentrations up to 20 hPa, consistent with increases in stratospheric HNO3 concentrations. The HNO3 perturbations also extend higher, up to 5 hPa, associated with periods of increased volcanic aerosol concentrations in both model simulations and observations, though correlations with volcanic aerosol are considerably higher in the model simulations. The model simulates increases in ClO at altitudes and magnitudes similar to the NOx reductions, but this response is below the detectable limit in the available observations (100 pptv). We also demonstrate the value of accounting for transport‐related anomalies of atmospheric trace gases by regression onto N2O anomalies.
Data‐Driven Inference of Thermosphere Composition During Solar Minimum Conditions
Authors: Mehta Piyush M. , Linares Richard , Sutton Eric K.
Published: August 2019

Mass density variations can deviate from the expected behavior caused by temperature due to changes in the composition. Such deviations can be especially significant during solar minimum conditions. Model‐data differences are typically resolved through temperature corrections while overlooking the role of errors in lower boundary composition. In this work, we use a data‐driven methodology to simultaneously estimate thermosphere composition and temperature contributions to model‐data differences. The methodology uses modal decomposition to extract high‐dimensional, reduced order basis functions for the covariance of the neutral thermospheric species and temperature. The extracted basis functions are combined with CHAllenging Minisatellite Payload and Gravity Recovery And Climate Experiment mass density measurements using a nonlinear least squares solver. We demonstrate the methodology using the Naval Research Laboratory's empirical Mass Spectrometer and Incoherent Scatter (MSIS) model to derive the high‐dimensional basis functions. We characterize and quantify the contribution of temperature and lower boundary effects with oxygen and helium since the two species have a direct impact on drag and orbit prediction through gas‐surface interactions and mass density. We analyze the month of December in 2008, based on the work of Thayer et al. (2012), and estimate that lower boundary composition errors contribute approximately 50% of the model‐data differences.
Breakpoint junction features of seven DMD deletion mutations
Authors: Keegan Niall P. , Wilton Steve D. , Fletcher Sue
Published: August 2019

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is an inherited muscle wasting disease with severe symptoms and onset in early childhood. Duchenne muscular dystrophy is caused by loss-of-function mutations, most commonly deletions, within the DMD gene. Characterizing the junction points of large genomic deletions facilitates a more detailed model of the origins of these mutations and allows for a greater understanding of phenotypic variations associated with particular genotypes, potentially providing insights into the deletion mechanism. Here, we report sequencing of breakpoint junctions for seven patients with intragenic, whole-exon DMD deletions. Of the seven junction sequences identified, we found one instance of a “clean” break, three instances of microhomology (2–5 bp) at the junction site, and three complex rearrangements involving local sequences. Bioinformatics analysis of the upstream and downstream breakpoint regions revealed a possible role of short inverted repeats in the initiation of some of these deletion events.
A global view on the effect of water uptake on aerosol particle light scattering
Authors: Burgos María A. , Andrews Elisabeth , Titos Gloria , Alados-Arboledas Lucas , Baltensperger Urs , Day Derek , Jefferson Anne , Kalivitis Nikos , Mihalopoulos Nikos , Sherman James , Sun Junying , Weingartner Ernest , Zieger Paul
Published: August 2019

A reference dataset of multi-wavelength particle light scattering and hemispheric backscattering coefficients for different relative humidities (RH) between RH = 30 and 95% and wavelengths between λ = 450 nm and 700 nm is described in this work. Tandem-humidified nephelometer measurements from 26 ground-based sites around the globe, covering multiple aerosol types, have been re-analysed and harmonized into a single dataset. The dataset includes multi-annual measurements from long-term monitoring sites as well as short-term field campaign data. The result is a unique collection of RH-dependent aerosol light scattering properties, presented as a function of size cut. This dataset is important for climate and atmospheric model-measurement inter-comparisons, as a means to improve model performance, and may be useful for satellite and remote sensing evaluation using surface-based, in-situ measurements.
Neuromuscular organisation and robustness of postural control in the presence of perturbations
Authors: Munoz-Martel Victor , Santuz Alessandro , Ekizos Antonis , Arampatzis Adamantios
Published: August 2019

Perturbation-based exercise interventions challenge balance and improve reactive motor control. Our purpose was to investigate the modular organisation during a standing balance task in both stable and unstable conditions to provide new insights into the neuromuscular control mechanisms needed to cope with perturbations. Fifteen participants performed 54 cycles of a specific task (i.e. pass from a double- to a single-leg standing) on stable ground and an unstable oscillating platform (Posturomed). Muscle synergies were extracted from the electromyographic activity of thirteen lower limb muscles. The maximum Lyapunov exponents of different body segments were calculated using kinematic data. We found two synergies functionally associated with the single- and double-leg stance in both stable and unstable conditions. Nonetheless, in the unstable condition participants needed an extra muscle synergy also functionally related to the single stance. Although a simple organisation of the neuromuscular system was sufficient to maintain the postural control in both conditions, the increased challenge in the oscillating platform was solved by adding one extra synergy. The addition of a new synergy with complementary function highlighted an increased motor output’s robustness (i.e. ability to cope with errors) in the presence of perturbations.
Morphological differences between coastal bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) populations identified using non-invasive stereo-laser photogrammetry
Authors: van Aswegen Martin , Christiansen Fredrik , Symons John , Mann Janet , Nicholson Krista , Sprogis Kate , Bejder Lars
Published: August 2019

Obtaining morphometric data on free-ranging marine megafauna is difficult, as traditional methods rely on post-mortem or live-capture techniques. We linked stereo-laser photogrammetry with long-term demographic data to compare length-at-age (LaA) growth curves of two well-studied populations of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) in south-western (SW) and Shark Bay (SB), mid-western Australia. First, we determined the relationship between total length (TL) and blowhole-to-dorsal fin (BH-DF) length from post-mortem subjects (R2 = 0.99, n = 12). We then predicted TL from laser-derived BH-DF measurements of 129 and 74 known-age individuals in SW and SB, respectively. Richards growth models best described our LaA data. While birth length (103–110 cm) was similar between study regions, TL estimates at 1, 3, 12, and 25 years differed significantly (p < 0.001). Asymptotic length of adult males (SW = 246 cm, SB = 201 cm) and females (SW = 244 cm, SB = 200 cm) also differed significantly. Morphotypic variations likely reflect regional adaptations to local water temperatures, with the temperate SW having cooler waters than sub-tropical SB. We demonstrate the effectiveness of a non-invasive technique to understand ecological, demographic and life-history characteristics of long-lived marine megafauna, which are critical parameters for informing conservation and management actions.
Association between disorganization of retinal inner layers and visual acuity after proliferative diabetic retinopathy surgery
Authors: Ishibashi Tomoyuki , Sakimoto Susumu , Shiraki Nobuhiko , Nishida Kentaro , Sakaguchi Hirokazu , Nishida Kohji
Published: August 2019

We report to evaluate if disorganization of the retinal inner layers (DRIL) obtained by swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) predicts the postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) to treat proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). Twenty-one eyes of 21 patients who underwent vitrectomy for PDR were studied retrospectively. BCVA and SS-OCT images were obtained until 6 months postoperatively. The associations between BCVA and SS-OCT parameters measured in a 1-mm central foveal area were evaluated. The DRIL length, external limiting membrane disruption, and ellipsoid zone (EZ) disruption 1 month postoperatively were associated positively with the postoperative logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) BCVA at 1, 3, and 6 months (1 month, p = 0.009, p = 0.013, p = 0.001; 3 months, p = 0.03, p = 0.021, p = 0.002; and 6 months, p = 0.021, p = 0.013, and p = 0.005, respectively). The eyes with a 500-µm or longer DRIL 1 month postoperatively (19%, 4/21 eyes) had significantly worse VA at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively (p = 0.007, p = 0.008, and p = 0.020, respectively). Multilinear regression analysis of all visits until 6 months postoperatively showed that the DRIL was correlated more significantly (p = 0.0004) with logMAR BCVA than the disrupted EZ length. The DRIL in the early postoperative period may predict the visual outcomes after treating PDR.
Blo t 2: Group 2 allergen from the dust mite Blomia tropicalis
Authors: Reginald Kavita , Pang Sze Lei , Chew Fook Tim
Published: August 2019

Blomia tropicalis has been recognized as a cause of allergic diseases in the tropical and subtropical regions. Here we report the immuno-characterization of its group 2 allergen, Blo t 2. Allergen Blo t 2 was amplified from the cDNA of B. tropicalis using degenerate primers, expressed in Escherichia coli as a recombinant protein and purified to homogeneity. The mature protein of Blo t 2 was 126 amino acids long with 52% sequence identity to Der p 2 and apparent molecular mass of 15 kDa. Circular dichroism spectroscopy showed that Blo t 2 is mainly a beta-sheeted protein. We confirmed the presence of three disulfide bonds in recombinant (r) Blo t 2 protein using electrospray mass spectrometry. Thirty-four percent of dust-mite allergic individuals from the Singapore showed specific IgE binding to rBlo t 2 as tested using immuno dot-blots. IgE-cross reactivity assays showed that Blo t 2 had between 20–50% of unique IgE-epitopes compared to Der p 2. IgE binding of native and recombinant forms of Blo t 2 were highly concordant (r2 = 0.77, p < 0.0001) to rBlo t 2. Dose-dependent in vitro histamine was observed when rBlo t 2 was incubated with whole blood of Blo t 2 sensitized individuals, demonstrating that it is a functional allergen. Nine naturally occurring isoforms of Blo t 2 were identified in this study, each having between 1–3 amino acid variations compared to the reference clone. Blo t 2 is a clinically relevant allergen of B. tropicalis as it has unique IgE epitopes compared to major group 2 allergens from Dermatophagoides spp.
High inhaled oxygen concentration quadruples exhaled CO in healthy volunteers monitored by a highly sensitive laser spectrometer
Authors: Brenckmann Vivien , Ventrillard Irène , Romanini Daniele , Jaulin Kévin , Calabrèse Pascale , Briot Raphaël
Published: August 2019

Carbon monoxide (CO) monitoring in human breath is the focus of many investigations as CO could possibly be used as a marker of various diseases. Detecting CO in human breath remains a challenge because low concentrations (<ppm) must be selectively detected and short response time resolution is needed to detect the end expiratory values reflecting actual alveolar concentrations. A laser spectroscopy based instrument was developed (ProCeas) that fulfils these requirements. The aim of this study was to validate the use of a ProCeas for human breath analysis in order to measure the changes of endogenous exhaled CO (eCO) induced by different inspired fractions of oxygen (FiO2) ranging between 21% and 100%. This study was performed on healthy volunteers. 30 healthy awaked volunteers (including asymptomatic smokers) breathed spontaneously through a facial mask connected to the respiratory circuit of an anesthesiology station. FiO2 was fixed to 21%, 50% and 100% for periods of 5 minutes. CO concentrations were continuously monitored throughout the experiment with a ProCeas connected to the airway circuit. The respiratory cycles being resolved, eCO concentration is defined by the difference between the value at the end of the exhalation phase and the level during inhalation phase. Inhalation of 100% FiO2 increased eCO levels by a factor of four in every subjects (smokers and non smokers). eCO returned in a few minutes to the initial value when FiO2 was switched back to 21%. This magnification of eCO at 21% and 100% FiO2 is greater than those described in previous publications. We hypothesize that these results can be explained by the healthy status of our subjects (with low basal levels of eCO) and also by the better measurement precision of ProCeas.
Body weight variation predicts disease progression after invasive ventilation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Nakayama Yuki , Shimizu Toshio , Matsuda Chiharu , Haraguchi Michiko , Hayashi Kentaro , Bokuda Kota , Nagao Masahiro , Kawata Akihiro , Ishikawa-Takata Kazuko , Isozaki Eiji
Published: August 2019

Weight loss is an independent predictor of survival in the early stages of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, the effects of weight variations on the functional prognosis after tracheostomy and invasive ventilation (TIV) in ALS remain unknown. This prospective cohort study aimed to investigate the relationship between weight loss before TIV and disease progression after TIV in ALS patients. Sixty ALS patients with TIV were enrolled and classified into subgroups based on the rate of decline in body mass index, from onset to TIV utilization (ΔBMI). During follow-up, we assessed the patients for presence of communication impairments, ophthalmoplegia, total quadriplegia, mouth opening disability, and dysuria. We analyzed the relationship between ΔBMI and the communication stage or motor disabilities. The log-rank test showed that patients with a ΔBMI ≥ 1.7 kg/m2/year showed a shorter period of preserved communication ability (p = 0.0001), shorter time to develop ophthalmoplegia (p = 0.0001), total quadriplegia (p < 0.0001), mouth opening disability (p < 0.0001), and dysuria (p = 0.0455). Cox multivariate analyses showed that a larger ΔBMI was an independent prognostic factor for the early development of ophthalmoplegia (p = 0.0400) and total quadriplegia (p = 0.0445). Weight loss in the early stages of ALS predicts disease progression in patients with advanced stages of ALS using TIV.
eHealth tools for the self-testing of visual acuity: a scoping review
Authors: Yeung Wai Kent , Dawes Piers , Pye Annie , Charalambous Anna-Pavlina , Neil Malcolm , Aslam Tariq , Dickinson Christine , Leroi Iracema
Published: August 2019

Uncorrected refractive error is a major cause of vision impairment, and is indexed by visual acuity. Availability of vision assessment is limited in low/middle-income countries and in minority groups in high income countries. eHealth tools offer a solution; two-thirds of the globe own mobile devices. This is a scoping review of the number and quality of tools for self-testing visual acuity. Software applications intended for professional clinical use were excluded. Keyword searches were conducted on Google online, Google Play and iOS store. The first 100 hits in each search were screened against inclusion criteria. After screening, 42 tools were reviewed. Tools assessed near and distance vision. About half (n = 20) used bespoke optotypes. The majority (n = 25) presented optotypes one by one. Four included a calibration procedure. Only one tool was validated against gold standard measures. Many self-test tools have been published, but lack validation. There is a need for regulation of tools for the self-testing of visual acuity to reduce potential risk or confusion to users.
Analysis of genome-wide in cell free DNA methylation: progress and prospect
Authors: Liu Zhiyu , Wang Zexin , Jia Erteng , Ouyang Tinglan , Pan Min , Lu Jiafeng , Ge Qinyu , Bai Yunfei
Published: August 2019

In this work, we focus on the detection methods of cfDNA methylation based on NGS and the latest progress.
Fluorescently probing site-specific and self-catalyzed DNA depurination
Authors: Fei Yifan , Yan Chenxiao , Yu Yali , Gao Longlong , Ye Ting , Zhang Qingqing , Gao Heng , Zhou Xiaoshun , Shao Yong
Published: August 2019

Self-catalyzed DNA depurination can be followed by a fluorescent probe to identify the SCD site and evaluate the depurination kinetics.
Metastable phase equilibria in the ice II stability field. A Raman study of synthetic high-density water inclusions in quartz
Authors: Krüger Yves , Mercury Lionel , Canizarès Aurélien , Marti Dominik , Simon Patrick
Published: August 2019

A metastable ice Ih–ice IV equilibrium curve terminating in a metastable triple point (ice Ih–ice IV–liquid) has been determined within the stability range of ice II.
Unravelling donor–acceptor film morphology formation for environmentally-friendly OPV ink formulations
Authors: Holmes Natalie P. , Munday Holly , Barr Matthew G. , Thomsen Lars , Marcus Matthew A. , Kilcoyne A. L. David , Fahy Adam , van Stam Jan , Dastoor Paul C. , Moons Ellen
Published: August 2019

Realising bicontinuous interpenetrating network morphologies – with nanoscale phase separation – for donor–acceptor material systems processed from environmentally-friendlier ink formulations.
An N-doped porous carbon/MXene composite as a sulfur host for lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Zhang Youquan , Tang Wenwen , Zhan Renming , Liu Heng , Chen Hao , Yang Jingang , Xu Maowen
Published: August 2019

The sulfur content of the composite can reach 80%, and the composite has multiple adsorption for polysulfides.
Growth and properties of spinel structure Zn1.8Co0.2TiO4single crystals by the optical floating zone method
Authors: Liu Ying , Xu Dapeng , Cui Tian , Yu Huamin , Li Xianfeng , Li Liang
Published: August 2019

The spinel structure Zn1.8Co0.2TiO4single crystals with 5 mm diameter and 30 mm length were successfully grown by an optical floating zone method.
Catalyst-free chemoselective α-sulfenylation/β-thiolation for α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds
Authors: Huang Xi , Li Juan , Li Xiang , Wang Jiayi , Peng Yanqing , Song Gonghua
Published: August 2019

This catalyst-free method provides a useful and efficient tool for the highly chemoselective preparation of α-thiolation or β-sulfenylation products of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds.
Weakly supervised video action localisation via two‐stream action activation network
Authors: Yin Chang , Liao Zhongke , Hu Haifeng , Chen Dihu
Published: August 2019

This Letter introduces a weakly supervised method for human action localisation, dubbed Two‐stream Action Activation Network (TAAN). In order to generate both action category predictions and temporal location predictions only by video‐level annotations, TAAN firstly utilises class response variance to select representative segments as video‐level expressions. Then under the supervision of video‐level annotations, these expressions are used to train a classification network. Next, temporal class activation maps (T‐CAMs) are generated based on the classification response, and finally temporal level predictions are given according to T‐CAMs. In addition, the proposed method fuses two‐steam predictions in a simple but effective way to further improve the precision of the predictions. Evaluations on THUMOS 2014 dataset show TAAN outperforms state‐of‐the‐art weakly supervised methods.