bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the interaction of core and emergent common ground in Internet memes
Authors: Diedrichsen Elke
Published: August 2019

Internet memes are meaningful objects of diverse shapes that spread across networks of mediated participation (term fromMilner 2012: 10). The distribution and reception of memes bears aspects of communicative interaction, because memes establish usage conventions. This paper will be concerned with the pragmatics of Internet memes. Given that flexibility, novelty and originality are driving forces in meme culture, the question arises how traditional pragmatic notions likerecipient designandcommon groundcan be said to apply for the interaction with memes. Kecskes’ (2008,2010,2012,2014;Kecskes and Zhang 2009) distinction between core common ground and emergent common ground will be discussed and put to use for an explanation of the complex interactive dynamics of Internet communication. This modern form of communication oscillates between reference to shared cultural contents and the establishment and perpetuation of conventions on the one hand, and the pursuit of originality on the other hand. This paper will demonstrate how memes can vary with respect to the degree to which they require core common ground or the generation of emergent common ground for their proper usage. The scale presented as a result of the discussion represents a continuum of the prevalence of semantics versus pragmatics involved in the usage and interpretation of memes.
Effects of mental fatigue on passing decision‐making performance in professional soccer athletes
Authors: Gantois Petrus , Caputo Ferreira Maria Elisa , de Lima‐Junior Dalton , Nakamura Fábio Y. , Batista Gilmário Ricarte , Fonseca Fabiano S. , Fortes Leonardo de Sousa
Published: August 2019

The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of mental fatigue on passing decision‐making in professional soccer athletes. A controlled and counterbalanced cross‐over design was adopted consisting of three visits with a 1‐week interval between sessions. Twenty professional soccer male athletes participated in three randomized conditions divided into three visits: control, 15‐min Stroop task, and 30‐min Stroop task. Inhibitory control was accessed by the Stroop task (accuracy and response time) before and after induced mental fatigue protocol. The athletes played a training match (90‐min) following the experimental conditions. The Game Performance Assessment Instrument (GPAI) was used for the passing decision‐making analysis. The GPAI analysis showed impaired passing decision‐making performance following the 30‐min Stroop task compared with the 15‐min and control condition (F (2,17) = 6.99, p = .01). Moreover, an increase in response time during the Stroop task was found following 30‐min Stroop task condition (F (2,17) = 6.57, p = .03) compared to 15‐min of Stroop task and control conditions. Prolonged cognitive tasks may be considered a mediating factor in passing decision‐making performance in male professional soccer athletes throughout a full‐length training match. Thus, athletes should avoid highly demanding‐cognitive tasks before a soccer match. Future studies are required to explore more ecological cognitive tasks to induce mental fatigue (i.e. smartphones and video‐games) and their effects on other performance indicators (e.g. physical, technical, tactical) in a full‐length training match setting.
Challenging the “chromatin hypothesis” of cardiac laminopathies with LMNA mutant iPS cells
Authors: Mozzetta Chiara , Tedesco Francesco Saverio
Published: August 2019

Lamins A and C are intermediate filaments that provide structural support to the nuclear envelope and regulate gene expression. In this issue, Bertero et al. (2019. J. Cell Biol. https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201902117) report that although lamin A/C haploinsufficient cardiomyocytes show disease-associated phenotypes, those changes cannot be explained by alterations in chromatin compartmentalization.
Darboux Transformation for a Negative Order AKNS Equation
Authors: Wajahat H. , Riaz A.
Published: August 2019

Using a quasideterminant Darboux matrix, we compute soliton solutions of a negative order AKNS (AKNS(−1)) equation. Darboux transformation (DT) is defined on the solutions to the Lax pair and the AKNS(−1) equation. By iterated DT to K-times, we obtain multisoliton solutions. It has been shown that multisoliton solutions can be expressed in terms of quasideterminants and shown to be related with the dressed solutions as obtained by dressing method.
On U(1) Gauge Theory Transfer-Matrix in Fourier Basis*
Authors: Vadood Narges , Fatollahi Amir H.
Published: August 2019

The properties of the transfer-matrix of U(1) lattice gauge theory in the Fourier basis are explored. Among other statements it is shown: (i) the transfer-matrix is block-diagonal, (ii) all consisting vectors of a block are known based on an arbitrary block vector, (iii) the ground-state belongs to the zero-mode’s block. The emergence of maximum-points in matrix-elements as functions of the gauge coupling is clarified. Based on explicit expressions for the matrix-elements we present numerical results as tests of our statements.
Gravitational Waves and Extra Dimensions: A Short Review*
Authors: Yu Hao , Lin Zi-Chao , Liu Yu-Xiao
Published: August 2019

We give a brief review on the recent development of gravitational waves in extra-dimensional theories of gravity. Studying extra-dimensional theories with gravitational waves provides a new way to constrain extra dimensions. After a flash look at the history of gravitational waves and a brief introduction to several major extra-dimensional theories, we focus on the sources and spectra of gravitational waves in extra-dimensional theories. It is shown that one can impose limits on the size of extra dimensions and the curvature of the universe by researching the propagations of gravitational waves and the corresponding electromagnetic waves. Since gravitational waves can propagate throughout the bulk, how the amplitude of gravitational waves decreases determines the number of extra dimensions for some models. In addition, we also briefly present some other characteristics of gravitational waves in extra-dimensional theories.
Single layer graphene induces load-bearing molecular layering at the hexadecane-steel interface
Authors: Krämer G , Kim C , Kim K-S , Bennewitz R
Published: August 2019

The influence of a single layer graphene on the interface between a polished steel surface and the model lubricant hexadecane is explored by high-resolution force microscopy. Nanometer-scale friction is reduced by a factor of three on graphene compared to the steel substrate, with an ordered layer of hexadecane adsorbed on the graphene. Graphene furthermore induces a molecular ordering in the confined lubricant with an average range of 4–5 layers and with a strongly increased load-bearing capacity compared to the lubricant on the bare steel substrate.
Mollow triplet in cold atoms
Authors: Ortiz-Gutiérrez Luis , Teixeira Raul Celistrino , Eloy Aurélien , Ferreira da Silva Dilleys , Kaiser Robin , Bachelard Romain , Fouché Mathilde
Published: August 2019

In this paper, we measure the spectrum of light scattered by a cold atomic cloud driven by a strong laser beam. The experimental technique is based on heterodyne spectroscopy coupled to single-photon detectors and intensity correlations. At resonance, we observe the Mollow triplet. This spectrum is quantitatively compared to the theoretical one, emphasizing the influence of the temperature of the cloud and the finite-size of the laser beam. Off resonance measurements are also done showing a very good agreement with theory.
Microscopic origin of level attraction for a coupled magnon-photon system in a microwave cavity
Authors: Proskurin Igor , Macêdo Rair , Stamps Robert L
Published: August 2019

We discuss various microscopic mechanisms for level attraction in a hybridized magnon-photon system of a ferromagnet in a microwave cavity. The discussion is based upon the electromagnetic theory of continuous media where the effects of the internal magnetization dynamics of the ferromagnet are described using dynamical response functions. This approach is in agreement with quantized multi-oscillator models of coupled photon-magnon dynamics. We demonstrate that to provide the attractive interaction between the modes, the effective response functions should be diamagnetic. Magneto-optical coupling is found to be one mechanism for the effective diamagnetic response, which is proportional to photon number. A dual mechanism based on the Aharonov–Casher effect is also highlighted, which is instead dependent on magnon number.
Asymmetric structure of atomic above-threshold ionization spectrum in two-color elliptically polarized laser fields*
Authors: Zhou Xu-Cong , Shi Shang , Li Fei , Yang Yu-Jun , Chen Jing , Meng Qing-Tian , Wang Bing-Bing
Published: August 2019

According to the frequency-domain theory, we investigate the asymmetric structure of above-threshold ionization (ATI) spectrum of an atom in two-color elliptically polarized (EP) laser fields. When both laser fields are linearly polarized (LP), the spectrum shows that the multi-plateau structure is symmetric about the emitted angle of electron at π/2, while the spectrum becomes asymmetric and shifts rightwards with the increase of the EP degree of the IR laser field. Since the total ATI process is regarded as including direct ATI and the rescattering ATI, we analyze the spectrum structure of direct ATI and rescattering ATI separately. Using the saddle-point approximation, we find that for direct ATI, the fringes on the spectrum are mainly attributed to the fact that the ionization probability becomes very small when the direction of emitted electrons is perpendicular to the direction of the XUV laser polarization; while for the rescattering ATI, the interference fringes on the spectrum mainly come from the superposition of the waist structures on the spectra of all sub-channels.
Enhancement of magnetic properties of PVDF by synthesize nano composite using NiZn ferrite
Authors: Salem B I , Hemeda O M , Tawfik A , El-Shahawy M M
Published: August 2019

The (XRD) patterns of the samples Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 in the form of powder were prepared using the ball milling technique for 41, 67 and 90 hours and were annealed at 1073, 1273 and 1373 K and (Poly vinylidine Fluoride) (PVDF) and composite samples of x% Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4/PVDF, (x% = 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25%) have been studied. The α phase decrease and β-phases increase by increasing the ferrite content suggesting less crystallinity producing an amorphous structure of PVDF at x = 25% ferrite where as β PVDF nucleates in the composites The electric polarization increases by increasing NZF content. The transition from ferromagnetic (order state) to paramagnetic (disorder state) occurs at Curie temperature TC (600K). The DC resistivity is nearly constant from 153k to 286k for all composite samples and then decreases at high temperature. The behavior of dielectric constant and dielectric loss was measured in the temperature range from 200K to 700K. With the increase of magnetic content, the saturation magnetization (Ms) value of the composites also increases.
Structural and Magnetic Properties of Nano Ferrite for Magnetoelectric Applications
Authors: Hemeda O M , Tawfik A , Mostafa M , Zaki M , Abd El Ati M I
Published: August 2019

A Series of ferrite samples Ni0.1 Cu0.2 Zn0.7-x Mgx Fe2O4 (where x = 0, 0.15, 0.25, 0.35, 0.45, 0.55 and 0.7) were synthesized using auto combustion flash method. The samples were annealed at 600 °c for 2 hours to eliminate the foreign phases of the constituent nitrate and internal stress. The purity of phase structure was confirmed by x-ray diffraction. Some structural and microstructural parameters like porosity, x-ray density, crystallite size and lattice constant were deduced from x-ray. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis reveals that the grains are separated by pores in all samples and the average grain size decreases with increasing Mg content. Magnetic properties such as coercivity (Hc), saturation magnetization (Ms) and retentivity (Mr) were measured from M-H loops. The magnetization curves were characterized by low coercivity indicating that our samples are soft magnetic material. Both saturation magnetization and coercivity increase by increasing Mg ions where Ms reaches maximum value at x = 0.35 then decrease for higher Mg content.
Characterization of table salt samples from different origins and ESR detection of the induced effects due to gamma irradiation
Authors: Abdou Saleh M. , Moharam Hany
Published: August 2019

Three nominated types of table salt samples are obtained from different sources: “cok” rooks table salt, “sal” red sea marine table salt, “Dr.salt” table salt with low sodium content prepared for hypertensive patients to procedure in this work labeled C, S and D respectively. Characterization of the table salt types using X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses and the energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis was carried out. EDX analyses show a difference in sodium and chloride content percentage atomic ratio between the three salt types. Also, potassium is apparent in the salt type D. The positions of each diffraction peak maximum intensity were obtained and compared with the corresponding peak in the database. Also, to discriminate the diffraction peaks of the impurities.Samples were irradiated with gamma source using Co60 at room temperature. Electron spin resonance (ESR) has been studied in the three different commercial table salt samples. The aim of the present study is to investigate the sensitivity of the naturally occurring table salts to gamma radiation, using the ESR technique The ESR results represent the signal intensity of the salt types C is higher than S than D. The results also indicate that, the ESR intensity of the table salt and the sensitivity to gamma radiation increases with increasing the percentage of sodium and also some other impurities in each content type.
The environmental and socioeconomic trade-offs of importing crops to meet domestic food demand in China
Authors: Huang Guorui , Yao Guolin , Zhao Jing , Lisk Matthew D , Yu Chaoqing , Zhang Xin
Published: August 2019

China increasingly relies on agricultural imports, driven by its rising population and income, as well as dietary shifts. International trade offers an opportunity to relieve pressures on resource depletion and pollution, such as nitrogen (N) pollution, while it poses multiple socioeconomic challenges, such as food availability. To quantify such trade-offs considering the roles of different crop types, we developed a unique crop-specific N budget database and assessed the impacts of the crop trade on multiple sustainability concerns including N pollution caused by crop production, crop land area, independence of food supply, and trade expenditures. We quantified the ‘virtual’ N inputs and harvested areas, which are the amount of N inputs and land resources used in exporting countries for China’s crop import. In addition, we proposed the concepts of ‘alternative’ N inputs and harvested area to quantify the resources needed if imported crops were produced in China. By comparing results from ‘alternative’ and ‘virtual’ concepts, we assessed the role of trade in Chinese crops over the past 30 years (i.e. 1986–2015) in alleviating N pollution and saving cropland in China and the world. Crop imports accounted for 31% of Chinese crop N consumption in 2015, and these crop imports eased the need for an additional cropland area of 62 million ha. It also avoided an N surplus by 56 and 36 Tg (Tg = 109 kg) for China and the world respectively but led to $621 billion crop trade expenditures over the 30 year period. The N pollution damage avoided by crop imports in economic terms was priced at $22 ± 16 billion in 2015, which is lower than the crop trade expenditures but may be surpassed in the future with the development of the Chinese economy. Optimizing a crop trade portfolio can shift domestic production from N-intensive crop production (e.g. maize, fruits, and vegetables) to N-efficient crop production (e.g. soybeans), and consequently mitigate an N surplus by up to 12%. Improving N use efficiency for individual crops can further increase the mitigation potential of N surplus to 30%–50%, but requires technology advancement and policy incentives.
Fast single-cell biochemistry: theory, open source microscopy and applications
Authors: Trinh Andrew L , Ber Suzan , Howitt Annie , Valls Pablo Oriol , Fries Maximilian W , Venkitaraman Ashok R , Esposito Alessandro
Published: August 2019

Fluorescence lifetime sensing enables researchers to probe the physicochemical environment of a fluorophore providing a window through which we can observe the complex molecular make-up of the cell. Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) quantifies and maps cell biochemistry, a complex ensemble of dynamic processes. Unfortunately, typical high-resolution FLIM systems exhibit rather limited acquisition speeds, often insufficient to capture the time evolution of biochemical processes in living cells. Here, we describe the theoretical background that justifies the developments of high-speed single photon counting systems. We show that systems with low dead-times not only result in faster acquisition throughputs but also improved dynamic range and spatial resolution. We also share the implementation of hardware and software as an open platform, show applications of fast FLIM biochemical imaging on living cells and discuss strategies to balance precision and accuracy in FLIM. The recent innovations and commercialisation of fast time-domain FLIM systems are likely to popularise FLIM within the biomedical community, to impact biomedical research positively and to foster the adoption of other FLIM techniques as well. While supporting and indeed pursuing these developments, with this work we also aim to warn the community about the possible shortcomings of fast single photon counting techniques and to highlight strategies to acquire data of high quality.
Accelerating small-angle scattering experiments with simulation-based machine learning
Authors: Kanazawa Takuya , Asahara Akinori , Morita Hidekazu
Published: August 2019

Making material experiments more efficient is a high priority for materials scientists who seek to discover new materials with desirable properties. In this paper, we investigate how to optimize the laborious sequential measurements of materials properties with data-driven methods, taking the small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) experiment as a test case. We propose two methods for optimizing sequential data sampling. These methods iteratively suggest the best target for the next measurement by performing a statistical analysis of the already acquired data, so that maximal information is gained at each step of an experiment. We conducted numerical simulations of SANS experiments for virtual materials and confirmed that the proposed methods significantly outperform baselines.
Adding a point to configurations in closed balls
Authors: Chen Lei , Gadish Nir , Lanier Justin
Published: August 2019

We answer the question of when a new point can be added in a continuous way to configurations of

n
n

distinct points in a closed ball of arbitrary dimension. We show that this is possible given an ordered configuration of

n
n

points if and only if

n
≠
1

n \neq 1

. On the other hand, when the points are not ordered and the dimension of the ball is at least 2, a point can be added continuously if and only if

n
=
2

n = 2

. These results generalize the Brouwer fixed-point theorem, which gives the negative answer when

n
=
1

n=1

. We also show that when

n
=
2

n=2

, there is a unique solution to both the ordered and unordered versions of the problem up to homotopy.
Trichloroethylene exposure alters dimethylated histone three lysine four in protein kinase A signaling pathway chromatin of rat sperm†
Authors: Stermer Angela R , Wilson Shelby K , Klein David , Hall Susan J , Boekelheide Kim
Published: August 2019

Histone three lysine four dimethylation (H3k4me2) in sperm is conserved across species and is linked to transgenerational epigenetic inheritance. To test whether H3K4me2 is a target for transgenerational inheritance of toxicity, a daily gavage bolus exposure of trichloroethylene (TCE) (1000 mg/kg/day) was given to rats for 14 weeks, then epididymal sperm were isolated and native chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by next generation sequencing (ChIP-seq) of H3K4me2 was performed. Differential region analysis determined there were 2608 significantly differential H3K4me2 regions after TCE exposure, 477 were significantly increased and 2131 were significantly decreased. Z-score enrichment of differential regions determined there were significantly decreased H3k4me2 in the coding and regulatory regions of genes in the PKA signaling pathway. These changes account for TCE induced spermatozoal toxicity and show H3K4me2 is a target for paternal inheritance of toxicity.
Effects of laboratory salmon louse infection on Arctic char osmoregulation, growth and survival
Authors: Fjelldal P G , Hansen T J , Karlsen Ø , Wright D W
Published: August 2019

High salmon lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) infestation levels resulting from intensive salmonid sea-cage aquaculture can threaten populations of wild salmonid hosts. This includes anadromous Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus), which rely on short migrations into more productive seawater environments to build energy stores for maturation, spawning and over-wintering in freshwater. Elevated salmon lice burdens may limit the benefits of migration by constraining osmoregulation, growth, survival and reproduction. To test for these effects, we simulated anadromous migration in tanks by transferring individually tagged Arctic char smolts (n = 352, averaging 133 g) to seawater where they were infected with salmon lice or left as uninfected controls for 1 month, and then transferring them back to freshwater for 2 months. After the seawater phase, infected post-smolts had a mean of 0.33 (range of 0.09–0.91) mobile lice g−1 fish weight. At this point, specific growth rates (SGRs) dropped in infected compared to control fish (0.1% vs. 1.6% day−1). Higher plasma Na+ and osmolality in infected fish also indicate osmoregulatory impairment. Throughout the study, mortality was 18.2% and 1.7% in infected and control groups, but sexual maturation was low and comparable between groups. Infection intensity correlated positively with mortality rate and plasma Cl−, and correlated negatively with SGR and condition factor (CF). CF dropped (ΔCF < 0) at intensities of >0.09 lice g−1 fish weight, and intensities of >0.3 causing zero or negative SGRs and increased mortality were particularly concerning. If infection intensities reach these levels in the wild, char could be impacted by growth restrictions and increased mortality rates, which potentially cause shorter migration durations, lowered reproductive success and possibly also selection against anadromy. This study provides vital information for conservation practitioners wanting to understand the physiologically derived burden salmon lice can have on Arctic char populations, and can be used to define thresholds in the monitoring and conservation of Arctic char populations affected by aquaculture-driven salmon lice infestations.
Abnormal aortic flow conduction is associated with increased viscous energy loss in patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Schäfer Michal , Barker Alex J , Jaggers James , Morgan Gareth J , Stone Matthew L , Truong Uyen , Browne Lorna P , Malone Ladonna , Ivy D Dunbar , Mitchell Max B
Published: August 2019

OBJECTIVES

Aortopathy in tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is characterized by increased aortic stiffness, dilation and reduced left ventricular (LV) function. Repair in infancy normalizes aortic dimensions in early childhood. Our prior work demonstrated that early TOF repair does not normalize aortic compliance and that abnormal ascending aortic flow patterns are prevalent. The objectives of this study were to: (i) determine whether proximal aortic flow-mediated viscous energy loss (EL′) is elevated in patients with early TOF repair compared with healthy controls, and (ii) determine whether the degree of EL′ is associated with LV function.

METHODS

Forty-one patients post TOF repair with normalized aortic size and 15 healthy controls underwent 4-dimenisonal-flow magnetic resonance imaging flow analysis and EL′ assessment. Correlations between EL′, aortic size, and LV function were assessed.

RESULTS

The TOF group had increased peak systolic thoracic aorta EL′ (3.8 vs 1.5 mW, P = 0.004) and increased averaged EL′ throughout the cardiac cycle (1.2 vs 0.5 mW, P = 0.003). Peak and mean systolic EL′ in the ascending aorta was increased 2-fold in the TOF group compared with control (peak: 2.0 vs 0.9 mW, P = 0.007). Peak EL′ measured along the entire thoracic aortic length correlated with LV ejection fraction (R = −0.45, P = 0.009), indexed LV end-systolic volume (R = −0.40, P = 0.010), and right ventricular end-systolic volume (R = −0.37, P = 0.034).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with repaired TOF exhibit abnormal aortic flow associated with increased EL′ in the thoracic aorta. The magnitude of EL′ is associated with LV function and volumes. Increased aortic EL′ in TOF is likely due to inherently abnormal LV outflow geometry and or right ventricular interaction. Reduced aortic flow efficiency in TOF increases cardiac work and may be an important factor in long-term cardiac performance.
Can socioeconomic and psychosocial factors predict the duration of orthodontic treatment?
Authors: Nakhleh Kamal , Joury Easter , Dean Rabia , Marcenes Wagner , Johal Ama
Published: August 2019

Introduction and objectives

Very little is known about the role of socioeconomic and psychosocial factors in predicting orthodontic treatment duration. Thus, this study aimed to test whether socioeconomic position (SEP) and psychosocial factors, namely, family environment and resiliency can predict orthodontic treatment duration.

Methods

Data were analysed from a hospital-based, prospective, longitudinal study that recruited 145 consecutively selected 12- to 16-year-old male and female adolescents. Baseline SEP and psychosocial data were collected by a validated child self-completed questionnaire before the placement of fixed appliances. Linear regression analysis was used.

Results

The response rate was 98.6 per cent and the dropout was 8.2 per cent. Maternal emotional support was an important predictor of orthodontic treatment duration. Adolescents with high levels of maternal emotional support were more likely to have a shorter orthodontic treatment duration (by nearly four months) than those with low levels of maternal emotional support (P = 0.02). Parental SEP, paternal emotional support, maternal and paternal control, as well as resiliency were not significantly associated with orthodontic treatment duration (P > 0.05). The multivariable regression analysis (including age, gender, and malocclusion severity) confirmed the significance of maternal emotional support as a predictor of orthodontic treatment duration.

Conclusions

Maternal emotional support is an important predictor of orthodontic treatment duration. This may be explained by a higher maternal involvement in the orthodontic treatment, which may have facilitated achieving the required orthodontic treatment outcome in a shorter treatment duration.
An insight to the current state and sustainability of urban forests across Great Britain based on i-Tree Eco surveys
Authors: Monteiro Madalena Vaz , Handley Phillip , Doick Kieron J
Published: August 2019

Urban trees are instrumental in providing ecosystem services to urban society. However, they are subject to many pressures linked to harsh site conditions created by the urban environment, climate change, attack by pests and diseases and the political and social influences that control how urban trees are perceived and managed. An ongoing provision of services from all trees within an urban area (known as the urban forest) can only be achieved through high resilience to these pressures. This study aims to examine the current state of composition, condition and structure of 12 urban forests across Great Britain, by reviewing data collected from i-Tree Eco city or town-wide surveys and recommending a framework to rate their sustainability. The study shows that urban forests are hardy to local winter temperatures and in good health, but lack in large size trees and tree species diversity. Also, several urban forests offer small percentage canopy cover. The wider application of this framework and the creation of detailed tree strategies could help local authorities to establish management strategies, set goals and monitor progress towards achieving greater sustainability.
Testosterone for Androgen Deficiency-Like Symptoms in Men Without Pathologic Hypogonadism: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Cross-over With Masked Choice Extension Clinical Trial
Authors: Mok Shao Feng , Fennell Carolyn , Savkovic Sasha , Turner Leo , Jayadev Veena , Conway Ann , Handelsman David J
Published: August 2019

Background

Off-label testosterone prescribing for androgen deficiency (AD)-like sexual and energy symptoms of older men without pathologic hypogonadism has increased dramatically without convincing evidence of efficacy.

Methods

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study with three phases, we entered 45 men aged at least 40 years without pathologic hypogonadism but with AD-like energy and/or sexual symptoms to either daily testosterone or placebo gel treatment for 6 weeks in a cross-over study design with a third, mandatory extension phase in which participants chose which previous treatment they preferred to repeat while remaining masked to their original treatment. Primary endpoints were energy and sexual symptoms as assessed by a visual analog scale (Lead Symptom Score [LSS]).

Results

Increasing serum testosterone to the healthy young male range produced no significant benefit more than placebo for energy or sexual LSS. Covariate effects of age, body mass index, and pretreatment baseline serum testosterone on quality-of-life scales were detected. Only 1 out of 22 indices from seven quality-of-life scales was significantly improved by testosterone treatment over placebo. Participants did not choose testosterone significantly more than placebo as their preferred treatment in the third phase.

Conclusions

Six-week testosterone treatment does not improve energy or sexual symptoms more than placebo in symptomatic men without pathologic hypogonadism.
Influence of life-history-dependent migration strategies on Atlantic salmon diets
Authors: Bøe Kristin , Power Michael , Robertson Martha J , Morris Corey J , Dempson J Brian , Parrish Christopher C , Fleming Ian A
Published: August 2019

Migratory behaviour may vary according to the life history and demographic attributes of fish and lead to the spatial segregation of distinct population segments during the non-breeding season. In adult Atlantic salmon, spawning history differences are associated with intra-population variation in marine movements, but the degree of connectivity in spatial resource use among and within maiden and repeat spawning salmon is not well understood. We analysed muscle fatty acids (FAs), δ13C and δ15N of Atlantic salmon returning to spawn, and found significant differences among spawning histories. Maiden and alternate repeat spawning Atlantic salmon were differentiated from consecutive repeat spawners by fatty acid biomarkers associated with distinct biogeographic regions of the Labrador Sea, consistent with differential migration and divergent feeding locations. The presence and pattern of feeding contrasts among spawning history groups were further supported by dorsal muscle δ15N, which covaried with FA compositional values and distinguished consecutive repeat spawners from the two other groups. Because the degree of connectivity among population segments affects the ecological factors faced by such groups, an improved understanding of differential migration is necessary to better predict potential population responses to environmental change.
Inherited Wealth over the Path of Development: Sweden, 1810–2016
Authors: Ohlsson Henry , Roine Jesper , Waldenström Daniel
Published: August 2019

We estimate the importance of inherited wealth in Sweden over the past 200 years. Inheritance is measured both as the annual inheritance flow divided by national income and as the share of inherited wealth in all private wealth. In the 19th century, Sweden differs from France and the United Kingdom in having much lower inheritance–income flows, but at the same time exhibiting equally large shares of inherited wealth in total wealth. This pattern is in line with Sweden at the time being a poor country with low domestic capital accumulation, but at the same time exhibiting high economic growth rates. In the 20th century the importance of inheritance in relation to national income fell, but since the 1990s it has increased rapidly, today reaching almost the same levels as a century ago. The share of inherited wealth in total wealth has also fallen over time, but remains relatively low due to a rapid accumulation of new wealth. We study potential determinants and explanations, pointing especially to Swedish welfare-state institutions, and in particular to the development of an extensive public occupational pension system contributing to keeping private inheritance low.
Posthumously Conceived Children and Succession Law: A View from Ireland
Authors: O’Sullivan Kathryn
Published: August 2019

Since its emergence in the late 1970s, posthumous conception has provoked controversy. However, notwithstanding that a number of jurisdictions continue to apply a blanket ban on the posthumous use of genetic material, many (if not most) common law jurisdictions now expressly or implicitly permit such post-mortem conception. Yet as awareness of the potential for posthumous conception continues to increase, so too does awareness of the associated legal complications. In particular, serious questions arise as to whether the so-called ‘after born’ children ought to enjoy succession rights in their deceased parent’s estate. This article considers various arguments for and against the recognition of the succession rights of posthumously conceived children and reflects on the position adopted in a number of jurisdictions. With these international perspectives in mind, the article then places the spotlight on recent developments in Ireland, specifically the recent publication of the General Scheme of the Assisted Human Reproduction Bill 2017, which seeks to expressly permit and regulate posthumous assisted reproduction in the jurisdiction. The article considers the apparent intention of the Irish legislature to recognize the ‘inheritance’ rights of posthumously conceived children and, drawing on international experiences, questions how this intention might best be realized.
The Perception of Frozen Intervals in Anton Webern’s Concerto for Nine Instruments, Op. 24, Third Movement
Authors: Brown Jenine
Published: August 2019

Many have described twelve-tone music as difficult to aurally comprehend (e.g., Huron, 2006; Meyer, 1967). This study addresses such claims by investigating what listeners can implicitly learn when hearing a recording of a twelve-tone composition. Krumhansl (1990) has argued that listeners unfamiliar with a musical style attune to the distribution of pitch occurrences, with the most frequent pitch providing a reference point. However, in Anton Webern’s Concerto for Nine Instruments, Op. 24/iii, each pitch occurs nearly the same number of times. Because the distribution of pitches in this twelve-tone work is flat, this study investigates whether listeners instead perceive its recurring intervals. After passive exposure to the composition, musician participants (n = 12) with no formal training in non-tonal music theory demonstrated learning of the frequent intervals (and pairs of intervals) in both forced-choice and ratings tasks. Nonmusicians (n = 13) did not. I then use these empirical findings to inform an interval-based analytical approach to Webern’s compositions.
Identification of a novel autoantigen eukaryotic initiation factor 3 associated with polymyositis
Authors: Betteridge Zoe , Chinoy Hector , Vencovsky Jiri , Winer John , Putchakayala Kiran , Ho Pauline , Lundberg Ingrid , Danko Katalin , Cooper Robert , McHugh Neil
Published: August 2019

Objectives

To describe the prevalence and clinical associations of autoantibodies to a novel autoantigen, eukaryotic initiation factor 3 (eIF3), detected in idiopathic inflammatory myositis.

Methods

Sera or plasma from 678 PM patients were analysed for autoantigen specificity by radio-labelled protein immunoprecipitation (IPP). Samples immunoprecipitating the same novel autoantigens were further analysed by indirect immunofluorescence and IPP using pre-depleted cell extracts. The autoantigen was identified through a combination of IPP and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, and confirmed using commercial antibodies and IPP-western blots. Additional samples from patients with DM (668), DM-overlap (80), PM-overlap (191), systemic sclerosis (150), systemic lupus erythematosus (200), Sjogren’s syndrome (40), rheumatoid arthritis (50) and healthy controls (150) were serotyped by IPP as disease or healthy controls.

Results

IPP revealed a novel pattern in three PM patients (0.44%) that was not found in disease-specific or healthy control sera. Indirect immunofluorescence demonstrated a fine cytoplasmic speckled pattern for all positive patients. Mass spectrometry analysis of the protein complex identified the target autoantigen as eIF3, a cytoplasmic complex with a role in the initiation of translation. Findings were confirmed by IPP-Western blotting. The three anti-eIF3-positive patients had no history of malignancy or interstitial lung disease, and had a favourable response to treatment.

Conclusion

We report a novel autoantibody in 0.44% of PM patients directed against a cytoplasmic complex of proteins identified as eIF3. Although our findings need further confirmation, anti-eIF3 appears to correlate with a good prognosis and a favourable response to treatment.
Murraya paniculata and Swinglea glutinosa as Short-Term Transient Hosts of ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ and Implications for the Spread of Huanglongbing
Authors: Cifuentes-Arenas Juan Camilo , Beattie George Andrew Charles , Peña Leandro , Lopes Silvio Aparecido
Published: August 2019

Murraya paniculata and Swinglea glutinosa are aurantioid hosts of the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) Diaphorina citri, the principal vector of ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ (Las). Las is the pathogen associated with huanglongbing (HLB), the Asian form of which is the most devastating disease of Citrus species and cultivars (Rutaceae: Aurantioideae). M. paniculata is a common ornamental and S. glutinosa is grown as an ornamental, a citrus rootstock, and a hedgerow fence plant. Because of the uncertain status of these plants as reservoirs of Las, a series of cross-inoculation bioassays were carried out in different environments, using infected Valencia sweet orange (Citrus × aurantium) infected shoot tops as a source of inoculum and D. citri nymphs and adults reared on M. paniculata and S. glutinosa to inoculate pathogen-free Valencia orange plantlets. In contrast to sweet orange, Las was more unevenly distributed and reached much lower titers in M. paniculata and S. glutinosa. Infections in M. paniculata and S. glutinosa were also transient. Very few insects that successfully acquired Las from M. paniculata and S. glutinosa were able to transmit the pathogen to healthy citrus. Transmission rates were low from M. paniculata (1.0%) and S. glutinosa (2.0%) and occurred only in a controlled environment highly favorable to Las and ACP using 10-day-old adults that completed their life cycle on Las-positive plants. Our study showed that in HLB-endemic areas, M. paniculata and S. glutinosa can be deemed as epidemiologically dead-end hosts for Las and are not important alternative hosts of the pathogen for transmission to citrus. However, under a combination of conditions highly favorable to Las infection and transmission and in the absence of effective quarantine procedures, these plants could eventually serve as carriers of Las to regions currently free from HLB.
Genomic profiling of a dedifferentiated mucosal melanoma following exposure to immunotherapy
Authors: Prior Lisa , Toomey Sinead , Greally Megan , Keane Fergus , Lim Marvin , Harrold Emily , O’Keane Conor , Bulger Kyran , Hennessy Bryan T. , Furney Simon J. , McCaffrey John
Published: August 2019

The treatment landscape for metastatic melanoma has been revolutionised by the introduction of immunotherapy and targeted therapies. Despite these advances, some patients exhibit primary or acquired resistance to treatment. We present the case of a resected mucosal melanoma that on relapse underwent transformation to a dedifferentiated state. The relapsed tumour was phenotypically disparate and demonstrated loss of all typical melanoma-associated immunohistochemical markers. Furthermore, it demonstrated aggressive biological behaviour and immunotherapy resistance. We performed genomic profiling of the original and relapsed tumour to further elucidate the mechanisms underlying this rare phenomenon. Mass spectrometry-based single-nucleotide polymorphism genotyping technology was used to screen for mutations in the original and recurrent tumour. Whole-exome sequencing was performed on the original tumour, recurrent tumour and blood. Both the original and recurrent tumour shared a NRAS mutation, a similar aneuploidy profile and proportion of somatic single-nucleotide variants. However, in contrast to the original tumour, the recurrent tumour demonstrated a lower mutational burden and deletions in the CDKN2A/CDKN2B and CHEK2 genes. The genomic similarity between the original and recurrent tumour attests to a common ancestry and the possible existence of nongenomic drivers inciting phenotype plasticity. In contrast, the low mutational load and potential inactivation of tumour suppressor genes in the recurrent tumour may underlie its rapid proliferative rate and immunoresistance. Dynamic treatment models are desired in the future to track the genomic and epigenetic evolution of a tumour to guide optimal therapy choice and sequencing.
Evaluation of ambiguous genitalia
Authors: Stambough Kathryn , Magistrado Leila , Perez-Milicua Gisselle
Published: August 2019

Purpose of review

To provide a framework for the evaluation of ambiguous genitalia.

Recent findings

The most pressing evaluation of ambiguous genitalia is assessment for life-threatening causes such as salt-wasting congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) or syndromes with underlying anomalies such as neurologic or cardiac malformations. A multidisciplinary team, including specialists in Gynecology, Endocrinology, Urology, Genetics, Clinical Psychology/Psychiatry, Radiology, Nursing, Neonatology, and Pediatric Surgery, should be involved. Each patient should be approached in an individualized manner to assign sex of rearing in the most expeditious yet thoughtful means possible.

As knowledge on the natural history of sex preference and fertility of individuals with ambiguous genitalia increases, controversy regarding the indication for and timing of genital surgery continues. Considerations include gender identity, future fertility, malignancy risk, infection prevention, and functional anatomy for sexual activity.

The evaluation of ambiguous genitalia should involve a multidisciplinary team. A combination of history taking, physical examination, laboratory evaluation, and radiologic assessment can assist with the diagnosis. Care should be taken to emphasize karyotypic sex is not equivalent to gender and to use caution with regards to irreversible medical and surgical therapies which may impact fertility and sexual function and nonconform with future sex identity.
Single-port 3-dimensional Videoscope-assisted Endoscopic Nipple-sparing Mastectomy in the Management of Breast Cancer
Authors: Lai Hung-Wen , Chen Shou-Tung , Mok Chi Wei , Lin Shih-Lung , Tai Chin-Mei , Chen Dar-Ren , Kuo Shou-Jen
Published: August 2019

The preliminary experience and results of an innovative surgical technique that incorporated a single-port and 3-dimensional (3D) videoscope system for endoscopic nipple-sparing mastectomy (E-NSM) were reported. The medical records of patients who underwent single-port 3D E-NSM for breast cancer during the period of August 2018 to October 2018 in a single institution were collected prospectively and analyzed. Patients’ reported cosmetic outcome results were also obtained. During the study period, 11 patients received 15 procedures of single-port 3D E-NSM. The mean operation time for single-port 3D E-NSM and immediate prosthesis breast reconstruction was 181.8 ± 32.4 minutes. The mean blood loss was 38.3 ± 45.3 ml (15–60). In the postoperative morbidity evaluation, 1 patient (6.7%) had delayed axillary wound healing and 2 (13.4%) had transient nipple ischemia, but there were no cases of total nipple areolar complex necrosis and implant loss observed. In addition, there were no cases with margin involvement or locoregional recurrence during the follow-up period. In patient-reported cosmetic outcomes, high (93.3%) satisfaction rates were observed in terms of postoperative scar appearance, location, and length. All patients who had received 3D E-NSM and immediate prosthesis breast reconstruction reported that they would choose the same operation again if given the chance to do so. From our preliminary experience, single-port 3D E-NSM is a feasible and safe procedure with good cosmetic results. Hence, this technique could be a promising new technique for patients with breast cancer indicated for nipple-sparing mastectomy.
Eyelid Thread-lifting Treatment for Periocular Infantile Hemangioma in an Extremely Premature Low-birth-weight Infant
Authors: Kurachi Ayana , Ozaki Mine , Ihara Aki , Eto Hitomi , Takushima Akihiko
Published: August 2019

Periocular infantile hemangioma (IH) sometimes hinders proper eye opening and limits the visual field. Even short-term deprivation of hemilateral vision may cause amblyopia in infants during the visually sensitive period and, thus, necessitates prompt treatment. Propranolol is a commonly known remedy for IH, though it may not act sufficiently to rapidly resolve a vision-threatening critical condition in an infant. Low birth weight is a significant risk factor for IH incidence. Despite the high incidence, evidence-based treatment for IH in preterm infants has not been established. This report describes periocular IH of an extremely premature low-birth-weight infant (body weight: 526 g) whose lesion showed no reduction after oral administration of propranolol for 2 weeks but was successfully treated by topical steroid injection and eyelid thread-lifting management, with no eventual visual impairment.
Ten-Year Outcomes After Catcher’s Mask Cranioplasty for Large Cranial Bone Defects in Children: A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Sakurai Toru , Ishii Nobuaki , Takumi Ichiro , Ogawa Rei , Akimoto Masataka
Published: August 2019

Cranioplasty is complicated in children with severe, extensive head trauma because allografting is not advisable in pediatric patients and the amount of available autologous materials is limited. To overcome these problems, Takumi reported a novel procedure called “catcher’s mask cranioplasty” in 2008, in which split-rib grafts are placed perpendicularly over each other while calvarial grafts are placed in the hairless forehead region. Despite the small amount of grafts used, this method can yield esthetically satisfactory results and provides excellent structural integrity. Here, we report 2 cases of catcher’s mask cranioplasty and their long-term outcomes. After more than 10 years, the transplanted bone grafts have not resorbed and have maintained their esthetically pleasing contours. In conclusion, catcher’s mask cranioplasty is an effective option for traumatic cranial defects in children.