bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emergency left pneumonectomy for foreign body aspiration: a case report
Authors: Amano Yoko , Takanashi Yusuke , Neyatani Hiroshi
Published: August 2019

Bronchoscopic extraction is the most common treatment of foreign body aspiration. However, surgical interventions are required in cases wherein bronchoscopic extraction is difficult, with the most frequent surgical strategy being bronchotomy or lobectomy. Herein, we report a case of foreign body aspiration wherein left pneumonectomy was inevitable because of a molar incarcerated in the left main bronchus. The large diameter of the foreign body and delayed diagnosis that causes granulomatous hyperplasia are considered to be major factors of requiring high invasive surgery.
Improving Survey Response Rates with Visible Money
Authors: Debell Matthew , Maisel Natalya , Edwards Brad , Amsbary Michelle , Meldener Vanessa
Published: August 2019

In mail surveys and in advance letters for surveys in other modes, it is common to include a prepaid incentive of a small amount such as $5. However, when letters are addressed generically (such as to “Resident”), advance letters may be thrown away without being opened, so the enclosed cash is wasted and the invitation or advance letter is ineffective. This research note describes results of an experiment using a nationally representative sample of 4,725 residential addresses to test a new way of letting mail recipients know their letter contains cash and is therefore worth opening: an envelope with a window revealing $5, so the cash is clearly visible from outside the sealed envelope. We also tested the USPS for evidence of theft, and we compared First Class and Priority Mail postage. We found no evidence of theft. We found no difference in response rates between Priority Mail and First Class, making First Class much more cost-effective, and we found that visible money increased the response rate to a mail survey from 42.6 to 46.9 percent, at no significant cost.
Optimal Response Formats for Online Surveys: Branch, Grid, or Single Item?
Authors: Debell Matthew , Wilson Catherine , Jackman Simon , Figueroa Lucila
Published: August 2019

This article reports the results of an experiment comparing branch, grid, and single-item question formats in an internet survey with a nationally representative probability sample. We compare the three formats in terms of administration time, item nonresponse, survey breakoff rates, response distribution, and criterion validity. On average, the grid format obtained the fastest answers, the single-item format was intermediate, and the branch format took the longest. Item nonresponse rates were lowest for the single-item format, intermediate for the grid, and highest for branching, but these results were not statistically significant when modeling the full experimental design. Survey breakoff rates among the formats are not statistically distinguishable. Criterion validity was weakest in the branching format, and there was no significant difference between the grid and single-item formats. This evidence indicates that the branching format is not well suited to internet data collection and that both single-item and short, well-constructed grids are better question formats.
FERONIA phosphorylates E3 ubiquitin ligase ATL6 to modulate the stability of 14-3-3 proteins in response to the carbon/nitrogen ratio
Authors: Xu Guoyun , Chen Weijun , Song Limei , Chen Qiansi , Zhang Hui , Liao Hongdong , Zhao Guoqiang , Lin Fucheng , Zhou Huina , Yu Feng
Published: August 2019

This study reveals a novel regulatory mechanism that links the versatile receptor kinase FERONIA with plant C/N responses.
Post-rendezvous radar properties of comet 67P/CG from the Rosetta Mission: understanding future Earth-based radar observations and the dynamical evolution of comets
Authors: Heggy Essam , Palmer Elizabeth M , Hérique Alain , Kofman Wlodek , El-Maarry M Ramy
Published: August 2019

Radar observations provide crucial insights into the formation and dynamical evolution of comets. This ability is constrained by our knowledge of the dielectric and textural properties of these small-bodies. Using several observations by Rosetta as well as results from the Earth-based Arecibo radio telescope, we provide an updated and comprehensive dielectric and roughness description of Comet 67P/CG, which can provide new constraints on the radar properties of other nuclei. Furthermore, contrary to previous assumptions of cometary surfaces being dielectrically homogeneous and smooth, we find that cometary surfaces are dielectrically heterogeneous ( εr′≈1.6–3.2), and are rough at X- and S-band frequencies, which are widely used in characterization of small-bodies. We also investigate the lack of signal broadening in CONSERT observations through the comet head. Our results suggest that primordial building blocks in the subsurface are either absent, smaller than the radar wavelength, or have a weak dielectric contrast (Δ εr′). To constrain this ambiguity, we use optical albedo measurements by the OSIRIS camera of the freshly exposed subsurface after the Aswan cliff collapse. We find that the hypothetical subsurface blocks should have |Δ εr′|≳0.15, setting an upper limit of ∼ 1 m on the size of 67P/CG's primordial building blocks if they exist. Our analysis is consistent with a purely thermal origin for the ∼ 3 m surface bumps on pit walls and cliff-faces, hypothesized to be high-centred polygons formed from fracturing of the sintered shallow ice-bearing subsurface due to seasonal thermal expansion and contraction. Potential changes in 67P/CG's radar reflectivity at these at X- and S-bands can be associated with large-scale structural changes of the nucleus rather than small-scale textural ones. Monitoring changes in 67P/CG's radar properties during repeated close-approaches via Earth-based observations can constrain the dynamical evolution of its cometary nucleus.
Photon-weighted barycentric correction and its importance for precise radial velocities
Authors: Tronsgaard René , Buchhave Lars A , Wright Jason T , Eastman Jason D , Blackman Ryan T
Published: August 2019

When applying the barycentric correction to a precise radial velocity measurement, it is common practice to calculate its value only at the photon-weighted mid-point time of the observation instead of integrating over the entire exposure. However, since the barycentric correction does not change linearly with time, this leads to systematic errors in the derived radial velocities. The typical magnitude of this second-order effect is of order 10 cm s−1, but it depends on several parameters, e.g. the latitude of the observatory, the position of the target on the sky, and the exposure time. We show that there are realistic observing scenarios, where the errors can amount to more than 1 m s−1. We therefore recommend that instruments operating in this regime always record and store the exposure meter flux curve (or a similar measure) to be used as photon-weights for the barycentric correction. In existing data, if the flux curve is no longer available, we argue that second-order errors in the barycentric correction can be mitigated by adding a correction term assuming constant flux.
Kinematics of mass-loss from the outer Lagrange point L2
Authors: Hubová Dominika , Pejcha Ondřej
Published: August 2019

We investigate kinematics of mass-loss from the vicinity of the second Lagrange point L2 with applications to merging binary stars, common envelope evolution, and the associated transient brightenings. For ballistic particle trajectories, we characterize initial velocities and positional offsets from L2 that lead to unbound outflow, fall back followed by a formation of a decretion disc, collision with the binary surface, or a hydrodynamic shock close to the binary, where some particle trajectories loop and self-intersect. The latter two final states occur only when the trajectories are initiated with offset from L2 or with velocity vector different from corotation with the binary. We find that competition between the time-dependent and steeply radially decreasing tidal torques from the binary, Coriolis force, and initial conditions lead to a non-trivial distribution of outcomes in the vicinity of L2. Specifically, even for initial velocities slower than corotation, we find that a set of initial position offsets leads to unbound outflows. Our results will aid in the interpretation of the morphology of mass-loss streams in hydrodynamic simulations.
The first spectroscopic dust reverberation programme on active galactic nuclei: the torus in NGC 5548
Authors: Landt H , Ward M J , Kynoch D , Packham C , Ferland G J , Lawrence A , Pott J-U , Esser J , Horne K , Starkey D A , Malhotra D , Fausnaugh M M , Peterson B M , Wilman R J , Riffel R A , Storchi-Bergmann T , Barth A J , Villforth C , Winkler H
Published: August 2019

We have recently initiated the first spectroscopic dust reverberation programme on active galactic nuclei in the near-infrared. Spectroscopy enables measurement of dust properties, such as flux, temperature, and covering factor, with higher precision than photometry. In particular, it enables measurement of both luminosity-based dust radii and dust response times. Here we report results from a 1 yr campaign on NGC 5548. The hot dust responds to changes in the irradiating flux with a lag time of ∼70 light-days, similar to what was previously found in photometric reverberation campaigns. The mean and rms spectra are similar, implying that the same dust component dominates both the emission and the variations. The dust lag time is consistent with the luminosity-based dust radius only if we assume a wavelength-independent dust emissivity law, i.e. a blackbody, which is appropriate for grains of large sizes (of a few μm). For such grains the dust temperature is ∼1450 K. Therefore, silicate grains have most likely evaporated and carbon is the main chemical component. But the hot dust is not close to its sublimation temperature, contrary to popular belief. This is further supported by our observation of temperature variations largely consistent with a heating/cooling process. Therefore, the inner dust-free region is enlarged and the dusty torus rather a ‘dusty wall’, whose inner radius is expected to be luminosity-invariant. The dust-destruction mechanism that enlarges the dust-free region seems to also partly affect the dusty region. We observe a cyclical decrease in dust mass with implied dust reformation times of ∼5–6 months.
L1495 revisited: a ppmap view of a star-forming filament
Authors: Howard A D P , Whitworth A P , Marsh K A , Clarke S D , Griffin M J , Smith M W L , Lomax O D
Published: August 2019

We have analysed the Herschel and SCUBA-2 dust continuum observations of the main filament in the Taurus L1495 star-forming region, using the Bayesian fitting procedure ppmap. (i) If we construct an average profile along the whole length of the filament, it has FWHM $\simeq 0.087\pm 0.003\, {\rm pc};\,\,$ but the closeness to previous estimates is coincidental. (ii) If we analyse small local sections of the filament, the column-density profile approximates well to the form predicted for hydrostatic equilibrium of an isothermal cylinder. (iii) The ability of ppmap to distinguish dust emitting at different temperatures, and thereby to discriminate between the warm outer layers of the filament and the cold inner layers near the spine, leads to a significant reduction in the surface-density, $\varSigma$, and hence in the line-density, μ. If we adopt the canonical value for the critical line-density at a gas-kinetic temperature of $10\, {\rm K}$, $\mu _{{\rm CRIT}}\simeq 16\, {\rm M_{\odot }\, pc^{-1}}$, the filament is on average trans-critical, with ${\bar{\mu }}\sim \mu _{{\rm CRIT}};\,\,$ local sections where μ > μCRIT tend to lie close to prestellar cores. (iv) The ability of ppmap to distinguish different types of dust, i.e. dust characterized by different values of the emissivity index, β, reveals that the dust in the filament has a lower emissivity index, β ≲ 1.5, than the dust outside the filament, β ≳ 1.7, implying that the physical conditions in the filament have effected a change in the properties of the dust.
MMT/MMIRS spectroscopy of z = 1.3 - 2.4 extreme [O iii] emitters: implications for galaxies in the reionization era
Authors: Tang Mengtao , Stark Daniel P , Chevallard Jacopo , Charlot Stéphane
Published: August 2019

Galaxies in the reionization era have been shown to have prominent [O iii] + H β emission. Little is known about the gas conditions and radiation field of this population, making it challenging to interpret the spectra emerging at z ≳ 6. Motivated by this shortcoming, we have initiated a large MMT spectroscopic survey identifying rest-frame optical emission lines in 227 intense [O iii] emitting galaxies at 1.3 < z < 2.4. This sample complements the MOSDEF and KBSS surveys, extending to much lower stellar masses ($10^7\!-\!10^8 \, \mathrm{M}_\odot$) and larger specific star formation rates (5–300 Gyr−1), providing a window on galaxies directly following a burst or recent upturn in star formation. The hydrogen ionizing production efficiency (ξion) is found to increase with the [O iii] equivalent width (EW), in a manner similar to that found in local galaxies. We describe how this relationship helps explain the anomalous success rate in identifying Ly α emission in z ≳ 7 galaxies with strong [O iii] + H β emission. We probe the impact of the intense radiation field on the ISM using O32 and Ne3O2, two ionization-sensitive indices. Both are found to scale with the [O iii] EW, revealing extreme ionization conditions not commonly seen in older and more massive galaxies. In the most intense line emitters, the indices have very large average values (O32 = 9.1, Ne3O2 = 0.5) that have been shown to be linked to ionizing photon escape. We discuss implications for the nature of galaxies most likely to have O32 values associated with significant LyC escape. Finally we consider the optimal strategy for JWST spectroscopic investigations of galaxies at z ≳ 10 where the strongest rest-frame optical lines are no longer visible with NIRSpec.
Simulating star clusters across cosmic time – I. Initial mass function, star formation rates, and efficiencies
Authors: He Chong-Chong , Ricotti Massimo , Geen Sam
Published: August 2019

We present radiation-magneto-hydrodynamic simulations of star formation in self-gravitating, turbulent molecular clouds, modelling the formation of individual massive stars, including their UV radiation feedback. The set of simulations have cloud masses between mgas = 103 M⊙ and 3 × 105 M⊙ and gas densities typical of clouds in the local Universe ($\overline{n}_{\rm gas} \sim 1.8\times 10^2$ cm−3) and 10× and 100× denser, expected to exist in high-redshift galaxies. The main results are as follows. (i) The observed Salpeter power-law slope and normalization of the stellar initial mass function at the high-mass end can be reproduced if we assume that each star-forming gas clump (sink particle) fragments into stars producing on average a maximum stellar mass about $40{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of the mass of the sink particle, while the remaining $60{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ is distributed into smaller mass stars. Assuming that the sinks fragment according to a power-law mass function flatter than Salpeter, with log-slope 0.8, satisfy this empirical prescription. (ii) The star formation law that best describes our set of simulation is ${\rm d}\rho _*/{\rm d}t \propto \rho _{\rm gas}^{1.5}$ if $\overline{n}_{\rm gas}\lt n_{\rm cri}\approx 10^3$ cm−3, and ${\rm d}\rho _*/{\rm d}t \propto \rho _{\rm gas}^{2.5}$ otherwise. The duration of the star formation episode is roughly six cloud’s sound crossing times (with cs = 10 km s−1). (iii) The total star formation efficiency in the cloud is $f_*=2{{\ \rm per\ cent}} (m_{\rm gas}/10^4~\mathrm{M}_\odot)^{0.4}(1+\overline{n}_{\rm gas}/n_{\rm cri})^{0.91}$, for gas at solar metallicity, while for metallicity Z < 0.1 Z⊙, based on our limited sample, f* is reduced by a factor of ∼5. (iv) The most compact and massive clouds appear to form globular cluster progenitors, in the sense that star clusters remain gravitationally bound after the gas has been expelled.
Progressive steepening of the SNR RX J1713.7–3946 X-ray spectrum from XMM–Newton to INTEGRAL
Authors: Kuznetsova Ekaterina , Krivonos Roman , Churazov Eugene , Lyskova Natalia , Lutovinov Alexander
Published: August 2019

In this work, we present the first detailed analysis of the supernova remnant RX J1713.7–3946 in the hard X-ray energy range with the Imager on Board the INTEGRAL Satellite (IBIS) coded-mask telescope onboard the INTEGRAL observatory. The shell-type morphology of the entire remnant is mapped in hard X-rays for the first time and significantly detected up to 50 keV. The IBIS sky image of RX J1713.7–3946, accumulated over 14 yr of operations, demonstrates two extended hard X-ray sources. These sources are spatially consistent with north-west and south-west rims of RX J1713.7–3946 and are also clearly visible at energies below 10 keV with XMM–Newton. This points to a single emission mechanism operating in soft and hard X-rays. The INTEGRAL 17–120 keV spectrum of RX J1713.7–3946 is characterized by a power-law continuum with the photon index of Γ ≈ 3 that is significantly softer than Γ ≈ 2 determined by XMM–Newton in the 1–10 keV energy range, suggesting a progressive steepening of the spectrum with the energy.
Systematic minimization of RNA ligase ribozyme through large-scale design-synthesis-sequence cycles
Authors: Nomura Yoko , Yokobayashi Yohei
Published: August 2019

Template-directed RNA ligation catalyzed by an RNA enzyme (ribozyme) is a plausible and important reaction that could have been involved in transferring genetic information during prebiotic evolution. Laboratory evolution experiments have yielded several classes of ligase ribozymes, but their minimal sequence requirements remain largely unexplored. Because selection experiments strongly favor highly active sequences, less active but smaller catalytic motifs may have been overlooked in these experiments. We used large-scale DNA synthesis and high-throughput ribozyme assay enabled by deep sequencing to systematically minimize a previously laboratory-evolved ligase ribozyme. After designing and evaluating >10 000 sequences, we identified catalytic cores as small as 18 contiguous bases that catalyze template-directed regiospecific RNA ligation. The fact that such a short sequence can catalyze this critical reaction suggests that similarly simple or even simpler motifs may populate the RNA sequence space which could have been accessible to the prebiotic ribozymes.
Adrenal insufficiency in kidney transplant patients during low-dose prednisolone therapy: a cross-sectional case–control study
Authors: Valentin Amalie , Borresen Stina Willemoes , Rix Marianne , Elung-Jensen Thomas , Sørensen Søren Schwartz , Feldt-Rasmussen Ulla
Published: August 2019

Background

Maintenance immunosuppressive regimens after renal transplantation (RTx) most often include prednisolone, which may induce secondary adrenal insufficiency, a potentially life-threatening side effect to glucocorticoid (GC) treatment due to the risk of acute adrenal crisis. We investigated the prevalence of prednisolone-induced adrenal insufficiency in RTx patients receiving long-term low-dose prednisolone treatment.

Methods

We performed a case–control study of patients on renal replacement therapy differing in terms of GC exposure. The study included 30 RTx patients transplanted >11 months before enrolment in the study and treated with prednisolone (5 or 7.5 mg prednisolone/day for ≥6 months) and 30 dialysis patients not treated with prednisolone. Patients underwent testing for adrenal insufficiency by a 250-µg Synacthen test performed fasting in the morning after a 48-h prednisolone pause. Normal adrenal function was defined as P-cortisol ≥420 nmol/L 30 min after Synacthen injection. This cut-off is used routinely for the new Roche Elecsys Cortisol II assay and is validated locally based on the Synacthen test responses in 100 healthy individuals.

Results

Thirteen RTx patients {43% [95% confidence interval (CI) 27–61]} had an insufficient response to the Synacthen test compared with one patient in the control group [3% (95% CI 0.6–17)] (P = 0.0004). Insufficient responses were seen in 9/25 and 4/5 RTx patients treated with 5 and 7.5 mg prednisolone/day, respectively.

Conclusions

We found a high prevalence of adrenal insufficiency among RTx patients receiving low-dose prednisolone treatment. We therefore advocate for increased clinical alertness towards prednisolone-induced adrenal insufficiency in RTx patients and thus their potential need of rescue GC supplementation during stress.
Prognosis and acute complications at the first onset of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome in children: a nationwide survey in Japan (JP-SHINE study)
Authors: Sato Mai , Ishikura Kenji , Ando Takashi , Kikunaga Kaori , Terano Chikako , Hamada Riku , Ishimori Shingo , Hamasaki Yuko , Araki Yoshinori , Gotoh Yoshimitsu , Nakanishi Koichi , Nakazato Hitoshi , Matsuyama Takeshi , Iijima Kazumoto , Yoshikawa Norishige , Ito Shuichi , Honda Masataka ,   the Japanese Pediatric Survey Holding Information of Nephrotic Syndrome (JP-SHINE) study of the Japanese Study Group of Renal Disease in Children
Published: August 2019

Background

Information on the epidemiology of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) in children, complications of INS and the side effects of steroid therapy is scarce.

Methods

The Japanese Pediatric Survey Holding Information of Nephrotic Syndrome, a nationwide cohort study, was conducted by the Japanese Study Group of Renal Disease in Children and enrolled 2099 children with newly diagnosed INS between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2012. We conducted a follow-up study of the complications during the first onset and the patients’ prognosis in this cohort.

Results

We obtained follow-up data on 999 children (672 males) with a median age at onset of 4.5 years [interquartile range (IQR) 2.8–9.4] and a median follow-up period of 4.1 years (IQR 2.5–5.1). At the first onset, 24% of patients experienced severe acute kidney injury (AKI), defined as a serum creatinine increase to a level two or more times the baseline. On logistic regression analysis, age, hematuria, severe hypoalbuminemia (serum albumin <1.0 g/dL) and severe bacterial infection were not independent factors, but female sex {hazard ratio [HR] 1.5 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1–1.7]} and hypertension [HR 4.0 (95% CI 2.6–6.0)] were significantly related to AKI. During the observation period, ocular hypertension requiring treatment occurred in 17.4% of patients, among which 0.4% received surgical treatment. Progression to frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome/steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome in 3 years was seen in 44.2% of the patients and was shown by the Cox regression analysis to be significantly related to younger age and days until remission at the first episode, but not to sex, hematuria, the minimum serum albumin level or AKI. Two patients died during the observation period. One patient showed progression to end-stage kidney disease.

Conclusion

Based on the results of a multicenter questionnaire survey, the overall survival and renal survival rates were found to be excellent. However, proper management of complications, particularly in AKI and ocular hypertension, is mandatory.
Facial Sensory Restoration After Trigeminal Sensory Rhizotomy by Collateral Sprouting From the Occipital Nerves
Authors: Freeman Lindsey , Wu Osmond C , Sweet Jennifer , Cohen Mark , Smith Gabriel A , Miller Jonathan P
Published: August 2019

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE

Lesioning procedures are effective for trigeminal neuralgia (TN), but late pain recurrence associated with sensory recovery is common. We report a case of recurrence of type 1A TN and recovery of facial sensory function after trigeminal rhizotomy associated with collateral sprouting from upper cervical spinal nerves.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

A 41-yr-old woman presented 2 yr after open left trigeminal sensory rhizotomy for TN with pain-free anesthesia in the entire left trigeminal nerve distribution. Over 18 mo, she developed gradual recovery of facial sensation migrating anteromedially from the occipital region, eventually extending to the midpupillary line across the distribution of all trigeminal nerve branches. She reported recurrence of her triggered lancinating TN pain isolated to the area of recovered sensation with no pain in anesthetic areas. Nerve ultrasound demonstrated enlargement of ipsilateral greater and lesser occipital nerves, and occipital nerve block restored facial anesthesia and resolved her pain, indicating that recovered facial sensation was provided exclusively by the upper cervical spinal nerves. She underwent C2/C3 ganglionectomy, and ganglia were observed to be hypertrophic. Postoperatively, trigeminal anesthesia was restored with complete resolution of pain that persisted at 12-mo follow-up.

CONCLUSION

This is the first documented case of a spinal nerve innervating a cranial dermatome by collateral sprouting after cranial nerve injury. The fact that typical TN pain can occur even when sensation is mediated by spinal nerves suggests that the disorder can be centrally mediated and late failure after lesioning procedures may result from maladaptive reinnervation.
Overview of Different Flow Diverters and Flow Dynamics
Authors: Maragkos Georgios A , Dmytriw Adam A , Salem Mohamed M , Tutino Vincent M , Meng Hui , Cognard Christophe , Machi Paolo , Krings Timo , Mendes Pereira Vitor
Published: August 2019

Over the past decade, flow diverter technology for endocranial aneurysms has seen rapid evolution, with the development of new devices quickly outpacing the clinical evidence base. However, flow diversion has not yet been directly compared to surgical aneurysm clipping or other endovascular procedures. The oldest and most well-studied device is the Pipeline Embolization Device (PED; Medtronic), recently transitioned to the Pipeline Flex (Medtronic), which still has sparse data regarding outcomes. To date, other flow diverting devices have not been shown to outperform the PED, although information comes primarily from retrospective studies with short follow-up, which are not always comparable. Because of this lack of high-quality outcome data, no reliable recommendations can be made for choosing among flow diversion devices yet. Moreover, the decision to proceed with flow diversion should be individualized to each patient. In this work, we wish to provide a comprehensive overview of the technical specifications of all flow diverter devices currently available, accompanied by a succinct description of the evidence base surrounding each device.
Select Committees: Understanding and Regulating the Emergence of the ‘Topical Inquiry’
Authors: Prescott Craig
Published: August 2019

Reforms to departmental select committees have enhanced their authority and independence within the House of Commons. Some committees have used this enhanced profile to investigate the actions of specific individuals or private corporations or organisations. Typically, this is in response to media reports that allege some form of wrongdoing. As the standing orders of the House of Commons empower committees to scrutinise government departments and agencies, this is a departure from established practices. This article examines the emergence of these ‘topical inquiries’, determining the features that indicate their value. In particular, topical inquiries that fill an ‘accountability gap’ are the most valuable. An accountability gap arises when other forms of scrutiny or accountability are merely performative or have failed. When conducting a topical inquiry, committees are underpinned by parliamentary privilege, meaning that those subject to criticism have little opportunity to respond regardless of any reputational, commercial or other damage caused. Consequently, if thought a desirable function of Parliament, then topical inquiries require enhanced processes to ensure procedural fairness and to address potential human rights concerns. This would require amending the standing orders specifying topical inquiries as a type of inquiry that a select committee could pursue, complying with this enhanced process.
Interstellar extinction law toward the Galactic center. IV. J, H, and Ks bands from VVV red clump stars
Authors: Nagatomo Schun , Nagata Tetsuya , Nishiyama Shogo
Published: August 2019

We have determined the wavelength dependence of the extinction in the near-infrared bands (J, H, Ks) toward the Galactic center from the VVV (VISTA Variables in the Vía Láctea) aperture photometry of the stars in the region |l| ≲ 2${^{\circ}_{.}}$0 and 0${^{\circ}_{.}}$5 ≲ |b| ≲ 1${^{\circ}_{.}}$0; this region consists of 12 VVV tiles. We have found significant systematic discrepancy up to ∼0.1 mag between the stellar magnitudes of the same stars in overlapping VVV tiles. However, by carefully using the positions of red clump stars in color–magnitude diagrams as a tracer of the extinction and reddening, we are able to determine the average of the ratios of total to selective extinction to be $A(K_{\mathrm{s}}) / E(H-K_{\mathrm{s}}) = 1.44\, \pm \, 0.04$, $A(K_{\mathrm{s}}) / E(J-K_{\mathrm{s}}) = 0.423\, \pm \, 0.024$, $A(H) / E(J-H) = 1.25\, \pm \, 0.04$; from these ratios, a steep power law A(λ) ∝ λ−α whose index α is ∼2.0–2.3 in the J, H, Ks wavelength range is estimated. This wavelength dependence is consistent with those obtained with the Mauna Kea Observatory photometric system employed in the Simultaneous 3-color InfraRed Imager for Unbiased Survey camera attached to the Infrared Survey Facility telescope in previous studies. Such a steep decline of extinction toward the longer wavelengths is also in line with recent results based on deep imaging surveys. The determined extinction law seems to be variable in the VVV from tile to tile, and it is not clear how much of this is due to real sight line variations and how much is due to observational systematic effects. Thus, there might be room for improvement of the extinction law determination from the existing VVV data, but this steep extinction law tends to locate heavily reddened objects in the Galactic plane more distant from us when their distance moduli are calculated from the observed reddening values.
Functional Divergence of PIN1 Paralogous Genes in Rice
Authors: Li Yong , Zhu Jianshu , Wu Lingling , Shao Yanlin , Wu Yunrong , Mao Chuanzao
Published: August 2019

Auxin is a phytohormone that plays an important role in plant growth and development by forming local concentration gradients. The regulation of auxin levels is determined by the activity of auxin efflux carrier protein PIN-formed (PIN). In Arabidopsis thaliana, PIN-formed1 (PIN1) functions in inflorescence and root development. In rice (Oryza sativa L.), there are four PIN1 homologs (OsPIN1a–1d), but their functions remain largely unexplored. Hence, in this study, we created mutant alleles of PIN1 gene—pin1a, pin1b, pin1c, pin1d, pin1a pin1b and pin1c pin1d— using CRISPR/Cas9 technology and used them to study the functions of the four OsPIN1 paralogs in rice. In wild-type rice, all four OsPIN1 genes were relatively highly expressed in the root than in other tissues. Compared with the wild type, the OsPIN1 single mutants had no dramatic phenotypes, but the pin1a pin1b double mutant had shorter shoots and primary roots, fewer crown roots, reduced root gravitropism, longer root hairs and larger panicle branch angle. Furthermore, the pin1c pin1d double mutant showed no observable phenotype at the seedling stage, but showed naked, pin-shape inflorescence at flowering. These data suggest that OsPIN1a and OsPIN1b are involved in root, shoot and inflorescence development in rice, whereas OsPIN1c and OsPIN1d mainly function in panicle formation. Our study provides basic knowledge that will facilitate the study of auxin transport and signaling in rice.
Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) Reveals the Hub Role of Protein Ubiquitination in the Acquisition of Desiccation Tolerance in Boea hygrometrica
Authors: Lin Chih-Ta , Xu Tao , Xing Shi-Lai , Zhao Li , Sun Run-Ze , Liu Yang , Moore John Paul , Deng Xin
Published: August 2019

Boea hygrometrica can survive extreme drought conditions and has been used as a model to study desiccation tolerance. A genome-wide transcriptome analysis of B. hygrometrica showed that the plant can survive rapid air-drying after experiencing a slow soil-drying acclimation phase. In addition, a weighted gene co-expression network analysis was used to study the transcriptomic datasets. A network comprising 22 modules was constructed, and seven modules were found to be significantly related to desiccation response using an enrichment analysis. Protein ubiquitination was observed to be a common process linked to hub genes in all the seven modules. Ubiquitin-modified proteins with diversified functions were identified using immunoprecipitation coupled with mass spectrometry. The lowest level of ubiquitination was noted at the full soil drying priming stage, which coincided the accumulation of dehydration-responsive gene BhLEA2. The highly conserved RY motif (CATGCA) was identified from the promoters of ubiquitin-related genes that were downregulated in the desiccated samples. An in silico gene expression analysis showed that the negative regulation of ubiquitin-related genes is potentially mediated via a B3 domain-containing transcription repressor VAL1. This study suggests that priming may involve the transcriptional regulation of several major processes, and the transcriptional regulation of genes in protein ubiquitination may play a hub role to deliver acclimation signals to posttranslational level in the acquisition of desiccation tolerance in B. hygrometrica.
Identification and Characterization of Apigenin 6-C-Glucosyltransferase Involved in Biosynthesis of Isosaponarin in Wasabi (Eutrema japonicum)
Authors: Mashima Kyoko , Hatano Mayu , Suzuki Hideyuki , Shimosaka Makoto , Taguchi Goro
Published: August 2019

Wasabi (Eutrema japonicum) is a perennial plant native to Japan that is used as a spice because it contains isothiocyanates. It also contains an isosaponarin, 4′-O-glucosyl-6-C-glucosyl apigenin, in its leaves, which has received increasing attention in recent years for its bioactivity, such as its promotion of type-I collagen production. However, its biosynthetic enzymes have not been clarified. In this study, we partially purified a C-glucosyltransferase (CGT) involved in isosaponarin biosynthesis from wasabi leaves and identified the gene coding for it (WjGT1). The encoded protein was similar to UGT84 enzymes and was named UGT84A57. The recombinant enzyme of WjGT1 expressed in Escherichia coli showed C-glucosylation activity toward the 6-position of flavones such as apigenin and luteolin. The enzyme also showed significant activity toward flavonols, but trace or no activity toward flavone 4′-O-glucosides, suggesting that isosaponarin biosynthesis in wasabi plants would proceed by 6-C-glucosylation of apigenin, followed by its 4′-O-glucosylation. Interestingly, the enzyme showed no activity against sinapic acid or p-coumaric acid, which are usually the main substrates of UGT84 enzymes. The accumulation of WjGT1 transcripts was observed mainly in the leaves and flowers of wasabi, in which C-glucosylflavones were accumulated. Molecular phylogenetic analysis suggested that WjGT1 acquired C-glycosylation activity independently from other reported CGTs after the differentiation of the family Brassicaceae.
Phosphoproteomic Profiling Reveals the Importance of CK2, MAPKs and CDPKs in Response to Phosphate Starvation in Rice
Authors: Yang Jian , Xie Meng-Yang , Yang Xiao-Li , Liu Bao-Hui , Lin Hong-Hui
Published: August 2019

Phosphorus is one of the most important macronutrients required for plant growth and development. The importance of phosphorylation modification in regulating phosphate (Pi) homeostasis in plants is emerging. We performed phosphoproteomic profiling to characterize proteins whose degree of phosphorylation is altered in response to Pi starvation in rice root. A subset of 554 proteins, including 546 down-phosphorylated and eight up-phosphorylated proteins, exhibited differential phosphorylation in response to Pi starvation. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis with the differentially phosphorylated proteins indicated that RNA processing, transport, splicing and translation and carbon metabolism played critical roles in response to Pi starvation in rice. Levels of phosphorylation of four mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), including OsMAPK6, five calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) and OsCK2β3 decreased in response to Pi starvation. The decreased phosphorylation level of OsMAPK6 was confirmed by Western blotting. Mutation of OsMAPK6 led to Pi accumulation under Pi-sufficient conditions. Motif analysis indicated that the putative MAPK, casein kinase 2 (CK2) and CDPK substrates represented about 54.4%, 21.5% and 4.7%, respectively, of the proteins exhibiting differential phosphorylation. Based on the motif analysis, 191, 151 and 46 candidate substrates for MAPK, CK2 and CDPK were identified. These results indicate that modification of phosphorylation profiles provides complementary information on Pi-starvation-induced processes, with CK2, MAPK and CDPK protein kinase families playing key roles in these processes in rice.
Time for a New Strategy in the War on Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Kaeberlein Matt
Published: August 2019

Alzheimer’s disease is a growing threat to the economic and social well-being of developed countries around the globe, but efforts to delay, prevent, or cure this disorder have yet to yield success. I believe the lack of progress largely results from approaches that ignore the most important component of Alzheimer’s disease: biological aging. Major advances have been made in understanding the molecular mechanisms that link biological aging to disease. These mechanisms have been formalized as nine hallmarks, or pillars, of aging. Here, I discuss the barriers that have impaired progress and propose specific steps that can be taken to overcome these barriers. The time has come to adopt bold new strategies that tackle biological aging as the root cause of Alzheimer’s disease.
From Motor Learning Theory to Practice: A Scoping Review of Conceptual Frameworks for Applying Knowledge in Motor Learning to Physical Therapist Practice
Authors: Kafri Michal , Atun-Einy Osnat
Published: August 2019

Background

The importance of motor learning knowledge for physical therapist practice is well known; however, its application is lacking. Conceptual frameworks that place motor learning knowledge within a clinical context are a potential mediator to overcome this gap.

Purpose

This study aimed to conduct a scoping review of the literature to identify and describe the content of such conceptual frameworks in physical therapy/rehabilitation, including the approaches taken in their development and the “elements” or building blocks of motor learning–based interventions within each conceptual framework.

Data Sources

The data sources used were PubMed, CINAHL, and PsychInfo databases.

Study Selection

Articles that were selected had a primary focus on motor learning and its application in physical therapy/rehabilitation and were published between 2000 and 2017.

Data Extraction

Twelve of 62 relevant articles met the inclusion criteria.

Data Synthesis

Papers attempted to translate theoretical knowledge into a coherent, clinically accessible conceptual framework via 3 main approaches: synthesizing selected motor learning elements into original new conceptual frameworks, mapping motor learning elements in current clinical practices, and assembling selected motor learning elements. The elements of motor learning that were common across papers included theoretical concepts (such as “meaningful goal setting” and “active involvement”); practice variables (including the type, frequency, and timing of feedback; the focus of instructions; task breakdown; and the amount, variability, and order of practice); and intervention strategies (task specific and mental practice). Psychological aspects related to self-efficacy and motivation were also considered integral.

Limitations

Papers published before the year 2000 were excluded.

Conclusion

The scoping review revealed that the presentation of motor learning elements in a coherent framework encompassed very diverse approaches and used different categorization systems. In addition, to fully grasp the complexity of clinical practice, motor learning should be coupled with other fields of knowledge.
Paraneoplastic sarcoidosis: a review
Authors: Herron M , Chong S G , Gleeson L , Nicholson S , Fahy R J
Published: August 2019

Background

Sarcoidosis is occasionally seen in association with malignancy, both at the time of cancer diagnosis or during follow up.

Aim

The purpose of this study is to identify patients with paraneoplastic sarcoid, their associated malignancies and disease characteristics.

Methods

We identified 289 patients diagnosed histologically with sarcoidosis over a 6-year period in one centre, from 2010 to 2016. Fifty of these patients had a prior or concomitant diagnosis of cancer.

Results

17.3% of sarcoid cases had an associated malignancy. The most common malignancies were Gastrointestinal (20%), Haematological (18%), Lung (12%), Gynaecological (12%) and Head and Neck cancer (12%). 74% of sarcoid cases had pulmonary disease with sarcoid diagnostic tissue obtained most frequently via endobronchial ultrasound fine needle aspiration (68%). Most sarcoid cases (66%) were diagnosed within the first year of their malignancy diagnosis.

Discussion

Careful consideration needs to be given to the possibility that potential cancer recurrences suspected on imaging studies may indeed be sarcoid reactions.
RADIATION PROTECTION IN THE RELEASE OF PATIENTS RECEIVING 131I TREATMENT
Authors: Mattar Essam , Salih Musheera A , Alsafi K , Suliman I I
Published: August 2019

Radiation measurements were made to support radiation protection decisions and instructions concerning the release of patients receiving 131I treatment in Sudan. In hyperthyroidism, administered activity ranged from 370 to 1110 MBq (average: 817.8 MBq), and air-absorbed dose rate at 1 m in front of the patients varied from 20 to 66 μGy h−1 (average: 47.0 μGy h−1). For thyroid cancer patients, the administered activity ranged from 3700 to 7400 MBq (average: 4816.2 MBq), and the air-absorbed dose rate at 1 m in front of the patients ranged from 3 to 55 μSv h−1 (average: 19.2 μSv h−1). On average, the contamination activity was highest in the patients’ clothes: 11.0 Bq cm−2, followed by the toilet: 6.6 Bq cm−2 and the front bed: 2.9 Bq cm−2. The estimated release times from the confinement were well with the radiation safety criteria, whereas instruction are given concerning precaution times to limit radiation exposure to family members and co-worker.
CHANGES IN BLOOD COUNT AND LYMPHOCYTE MICRONUCLEI IN PIGLETS AFTER WHOLE-BODY IRRADIATION
Authors: Jeličová Marcela , Lierová Anna , Šinkorová Zuzana , Pejchal Jaroslav
Published: August 2019

Biodosimetry is focused on effects of ionizing radiation at cellular and molecular levels of living organisms so that a qualified retrospective estimate of radiation load can be made. Two biodosimetry methods were evaluated in irradiated piglets: complete blood count analysis and quantification of chromosomal aberrations in lymphocytes using a micronucleus test. Animals were whole-body irradiated with gamma radiation at doses of 0–10 Gy. The analysis of complete blood count was performed at intervals ranging from 0 to 48 hours. Micronuclei were measured at 4 hours after irradiation. Changes in lymphocyte counts and increased levels of micronuclei reflected received dose of ionizing radiation.
Judicial Review of the Legislative Process in Hong Kong: A Comparative Perspective
Authors: Wang Shucheng
Published: August 2019

This article examines the deferential approach to judicial review of the legislative process as adopted by the Court of Final Appeal in Leung Kwok Hung v. The President of Hong Kong Legislative Council. Through a comparative analysis, it explains that the underlying basis on which the doctrines of separation of powers and the parliamentary privilege of exclusive cognizance, and the corresponding principle of non-intervention, are significantly different in Hong Kong. Given Hong Kong’s semi-democratic system under the ‘one country, two systems’ rubric, it argues for a less traditional allocation of power between the different institutions of government and a more assertive judiciary vis-à-vis the legislature. Moreover, it suggests the necessity of developing a human-rights-based approach to the adjudication concerning the non-intervention principle in order to maintain its common law system with liberal principles under the ‘one country, two systems’ rubric.
Regression analysis to predict the impact of dietary neutral detergent fiber on carcass yield in swine1
Authors: Soto Jose A , Tokach Mike D , Dritz Steve S , Gonçalves Márcio A D , Woodworth Jason C , DeRouchey Joel M , Goodband Robert D , Menegat Mariana B , Wu Fangzhou
Published: August 2019

Research has shown that carcass yield in swine is reduced when ingredients with high neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content. Carcass yield reduction from feeding high-fiber ingredients results from an increase in the weight of intestinal contents. NDF has been shown to result in the digestive contents to swell in the large intestine by absorbing water thus increasing the fecal volume in the large intestine. Considering the financial implications of changing carcass yield, the objective of this project was to develop a regression equation to estimate carcass yield from dietary NDF and strategies where high-NDF ingredients are taken out of the diet in the last dietary phases before slaughter (withdrawal period; WP). Data from 8 experiments (43 observations) originated from 6 journal articles and 1 technical memo were used to develop the regression equation. The WP of high NDF ingredients was either none or ranged from 5 to 63 d in the experiments. Treatment diets of each trial were reformulated to obtain dietary nutrient content using the NRC ingredient library (NRC, Nutrient requirements of swine. 11th ed, 2012). Composition of experimental diets was used to calculate dietary net energy, crude protein, crude fiber, NDF, and acid detergent fiber in the last two dietary phases. These dietary compositions along with the number of days of WP were used to develop regression equations. The model was determined using a step-wise selection procedure starting with guided forward selection through individual predictor variables, with a statistical significance at P < 0.05 used to determine inclusion of terms in the final model. The regression analysis showed that WP, NDF level in the dietary phase prior to the final phase (NDF1), NDF level in the last dietary phase before marketing (NDF2), and the interaction between NDF2 and WP were the most important variables in the dataset to predict carcass yield. The resulting regression equation was as follows: carcass yield, % = 0.03492 ± 0.02633 × WP (d) – 0.05092 ± 0.02862 × NDF1 (%) – 0.06897 ± 0.02931 × NDF2 (%) – 0.00289 ± 0.00216 × (NDF2 [%] × WP [d]) + 76.0769 ± 1.33730. In conclusion, high levels of NDF up to slaughter had a negative impact on carcass yield. Increasing the length of the WP improved carcass yield; however, the effect of WP was dependent on the level of NDF2. The equation herein provides a tool to estimate of the impact of dietary NDF on carcass yield.