bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The pathogenesis, diagnosis and management of congenital dyserythropoietic anaemia type I
Authors: Roy Noémi B. A. , Babbs Christian
Published: March 2019

Congenital dyserythropoietic anaemia type I (CDA‐I) is one of a heterogeneous group of inherited anaemias characterised by ineffective erythropoiesis. CDA‐I is caused by bi‐allelic mutations in either CDAN1 or C15orf41 and, to date, 56 causative mutations have been documented. The diagnostic pathway is reviewed and the utility of genetic testing in reducing the time taken to reach an accurate molecular diagnosis and avoiding bone marrow aspiration, where possible, is described. The management of CDA‐I patients is discussed, highlighting both general and specific measures which impact on disease progression. The use of interferon alpha and careful management of iron overload are reviewed and suggest the most favourable outcomes are achieved when CDA‐I patients are managed with a holistic and multidisciplinary approach. Finally, the current understanding of the molecular and cellular pathogenesis of CDA‐I is presented, highlighting critical questions likely to lead to improved therapy for this disease.
Clinical features, laboratory characteristics and outcomes of patients with renal versus cardiac light chain amyloidosis
Authors: Sidana Surbhi , Tandon Nidhi , Gertz Morie A. , Dispenzieri Angela , Ramirez‐Alvarado Marina , Murray David L. , Kourelis Taxiarchis V. , Buadi Francis K. , Kapoor Prashant , Gonsalves Wilson , Warsame Rahma , Lacy Martha Q. , Kyle Robert A. , Rajkumar S. Vincent , Kumar Shaji K. , Leung Nelson
Published: March 2019

This study evaluated the differences in clinical features of 1077 newly diagnosed AL amyloidosis patients with renal involvement (n = 229, 21%), both cardiac and renal involvement (n = 443, 41%) and cardiac involvement (n = 405, 38%). Significant differences in dFLC (difference in involved and uninvolved light chains) were noted (renal, both, cardiac median: 83, 234 and 349 mg/l, P < 0.001). The proportion of patients with ≥ 10% bone marrow plasma cells (BMPCs) was lowest in renal only patients: 44%, 57%, 64%, respectively, P < 0.001. In a multivariate linear regression model incorporating organ involvement type and BMPCs ≥10%, organ involvement was a significant predictor of dFLC (P < 0.001). Median overall survival (OS) across the three groups was 83 vs. 19 vs. 16 months (P < 0.001) in patients not undergoing transplant and 5‐year OS in patients undergoing transplant was 90% vs. 75% vs. 64% (P = 0.007), respectively. In conclusion, renal involvement alone or renal + cardiac involvement in AL amyloidosis is associated with lower circulating light chain burden, which cannot be fully explained by BMPC burden alone. Increased sensitivity of the kidney to light chains, given significant interactions with the renal tubular system and secretion of modified light chain products may play a role in pathogenesis of renal AL amyloidosis and warrants further investigation.
No evidence of increased cerebrovascular involvement in adult neurologically‐asymptomatic β‐Thalassaemia. A multicentre multimodal magnetic resonance study
Authors: Tartaglione Immacolata , Russo Camilla , Elefante Andrea , Caiazza Martina , Casale Maddalena , Di Concilio Rosanna , Ciancio Angela , De Michele Elisa , Amendola Giovanni , Gritti Paolo , Carafa Pasquale A. , Ferrantino Teresa , Centanni Antonella , Ippolito Noemi , Caserta Violetta , Oliveto Tiziana , Granato Ilaria , Femina Gianluca , Esposito Fabrizio , Ponticorvo Sara , Russo Andrea G. , Canna Antonietta , Ermani Mario , Cirillo Mario , Perrotta Silverio , Manara Renzo
Published: March 2019

Multi‐factorial causes jeopardize brain integrity in β‐thalassaemia. Intracranial parenchymal and vascular changes have been reported among young β‐thalassaemia patients but conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings are contradictory making early MRI and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)/venography monitoring a matter of debate.

This study prospectively investigated 75 neurologically asymptomatic β‐thalassaemia patients (mean‐age 35·2 ± 10·7 years; 52/75 transfusion‐dependent; 41/75 splenectomised) using a 3T magnetic resonance scanner; clinical, laboratory and treatment data were also collected. White matter ischaemic‐like abnormalities, intracranial artery stenoses, aneurysms and sinus venous thrombosis were compared between patients and 56 healthy controls (mean‐age 33·9 ± 10·8 years). No patient or control showed silent territorial or lacunar strokes, intracranial artery stenoses or signs of sinus thrombosis. White matter lesions were found both in patients (35/75, 46·7%) and controls (28/56, 50·0%), without differences in terms of number (4·0 ± 10·6 vs. 4·6 ± 9·1, P = 0·63), size and Fazekas’ Score. Intracranial aneurysms did not differ between patients and controls for incidence rate (7/75, 9·3% vs. 5/56, 8·9%), size and site. Vascular and parenchymal abnormality rate did not differ according to treatments or clinical phenotype. According to this study, asymptomatic β‐thalassaemia patients treated according to current guidelines do not seem to carry an increased risk of brain and intracranial vascular changes, thus weakening recommendations for regular brain MRI monitoring.
A randomized controlled trial of internet‐delivered cognitive behaviour therapy for adolescent anxiety disorders in a routine clinical care setting with and without parent sessions
Authors: Waite Polly , Marshall Tamsin , Creswell Cathy
Published: March 2019

Background

Computerized treatments have been shown to be effective in young people with anxiety disorders within research settings. The aims of this study were to evaluate a self‐completed, therapist‐supported online treatment for adolescent anxiety disorders in a routine clinical care setting and examine whether additional sessions for parents improved treatment outcome.

Method

Sixty adolescents (13–18 years) referred by primary and secondary care services for treatment of an anxiety disorder and their parent(s) were randomly allocated to begin treatment immediately or after a 16‐week waitlist. Half the parents (receiving treatment immediately or after a waitlist) were allocated to receive sessions themselves. Assessments were conducted pre‐ and posttreatment and at 6‐month follow‐up.

Results

There was no significant difference posttreatment between the immediate treatment and waitlist groups in remission of primary anxiety disorder (Odds Ratio (OR) = 2.19, 95% CI: 0.72–6.70). Parent sessions did not significantly improve adolescent outcomes immediately or at 6‐month follow‐up (OR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.26–2.15; OR = 1.14, 95% CI: 0.42–3.15).

Conclusions

Within a routine clinical care setting, a therapist‐supported online treatment failed to deliver significantly better outcomes for adolescents with anxiety disorders than a waitlist. Further research is needed to develop more effective treatments for this population.
Cognitive function and oral health among ageing adults
Authors: Kang Jing , Wu Bei , Bunce David , Ide Mark , Pavitt Sue , Wu Jianhua
Published: March 2019

Objectives

There is inconclusive evidence that cognitive function is associated with oral health in older adults. This study investigated the association between cognitive function and oral health among older adults in England.

Methods

This longitudinal cohort study included 4416 dentate participants aged 50 years or older in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing during 2002‐2014. Cognitive function was assessed at baseline in 2002/2003 using a battery of cognitive function tests. The self‐reported number of teeth remaining and self‐rated general oral health status was reported in 2014/2015. Ordinal logistic regression was applied to model the association between cognitive function at baseline and tooth loss or self‐rated oral health.

Results

Cognitive function at baseline was negatively associated with the risk of tooth loss (per each 1 standard deviation lower in cognitive function score, OR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.05‐1.21). When cognitive function score was categorized into quintiles, there was a clear gradient association between cognitive function and tooth loss (P‐trend = 0.003); people in the lowest quintile of cognitive function had higher risk of tooth loss than those in the highest quintile (OR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.12‐1.74). A similar magnitude and direction of association were evident between cognitive function and self‐rated oral health.

Conclusion

This longitudinal study in an English ageing population has demonstrated that poor cognitive function at early stage was associated with poorer oral health and higher risk of tooth loss in later life. The gradient relationship suggests that an improvement in cognitive function could potentially improve oral health and reduce the risk of tooth loss in the ageing population.
Comparing and displaying phylogenetic trees using edge union networks
Authors: Miyagi Miriam , Wheeler Ward C.
Published: March 2019

The general problem of representing collections of trees as a single graph has led to many tree summary techniques. Many consensus approaches take sets of trees (either inferred as separate gene trees or gleaned from the posterior of a Bayesian analysis) and produce a single “best” tree. In scenarios where horizontal gene transfer or hybridization are suspected, networks may be preferred, which allow for nodes to have two parents, representing the fusion of lineages. One such construct is the cluster union network (CUN), which is constructed using the union of all clusters in the input trees. TheCUNhas a number of mathematically desirable properties, but can also present edges not observed in the input trees. In this paper we define a new network construction, the edge union network (EUN), which displays edges if and only if they are contained in the input trees. We also demonstrate that this object can be constructed with polynomial time complexity given arbitrary phylogenetic input trees, and so can be used in conjunction with network analysis techniques for further phylogenetic hypothesis testing.
Tracking genetic invasions: Genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphisms reveal the source of pyrethroid‐resistant Aedes aegypti (yellow fever mosquito) incursions at international ports
Authors: Schmidt Thomas L. , van Rooyen Anthony R. , Chung Jessica , Endersby‐Harshman Nancy M. , Griffin Philippa C. , Sly Angus , Hoffmann Ary A. , Weeks Andrew R.
Published: March 2019

Biological invasions are increasing globally in number and extent despite efforts to restrict their spread. Knowledge of incursion pathways is necessary to prevent new invasions and to design effective biosecurity protocols at source and recipient locations. This study uses genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to determine the origin of 115 incursive Aedes aegypti(yellow fever mosquito) detected at international ports in Australia and New Zealand. We also genotyped mosquitoes at three point mutations in the voltage‐sensitive sodium channel (Vssc) gene: V1016G, F1534C and S989P. These mutations confer knockdown resistance to synthetic pyrethroid insecticides, widely used for controlling invertebrate pests. We first delineated reference populations using Ae. aegypti sampled from 15 locations in Asia, South America, Australia and the Pacific Islands. Incursives were assigned to these populations using discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC) and an assignment test with a support vector machine predictive model. Bali, Indonesia, was the most common origin of Ae. aegypti detected in Australia, while Ae. aegypti detected in New Zealand originated from Pacific Islands such as Fiji. Most incursives had the same allelic genotype across the three Vsscgene point mutations, which confers strong resistance to synthetic pyrethroids, the only insecticide class used in current, widely implemented aircraft disinsection protocols endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO). Additionally, all internationally assigned Ae. aegypti had Vssc point mutations linked to pyrethroid resistance that are not found in Australian populations. These findings demonstrate that protocols for preventing introductions of invertebrates must consider insecticide resistance, and highlight the usefulness of genomic data sets for managing global biosecurity objectives.
Parent–Child Activities, Paid Work Interference, and Child Mental Health
Authors: Roeters Anne , van Houdt Kirsten
Published: March 2019

Objective

To examine the association between child mental health and (a) the amount of parent–child interaction and (b) the amount of interference in that interaction due to paid work.

Background

Although some research findings suggest children do not always benefit from being with their parents full‐time, other studies suggest it is important for children to have their parents' undivided attention.

Method

Analyses are based on the 2013 New Families in the Netherlands dataset (639 fathers and 849 mothers of school‐aged children). Using structural equation modeling (SEM), we analyzed how child well‐being varied with the frequency of parent–child activities and the amount of interference due to paid work.

Results

Children demonstrated better mental health when the frequency of father–child activities was higher and the amount of interference due to work was lower. We found no effects for mothers. Moreover, the association between the frequency of parent–child activities and child mental health was not moderated by the amount of interference due to paid work (neither for fathers nor mothers).

Conclusion

The findings suggest that children attach great importance to the psychological availability of their fathers. We speculate that children respond more strongly to their fathers because their attention and involvement is less taken for granted than that of mothers.

Implications

Given the intrusive nature of smartphones and laptops in daily life, it is crucial that parents, employers, and family life educators understand how distractions during parent–child time due to paid work can affect children. With this knowledge, strategies to minimize unintended detrimental consequences for children can be developed.
A node release approach to estimate J‐R curve for single‐edge‐notched tension specimen under reversed loading
Authors: Liu Tianyao , Qian Xudong , Wang Wei , Chen Yiyi
Published: March 2019

This paper proposes a node release approach to estimate the fracture resistance curve, often known as the J‐R curve, for monotonic and cyclic fracture tests. The node release approach simulates the crack extension by releasing the constraints imposed on the node at the crack tip and estimates the J‐R curve by coupling the domain integral value with the corresponding crack extension. This proposed node release approach estimates closely the J‐R curve for SE(B) and SE(T) specimens subjected to monotonic loading. For SE(T) specimen under cyclic loading, this study implements the node release analysis in two approaches: (1) an equivalent monotonic analysis corresponding to the envelope of the cyclic load‐CMOD response and (2) a direct cyclic simulation. Both approaches lead to close estimations of the experimentally measured J‐R curve. The numerical analysis also confirms the path independence of the domain integral values in the direct cyclic simulation.
Influence of Fluctuating Groundwater Table on Volatile Organic Chemical Emission Flux at a Dissolved Chlorinated‐Solvent Plume Site
Authors: Guo Yuanming , Holton Chase , Luo Hong , Dahlen Paul , Johnson Paul C.
Published: March 2019

Groundwater elevation fluctuation has been recognized as one mechanism causing temporal indoor air volatile organic chemical (VOC) impacts in vapor intrusion risk assessment guidance. For dissolved VOC sources, groundwater table fluctuation shortens/lengthens the transport pathway, and delivers dissolved contaminants to soils that are alternating between water saturated and variably saturated conditions, thereby enhancing volatilization potential. To date, this mechanism has not been assessed with field data, but enhanced VOC emission flux has been observed in lab‐scale and modeling studies. This work evaluates the impact of groundwater elevation changes on VOC emission flux from a dissolved VOC plume into a house, supplemented with modeling results for cyclic groundwater elevation changes. Indoor air concentrations, air exchange rates, and depth to groundwater (DTW) were collected at the study house during an 86‐d constant building underpressurization test. These data were used to calculate changes in trichloroethylene (TCE) emission flux to indoor air, during a period when DTW varied daily and seasonally from about 3.1 to 3.4 m below the building foundation (BF). Overall, TCE flux to indoor air varied by about 50% of the average, without any clear correlation to changes in DTW or its change rate. To complement the field study, TCE surface emission fluxes were simulated using a one‐dimensional model (HYDRUS 1D) for conditions similar to the field site. Simulation results showed time‐averaged surface TCE fluxes for cyclic water‐table elevations were greater than for stationary water‐table conditions at an equivalent time‐averaged water‐table position. The magnitudes of temporal TCE emission flux changes were generally less than 50% of the time‐averaged flux, consistent with the field site observations. Simulation results also suggested that TCE emission flux changes due to groundwater fluctuation are likely to be significant at sites with shallow groundwater (e.g., < 0.5 m BF) and permeable soil types (e.g., sand).
Dressings cut to shape alleviate facial tissue loads while using an oxygen mask
Authors: Peko Cohen Lea , Ovadia‐Blechman Zehava , Hoffer Oshrit , Gefen Amit
Published: March 2019

Non‐invasive ventilation (NIV) masks are commonly used for respiratory support where intubation or a surgical procedure can be avoided. However, prolonged use of NIV masks involves risk to facial tissues, which are subjected to sustained deformations caused by tightening of the mask and microclimate conditions. The risk of developing such medical device‐related pressure ulcers can be reduced by providing additional cushioning at the mask‐face interface. In this work, we determined differences in facial tissue stresses while using an NIV mask with versus without using dressing cuts (Mepilex Lite; Mölnlycke Health Care, Gothenburg, Sweden). First, we developed a force measurement system that was used to experimentally determine local forces applied to skin at the bridge of the nose, cheeks, and chin in a healthy sample group while using a NIV mask. We further demonstrated facial temperature distributions after use of the mask using infrared thermography. Next, using the finite element method, we delivered the measured compressive forces per site of the face in the model and compared maximal effective stresses in facial tissues with versus without the dressing cuts. The dressings have shown substantial biomechanical effectiveness in alleviating facial tissues deformations and stresses by providing localised cushioning to the tissues at risk.
A molecular overview of the primary dystroglycanopathies
Authors: Brancaccio Andrea
Published: March 2019

Dystroglycan is a major non‐integrin adhesion complex that connects the cytoskeleton to the surrounding basement membranes, thus providing stability to skeletal muscle. In Vertebrates, hypoglycosylation of α‐dystroglycan has been strongly linked to muscular dystrophy phenotypes, some of which also show variable degrees of cognitive impairments, collectively termed dystroglycanopathies. Only a small number of mutations in the dystroglycan gene, leading to the so called primary dystroglycanopathies, has been described so far, as opposed to the ever‐growing number of identified secondary or tertiary dystroglycanopathies (caused by genetic abnormalities in glycosyltransferases or in enzymes involved in the synthesis of the carbohydrate building blocks). The few mutations found within the autonomous N‐terminal domain of α‐dystroglycan seem to destabilise it to different degrees, without influencing the overall folding and targeting of the dystroglycan complex. On the contrary other mutations, some located at the α/β interface of the dystroglycan complex, seem to be able to interfere with its maturation, thus compromising its stability and eventually leading to the intracellular engulfment and/or partial or even total degradation of the dystroglycan uncleaved precursor.
Supporting Children's Early Development by Building Caregivers' Capacities and Skills: A Theoretical Approach Informed by New Neuroscience Research
Authors: Magnuson Katherine , Schindler Holly
Published: March 2019

The potential of parent training and professional development programs for improving early childhood experiences and later outcomes is well established. Yet traditional models of training and support, which largely consist of providing information to parents and teachers, have not met the needs of caregivers who experience the greatest levels of adversity. In this article, we describe the challenges faced by low‐income parents and nonparental caregivers, review traditional theoretical models used in parenting and professional development programs, and discuss a new approach focusing on building caregivers' self‐regulation and executive function skills. We review innovative program efforts focused on family goal setting, caregiver stress reduction, and reducing barriers that impede caregivers' core capabilities. Although there is still much to learn about these approaches, we conclude that addressing self‐regulation and executive function in caregivers is worthy of more theoretical and empirical study.
Dek42 encodes an RNA‐binding protein that affects alternative pre‐mRNA splicing and maize kernel development
Authors: Zuo Yi , Feng Fan , Qi Weiwei , Song Rentao
Published: March 2019

RNA‐binding proteins (RBPs) play an important role in post‐transcriptional gene regulation. However, the functions of RBPs in plants remain poorly understood. Maize kernel mutant dek42 has small defective kernels and lethal seedlings. Dek42 was cloned by Mutator tag isolation and further confirmed by an independent mutant allele and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)‐CRISPR‐associated protein 9 materials. Dek42 encodes an RRM_RBM48 type RNA‐binding protein that localizes to the nucleus. Dek42 is constitutively expressed in various maize tissues. The dek42 mutation caused a significant reduction in the accumulation of DEK42 protein in mutant kernels. RNA‐seq analysis showed that the dek42 mutation significantly disturbed the expression of thousands of genes during maize kernel development. Sequence analysis also showed that the dek42 mutation significantly changed alternative splicing in expressed genes, which were especially enriched for the U12‐type intron‐retained type. Yeast two‐hybrid screening identified SF3a1 as a DEK42‐interacting protein. DEK42 also interacts with the spliceosome component U1‐70K. These results suggested that DEK42 participates in the regulation of pre‐messenger RNA splicing through its interaction with other spliceosome components. This study showed the function of a newly identified RBP and provided insights into alternative splicing regulation during maize kernel development.
Use of computed tomography and radiation therapy planning software to develop a novel formula for body surface area calculation in dogs
Authors: Girens Renee , Bukoski Alex , Maitz Charles A. , Boston Sarah E. , Borgatti Antonella , Sprinkle Megan , Orrego Daniel , Kesl Shannon , Selting Kim
Published: March 2019

Background

Body surface area (BSA) can reflect metabolic rate that might normalize dosing of chemotherapeutics across widely variable weights within a species. The current BSA formula for dogs lacks height, length, and body condition.

Hypothesis

Computed tomography (CT) imaging will allow inclusion of morphometric variables in allometric modeling of BSA in dogs resulting in an improved formula for BSA estimation.

Animals

Forty‐eight dogs from 4 institutions with whole‐body CT images.

Methods

Retrospective and prospective case series. Body surface area was contoured using whole‐body CT scans and radiation therapy planning software. Body length and height were determined from CT images and also in 9 dogs by physical measurement. Nonlinear regression was used to model the BSA data sets using allometric equations. Goodness‐of‐fit criteria included average relative deviation, mean standard error, Akaike information criterion, and r2(derived from the r‐value generated by regression models).

Results

Contoured BSA differed from the current formula by −9% to +19%. Nonlinear regression on untransformed data yielded BSA = 0.0134 × body weight [kg]∧0.4746 × length (cm)∧0.6393 as the best‐fit model. Heteroscedasticity (increasing morphometric variability with increasing BSA) was an important finding.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Computed tomography‐derived BSA was used to incorporate body length into a novel BSA formula. This formula can be applied prospectively to determine whether it correlates with adverse events attributed to chemotherapy.
Is Every Theory of Knowledge False?
Authors: Roeber Blake
Published: March 2019

Is knowledge consistent with literally any credence in the relevant proposition, including credence 0? Of course not. But is credence 0 the only credence in p that entails that you don't know that p? Knowledge entails belief (most epistemologists think), and it's impossible to believe that p while having credence 0 in p. Is it true that, for every value of ‘x,’ if it's impossible to know that p while having credence x in p, this is simply because it's impossible to believe that p while having credence x in p? If so, is it possible to believe that p while having (say) credence 0.4 in p? These questions aren't standard epistemological fare—at least in part because many epistemologists think their answers are obvious—but they have unanticipated consequences for epistemology. Let ‘improbabilism’ name the thesis that it's possible to know that p while having a credence in p below 0.5. Improbabilism will strike many epistemologists as absurd, but careful reflection on these questions reveals that, if improbabilism is false, then all of the most plausible theories of knowledge are also false. Or so I shall argue in this paper. Since improbabilism is widely rejected by epistemologists (at least implicitly), this paper reveals a tension between all of the most plausible theories of knowledge and a widespread assumption in epistemology.
Allergic contact dermatitis to chlorhexidine in pediatric patients
Authors: Magdaleno‐Tapial Jorge , Martínez‐Doménech Alvaro , Valenzuela‐Oñate Cristian , Ferrer‐Guillén Blanca , Esteve‐Martínez Altea , Zaragoza‐Ninet Violeta
Published: March 2019

Chlorhexidine is one of the most widely used antiseptics in our environment. Allergic contact dermatitis to chlorhexidine is common in adults, but is quite rare in the pediatric population. Its diagnosis is important because it can mimic other dermatoses common during childhood, and it can also lead to acute immediate hypersensitivity reactions following successive exposures.
Portuguese calculated panel reactive antibodies online estimator
Authors: Lima Bruno A. , Alves Helena
Published: March 2019

Calculated panel reactive antibodies (CPRA) is a sensitization measure used to classify and prioritize transplant candidates in different kidney transplant allocation systems. CPRA is based on identification of HLA unacceptable on potential organ donors making a transplant candidate ineligible for transplantation. Here, we present a CPRA online estimator based on HLA allelic and haplotypic frequencies from Portuguese donors. We also compare the values we obtained from our CPRA estimator (Portuguese [PT]‐CPRA) against CPRA values obtained from: Eurotransplant virtual PRA calculator (ET‐CPRA); Canadian CPRA calculator (Canadian [CN]‐CPRA) and Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network CPRA calculator (United States [US]‐CPRA). When we analyzed correlations between CPRA values obtained from pairs of calculators, we observed that they are significantly and highly correlated. Bland‐Altman plots for the comparison between PT‐CPRA calculator against the other calculators, show higher differences between PT and CN than between PT and ET and PT and US. Also, the lowest value for Lin's concordance coefficient was obtained for the comparison between PT and CN calculators. CPRA values reliability depend on donors' pool from which it is calculated and it is crucial for classify correctly highly sensitized patients. A CPRA calculator must use donors' HLA frequencies similar from those who would be actual organ donors.
Depression, Need for Social Approval and Loneliness in University Students
Authors: Karaşar Burcu , Baytemir Kemal
Published: March 2019

The main purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between need for approval and loneliness and depression in university students. The second purpose of the current study is to examine depression, need for social approval and loneliness in relation to some demographic variables. The study was conducted on a total of 249 students (175 females and 74 males) attending the Education Faculty of a university located in the Central Black Sea Region. The current study employed a personal information form, the Beck Depression Inventory, the UCLA Loneliness Scale and the Need for Social Approval Scale to collect data. In order to determine the correlations between depression, loneliness and need for social approval “multiple regression analysis”; in order to determine between-groups differences, “t-test” and “variance analysis” were used. The findings of the study have revealed that loneliness and need for social approval explains 22% of the total variance in depression. In terms of contribution to the model, loneliness was found to be a better predictor of depression than the need for social approval. Depression, loneliness and the need for approval were found to be not varying significantly depending on gender. Only need for social approval was found to be varying significantly depending on both the mother’s and the father’s education level. The findings are discussed focusing on the relationship between loneliness and the need for social approval and depression in university students.
A hierarchy of corticospinal plasticity in human hand and forearm muscles
Authors: Foysal K. M. Riashad , Baker Stuart N.
Published: March 2019

Key points

Pairing stimulation of a finger flexor or extensor muscle at the motor point with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) of the motor cortex generated plastic changes in motor output.

Increases in output were greater in intrinsic hand muscles than in the finger flexor. No changes occurred in the finger extensor. This gradient was seen irrespective of which muscle was stimulated paired with transcranial magnetic stimulation.

Intermittent theta‐burst stimulation also produced increases in output, although these were similar across muscles.

We suggest that intrinsic hand and flexor muscles have a higher potential to show plasticity than extensors, although only when plasticity is induced by sensory input. This may relate to differences seen in recovery of function in these muscles after injury, such as post‐stroke.

The ability of the motor system to show plastic change underlies skill learning and also permits recovery after injury. One puzzling observation is that, after stroke, upper limb flexor muscles show good recovery but extensors remain weak, with this being a major contributor to residual disability. We hypothesized that there might be differences in potential for plasticity across hand and forearm muscles. In the present study, we investigated this using two protocols based on transcranial magnetic brain stimulation (TMS) in healthy human subjects. Baseline TMS responses were recorded from two intrinsic hand muscles: flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) and extensor digitorum communis (EDC). In the first study, paired associative stimulation (PAS) was delivered by pairing motor point stimulation of FDS or EDC with TMS. Responses were then remeasured. Increases were greatest in the hand muscles, smaller in FDS and non‐significant in EDC, irrespective of whether stimulation of FDS or EDC was used. In the second study, intermittent theta‐burst rapid rate TMS was applied instead of PAS. In this case, all muscles showed similar increases in TMS responses. We conclude that the potential to show plastic changes in motor cortical output has the gradient: hand muscles > flexors > extensors. However, this was only seen in a protocol that requires integration of sensory input (PAS) and not when plasticity was induced purely by cortical stimulation (rapid rate TMS). This observation may relate to why functional recovery tends to favour flexor and hand muscles over extensors.
Robots to the Rescue
Authors: Zeldovich Lina
Published: March 2019

Robots are becoming increasingly important responders, joining search and rescue teams in their missions. Besides being able to traverse contaminated and dangerous areas, these robots bring a different set of skills to disaster recover site. A new generation of robots is being developed that could quite literally be the difference between life and death in search and rescue operations. This article discusses land, aerial, and aquatic robots in different stages of their training to assist humans in various calamities.
Making Texas Green
Authors: Michaelides Efstathios E.
Published: March 2019

Texas is proud of its oil and gas industry, but the state is blessed with abundant solar and wind power potential. Tapping that potential requires more than simply building out more wind turbines and solar panels–Texas will need a large, but achievable energy storage system. This study analyzes if Texas coulld become a green state in the future.
U.S. Navy Lays the Keel for 3-D Printing
Authors: Kosowatz John
Published: March 2019

The U.S. Navy builds and sails some of the world’s largest and most powerful vessels and those ships depend on a wide range of advanced systems and machinery to operate. Now, the Navy is moving toward advanced manufacturing of some of the smallest parts of the biggest ships, approving 3-D printing of a drain strainer for a steam line on the USS Harry S Truman. Shipbuilders say it is the first step toward integrating additive manufacturing into the supply chain. This article takes a closer look at how filling the knowledge gaps in the absence or limited development of 3-D printing standards was a necessary building block in adoption of the technology.
Controllable Propagation of Bending Waves in Wrinkled Films
Authors: Ding Xia , Zhao Yuchen , Yan Dong , Zhang Kai
Published: March 2019

Wrinkling is a common phenomenon in natural and engineering film structures. The wrinkles influence the geometry and dynamic response of these structures. In this work, we investigate the wrinkling of a stretched thin film containing engineered microstructures and its derived functionality on controlling the propagation of bending waves. The underlying mechanism is revealed and the effect of wrinkles on the bandgap of bending waves is systematically evaluated via numerical simulations based on the Bloch wave theory. We show that wrinkles with a customized wavelength can be triggered in the microstructured film due to the mismatched deformation in the film. The bandgap of the wrinkled film can be finely tuned via applied stretching, resulting in the controllable propagation of bending waves in thin films. Our work provides fundamental insights into wave propagation in wrinkled films and potential applications for dynamic control of the wave propagation in engineering film structures.
Strain Mapping From Four-Dimensional Ultrasound Reveals Complex Remodeling in Dissecting Murine Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
Authors: Cebull Hannah L. , Soepriatna Arvin H. , Boyle John J. , Rothenberger Sean M. , Goergen Craig J.
Published: March 2019

Current in vivo abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) imaging approaches tend to focus on maximum diameter but do not measure three-dimensional (3D) vascular deformation or strain. Complex vessel geometries, heterogeneous wall compositions, and surrounding structures can all influence aortic strain. Improved understanding of complex aortic kinematics has the potential to increase our ability to predict aneurysm expansion and eventual rupture. Here, we describe a method that combines four-dimensional (4D) ultrasound and direct deformation estimation to compute in vivo 3D Green-Lagrange strain in murine angiotensin II-induced suprarenal dissecting aortic aneurysms, a commonly used small animal model. We compared heterogeneous patterns of the maximum, first-component 3D Green-Lagrange strain with vessel composition from mice with varying AAA morphologies. Intramural thrombus and focal breakage in the medial elastin significantly reduced aortic strain. Interestingly, a dissection that was not detected with high-frequency ultrasound also experienced reduced strain, suggesting medial elastin breakage that was later confirmed via histology. These results suggest that in vivo measurements of 3D strain can provide improved insight into aneurysm disease progression. While further work is needed with both preclinical animal models and human imaging studies, this initial murine study indicates that vessel strain should be considered when developing an improved metric for predicting aneurysm growth and rupture.
Design and Analysis of a Novel Lightweight, Energy Economic Powered Knee Orthotic Device
Authors: Sahoo Saikat , Jain Aditya , Pratihar Dilip Kumar
Published: March 2019

The task of a powered knee orthotic device (PKOD) is to assist the knee joint so that its natural behavior can be restored. The key features of a PKOD that may help to regain such characteristics are low power consumption, fast response, compactness, and lightweight. This study proposes a novel design of PKOD, where we have focused on the betterment of the mentioned features with the help of a new mechanism, namely a four-bar controlled compliance actuator (FCCA). In FCCA, instead of using the widely used screw transmission mechanism, a four-bar mechanism is used to modify the joint's angular deviation and stiffness. The main advantages of using FCCA over other existing mechanisms are to reduce the power consumption by amplification of input motor torque and to achieve a faster response at the same time, and these are achieved by utilizing a simple four-bar mechanism. In the proposed design, FCCA controls both the stiffness of the artificial knee joint using a compliance mechanism as well as knee flexion with the help of a pulley arrangement. A three-dimensional (3D)-printed prototype of the proposed design has been developed, after optimizing the inherent design parameters. Simulation and experimental analysis are carried out in order to justify the performance of the proposed PKOD. The results have shown strong agreement with that obtained using analytical study and optimization. Moreover, the torque amplification is achieved, as desired.
Fatigue Crack Growth Thresholds at Negative Stress Ratio for Ferritic Steels in ASME Code Section XI
Authors: Hasegawa Kunio , Strnadel Bohumir , Usami Saburo , Lacroix Valery
Published: March 2019

Thresholds of fatigue crack growth rates are important characteristics for fatigue crack growth assessment for the integrity of structural components. ASME Code Section XI provides fatigue crack growth thresholds for ferritic steels in air and water environments. The threshold is given as a constant value under a negative stress ratio. However, the thresholds are not clearly defined in the range of negative stress ratios. The definition seems to be maximum stress intensity factors. Besides, the thresholds expressed by the maximum stress intensity factors decrease with decreasing stress ratios. This means that the thresholds under negative stress ratios become unconservative assessments. The objective of this paper is to discuss the definition of fatigue crack growth threshold and to propose the threshold equation for the ASME Code Section XI, based on experimental data obtained from a literature survey.
Double-Poling Physiology and Kinematics of Elite Cross-Country Skiers: Specialized Long-Distance Versus All-Round Skiers
Authors: Skattebo Øyvind , Losnegard Thomas , Stadheim Hans Kristian
Published: March 2019

Purpose:Long-distance cross-country skiers specialize to compete in races >50 km predominantly using double poling (DP). This emphasizes the need for highly developed upper-body endurance capacities and an efficient DP technique. The aim of this study was to investigate potential effects of specialization by comparing physiological capacities and kinematics in DP between long-distance skiers and skiers competing using both techniques (skating/classic) in several competition formats (“all-round skiers”).Methods:Seven male long-distance (32 [6] y, 183 [6] cm, 76 [5] kg) and 6 all-round (25 [3] y, 181 [5] cm, 75 [6] kg) skiers at high international levels conducted submaximal workloads and an incremental test to exhaustion for determination of peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and time to exhaustion (TTE) in DP and running.Results:In DP and running maximal tests, TTE showed no difference between groups. However, long-distance skiers had 5–6% lower VO2peak in running (81 [5] vs 85 [3] mL·kg−1·min−1;P = .07) and DP (73 [3] vs 78 [3] mL·kg−1·min−1;P < .01) than all-round skiers. In DP, long-distance skiers displayed lower submaximal O2cost than all-round skiers (3.8 ± 3.6%;P < .05) without any major differences in cycle times or cyclic patterns of joint angles and center of mass. Lactate concentration over a wide range of speeds (45–85% of VO2peak) did not differ between groups, even though each workload corresponded to a slightly higher percentage of VO2peak for long-distance skiers (effect size: 0.30–0.68).Conclusions:The long-distance skiers displayed lower VO2peak but compensated with lower O2cost to perform equally with the all-round skiers on a short TTE test in DP. Furthermore, similar submaximal lactate concentration and reduced O2cost could be beneficial in sustaining high skiing speeds in long-duration competitions.
The RBPomics of viral infection
Authors: Williams Erin R.
Published: March 2019

Systems analysis shows that RNA-binding proteins are critical for Sindbis virus infection.
Type V Secretion in Gram-Negative Bacteria
Authors: Bernstein Harris D.
Published: March 2019

Type V, or “autotransporter,” secretion is a term used to refer to several simple protein export pathways that are found in a wide range of Gram-negative bacteria. Autotransporters are generally single polypeptides that consist of an extracellular (“passenger”) domain and a β barrel domain that anchors the protein to the outer membrane (OM). Although it was originally proposed that the passenger domain is secreted through a channel formed solely by the covalently linked β barrel domain, experiments performed primarily on the type Va, or “classical,” autotransporter pathway have challenged this hypothesis. Several lines of evidence strongly suggest that both the secretion of the passenger domain and the membrane integration of the β barrel domain are catalyzed by the
b
arrel
a
ssembly
m
achinery (Bam) complex, a conserved hetero-oligomer that plays an essential role in the assembly of most integral OM proteins. The secretion reaction appears to be driven at least in part by the folding of the passenger domain in the extracellular space. Although many aspects of autotransporter biogenesis remain to be elucidated, it will be especially interesting to determine whether the different classes of proteins that fall under the type V rubric—most of which have not been examined in detail—are assembled by the same basic mechanism as classical autotransporters.
A Novel Phenotypic Method To Screen for Plasmid-Mediated Colistin Resistance among
Enterobacteriales
Authors: Bell Drew T. , Bergman Yehudit , Kazmi Abida Q. , Lewis Shawna , Tamma Pranita D. , Simner Patricia J.
Published: March 2019

Plasmid-mediated colistin resistance (PMCR), a consequence of the
mcr
genes, is a significant public health concern given its potential to easily spread among clinical pathogens. Recently, it was discovered that MCR enzymes require zinc for activity.
First Genome Sequence of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus Serotype O Sublineage Ind2001e from Southern Vietnam
Authors: Palinski Rachel M. , Bertram Miranda R. , Vu Le T. , Pauszek Steven J. , Hartwig Ethan J. , Smoliga George R. , Stenfeldt Carolina , Fish Ian H. , Hoang Bui H. , Phuong Nguyen T. , Hung Vo V. , Vu Pham P. , Dung Nguyen K. , Dong Pham V. , Tien Nguyen N. , Tho Nguyen D. , Dung Do H. , Arzt Jonathan
Published: March 2019

We report the polyprotein coding sequence of the newly defined Ind2001e sublineage of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) serotype O, isolated from a bovine epithelial tissue sample collected in 2017 in Kon Tum Province, Vietnam. This discovery updates FMDV diversity in Vietnam, has implications for FMDV epidemiology, and influences future vaccine selections.
Complete Genome Sequence of an Avian Polyomavirus Strain First Isolated from a Pigeon in China
Authors: Li Qiuchen , Niu Kai , Sun Haojie , Xia Yingju , Sun Shijing , Li Jie , Wang Fang , Feng Yu , Peng Xiaowei , Zhu Liangquan , Fan Xuezheng , Qin Yuming , Ding Jiabo , Jiang Hui , Xu Guanlong
Published: March 2019

Avian polyomavirus can infect multiple bird species and cause inflammatory disease with high mortality in young psittacine birds. In this study, we sequenced and analyzed an avian polyomavirus isolated from a pigeon in China, strain APV-P, which is closely related to a polyomavirus in psittacine birds.
Complete Genome Sequences of the Index Isolates of Two Genotypes of Pacific Salmon Paramyxovirus
Authors: Winton James R. , Batts William N. , Powers Rachel L. , Purcell Maureen K.
Published: March 2019

We report here the genome sequences of two index strains of Pacific salmon paramyxovirus isolated in 1982 and 1983 from adult salmon in Oregon. The isolates are most closely related to Atlantic salmon paramyxovirus, the type species of the genus
Aquaparamyxovirus
, but are sufficiently distinct to be considered two genotypes of a novel species.
First Complete Genome Sequence of a Feline Alphacoronavirus 1 Strain from Brazil
Authors: de Barros Bruno de Cássio Veloso , Castro Ceyla Maria Oeiras de , Pereira Diego , Ribeiro Laila Graziela , Júnior José Wandilson Barboza Duarte , Casseb Samir Mansour Moraes , Holanda Gustavo Moraes , Cruz Ana Cecília Ribeiro , Júnior Edivaldo Costa Sousa , Mascarenhas Joana D’Arc Pereira
Published: March 2019

We identified a strain of
Alphacoronavirus 1
, FCoV-SB22, from a pool of fecal samples from domestic cats from a rural settlement in the municipality of Santa Bárbara, Pará, Brazil. The nucleotide identity with feline coronavirus was 91.5%.
Draft Genome Sequence of Deoxynivalenol-Degrading Actinomycete Nocardioides sp. Strain LS1, Isolated from Wheat Leaves in Japan
Authors: Morimura Hiroyuki , Uesaka Kazuma , Ito Michihiro , Yoshida Shigenobu , Koitabashi Motoo , Tsushima Seiya , Sato Ikuo
Published: March 2019

Actinomycete
Nocardioides
sp. strain LS1, isolated from wheat leaf, is a bacterium that degrades and assimilates the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON) as the carbon source.