bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DIAGENETIC CONTROLS ON THE RESERVOIR QUALITY OF TIGHT OIL‐BEARING SANDSTONES IN THE UPPER TRIASSIC YANCHANG FORMATION, ORDOS BASIN, NORTH‐CENTRAL CHINA
Authors: Zhang Penghui , Lee Yong Il , Zhang Jinliang
Published: March 2020

Tight oil‐bearing sandstones in the Chang 4+5, 6 and 7 Members of the Upper Triassic Yanchang Formation in the Ordos Basin, north‐central China, in general consist of fine‐grained, moderately‐ to poorly‐sorted lithic arkoses (average Q53F30R17) deposited in a fluvial‐dominated lacustrine‐deltaic environment. Diagenetic modifications to the sandstones include compaction and cementation by calcite, dolomite, ankerite, quartz, chlorite, kaolinite and illite, as well as partial dissolution of feldspars and minor rock fragments. Porosity ranges up to ~7% of the rock volume and was reduced more by cementation than by compaction. Fractures (tectonic macrofractures and diagenetic microfractures) provide important oil migration pathways and enhance the sandstones' storage potential. The pore network is heterogeneous due to processes related to deposition and diagenesis, and there are considerable spatial variations in porosity and pore connectivity. The pore system includes both macropores and micropores, and pore network variations depend on the type and distribution of authigenic cements.

An analysis of the diagenetic and porosity characteristics of core samples of the Yanchang Formation sandstones from wells in the Youfangzhuang oilfield resulted in the recognition of six petrofacies (A‐F) whose characteristics allow reservoir quality to be predicted. Fluid performance analysis for selected sandstone samples using nuclear magnetic resonance combined with helium porosity and air permeability shows that high permeability and large pore throats together result in high movable fluid saturation potential, and that effective pore spaces and throats are beneficial for hydrocarbon storage and flow. Relatively higher porosity and permeability tend to occur in petrofacies B sandstones containing abundant pore‐lining chlorite with lesser kaolinite and minor carbonate cements, and in petrofacies C sandstones with abundant pore‐filling kaolinite cement but little chlorite and carbonate cements. These petrofacies represent the best reservoir‐quality intervals.

A reservoir quality prediction model is proposed combined with the petrofacies classification framework. This model will assist future development of tight sandstone reservoirs both in the Upper Triassic Yanchang Formation in the Ordos Basin and elsewhere.
Continuity, Change, and New Product Performance: The Role of Stream Concentration*
Authors: Forti Enrico , Sobrero Maurizio , Vezzulli Andrea
Published: March 2020

Product development teams often face the challenge of designing radically new products that cater at the same time to the revealed tastes and expectations of existing customers. In new product development projects, this tension guides critical choices about continuity or change concerning product attributes and team composition. Research suggests these choices interact, but it is not clear whether they are complements or substitutes and if the level of change in one should match or not the level of change in the other. In this article, we examine the interaction between product attribute change, team change, and a new team‐level factor, which we termstream concentration, as it captures differences among team members in terms of familiarity with the knowledge domain of the new product being developed. We measure stream concentration as team members’ prior NPD experience within a given set of products and assess its impacts on the management of change in new product development projects using longitudinal data from the music industry. We analyze 2621 new product development projects between 1962 and 2008 involving 34,265 distinct team members. Results show that stream concentration is a critical factor in new product development projects that, together with product attributes and team composition, affects new product performance. We discuss implications for research and practice.
‘Should I stay or should I go now?’: A qualitative study of why UK doctors retire
Authors: Cleland Jennifer , Porteous Terry , Ejebu Ourega‐Zoe , Skåtun Diane
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Objectives

Health care delivery and education face critical potential shortages in the foreseeable future in terms of retaining doctors nearing the time of retirement ‐ doctors who have experience‐based knowledge to pass onto the next generation. Retirement decisions are driven by a combination of macro‐related, job and individual factors. This is a constantly shifting space; findings from earlier studies do not always help us understand the retirement decisions of contemporary cohorts of doctors. To address these issues, and identify new knowledge to inform approaches to retaining expertise, we aimed to identify and explore what may keep an older doctor in the workforce (‘stay’) factors and (‘go’) factors that might prompt retirement.

Methods

We invited doctors aged 50 years or over from diverse areas of Scotland to participate in qualitative, semi‐structured interviews. Initial analysis of interview transcripts was inductive. The embeddedness theory of Mitchell et al encompassing the dimensions of ‘link,’ ‘fit’ and ‘sacrifice,’ was used for subsequent theory‐driven analysis.

Results

A total of 40 respondents participated. In terms of ‘link,’ retiring could feel like a loss when work links were positive, whereas the opposite was true when relationships were poor, or peers were retiring. Considering ‘fit,’ intrinsic job satisfaction was high but respondents had less confidence in their own abilities as they grew older. However, the data foregrounded the inverse of the notion of Mitchell et al's ‘sacrifice’; for UK doctors, staying in work can involve sacrifice because of tax penalties, work intensity and arduous demands.

Conclusions

Retirement stay and go factors seem enmeshed in the cultural, social and economic structures of health care organisations and countries. Systems‐level interventions that address ultimate causes, such as sufficient staffing, supportive systems, non‐punitive taxation regimes and good working conditions are likely to be most effective in encouraging doctors to continue to contribute their knowledge and skills to the benefit of patients and learners.
European confederation of medical mycology expert consult—An ECMM excellence center initiative
Authors: Koehler Philipp , Denis Blandine , Denning David W. , Gangneux Jean‐Pierre , Hoenigl Martin , Kontoyiannis Dimitrios P. , Krause Robert , Lagrou Katrien , Lass‐Flörl Cornelia , Maertens Johan , Mareković Ivana , Meis Jacques F. , Molina Jean‐Michel , Pleško Sanja , Prattes Juergen , Rath Peter‐Michael , Rautemaa‐Richardson Riina , Richardson Malcolm , Segal Esther , Seidel Danila , Spriet Isabel , Steinmann Joerg , Verweij Paul E. , Cornely Oliver A. ,   European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
Published: March 2020

Objectives

Difficult‐to‐treat invasive fungal infections require infectious diseases expert consultation to improve treatment outcome and increase survival rates.

Methods

The European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM) intends to provide expert help free of charge by a newly founded ECMM Expert Consultation Service for medical centres around the globe seeking advice when there is no fungal infection consultant available. The expert consult will provide recommendations and broad expertise on difficult‐to‐treat invasive fungal infections (eg azole‐resistant Aspergillus species, Candida auris, mucormycosis) to improve diagnostic and therapeutic management and outcome.

Results

The initiative plans global outreach through video conferencing between ECMM Excellence Centers and treating physicians. FungiScope® registries will be used to structure case information and to evaluate the impact of the collegial advice system at regular intervals. Advice will follow recent guidelines, and EQUAL Scores will be used to measure guideline adherence.

Conclusions

Infectious diseases expert consultation should be an integral component of care for patients with difficult‐to‐treat invasive fungal infections. The ECMM Expert Consult will attend to this matter on a global scale.
Current research frontiers in plant epigenetics: an introduction to a Virtual Issue
Authors: Eriksson Mimmi C. , Szukala Aglaia , Tian Bin , Paun Ovidiu
Published: March 2020

Link to the Virtual Special Issue
Repeatability of high‐resolution laser Doppler images of the hands in patients with systemic sclerosis and secondary Raynaud's phenomenon
Authors: Britton Jason
Published: March 2020

Objectives

The objective of the study was to establish the repeatability of baseline diagnostic images of the dorsum of the hands acquired using a high‐resolution laser Doppler imager in patients with Raynaud's phenomenon secondary to systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Methods

The dorsal side of the hands of 22 patients (8 male 14 female), age range 29‐73, median 62, with SSc and secondary Raynaud's phenomenon were imaged over two consecutive days at approximately the same time using a Moor Instruments' high‐resolution laser Doppler imaging unit. The images were analysed by taking regions of interest at discrete locations in the images to calculate dimensionless values of flux (PU). Repeatability of the diagnostic investigation was assessed using methods described by Bland and Altman and by also plotting the results from visit 1 against visit 2 and calculating the line of best fit.

Results and Conclusions

Based on the criteria that 95% of all measurement differences should be within a factor of 1.96 of the standard deviations of the mean values, then high‐resolution laser Doppler imaging technique is probably repeatable when acquiring and analysing baseline images of patients with Raynaud's phenomenon secondary to SSc. However, a larger study with more patients is required to prove this conclusively—as only data from 19 patients were analysed (3 patients were not included due to technical issues)—and was therefore susceptible to marked clinical variations in patients presenting on different days for the investigations.
“They've Put Nothing in the Pot!”: Brexit and the Key Psychological Motivations Behind Voting 'Remain' and 'Leave'
Authors: Macdougall Alex I. , Feddes Allard R. , Doosje Bertjan
Published: March 2020

In June 2016, the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union. Voting followed a general trend: disadvantaged areas of the United Kingdom tended to vote “leave,” and more affluent areas tended to vote “remain.” This project investigates the psychological variables underlying this overall trend by distinguishing four psychological motivations: the need for justice, threat reduction needs, need to belong, and the need for control. Participants were recruited from different areas across Greater Manchester (N = 158). A survey assessed voting preference, socioeconomic status, collective relative deprivation (CRD), perceptions of threat from immigration, European and British identification, sense of control in life, and relative gratification. Discriminant function analysis showed that leave voting was characterized by greater realistic threat, symbolic threat, CRD, and British identification. Remain voting was characterized by strong European identification. Findings highlight that a need for justice, threat‐reduction needs, and identity needs were key predictors of voting behavior.
Better cognitive efficiency is associated with increased experimental anxiety
Authors: Grillon Christian , Lago Tiffany , Stahl Sara , Beale Alexis , Balderston Nicholas , Ernst Monique
Published: March 2020

There is increased interest in the development of cognitive training targeting working memory (WM) to alleviate anxiety symptoms, but the effectiveness of such an approach is unclear. Improved understanding of the effect of cognitive training on anxiety may facilitate the development of more effective cognitive training treatment for anxiety disorders. This study uses an experimental approach to examine the interplay of WM and anxiety following WM training. Previous studies show that increased demand on WM reduces concurrent anxiety evoked by threat of shock (induced anxiety). However, improving WM pharmacologically or via exercise prevents this anxiolytic effect. Conceivably, improving WM frees up cognitive resources to process threat information, thereby increasing anxiety. The present study tested the hypothesis that practicing a high load WM (i.e., increased demand) task would improve WM, and thus, free cognitive resources to process threat of shock, resulting in more anxiety (i.e., greater startle) during a subsequent WM task. Participants were randomly assigned to two training groups. The active‐training group (N = 20) was trained on a 1‐ (low load) & 3‐back (high load) WM task, whereas the control‐training group (N = 20) performed a 0‐back WM task. The experimental phase, similar in both groups, consisted of a 1‐ & 3‐back WM task performed during both threat of shock and safety. As predicted, active training improved WM accuracy and increased anxiety during the experimental 3‐back WM task. Therefore, improving WM efficiency can increase anxiety, possibly by freeing WM resources to process threat information.
Expression, location and biological effects of four and a half LIM domain protein 2 (FHL2) on granulosa cells in ovine
Authors: Zhang Limeng , Li Runting , Chen Longxin , Xing Zhenzhen , Song Yue , Nie Xiaoning , Wang Linqing , Han Hongye , Liu Aiju , Ma Xiaofei , Ma Runlin Z. , Tian Shujun
Published: March 2020

Previous studies have shown that four and a half LIM domain protein 2 (FHL2) plays an essential role in the regulation of follicular development in mammals. Although the FHL2 genes of human and mouse have been well characterized, the expression and location of FHL2 in ovary and the biological functions of FHL2 on granulosa cells (GCs) of ovine are still not clear. In this study, full‐length complementary DNA (cDNA) of FHL2 from ovine follicular GCs was amplified by real‐time PCR (RT‐PCR). The expression and location of FHL2 in ovary and GCs of ovine were studied by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence, and the biological effects of FHL2 on the cell proliferation, cell apoptosis, cell cycles and expression level of related genes of ovine GCs were also explored by overexpression or knockdown of FHL2. The results indicated that FHL2 was expressed in ovine follicular GCs and the sequence of the FHL2 cDNA was consistent with that predicted in GenBank, which did not cause an amino acid change. According to the results, FHL2 was expressed in ovine ovary and mainly located in the cytoplasm and nucleus of GCs. In addition, overexpression of FHL2 significantly reduced the cell viability, promoted the cell apoptosis and decreased the percentage of G0/G1 and S phase cells. RT‐PCR showed that overexpression of FHL2 significantly increased the mRNA expression level of Bax and decreased the expression of Bcl‐2 and the Bcl‐2/Bax mRNA ratio compared with the control group. Besides, the knockdown of FHL2 gene in ovine GCs significantly improved the cell viability, suppressed the cell apoptosis, decreased the mRNA expression level of Caspase‐3 gene, increased the Bcl‐2/Bax mRNA ratio and increased the percentage of S and G2/M phase cells. Our results suggest that FHL2 may play an important role in the biological functions of GCs in ovine.
Health impacts of bushfire smoke exposure in Australia
Authors: Walter Clare M. , Schneider‐Futschik Elena K. , Knibbs Luke D. , Irving Louis B.
Published: March 2020

Smoke exposure from bushfires, such as those experienced in Australia during 2019–2020, can reach levels up to 10 times those deemed hazardous. Short‐term and extended exposure to high levels of air pollution can be associated with adverse health effects, although the most recent fires have brought into sharp focus that several important knowledge gaps remain. In this article, we briefly identify and discuss the existing Australian evidence base and make suggestions for future research.
A new impetus for endogenous growth: R&D offshoring via virtual labor mobility
Authors: Nakanishi Noritsugu , Long Ngo Van
Published: March 2020

We develop a simple North–South model of quality ladders to show that the virtual mobility of labor across time zones, facilitated by the advance in communication technology, can raise the endogenous growth rate of the world economy. The unique balanced growth rate is increasing in the endowments of skilled labor in both countries and decreasing in the rate of impatience. Moreover, we find that partial R&D offshoring to the South has initially a negative effect on the level of skilled wages in the North, but this is compensated for by its positive effect on the growth rate in both North and South.
The Context of Responsiveness: Resident Preferences, Water Scarcity, and Municipal Conservation Policy
Authors: Switzer David
Published: March 2020

The extent to which municipal policy is determined by the preferences of residents is a topic of growing importance. Recent work on the subject has challenged conventional wisdom and found that municipal policy is often, but not always, responsive to the ideology of residents. This paper takes up an important potential implication of these findings, exploring how resident ideology may interact with issue severity in the adoption of municipal policy. Hypotheses suggest that resident preferences will have the greatest effect in the presence of high issue severity and that issue severity will have the largest impact when residents have ideological preferences in line with policy solutions. I test hypotheses using municipal water rates, with models showing that the effects of resident ideology and water scarcity interact with each other to influence water conservation policy.
Who shows which kind of humor? Exploring sociodemographic differences in eight comic styles in a large Chilean sample
Authors: Mendiburo‐Seguel Andrés , Heintz Sonja
Published: March 2020

The present study investigates mean‐level differences in eight comic styles (fun, benevolent humor, nonsense, wit, irony, satire, sarcasm, and cynicism) depending on the sociodemographic variables gender, age, education, political spectrum, and religious affiliation. A large and varied Chilean adult sample (N = 1,272, 60.1% women; age M = 39.94, SD = 17.33) was recruited in face‐to‐face interviews and online testing. They completed self‐reports of the comic styles (the Comic Style Markers) and sociodemographic variables. Overall, small, but meaningful, differences in comic styles were found for the different sociodemographic groups. Men scored higher than women in all comic styles except for benevolent humor, and six styles decreased with age. Having lower education was associated with more cynicism, while the reverse pattern was found for satire and wit. Religious people showed lower scores in four styles than non‐religious people, and cynicism was higher in those identifying with left wing rather than right‐wing attitudes. The present study thus provides insights into who is more likely to engage in different kinds of humor in their everyday lives.
Distinguishing rosacea from sensitive skin by reflectance confocal microscopy
Authors: Ma Yafeng , Li Lulu , Chen Jia , Chen Tian , Yuan Chao
Published: March 2020

Background

The updated standard classification and pathophysiology of rosacea have provided clear and meaningful evaluation parameters; however, differentiating rosacea from sensitive skin (SS) remained an obstacle for dermatologists around the world, especially in China. Herein, we aimed to find a better characteristic to distinguish rosacea from SS by using reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM).

Method

Forty rosacea patients and 143 healthy subjects were recruited in this study. Firstly, a SS questionnaire and a lactic acid sting test were conducted among healthy subjects. Next, two major groups were divided out, including a SS group (40 subjects) and a normal skin control group (NS, 60 subjects). The cutaneous structures of face and fossa cubitalia were imaged by RCM.

Results

We found that more parakeratosis, honeycomb pattern, spongiform edema, and dermal papillae (P < .05) in rosacea patients than that of the NS group, whereas there were no significant differences, were found in rosacea patients and the SS group. Strikingly, we found that rosacea patients have a larger depth of honeycomb pattern than that of SS subjects (P < .05). But, the epidermal thickness of rosacea did not differ from that of SS groups. There was also no significant difference of epidermal thickness and honeycomb structure depth between rosacea patients and NS group.

Conclusion

From the RCM images of parakeratosis, honeycomb pattern, spongiform edema, and dermal papillae, we found that RCM might be a faithful tool to distinguish rosacea from NS group. The depth of honeycomb structure of SS was more superficial than rosacea patients, whereas no significant difference between rosacea patients and NS group. RCM may provide a new method for evaluating the development of rosacea although it failed to distinguish rosacea and SS effectively.
Light regulation of light‐harvesting antenna size substantially enhances photosynthetic efficiency and biomass yield in green algae†
Authors: Negi Sangeeta , Perrine Zoee , Friedland Natalia , Kumar Anil , Tokutsu Ryutaro , Minagawa Jun , Berg Howard , Barry Amanda N. , Govindjee Govindjee , Sayre Richard
Published: March 2020

One of the major factors limiting biomass productivity in algae is the low thermodynamic efficiency of photosynthesis. The greatest thermodynamic inefficiencies in photosynthesis occur during the conversion of light into chemical energy. At full sunlight the light‐harvesting antenna captures photons at a rate nearly 10 times faster than the rate‐limiting step in photosynthetic electron transport. Excess captured energy is dissipated by non‐productive pathways including the production of reactive oxygen species. Substantial improvements in photosynthetic efficiency have been achieved by reducing the optical cross‐section of the light‐harvesting antenna by selectively reducing chlorophyll b levels and peripheral light‐harvesting complex subunits. Smaller light‐harvesting antenna, however, may not exhibit optimal photosynthetic performance in low or fluctuating light environments. We describe a translational control system to dynamically adjust light‐harvesting antenna sizes for enhanced photosynthetic performance. By expressing a chlorophyllide a oxygenase (CAO) gene having a 5′ mRNA extension encoding a Nab1 translational repressor binding site in a CAO knockout line it was possible to continuously alter chlorophyll b levels and correspondingly light‐harvesting antenna sizes by light‐activated Nab1 repression of CAO expression as a function of growth light intensity. Significantly, algae having light‐regulated antenna sizes had substantially higher photosynthetic rates and two‐fold greater biomass productivity than the parental wild‐type strains as well as near wild‐type ability to carry out state transitions and non‐photochemical quenching. These results have broad implications for enhanced algae and plant biomass productivity.
Bacterial contamination rate of platelet components by primary culture: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: White Sandra K. , Schmidt Robert L. , Walker Brandon S. , Metcalf Ryan A.
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND

Platelets have the highest bacterial contamination risk of all blood components, and septic transfusion reactions remain a problem. A good estimate of contamination rates could provide information about residual risk and inform optimal testing strategies. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis of platelet contamination rates by primary culture.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A literature search in December 2019 identified articles on platelet contamination rates using primary culture. We used meta‐analysis to estimate the overall rate of contamination and meta‐regression to identify heterogeneity. We studied the following sources of heterogeneity: collection method, sample volume, positivity criteria, and study date. Contamination rate estimates were obtained for apheresis (AP), platelet rich plasma (PRP), and buffy coat (BC) collection methods.

RESULTS

The search identified 6102 studies, and 22 were included for meta‐analysis. Among these 22 studies, there were 21 AP cohorts (4,072,022 components), 4 PRP cohorts (138,869 components), and 15 BC cohorts (1,474,679 components). The overall mean contamination rate per 1000 components was 0.51 (95% CI: 0.38‐0.67) including AP (0.23, 95% CI: 0.18‐0.28), PRP, (0.38, 95% CI: 0.15‐0.70), and BC (1.12, 95% CI: 0.51‐1.96). There was considerable variability within each collection method. Sample volume, positivity criteria, and publication year were significant sources of heterogeneity.

CONCLUSION

The bacterial contamination rate of platelets by primary culture is 1 in 1961. AP and PRP components showed a lower contamination rate than BC components. There is clinically significant between‐study variability for each method. Larger sample volumes increased sensitivity, and bacterial contamination rates have decreased over time.
Electrostatic shielding versus anode-proximity effect in large area field emitters
Authors: Biswas Debabrata , Rudra Rashbihari
Published: March 2020

Field emission of electrons crucially depends on the enhancement of the local electric field around nanotips. The enhancement is maximum when individual emitter-tips are well separated. As the distance between two or more nanotips decreases, the field enhancement at individual tips reduces due to the shielding effect. The anode-proximity effect acts in quite the opposite way, increasing the local field as the anode is brought closer to the emitter. For isolated emitters, this effect is pronounced when the anode is at a distance less than three times the height of the emitter. It is shown here that for a large area field emitter (LAFE), the anode-proximity effect increases dramatically and can counterbalance shielding effects to a large extent. Also, it is significant even when the anode is far away. The apex field enhancement factor for an LAFE in the presence of an anode is derived using the line charge model. It is found to explain the observations well and can accurately predict the apex enhancement factors. The results are supported by numerical studies using comsol multiphysics.
The Effects of a Short Specific Versus a Long Traditional Warm-Up on Time-Trial Performance in Cross-Country Skiing Sprint
Authors: Solli Guro Strøm , Haugnes Pål , Kocbach Jan , van den Tillaar Roland , Torvik Per Øyvind , Sandbakk Øyvind
Published: March 2020

Purpose:To compare the effects of a short specific and a long traditional warm-up on time-trial performance in cross-country skiing sprint using the skating style, as well as related differences in pacing strategy and physiological responses.Methods:In total, 14 (8 men and 6 women) national-level Norwegian cross-country skiers (age 20.4 [3.1] y; VO2max 65.9 [5.7] mL/kg/min) performed 2 types of warm-up (short, 8 × 100 m with gradual increase from 60% to 95% of maximal speed with a 1-min rest between sprints, and long, ∼35 min at low intensity, including 5 min at moderate and 3 min at high intensity) in a randomized order with 1 hour and 40 minutes of rest between tests. Each warm-up was followed by a 1.3-km sprint time trial, with continuous measurements of speed and heart rate.Results:No difference in total time for the time trial between the short and long warm-ups (199 [17] vs 200 [16] s;P = .952), or average speed and heart rate for the total course, or in the 6 terrain sections (allP < .41,η2 < .06) was found. There was an effect of order, with total time-trial time being shorter during test 2 than test 1 (197 [16] vs 202 [16] s;P = .004). No significant difference in blood lactate and rating of perceived exertion was found between the short versus long warm-ups or between test 1 and test 2 at any of the measurement points during the test day (P < .58,η2 > .01).Conclusions:This study indicates that a short specific warm-up could be as effective as a long traditional warm-up during a sprint time trial in cross-country skiing.
The Relationship Between Surface Electromyographic Activity and Torque Production of the Infraspinatus Muscle in Shoulder Rehabilitation Exercises
Authors: Stodart Bill , Cup Maria , Kindel Curtis
Published: March 2020

In current rehabilitation practice, exercise selection is commonly based on the amount of muscle recruitment demonstrated by electromyographic (EMG) analysis. A preponderance of evidence supports the concept that EMG of a muscle and torque output are positively correlated. This study was designed to investigate the relationship between surface EMG activity of the infraspinatus and torque production during exercises involving shoulder external rotation (ER). A total of 30 participants (average age = 24.6 y) performed maximum voluntary isometric contraction of ER at 5 points within the range of motion of 3 shoulder exercise positions with concomitant surface EMG recording. As a maximal internally rotated position was approached, maximum ER torque and minimum or near-minimum EMG recruitment were demonstrated. Conversely, at maximally externally rotated positions, EMG activity was greatest and torque values were lowest. An inverse relationship between joint torque output and EMG activity was established in each of the 3 exercises. The inverse relationship between EMG activity and torque output during Shoulder ER suggests that there may be additional factors warranting consideration during exercise selection. Further research may be needed to determine the relative value of electrical activity versus torque output to optimize the selection of rehabilitative exercises.
SERP1 is an assembly regulator of γ-secretase in metabolic stress conditions
Authors: Jung Sunmin , Hyun Junho , Nah Jihoon , Han Jonghee , Kim Seo-Hyun , Park Jaesang , Oh Yoonseo , Gwon Youngdae , Moon Seowon , Jo Dong-Gyu , Jung Yong-Keun
Published: March 2020

Through the protein SERP1, metabolic stress biases γ-secretase activity toward β-amyloid production.
Different Types of Atrial Fibrillation Share Patterns of Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis
Authors: Zuo Kun , Yin Xiandong , Li Kuibao , Zhang Jing , Wang Pan , Jiao Jie , Liu Zheng , Liu Xiaoqing , Liu Jiapeng , Li Jing , Yang Xinchun
Published: March 2020

Atrial fibrillation has been identified to be associated with disordered gut microbiota. Notably, atrial fibrillation is a progressive disease and could be categorized as paroxysmal and persistent based on the duration of the episodes. The persistent atrial fibrillation patients are accompanied by higher risk of stroke and lower success rate of rhythm control. However, the microbial signatures of different categories of atrial fibrillation patients remain unknown. We sought to determine whether disordered gut microbiota occurs in the self-terminating PAF or intestinal flora develops dynamically during atrial fibrillation progression. We found that different types of atrial fibrillation show a limited degree of gut microbiota shift. Gut microbiota dysbiosis has already occurred in mild stages of atrial fibrillation, which might act as an early modulator of disease, and therefore may be regarded as a potential target to postpone atrial fibrillation progression.
Molecular Mechanisms of Phosphate Stress Activation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Quorum Sensing Systems
Authors: Meng Xianfa , Ahator Stephen Dela , Zhang Lian-Hui
Published: March 2020

It is not fully understood how phosphate deficiency could influence the virulence of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
through modulation of the bacterial QS systems. This report presents a systemic investigation on the impact of phosphate depletion on the hierarchy of quorum sensing systems of
P. aeruginosa
. The results showed that phosphate stress could have an extensive impact on the QS networks of this bacterial pathogen. Among the 7 QS regulatory genes representing the 3 sets of QS systems tested, 4 were significantly upregulated by phosphate depletion stress through the PhoR/PhoB two-component regulatory system, especially the upstream QS regulatory gene
lasI
. We also present evidence that the response regulator PhoB was a strong competitor against the
las
regulators LasR and RsaL for the
lasI
promoter, unveiling the mechanistic basis of the process by which phosphate stress could modulate the bacterial QS systems.
Psychometric validation of a Patient-Centred Quality of Cancer Care Questionnaire in Mexico
Authors: Doubova Svetlana V , Martinez-Vega Ingrid Patricia , Gutiérrez-De-la-Barrera Marcos , Infante-Castañeda Claudia , Aranda-Flores Carlos E , Monroy Adriana , Gómez-Laguna Laura , Knaul Felicia Marie , Pérez-Cuevas Ricardo
Published: March 2020

Objectives

To develop and validate a Patient-Centred Quality of Cancer Care Questionnaire in Spanish (PCQCCQ-S) appropriate to the Mexican context.

Design

Psychometric validation of a questionnaire.

Setting

Two public oncology hospitals in Mexico City.

Participants

1809 patients with cancer aged ≥18 years.

Source of information

Cross-sectional survey.

Methods

The validation procedures comprised (1) content validity through a group of experts and patients; (2) item reduction and evaluation of the factor structure, through an exploratory factor analysis based on the polychoric correlation matrix; (3) internal consistency using Cronbach’s alpha; (4) convergent validity between the PCQCCQ-S and supportive care needs scale; (5) correlation analysis between the PCQCCQ-S and quality of life scale by calculating Spearman’s rank-correlation coefficient; and (6) differentiation by ‘known groups’ through the Wilcoxon rank-sum test.

Results

The PCQCCQ-S has 30 items with the following five factors accounting for 96.5% of the total variance: (1) timely care; (2) clarity of the information; (3) information for treatment decision-making; (4) activities to address biopsychosocial needs; and (5) respectful and coordinated care. Cronbach’s alpha values ranged from 0.73 to 0.90 among the factors. PCQCCQ-S has moderate convergent validity with supportive care needs scale, revealing that higher quality is correlated with lower patient needs. PCQCCQ-S has acceptable ability to differentiate by ‘known groups’, showing that older patients and those with low levels of education perceived lower total quality of care as compared with their counterparts.

Conclusion

PCQCCQ-S has acceptable psychometric properties and can be used to measure quality of patient-centred cancer care in Mexico and serve as a reference to develop PCQCCQ-S in other Spanish-speaking countries.
Association between uterine contractions before elective caesarean section and transient tachypnoea of the newborn: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Shinohara Satoshi , Amemiya Atsuhito , Takizawa Motoi
Published: March 2020

Objective

We evaluated the association between the presence of predelivery uterine contractions and transient tachypnoea of the newborn (TTN) in women undergoing an elective caesarean section.

Design

A retrospective cohort study.

Setting

National Hospital Organization Kofu National Hospital, which is a community hospital, between January 2011 and May 2019.

Participants

The study included 464 women who underwent elective caesarean section. The exclusion criteria were missing data, twin pregnancy, neonatal asphyxia, general anaesthesia and elective caesarean section before term.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Patients were grouped according to the presence or absence of uterine contractions on a 40-min cardiotocogram (CTG) performed within 6 hours before caesarean delivery. We performed a multivariable logistic regression analysis to examine the association between predelivery uterine contractions and TTN.

Results

The incidence of TTN was 9.9% (46/464), and 38.4% (178/464) of patients had no uterine contraction. The absence of uterine contractions was significantly associated with an increased risk of TTN (adjusted OR 2.04; 95% CI 1.09 to 3.82) after controlling for gestational diabetes mellitus, small for gestational age, male sex and caesarean section at 37 weeks.

Conclusions

Accurate risk stratification using a CTG could assist in the management of infants who are at risk of developing TTN.
Prevalence ofNeisseria gonorrhoeaeandChlamydia trachomatisin men having sex with men in Port-au-Prince, Haiti: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Jean Louis Frantz , Galbaud Guethina , Leonard Maureen , Pericles Emmanuel , Journel Ito , Buteau Josiane , Boncy Jacques , Jean Francois Regine , Domercant Jean Wysler
Published: March 2020

Objectives

Over the last 15 years, the prevalence of HIV in Haiti has stabilised to around 2.0%. However, key populations remain at higher risk of contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The prevalence of HIV is 12.9% among men having sex with men (MSM). There is limited information about the prevalence of other STI in the Haitian population in general and even less among key populations. We assessed the burden ofChlamydia trachomatis(CT) andNeisseria gonorrhoeae(NG) and risk factors for infections among MSM in Haiti.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted. MSM were recruited from seven health facilities in Port-au-Prince. All samples were tested by nucleic acid amplification test, using GeneXpert. A survey was administered to the participants to collect socio-demographic, clinical and risk behaviour data.

Results

A total of 216 MSM were recruited in the study. The prevalence rates of CT and NG were 11.1% and 16.2%, respectively. CT NG co-infections were found in 10/216 (4.6%) of the participants. There were 39 MSM with rectal STI compared with 17 with genital infections. Participants between 18–24 and 30–34 years old were significantly more likely to be infected with NG than those aged 35 years or older (OR: 22.96, 95% CI: 2.79 to 188.5; OR: 15.1, 95% CI: 1.68 to 135.4, respectively). Participants who never attended school or had some primary education were significantly more likely to be infected with NG than those with secondary education or higher (OR: 3.38, 95% CI: 1.26 to 9.07). People tested negative for HIV were significantly more likely to be infected with CT than people living with HIV/AIDS (OR: 3.91, 95% CI: 1.37 to 11.2).

Conclusions

Periodic risk assessment and testing for STI should be offered in Haiti as part of a comprehensive strategy to improve the sexual health of key populations.
Republished: A lumbar arteriovenous fistula presenting with intraventricular hemorrhage and hydrocephalus
Authors: Miller Brandon A , Spears Robert Christopher , Hines Thomas K , Alhajeri Abdulnasser , Fraser Justin F
Published: March 2020

Pediatric spinal vascular malformations are rare entities that typically present with symptoms from their effect on surrounding structures. Here we report a unique case of lumbar spinal dural/perimedullary arteriovenous fistula (AVF) that presented with intraventricular hemorrhage and hydrocephalus. The previously healthy child presented with lethargy and headache, and initial imaging revealed only ventriculomegaly with trace intraventricular blood. His mental status improved with CSF diversion via an external ventricular drain. Further workup revealed a spinal AVF that was treated via endovascular embolization. His course was complicated by vasospasm requiring endovascular treatment and he eventually required ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement. He made a full recovery and has returned to his normal activities. This is a unique case of spinal AVF presentation and highlights the importance of considering imaging of the entire neuroaxis during workup for hydrocephalus.
Occupational lifting and adverse pregnancy outcome: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Croteau Agathe
Published: March 2020

This systematic review was conducted to help clarify the effect of lifting at work on pregnancy outcome, by focusing on specific exposure categories. A search in Medline and Embase identified 51 articles reporting association of spontaneous abortion (SA), preterm delivery (PTD) or small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infant with exposure to occupational lifting. A global validity score was assigned to each study and six potential sources of bias were considered in sensitivity analyses. For each exposure–outcome combination, a summary risk estimate (RE) was obtained from all studies and from a subset of studies with high validity score, this latter summary RE was selected as a final result. Statistical heterogeneity was measured with I2and Q tests and the possibility of a publication bias was also assessed. For each meta-analysis, the strength of evidence was established from explicit criteria. Heavy (or ≥10 kg) loads often (or ≥10x/day) lifted were associated with increased risks of SA (summary RE=1.31, 95% CI 1.17 to 1.47) and PTD (summary RE=1.24, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.43), with good strength of evidence. No association was identified with SGA, nor with lower exposure levels and SA or PTD. These results are reassuring for lower levels of exposure; however, observed associations can guide health professionals’ recommendations aimed at the prevention of SA and PTD for pregnant women who frequently lift (or ≥10x/day) heavy (or ≥10 kg) loads at work.

Résumé
Right ventricle in adulthood: CT and MR assessment
Authors: Mak Sze Mun , Gopalan Deepa
Published: March 2020

Anatomical complexities coupled with a protracted subclinical disease course, particularly in the early stages, makes the right ventricle (RV) the less studied entity when compared with the left. RV failure is an important predictor of survival in patients with cardiovascular disease. Technological advances have made it possible to visualise and characterise a variety of diseases that affect the RV. This review article will give a broad overview of the main RV pathology to general radiologists in particular those that manifest in adulthood. Congenital heart disease is a vast topic that is beyond the scope of this paper.
FLCN-regulated miRNAs suppressed reparative response in cells and pulmonary lesions of Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome
Authors: Min Haiyan , Ma Dehua , Zou Wei , Wu Yongzheng , Ding Yibing , Zhu Chengchu , Lin Anqi , Song Shiyu , Liang Qiao , Chen Baofu , Zhang Bin , Wan Yueming , Ye Minhua , Pan Yanqing , Wen Yanting , Yi long , Gao Qian
Published: March 2020

Background

Birt-Hogg-Dubé Syndrome (BHDS) characterised by skin fibrofolliculomas, kidney tumour and pulmonary cysts/pneumothorax is caused by folliculin (FLCN) germline mutations. The pathology of both neoplasia and focused tissue loss of BHDS strongly features tissue-specific behaviour of the gene. Isolated cysts/pneumothorax is the most frequent atypical presentation of BHDS and often misdiagnosed as primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP). Deferential diagnosis of BHDS with isolated pulmonary presentation (PSP-BHD) from PSP is essential in lifelong surveillance for developing renal cell carcinoma.

Methods

The expression profiles of microRNAs (miRNAs) in cystic lesions of PSP-BHD and PSP were determined via microarray. The selected upregulated miRNAs were further confirmed in the plasma of an expanded cohort of PSP-BHD patients by reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Their diagnostic accuracy was evaluated. Moreover, the cellular functions and targeted signalling pathways of FLCN-regulated miRNAs were assessed in various cell lines and in the lesion tissue contexts.

Results

Cystic lesions of PSP-BHD and PSP showed different miRNAs profiles with a significant upregulation of miR-424–5p and let-7d-5p in PSP-BHD. The combination of the two effectively predicted BHDS patients. In vitro studies revealed a suppressive effect of FLCN on miR-424–5p and let-7d-5p expressions specifically in lung epithelial cells. The ectopic miRNAs triggered epithelial apoptosis and epithelial transition of mesenchymal cells and suppressed the reparative responses in cells and tissues with FLCN deficiency.

Conclusion

The upregulation of miR-424–5p and let-7d-5p by FLCN deficiency occurred in epithelial cells and marked the PSP-BHD condition, which contributed to a focused degenerative pathology in the lung of PSP-BHD patients.
The invasive macrophyteNitellopsis obtusamay facilitate the invasive musselDreissena polymorphaandMicrocystisblooms in a large, shallow lake
Authors: Harrow-Lyle Tyler , Kirkwood Andrea E.
Published: March 2020

This study was conducted in Lake Scugog, a large, shallow reservoir in Ontario, Canada. Historically, Lake Scugog has been a macrophyte-dominated ecosystem with a productive fishery. In recent years, periodic Microcystis blooms have erupted coinciding with the discovery of the non-native macroalga Nitellopsis obtusa in the lake. From 2016 to 2018, we conducted field surveys to assess the physical, chemical, and biological conditions across 12 sites spanning the lake. All study species (N. obtusa, Dreissena polymorpha, and Microcystis spp.) increased from 2016 to 2018. To determine potential biotic and abiotic drivers of Microcystis blooms, we used a structural equation modelling (SEM) approach. The SEM (r2= 0.27, p < 0.05) revealed several positive (precipitation, chloride, depth, and N. obtusa) and negative (total nitrogen) explanatory variables for Microcystis biomass. The only statistically significant biotic driver was N. obtusa, which was a positive explanatory variable for both D. polymorpha and Microcystis. Future work will test the efficacy of the SEM model across Ontario lakes to confirm the facilitative role of N. obtusa on D. polymorpha and Microcystis populations.
Uncertainty principle in quantum mechanics with Newton’s gravity
Authors: Kuzmichev V. E. , Kuzmichev V. V.
Published: March 2020

A new derivation is given of the known generalized position–momentum uncertainty relation, which takes into account gravity. The problem of two massive particles, the relative motion of which is described by the Schrödinger equation, is considered. The potential energy is defined as a sum of ‘standard’ non-gravitational term and the second one, which corresponds to gravitational attraction of particles as in Newton’s theory of gravity. The Green’s function method is applied to solve the Schrödinger equation. It is assumed that the solution of the problem in the case, when the gravitational interaction is turned off, is known. Gravity is taken into account in linear approximation with respect to the gravitational coupling constant made dimensionless. Dimensional coefficients at additional squares of mean-square deviations of position and momentum are written explicitly. The minimum length, determined as minimal admissible distance between two quantum particles, and the minimum momentum appear to be depending on the energy of particles’ relative motion. The theory allows one to present the generalized position–momentum uncertainty relation in a new compact form.
Multivariate Pattern Analysis Techniques for Electroencephalography Data to Study Flanker Interference Effects
Authors: López-García David , Sobrado Alberto , Peñalver José M. G. , Górriz Juan Manuel , Ruz María
Published: March 2020

A central challenge in cognitive neuroscience is to understand the neural mechanisms that underlie the capacity to control our behavior according to internal goals. Flanker tasks, which require responding to stimuli surrounded by distracters that trigger incompatible action tendencies, are frequently used to measure this conflict. Even though the interference generated in these situations has been broadly studied, multivariate analysis techniques can shed new light into the underlying neural mechanisms. The current study is an initial approximation to adapt an interference Flanker paradigm embedded in a Demand-Selection Task (DST) to a format that allows measuring concurrent high-density electroencephalography (EEG). We used multivariate pattern analysis (MVPA) to decode conflict-related electrophysiological markers associated with congruent or incongruent target events in a time-frequency resolved way. Our results replicate findings obtained with other analysis approaches and offer new information regarding the dynamics of the underlying mechanisms, which show signs of reinstantiation. Our findings, some of which could not have been obtained with classic analytical strategies, open novel avenues of research.