bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aging, Vestibular Function, and Balance: Proceedings of a National Institute on Aging/National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders Workshop
Authors: Agrawal Yuri , Merfeld Daniel M , Horak Fay B , Redfern Mark S , Manor Brad , Westlake Kelly P , Holstein Gay R , Smith Paul F , Bhatt Tanvi , Bohnen Nicolaas I , Lipsitz Lewis A
Published: July 2020

Balance impairment and falls are among the most prevalent and morbid conditions affecting older adults. A critical contributor to balance and gait function is the vestibular system; however, there remain substantial knowledge gaps regarding age-related vestibular loss and its contribution to balance impairment and falls in older adults. Given these knowledge gaps, the National Institute on Aging and the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders convened a multidisciplinary workshop in April 2019 that brought together experts from a wide array of disciplines, such as vestibular physiology, neuroscience, movement science, rehabilitation, and geriatrics. The goal of the workshop was to identify key knowledge gaps on vestibular function and balance control in older adults and develop a research agenda to make substantial advancements in the field. This article provides a report of the proceedings of this workshop. Three key questions emerged from the workshop, specifically: (i) How does aging impact vestibular function?; (ii) How do we know what is the contribution of age-related vestibular impairment to an older adult’s balance problem?; and more broadly, (iii) Can we develop a nosology of balance impairments in older adults that can guide clinical practice? For each of these key questions, the current knowledge is reviewed, and the critical knowledge gaps and research strategies to address them are discussed. This document outlines an ambitious 5- to 10-year research agenda for increasing knowledge related to vestibular impairment and balance control in older adults, with the ultimate goal of linking this knowledge to more effective treatment.
Disease Activity in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Is Associated With Arterial Vascular Disease
Authors: Card Timothy R , Zittan Eran , Nguyen Geoffrey C , Grainge Matthew J
Published: July 2020

Background and Aims

There is evidence that several inflammatory diseases are associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Whether this is true for inflammatory bowel diseases remains controversial. We aimed to assess this risk, corrected for the effects of conventional vascular risk factors and IBD disease activity.

Methods

We conducted a cohort study in British general practice and hospital records from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink. We extracted the records of subjects with IBD and matched controls from 1997 to 2017. We conducted Cox proportional hazards and self-controlled case series analyses to examine the associations of IBD, disease activity, and hospitalization with the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, and cardiovascular death in a manner attempting to remove the effect of likely confounders.

Results

We identified 31,175 IBD patients (16,779 UC, 10,721 Crohn’s disease, and 3675 unclassifiable cases) and 154,412 matched controls. Five hundred thirty-two myocardial infarctions, 555 strokes, and 469 cardiovascular deaths were observed in IBD cases. Our Cox regression models, adjusted for potential confounders, showed no significant excess of vascular events for IBD patients overall. There was, however, an increased hazard of myocardial infarction in ambulatory patients for acute disease (hazard ratio, 1.83 [1.28–2.62]) and chronic activity (hazard ratio, 1.69 [1.24–2.30]). This effect of disease activity was confirmed in our case series analysis.

Conclusions

Though we have found no evidence of an overall excess of vascular events in IBD patients, our findings of increased risk with more active disease suggest the potential for anti-inflammatory therapies to reduce cardiovascular risk in this patient group.
Perioperative risk factors for occurrence of myasthenia gravis after thymectomy in patients with thymoma
Authors: Zhang Xin , Li Bin , Zou Jianyong , Su Chunhua , Zhu Haoshuai , Chen Tingfei , Luo Honghe , Chen Zhenguang , Zhang Shuishen
Published: July 2020

OBJECTIVES

The goal of this study was to identify the relationship between clinical characteristics and the occurrence of postoperative myasthenia gravis (PMG) in patients with thymomas and to further identify the relationship between PMG and prognosis.

METHODS

Thymoma patients who had surgery at the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University between July 2004 and July 2016 were reviewed and those who had no previous symptoms of myasthenia gravis were selected for further investigation. In total, 229 patients were included in the study; their clinical characteristics were gathered and analysed.

RESULTS

Among the 229 patients, 19 (8.3%) had PMG. The time between the operation and the onset of myasthenia gravis was 134 days on average (range 2–730 days). Patients experiencing PMG showed a lower rate of complete thymoma resection (73.7% vs 91.4%; P = 0.014) and total thymectomy (63.2% vs 82.9%; P = 0.035) compared with those who did not. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression revealed that thymomectomy [odds ratio (OR) 2.81, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02–7.77; P = 0.047] and incomplete tumour resection (OR 3.79, 95% CI 1.20–11.98; P = 0.023) were associated with the occurrence of PMG. Multivariable Cox regression showed that the PMG was not related to overall survival (P = 0.087).

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed that incomplete tumour resection and thymomectomy were independent risk factors for PMG in thymoma patients with no previous history of myasthenia gravis.
Simplification to dual therapy containing lamivudine and raltegravir or dolutegravir in HIV-infected patients on virologically suppressive antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Calza Leonardo , Colangeli Vincenzo , Borderi Marco , Testi Diletta , Granozzi Bianca , Bon Isabella , Re Maria Carla , Viale Pierluigi
Published: July 2020

Background

Antiretroviral dual regimens including lamivudine and one boosted PI or dolutegravir are warranted in order to optimize combination ART (cART), prevent long-term toxicity and reduce the cost of treatments.

Objectives

We hypothesized that a maintenance dual regimen of lamivudine plus raltegravir would be effective and as well tolerated as the dual maintenance combination of lamivudine plus dolutegravir.

Methods

We performed an observational, retrospective study of HIV-infected patients on suppressive ART who switched to a dual regimen containing lamivudine 300 mg once daily plus raltegravir 1200 mg once daily or dolutegravir 50 mg once daily.

Results

In total, 109 patients (79 men; mean age 46.4 years; mean CD4+ T lymphocyte count 605 cells/mm3) were enrolled. Overall, 50 subjects switched to lamivudine plus raltegravir (Group A) and 59 to lamivudine plus dolutegravir (Group B). After 12 months, 45 patients (90%) in Group A and 52 (88.1%) in Group B had HIV RNA <20 copies/mL. No patients had severe adverse effects in either group, and the percentages of patients with mild adverse effects were comparable, except for a higher incidence of headache and sleeping disturbances in Group B than in Group A (30.5% versus 14%, P < 0.001). A comparable and non-significant weight increase was reported in both groups (+1.91 kg in Group A and +2.28 kg in Group B).

Conclusions

In our study, dual therapies containing lamivudine plus raltegravir or dolutegravir in virologically suppressed patients showed high and comparable efficacy, as well as good tolerability.
Measuring antimicrobial prescribing quality in outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) services: development and evaluation of a dedicated national antimicrobial prescribing survey
Authors: Friedman N Deborah , Lim Seok M , James Rodney , Ingram Robyn , O’Reilly Mary , Pollard James G D , Koning Sonia , George Catherine , Rajkhowa Arjun , Johnson Douglas F , Buising Kirsty L
Published: July 2020

Background

Antimicrobial stewardship programmes are important in driving safety and quality of antimicrobial prescribing. The National Antimicrobial Prescribing Survey (NAPS) is a point-prevalence audit of inpatient antimicrobial prescribing in Australian hospitals.

Objectives

To design and adapt the NAPS tool for use in the outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) and hospital-in-the-home (HITH) setting.

Methods

An inter-disciplinary working group with expertise in OPAT and HITH services was established to adapt the NAPS template for use in the OPAT setting—called HITH-NAPS. This was initially trialled in 5 HITH services, subsequently adapted following participant feedback, then offered nationally to 50 services in 2017.

Results

There were 1154 prescriptions for 715 patients audited via the HITH-NAPS. The most common antimicrobials prescribed were cefazolin (22%), flucloxacillin (12%), piperacillin/tazobactam (10%) and ceftriaxone (10%). The most common infections treated were cellulitis (30%) and respiratory tract infections (14%). Eighty-seven percent of prescriptions were assessed as appropriate, 11% inappropriate and 2% not assessable. Prolonged durations of antimicrobials and unnecessarily broad-spectrum antibiotics were used in 9% of prescriptions.

Conclusions

The HITH-NAPS pilot project revealed that auditing of this type is feasible in HITH. It showed that antibiotic use in these HITH services was generally appropriate, but there are some areas for improvement. A national OPAT/HITH-NAPS can facilitate benchmarking between services, identify potentially inappropriate prescribing and help guide quality improvement.
Where Is the Value of Laboratory Medicine and How Do You Unlock It?
Authors: Price Christopher P , McGinley Patrick , St John Andrew
Published: July 2020

Background

The innovation pathway by which a newly discovered biomarker is developed into a medical test and used in routine clinical practice comprises a number of different processes split between 2 phases. The first follows on from biomarker discovery and involves the development of a robust analytical method, the accumulation of evidence to show its clinical and cost-effectiveness, and then adoption into clinical pathways. The second phase is one of implementation and sustainability, with active performance management to ensure that the test continues to deliver the benefits promised at the time of its adoption.

Content

To date there has been much more emphasis on the first phase of discovery and accumulation of evidence to demonstrate effectiveness. Insufficient attention has been paid to the second phase of translating that evidence into routine practice, with little real-world evidence to demonstrate the benefits to all of the stakeholders involved in delivering and receiving care. Changes in healthcare that include a move away from activity-based costing to a more value-based approach require more attention be paid to what happens after a test is adopted, including an understanding of the clinical pathway, the stakeholders within that pathway, and the benefits and “disbenefits” that accrue to these stakeholders.

The value proposition provides a guide for successful implementation of a test. Although it can address both adoption and implementation, it highlights that the requirements for test implementation are quite different to those of adoption, with an emphasis on real-world evidence and outcomes.
Effects of feeding increasing levels of iron from iron sulfate or iron carbonate on nursery pig growth performance and hematological criteria
Authors: Williams Hayden E , Woodworth Jason C , DeRouchey Joel M , Dritz Steven S , Tokach Michael D , Fry Robert S , Kocher Matt E , Usry James L , Goodband Robert D
Published: July 2020

A total of 140 weanling pigs (241 × 600, DNA, Columbus, NE; initially 5.5 ± 0.79 kg body weight) were used in a 32-d study evaluating the effects of increasing dietary Fe from either iron sulfate (FeSO4) or iron carbonate (FeCO3) on nursery pig growth performance and blood Fe status. The pigs used for this trial did not receive an Fe injection after birth in order to increase the sensitivity to added dietary Fe after weaning. Pigs were weaned at approximately 21 d and allotted to pens based on the initial weight in a completely randomized block design with five pigs in each pen and four pens per treatment. Experimental treatments were arranged as a 2 × 3 + 1 factorial with main effects of dietary Fe source (FeSO4 vs. FeCO3) and level (10, 30, or 50 mg/kg of added Fe) plus a negative control with no additional dietary Fe. The basal diet contained 40 mg/kg total dietary Fe based on ingredient contributions and was formulated with an Fe-free trace mineral premix. Experimental diets were formulated below the pigs recommended Fe requirement based on NRC (2012) estimates. Experimental diets were fed in pellet form in a single phase for the duration of the trial. From day 0 to 32, there was no evidence for source × level interactions for growth performance, hemoglobin (Hb), or hematocrit (Hct) values. There was no evidence for a difference (P > 0.10) in dietary Fe source. Providing increasing Fe levels in the diet from either FeSO4 or FeCO3 improved (P < 0.05) average daily gain, average daily feed intake, gain-to-feed ratio, and increased (P < 0.05) Hb and Hct values. A day effect (P = 0.001) was observed for both Hb and Hct with values increasing throughout the study. Increasing dietary Fe levels in the diet from either FeSO4 or FeCO3 increased (linear; P < 0.05) Hb and Hct values on days 14, 21, and 32. In summary, these data suggest that the micronized form of FeCO3 is a source of Fe that can be added to nursery diets to yield similar responses to those observed from FeSO4 supplementation. Similar to previous research, increasing dietary Fe improved the growth performance and increased Hb and Hct values when pigs have low Fe status at weaning.
Samuel Smith and Judicial Review of Policy Interpretation: A Middle Way in the Law and Policy Divide
Authors: Ruiz-Tagle Samuel
Published: July 2020

This analysis explores new developments in judicial review of planning policy interpretation. It shows how the nature of policy, often contextual and judgment-dependent, has led the UK Supreme Court to rethink the standard of review applicable to this issue. By considering the recent decision in Samuel Smith as part of a trilogy of cases—including Tesco Stores and Hopkins Homes—this analysis reveals a change in judicial attitudes, away from the expansive judicial supervision upheld in Tesco Stores. Furthermore, this study reflects on how this change is related to two wider ideas. The first is the Court’s understanding of the law and policy divide in the planning field, whilst the second is to do with a pragmatic stance regarding the purpose of the planning system and the institutional role of the courts in it. Finally, this analysis shows how the new approach emphasises the distinctive character of policy in the planning context.
Vernacular Practice, Gendered Tensions, and Interpretive Ambivalence in Hindu Death, Deification, and Domestication Narratives†
Authors: Allocco Amy L
Published: July 2020

This article focuses on a Tamil Hindu woman named Aaru, who embodied the Goddess in possession performances from age thirteen, resisted marriage through her twenties, and committed suicide at twenty--nine. Grounded in ethnographic fieldwork and interviews with Aaru and her family conducted between 2006 and 2019, it analyses narratives concerning her untimely death, subsequent deification, and eventual domestication as a pūvāṭaikkāri. It highlights the hermeneutical challenges associated with three intersecting spheres: the dominant categories that shape the scholarly understanding of Hinduism; vernacular Hinduism as revealed in Aaru’s complex story; and the ethnographic research and writing process. I resist an arbitrary resolution of the gaps and seeming inconsistencies that abound in these accounts, arguing instead that we can enlarge and nuance our understandings of matters as diverse as ritual relationships with the dead, the nature of Tamil family deities, and the gendered tensions of the contemporary moment if we hold space for multiple interpretive possibilities. Indeed, Aaru’s case offers us significant resources for a fuller, more inclusive appreciation of the textures of vernacular Hinduism – Hinduism as it is experienced, lived, and practiced in particular places and contexts – and compels us to consider the limitations of prevailing interpretive paradigms and the fragmental and shifting nature of ethnographic knowledge.
Study of galaxies on large-scale filaments in simulations
Authors: Singh Ankit , Mahajan Smriti , Bagla Jasjeet Singh
Published: July 2020

We use data from the Evolution and Assembly of GaLaxies in their Environment (eagle) cosmological simulation to study properties of galaxies in the cosmic web. Galaxies become more redder and form stars at a lower rate relative to their counterparts further away from the cylindrical axis of the large-scale filaments. These trends are particularly strong for galaxies with M*/M⊙ ≲ 1010. We also find that at distances <0.5 Mpc from the spine of the filaments, the median gas and stellar mass fraction in filament galaxies rises sharply with decreasing distance from the spine of the filament. These results, together with matching trends in the SFR/M* and the g − r colour of filament galaxies suggest that (i) the intrafilamentary gas condenses into the filament galaxies thus fuelling star formation in them, and (ii) increased number density of galaxies closer to the central axis of the filament enhances the rate of gravitational interactions among filament galaxies closer to the spine.
A neutron star–white dwarf binary model for periodically active fast radio burst sources
Authors: Gu Wei-Min , Yi Tuan , Liu Tong
Published: July 2020

We propose a compact binary model with an eccentric orbit to explain periodically active fast radio burst (FRB) sources, where the system consists of a neutron star (NS) with strong dipolar magnetic fields and a magnetic white dwarf (WD). In our model, the WD fills its Roche lobe at periastron, and mass transfer occurs from the WD to the NS around this point. The accreted material may be fragmented into a number of parts, which arrive at the NS at different times. The fragmented magnetized material may trigger magnetic reconnection near the NS surface. The electrons can be accelerated to an ultrarelativistic speed, and therefore the curvature radiation of the electrons can account for the burst activity. In this scenario, the duty cycle of burst activity is related to the orbital period of the binary. We show that such a model may work for duty cycles roughly from 10 min to 2 d. For the recently reported 16.35-d periodicity of FRB 180916.J0158 + 65, our model does not naturally explain such a long duty cycle, since an extremely high eccentricity (e > 0.95) is required.
A population analysis of pulse broadening in ASKAP fast radio bursts
Authors: Qiu Hao , Shannon Ryan M , Farah Wael , Macquart Jean-Pierre , Deller Adam T , Bannister Keith W , James Clancy W , Flynn Chris , Day Cherie K , Bhandari Shivani , Murphy Tara
Published: July 2020

The pulse morphology of fast radio bursts (FRBs) provides key information in both understanding progenitor physics and the plasma medium through which the burst propagates. We present a study of the profiles of 33 bright FRBs detected by the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder. We identify seven FRBs with measureable intrinsic pulse widths, including two FRBs that have been seen to repeat. In our modest sample, we see no evidence for bimodality in the pulse width distribution. We also identify five FRBs with evidence of millisecond time-scale pulse broadening caused by scattering in inhomogeneous plasma. We find no evidence for a relationship between pulse broadening and extragalactic dispersion measure. The scattering could be either caused by extreme turbulence in the host galaxy or chance propagation through foreground galaxies. With future high time resolution observations and detailed study of host galaxy properties, we may be able to probe line-of-sight turbulence on gigaparsec scales.
Deep learning for strong lensing search: tests of the convolutional neural networks and new candidates from KiDS DR3
Authors: He Zizhao , Er Xinzhong , Long Qian , Liu Dezi , Liu Xiangkun , Li Ziwei , Liu Yun , Deng Wenqaing , Fan Zuhui
Published: July 2020

Convolutional neural networks have been successfully applied in searching for strong lensing systems, leading to discoveries of new candidates from large surveys. On the other hand, systematic investigations about their robustness are still lacking. In this paper, we first construct a neutral network, and apply it to r-band images of luminous red galaxies (LRGs) of the Kilo Degree Survey (KiDS) Data Release 3 to search for strong lensing systems. We build two sets of training samples, one fully from simulations, and the other one using the LRG stamps from KiDS observations as the foreground lens images. With the former training sample, we find 48 high probability candidates after human inspection, and among them, 27 are newly identified. Using the latter training set, about 67 per cent of the aforementioned 48 candidates are also found, and there are 11 more new strong lensing candidates identified. We then carry out tests on the robustness of the network performance with respect to the variation of PSF. With the testing samples constructed using PSF in the range of 0.4–2 times of the median PSF of the training sample, we find that our network performs rather stable, and the degradation is small. We also investigate how the volume of the training set can affect our network performance by varying it from 0.1 to 0.8 million. The output results are rather stable showing that within the considered range, our network performance is not very sensitive to the volume size.
AstroSat and MAXI view of the black hole binary 4U 1630−472 during 2016 and 2018 outbursts
Authors: Baby Blessy E , Agrawal V K , Ramadevi M C , Katoch Tilak , Antia H M , Mandal Samir , Nandi Anuj
Published: July 2020

We present an in-depth spectral and timing analysis of the black hole binary 4U 1630−472 during 2016 and 2018 outbursts as observed by AstroSat and MAXI. The extensive coverage of the outbursts with MAXI is used to obtain the hardness intensity diagram (HID). The source follows a ‘c’-shaped profile in agreement with earlier findings. Based on the HIDs of previous outbursts, we attempt to track the evolution of the source during a ‘super’-outburst and ‘mini’-outbursts. We model the broad-band energy spectra (0.7–20.0 keV) of AstroSat observations of both outbursts using phenomenological and physical models. No Keplerian disc signature is observed at the beginning of 2016 outburst. However, the disc appears within a few hours after which it remains prominent with temperature (Tin) ∼ 1.3 keV and increase in photon index (Γ) from 1.8 to 2.0, whereas the source was at a disc dominant state throughout the AstroSat campaign of 2018 outburst. Based on the HIDs and spectral properties, we classify the outbursts into three different states – the ‘canonical’ hard and soft states along with an intermediate state. Evolution of rms along different states is seen although no quasi-periodic oscillations are detected. We fit the observed spectra using a dynamical accretion model and estimate the accretion parameters. Mass of the black hole is estimated using inner disc radius, bolometric luminosity, and two-component flow model to be 3–9 M⊙. Finally, we discuss the possible implications of our findings.
A new model for including galactic winds in simulations of galaxy formation – I. Introducing the Physically Evolved Winds (PhEW) model
Authors: Huang Shuiyao , Katz Neal , Scannapieco Evan , Cottle J'Neil , Davé Romeel , Weinberg David H , Peeples Molly S , Brüggen Marcus
Published: July 2020

The propagation and evolution of cold galactic winds in galactic haloes is crucial to galaxy formation models. However, modelling of this process in hydrodynamic simulations of galaxy formation is oversimplified owing to a lack of numerical resolution and often neglects critical physical processes such as hydrodynamic instabilities and thermal conduction. We propose an analytic model, Physically Evolved Winds, that calculates the evolution of individual clouds moving supersonically through a uniform ambient medium. Our model reproduces predictions from very high resolution cloud-crushing simulations that include isotropic thermal conduction over a wide range of physical conditions. We discuss the implementation of this model into cosmological hydrodynamic simulations of galaxy formation as a subgrid prescription to model galactic winds more robustly both physically and numerically.
Dual roles of yeast Rad51 N-terminal domain in repairing DNA double-strand breaks
Authors: Woo Tai-Ting , Chuang Chi-Ning , Higashide Mika , Shinohara Akira , Wang Ting-Fang
Published: July 2020

Highly toxic DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) readily trigger the DNA damage response (DDR) in cells, which delays cell cycle progression to ensure proper DSB repair. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, mitotic S phase (20–30 min) is lengthened upon DNA damage. During meiosis, Spo11-induced DSB onset and repair lasts up to 5 h. We report that the NH2-terminal domain (NTD; residues 1–66) of Rad51 has dual functions for repairing DSBs during vegetative growth and meiosis. Firstly, Rad51-NTD exhibits autonomous expression-enhancing activity for high-level production of native Rad51 and when fused to exogenous β-galactosidase in vivo. Secondly, Rad51-NTD is an S/T-Q cluster domain (SCD) harboring three putative Mec1/Tel1 target sites. Mec1/Tel1-dependent phosphorylation antagonizes the proteasomal degradation pathway, increasing the half-life of Rad51 from ∼30 min to ≥180 min. Our results evidence a direct link between homologous recombination and DDR modulated by Rad51 homeostasis.
Histone deacetylase inhibition enhances the therapeutic effects of methotrexate on primary central nervous system lymphoma
Authors: Fujimoto Kenji , Shinojima Naoki , Hayashi Mitsuhiro , Nakano Tomoyuki , Ichimura Koichi , Mukasa Akitake
Published: July 2020

Background

Polyglutamylation is a reversible protein modification that commonly occurs in tumor cells. Methotrexate (MTX) in tumor cells is polyglutamylated and strongly binds to dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) without competitive inhibition by leucovorin. Therefore, tumor cells with high polyglutamylation levels are supposed to be selectively killed, whereas normal cells with lower polyglutamylation are rescued by leucovorin. This study investigated the combined effects of MTX plus histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACIs), which upregulate MTX polyglutamylation, in primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL).

Methods

We evaluated cell viability after MTX treatment and leucovorin rescue and compared the expression of folylpolyglutamate synthetase (FPGS), γ-glutamyl hydrolase (GGH), and DHFR in 2 human PCNSL-derived cell lines (HKBML and TK) and a human Burkitt lymphoma cell line (TL-1). Combination treatments were created using 4 HDACIs: panobinostat, vorinostat, sodium butyrate, and valproic acid. The expression of DHFR was examined as well as ratios of FPGS/GGH expression. The combined effects of MTX plus HDACIs were evaluated using a cell viability assay, mass spectroscopy imaging, and subcutaneous and intracranial xenograft models.

Results

HDACIs upregulated the ratio of FPGS/GGH expression resulting in increased polyglutamylation of MTX, but also downregulated expression of the target molecule of MTX: DHFR. The combination of MTX and vorinostat decreased cell viability in vitro (P < .05) and tumor volumes in a subcutaneous model (P < .0001), and prolonged survival in an intracranial model (P < .01), relative to controls.

Conclusion

HDACIs enhanced the therapeutic effect of MTX through increased polyglutamylation of MTX and concomitant downregulation of DHFR expression.
The impact of the atmospheric turbulence-development tendency on new particle formation: a common finding on three continents
Authors: Wu Hao , Li Zhanqing , Li Hanqing , Luo Kun , Wang Yuying , Yan Peng , Hu Fei , Zhang Fang , Sun Yele , Shang Dongjie , Liang Chunsheng , Zhang Dongmei , Wei Jing , Wu Tong , Jin Xiaoai , Fan Xinxin , Cribb Maureen , Fischer Marc L , Kulmala Markku , Petäjä Tuukka
Published: July 2020

A new mechanism of new particle formation (NPF) is investigated using comprehensive measurements of aerosol physicochemical quantities and meteorological variables made in three continents, including Beijing, China; the Southern Great Plains site in the USA; and SMEAR II Station in Hyytiälä, Finland. Despite the considerably different emissions of chemical species among the sites, a common relationship was found between the characteristics of NPF and the stability intensity. The stability parameter (ζ = Z/L, where Z is the height above ground and L is the Monin–Obukhov length) is found to play an important role; it drops significantly before NPF as the atmosphere becomes more unstable, which may serve as an indicator of nucleation bursts. As the atmosphere becomes unstable, the NPF duration is closely related to the tendency for turbulence development, which influences the evolution of the condensation sink. Presumably, the unstable atmosphere may dilute pre-existing particles, effectively reducing the condensation sink, especially at coarse mode to foster nucleation. This new mechanism is confirmed by model simulations using a molecular dynamic model that mimics the impact of turbulence development on nucleation by inducing and intensifying homogeneous nucleation events.
Illiquidity and Stock Returns II: Cross-section and Time-series Effects
Authors: Amihud Yakov , Noh Joonki
Published: July 2020

Lou and Shu decompose Amihud’s illiquidity measure (ILLIQ) proposing that its component, the average of inverse dollar trading volume (IDVOL), is sufficient to explain the pricing of illiquidity. Their decomposition misses a component of ILLIQ that is related to illiquidity. We find that this component affects stock returns significantly, both in the cross-section and in time-series. We show that the ILLIQ premium is significantly positive after controlling for mispricing, sentiment, and seasonality. In addition, the aggregate market ILLIQ outperforms market IDVOL in estimating the effect of market illiquidity shocks on realized stock returns.
Circadian tau differences and rhythm associations in delayed sleep–wake phase disorder and sighted non-24-hour sleep–wake rhythm disorder
Authors: Micic Gorica , Lovato Nicole , Ferguson Sally A , Burgess Helen J , Lack Leon
Published: July 2020

Study Objectives

We investigated biological and behavioral rhythm period lengths (i.e. taus) of delayed sleep–wake phase disorder (DSWPD) and non-24-hour sleep–wake rhythm disorder (N24SWD). Based on circadian phase timing (temperature and dim light melatonin onset), DSWPD participants were dichotomized into a circadian-delayed and a circadian non-delayed group to investigate etiological differences.

Methods

Participants with DSWPD (n = 26, 17 m, age: 21.85 ± 4.97 years), full-sighted N24SWD (n = 4, 3 m, age: 25.75 ± 4.99 years) and 18 controls (10 m, age: 23.72 ± 5.10 years) participated in an 80-h modified constant routine. An ultradian protocol of 1-h “days” in dim light, controlled conditions alternated 20-min sleep/dark periods with 40-min enforced wakefulness/light. Subjective sleepiness ratings were recorded prior to every sleep/dark opportunity and median reaction time (vigilance) was measured hourly. Obtained sleep (sleep propensity) was derived from 20-min sleep/dark opportunities to quantify hourly objective sleepiness. Hourly core body temperature was recorded, and salivary melatonin assayed to measure endogenous circadian rhythms. Rhythm data were curved using the two-component cosine model.

Results

Patients with DSWPD and N24SWD had significantly longer melatonin and temperature taus compared to controls. Circadian non-delayed DSWPD had normally timed temperature and melatonin rhythms but were typically sleeping at relatively late circadian phases compared to those with circadian-delayed DSWPD.

Conclusions

People with DSWPD and N24SWD exhibit significantly longer biological circadian rhythm period lengths compared to controls. Approximately half of those diagnosed with DSWPD do not have abnormally delayed circadian rhythm timings suggesting abnormal phase relationship between biological rhythms and behavioral sleep period or potentially conditioned sleep-onset insomnia.
Serial Acid Attacks and Women’s Online and Offline Resistance and Activism in Iran
Authors: Rahbari Ladan
Published: July 2020

In the autumn of 2014 in the city of Isfahan, a series of acid attacks targeted women who were driving in urban public spaces. The violence raised public fear among inhabitants of Isfahan. The Isfahan serial attacks were widely perceived as systematically organized and politically motivated. As a result of the attacks, Isfahan’s female inhabitants’ everyday life was disrupted, and the public spaces, once perceived as partially safe, turned into spaces of terror, limiting women’s movement and activities. This qualitative research explores Isfahani women’s experiences and perceptions on and reactions to the attacks.
Differential Effects of a Left Frontal Glioma on the Cortical Thickness and Complexity of Both Hemispheres
Authors: Kinno Ryuta , Muragaki Yoshihiro , Maruyama Takashi , Tamura Manabu , Tanaka Kyohei , Ono Kenjiro , Sakai Kuniyoshi L
Published: July 2020

Glioma is a type of brain tumor that infiltrates and compresses the brain as it grows. Focal gliomas affect functional connectivity both in the local region of the lesion and the global network of the brain. Any anatomical changes associated with a glioma should thus be clarified. We examined the cortical structures of 15 patients with a glioma in the left lateral frontal cortex and compared them with those of 15 healthy controls by surface-based morphometry. Two regional parameters were measured with 3D-MRI: the cortical thickness (CT) and cortical fractal dimension (FD). The FD serves as an index of the topological complexity of a local cortical surface. Our comparative analyses of these parameters revealed that the left frontal gliomas had global effects on the cortical structures of both hemispheres. The structural changes in the right hemisphere were mainly characterized by a decrease in CT and mild concomitant decrease in FD, whereas those in the peripheral regions of the glioma (left hemisphere) were mainly characterized by a decrease in FD with relative preservation of CT. These differences were found irrespective of tumor volume, location, or grade. These results elucidate the structural effects of gliomas, which extend to the distant contralateral regions.
Syntax-Sensitive Regions of the Posterior Inferior Frontal Gyrus and the Posterior Temporal Lobe Are Differentially Recruited by Production and Perception
Authors: Matchin William , Wood Emily
Published: July 2020

Matchin and Hickok (2020) proposed that the left posterior inferior frontal gyrus (PIFG) and the left posterior temporal lobe (PTL) both play a role in syntactic processing, broadly construed, attributing distinct functions to these regions with respect to production and perception. Consistent with this hypothesis, functional dissociations between these regions have been demonstrated with respect to lesion–symptom mapping in aphasia. However, neuroimaging studies of syntactic comprehension typically show similar activations in these regions. In order to identify whether these regions show distinct activation patterns with respect to syntactic perception and production, we performed an fMRI study contrasting the subvocal articulation and perception of structured jabberwocky phrases (syntactic), sequences of real words (lexical), and sequences of pseudowords (phonological). We defined two sets of language-selective regions of interest (ROIs) in individual subjects for the PIFG and the PTL using the contrasts [syntactic > lexical] and [syntactic > phonological]. We found robust significant interactions of comprehension and production between these 2 regions at the syntactic level, for both sets of language-selective ROIs. This suggests a core difference in the function of these regions with respect to production and perception, consistent with the lesion literature.
Study on a segmented electro-pneumatic braking system for heavy-haul trains
Authors: Wei Wei , Jiang Yong , Zhang Yuan , Zhao Xubao , Zhang Jun
Published: July 2020

The large longitudinal impact of heavy-haul trains is the main factor limiting their development, and the asynchronous nature of train-braking systems is the main cause of this longitudinal impact. In this paper, a segmented electro-pneumatic braking solution fully compatible with the existing freight-train braking system in China is proposed to improve the synchrony of train-braking systems. A simulation model for this braking system is developed based on air-flow theory, the 120 distribution valve and electronic control devices. The braking characteristics obtained from simulations are compared to those from the train-brake testing platform, and show high fidelity. On this basis, the effects of the new braking system on the braking capacity and longitudinal impact of a 20 000 t heavy-haul train are analysed by further simulation. The results show that during service brakes, the segmented electro-pneumatic braking system can increase the braking capacity by 4.2–24.7% and reduce the coupler force by 21.6–68.0%. Therefore, it can be seen that the segmented electro-pneumatic braking system is a new type of electro-pneumatic brake that meets the needs of the Chinese railway network. It solves the problem of the longitudinal impact of heavy-haul trains satisfactorily, and its compatibility with the existing braking system (resulting in a reduced modification workload) makes it possible to maintain normal operations on heavy-haul lines while trains undergo modification.
Two parasitic ciliates (Protozoa: Ciliophora: Phyllopharyngea) isolated from respiratory-mucus of an unhealthy beluga whale: characterization, phylogeny and an assessment of morphological adaptations
Authors: Jin Didi , Qu Zhishuai , Wei Bojue , Montagnes David J S , Fan Xinpeng , Chen Xiangrui
Published: July 2020

Ciliates occur in the blowholes of marine mammals, but our understanding of their biology is poor. Consequently, we investigated an infestation of ciliates in an unhealthy, captive beluga whale that was exhibiting accelerated breathing, leukocytosis and expulsion of unusually large amounts of viscous sputum. This sputum contained ~104 ciliates mL-1 (when healthy, numbers were ten- to 100-fold lower). One known ciliate species, Planilamina ovata, is fully characterized, and a new species, Kyaroikeus paracetarius sp. nov., is here described. The new species is established based on its larger number of left kineties over its only congener. Sequences of small-subunit rDNA, large-subunit rDNA and ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 regions of these two taxa were used in phylogenetic analyses, inferring that Kyaroikeus and Planilamina have close affinity with the free-living family Dysteriidae, contradicting their morphology-based assignment to the family Kyaroikeidae. We suggest that Kyaroikeidae be relegated to subfamily status. Finally, by comparing parasitic species with free-living taxa, we suggest how these ciliates have adapted to their unique environment and how they may have initially invaded the host. We provide essential data and concepts for the continued evaluation of ciliate-parasites in whale blowholes.
Patient-Reported Outcomes of Femoral Head Fractures with a Minimum 10-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Koerner Michael , Westberg Jerald , Martin Jill , Templeman David
Published: July 2020

Objective:

To evaluate the clinical-reported and patient-reported outcomes of patients with femoral head fractures treated at a single level I trauma center with a minimum 10-year follow-up.

Design:

Retrospective review.

Setting:

Academic Level-1 Trauma Center.

Patients/Participants:

One hundred one consecutive femoral head fractures were identified for this study. The final study group consisted of 28 patients with a minimum of 10 years of clinical follow-up.

Intervention:

All patients were treated with one or in combination with the following treatments: nonoperative management, open reduction and internal fixation, fragment excision, or total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Main Outcome Measures:

The Oxford Hip Score (OHS) at final follow-up along with clinical and radiological complications: infection, avascular necrosis, post-traumatic osteoarthritis, heterotopic ossification, and conversion to THA.

Results:

Twenty-eight patients with greater than 10 years of follow-up were included in this evaluation. The average follow-up was 14 years, and the average age was 39.2 years. Surgical management occurred in 86% of patients, and the mean time to definitive treatment was 3.7 days. Overall, 21 patients (75%) experienced a complication. Seven patients (30%) were later converted to a THA at an average of 6.4 years from initial injury. Three of the 7 late THA conversions (43%) required later revision. OHSs were obtained in all 28 patients at the final follow-up. The average OHS was 36.6. The mean OHS of the native hips was 37 at an average follow-up of 13.6 years. The mean OHS of primary THA was 41, and the mean OHS of secondary THA at final follow-up was 31.4, but this was not statistically significant (P = 0.134).

Conclusions:

Patients should be counseled that the long-term results of open reduction and internal fixation may be satisfactory but unfortunately are not predictable.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Is Definitive Plate Fixation Overlap With External Fixator Pin Sites a Risk Factor for Infection in Pilon Fractures?
Authors: Dombrowsky Alexander , Abyar Eildar , McGwin Gerald , Johnson Michael
Published: July 2020

Objectives:

To determine if overlap of definitive plate fixation with external fixator pin sites is a risk factor for infection in pilon fractures.

Design:

Retrospective cohort.

Setting:

Level 1 trauma center.

Patients:

One hundred forty-six patients with pilon fractures treated between 2012 and 2018.

Intervention:

Staged treatment with ankle-spanning external fixation, followed by delayed open reduction and internal fixation.

Main Outcome Measures:

Demographic, radiographic, and operative data were reviewed, and the distance between the temporary external fixator pin sites and the definitive plate was measured. The primary outcome measure was the development of a deep postoperative infection.

Results:

Overall, 22 (15%) patients developed deep wound infections. Overlap of definitive plate and external fixation pin site occurred in 58 (40%) of ankles. Of these, 7 (12%) developed deep wound infection compared with 15 (17%) patients without overlap (P = 0.484). There was no significant difference in amount of overlap (P = 0.636) or distance from plate to pin site (P = 0.607) in patients with and without deep infection. Of the patients with deep infection, 11 (50%) occurred in patients with open fractures.

Conclusions:

Overlap of definitive plate fixation with primary spanning external fixator pin sites is not a risk factor for development of deep infection in a staged treatment of high-energy pilon fractures.

Level of Evidence:

Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Intergenerational Effects of Maternal Childhood Experiences on Maternal Parenting and Infant Developmental Progress
Authors: Coe Jesse L. , Huffhines Lindsay , Contente Courtney A. , Seifer Ronald , Parade Stephanie H.
Published: July 2020

Objective:

This study evaluated the intergenerational indirect effects of maternal childhood experiences on infant progress in reaching developmental milestones through maternal scaffolding behaviors. We hypothesized that mothers who perceived their own mothers as highly supportive in childhood, even in the context of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), would be more likely to engage in scaffolding with their infants, which in turn would predict greater infant developmental progress (e.g., less risk for developmental delay).

Methods:

Participants included 295 low-income mothers and their infants who were assessed prenatally and at 6 and 12 months postpartum. Mothers retrospectively reported on their childhood experiences, maternal parenting behaviors were observationally rated at 6 months postpartum, and infant developmental progress (communication, problem-solving, gross motor, fine motor, and personal-social) was assessed at 6 and 12 months postpartum using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire.

Results:

The results of autoregressive structural equation models indicated that mothers who perceived their own mothers as highly supportive in childhood were more likely to engage in scaffolding behaviors with their infants, who in turn made greater progress (e.g., showed less risk for developmental delay) in reaching developmental milestones from 6 to 12 months postpartum. Follow-up analyses revealed that indirect effects were specific to infant problem-solving and communication skills. Maternal ACEs were not associated with parenting or infant developmental progress.

Conclusion:

Parenting behaviors in 1 generation influence parenting behaviors in the next, which has implications for infant developmental progress. The results may inform evidence-based preventive interventions for mothers and infants living in contexts of risk.
Sleep Through Toddlerhood: The Distinct Roles of Overall Media Use and Use of Media to Regulate Child Distress
Authors: Benita Noy , Gordon-Hacker Avigail , Gueron-Sela Noa
Published: July 2020

Objective:

Excessive media exposure has been associated with various sleep disturbances in early childhood. However, previous research mostly addressed the overall amount of media use while neglecting the role of media use practices. The purpose of this study was to examine whether media use practices (specifically, maternal use of media to regulate child distress) and overall media use predict distinct aspects of children's sleep. We hypothesized that frequent maternal use of media to regulate child distress will predict difficulties in sleep regulation, whereas higher child screen time will predict lower sleep duration.

Methods:

One-hundred fifty-one mothers (predominantly from the United Kingdom) completed anonymous online questionnaires via the Prolific platform that assessed child sleep latency and duration, use of media to regulate child distress, overall child screen time, and demographic covariates at 2 time points: 22 months (T1) and 26 months (T2) of children's age.

Results:

Maternal use of media to regulate child distress at T1 (but not screen time) predicted longer sleep latency at T2. Conversely, screen time (but not media to regulate distress) at T1 predicted shorter sleep duration at T2. These results were obtained while controlling for multiple covariates and sleep and media use at both time points.

Conclusion:

Findings suggest that media use practices and overall use have differential effects on sleep. Specifically, the use of media-based regulation strategies may interfere with the development of children's ability to self-soothe and regulate arousal in contexts that require the use of regulatory skills, such as transition to sleep.