bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The rhetorical use of the threat of the far‐right in the UK Brexit debate
Authors: Goodman Simon
Published: December 2020

While attention has been given to understanding support for the far‐right, there is a lack of focus on the way in which a threat of the far‐right can be used for political ends. This paper addresses this using the UK Brexit debate as an illustration. The question therefore is: What is talk about the far‐right used to do in discussions about Brexit? A discursive psychological approach addresses a sample of newspaper reports containing both ‘Far‐Right’ and ‘Brexit’, from the first quarter of 2019 (n = 45). The analysis identifies a range of uses of talk about the far‐right: (1) An opponent of Brexit is called a Nazi by pro‐Brexit protesters, who are labelled far‐right; (2) A lack of Brexit is presented as fuel for the far‐right; (3) Remain supporters reject the idea that a lack of Brexit fuels the far‐right; (4) A link with the far‐right is rejected by a prominent Brexit supporter; and (5) Support for Brexit is again linked with the far‐right. The far‐right can be used as a strategic tool by opposing sides of the Brexit debate and – significantly – the supposed threat of the far‐right can be used to placate far‐right ideas, rather than to genuinely challenge them.
Co‐designing the Cabriotraining: A training for transdisciplinary teams
Authors: Sergeant Sofie , Schippers Alice P. , Sandvoort Henriëtte , Duijf Sanneke , Mostert Remco , Embregts Petri J. C. M. , Van Hove Geert
Published: December 2020

Accessible summary

The research was conducted by a team of researchers. Some of the researchers have experience of living with a disability.

The researchers created training for other research teams that include experts by experience.

The training has six parts. To decide what happened in the training, the researchers read articles and asked the research teams they trained about what problems they had and what they wanted to know about.

The article tells why and how the training was made. It also says what training is needed for researchers with and without disabilities to learn and work together in a way that feels safe and useful.

In developing and providing the training, it was very crucial to search for a safe and welcome space for all people involved (Figure 8). As we don't know what is “safe” for the other, this means we have to search together, in respect and with enough time to get to know each other.

Background

Researchers collected questions and needs for training from 10 inclusive research projects in the Netherlands. Based on literature research and the information collected, six training modules were developed. Researchers sought to learn how to develop and provide training and coaching to inclusive teams on organising collaboration in the different stages of their research projects.

Method

An iterative training development process to support inclusive research projects was initiated by a research duo backed by a transdisciplinary team including researchers, trainers and designers. Some members of the team have experiential knowledge based on living with a disability.

Results

Literature research resulted in four guiding theories, including Universal Design for Learning, Derrida's concept of Hospitality, post‐materialist theory looking at agency as an assemblage, and Romiszowski's model situated within Instructional Design theory. Insights gained during development of the training modules are documented with text, figures and vignettes. A core finding was the need to add “Level Zero” to Romiszowski's model: a collective term created for all the interacting issues trainers had to consider because of research group diversity.

Conclusions

Hospitality formed the heart of “Level Zero.” Creating a failure‐free space for learning is an important pre‐condition for the development and organisation of training. Training can inspire exploration and reflection on collaboration and can illuminate how to conduct research within transdisciplinary teams. Essential practices included working with nonverbal research methods, as these are (more) fit for purpose when including the knowledge of experts by experience and incorporating practice‐ and stakeholder‐based knowledge.
Bet v 1 contiguous overlapping peptides anchored to virosomes with TLR4 agonist enhance immunotherapy efficacy in mice
Authors: Airouche Sabi , Beltrami Vanya , Fleury Sylvain , Batard Thierry , Bordas‐Le Floch Véronique , Stegmann Toon , Amacker Mario , Kettner Alexander , Mascarell Laurent
Published: December 2020

Background

Whereas sublingual allergen immunotherapy (AIT) is routinely performed without any adjuvant or delivery system, there is a strong scientific rationale to better target the allergen(s) to oral dendritic cells known to support regulatory immune responses by using appropriate presentation platforms.

Objective

To identify a safe presentation platform able to enhance allergen‐specific tolerance induction.

Methods

Virosomes with membrane‐integrated contiguous overlapping peptides (COPs) of Bet v 1 and TLR4 or TLR2/TLR7 agonists were assessed for induction of Bet v 1–specific IgG1, IgG2a and IgE antibodies, hypersensitivity reactions and body temperature drop following subcutaneous injection in naive CD‐1 mice. The most promising candidate, Bet v 1 COPs anchored to virosomes with membrane‐incorporated TLR4 agonist (Vir.A‐Bet v 1 COPs), was further evaluated by the sublingual route in a therapeutic setting in BALB/c mice with birch pollen‐induced allergic asthma. Airway hyperresponsiveness, pro‐inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavages and polarization of Th cells in the lungs and spleen were then assessed.

Results

Both types of adjuvanted virosomes coupled to Bet v 1 COPs triggered a boosted Th1 immunity. Given a more favourable safety profile, Vir.A‐Bet v 1 COPs were further evaluated and shown to able to fully reverse asthma symptoms and lung inflammation in a sublingual therapeutic model of birch pollen allergy.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

We report herein for the first time on the capacity of a novel and safe presentation platform, that is virosomes with membrane‐integrated TLR4 agonist, to improve dramatically sublingual AIT efficacy in a murine model due to its intrinsic dual properties of targeting and stimulating to further promote anti‐allergic immune responses. As such, our study paves the ground for further clinical development of this allergen presentation platform for patients suffering from respiratory allergies.
Identifying the ‘Achilles heel’ of type 1 diabetes
Authors: Battaglia M , Buckner J H , Levings M K , Richardson S J , Wong F S , Tree T I
Published: December 2020

When Thetis dipped her son Achilles into the River Styx to make him immortal, she held him by the heel, which was not submerged, and thus created a weak spot that proved deadly for Achilles. Millennia later, Achilles heel is part of today's lexicon meaning an area of weakness or a vulnerable spot that causes failure. Also implied is that an Achilles heel is often missed, forgotten or under-appreciated until it is under attack, and then failure is fatal. Paris killed Achilles with an arrow ‘guided by the Gods’. Understanding the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes (T1D) in order to direct therapy for prevention and treatment is a major goal of research into T1D. At the International Congress of the Immunology of Diabetes Society, 2018, five leading experts were asked to present the case for a particular cell/element that could represent ‘the Achilles heel of T1D’. These included neutrophils, B cells, CD8+ T cells, regulatory CD4+ T cells, and enteroviruses, all of which have been proposed to play an important role in the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes. Did a single entity emerge as ‘the’ Achilles heel of T1D? The arguments are summarized here, to make this case.
A comparative study between the two patch test systems Finn chambers and Finn chambers AQUA
Authors: Luu Henrik , Mowitz Martin , Bruze Magnus , Engfeldt Malin , Isaksson Marléne , Svedman Cecilia
Published: December 2020

Background

Finn Chambers AQUA (FCA) is a development of the Finn Chambers (FC) test system in which the test chambers are mounted on a moisture‐resistant adhesive patch. FCA has pre‐fixed filter papers. Because the use of FCA does not require any extra taping or use of separate filter papers, a change from FC to FCA chambers may be beneficial for both patients and patch test technicians.

Objectives

To investigate whether there are any differences regarding detection of contact allergy when simultaneous patch testing is performed with FC and FCA.

Materials and Methods

Results from 434 dermatitis patients simultaneously tested with 10 allergens in both FC and FCA were evaluated.

Results

There were no significant differences regarding detection of positive reactions between the two test systems. There were significantly more doubtful reactions to methylisothiazolinone, fragrance mix I and hydroperoxides of linalool when testing with FCA. We only observed significantly more doubtful reactions in FC regarding nickel(II)sulfate. Irritant reactions to formaldehyde were also significantly more common when using FCA.

Conclusion

The FC and FCA had good agreement in detection of positive reactions. However, the results including doubtful and irritant reactions justify further research regarding optimization of the dose.
Design and preparation of the class B G protein‐coupled receptors GLP‐1R and GCGR for 19F‐NMR studies in solution
Authors: Wang Huixia , Hu Wanhui , Liu Dongsheng , Wüthrich Kurt
Published: December 2020

The human glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor (GLP‐1R) and the glucagon receptor (GCGR) are class B G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) that are activated by interactions with, respectively, the glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) and glucagon (GCG). These polypeptide hormones are involved in the regulation of lipid and cholic acid metabolism, and thus play an important role in the pathogenesis of glucose metabolism and diabetes mellitus, which attracts keen interest of these GPCRs as drug targets. GLP‐1R and GCGR have therefore been extensively investigated by X‐ray crystallography and cryo‐electron microscopy (cryo‐EM), so that their structures are well known. Here, we present the groundwork for using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy in solution to complement the molecular architectures with information on intramolecular dynamics and on the thermodynamics and kinetics of interactions with physiological ligands and extrinsic drug candidates. This includes the generation of novel, near‐wild‐type constructs of GLP‐1R and GCGR, optimization of the solution conditions for NMR studies in detergent micelles and in nanodiscs, post‐translational chemical introduction of fluorine‐19 NMR probes, and sequence‐specific assignments of the 19F‐labels attached to indigenous cysteines. Addition of the negative allosteric modulator (NAM) NNC0640 was critically important for obtaining the long‐time stability needed for our NMR experiments, and we report on novel insights into the allosteric effects arising from binding of NNC0640 to the transmembrane domain of GLP‐1R (GLP‐1R[TMD]).
Potassium fertilization for white oat and maize in integrated crop‐livestock system under no‐tillage
Authors: Riferte Flavia Biassio , da Fonseca Adriel Ferreira , Pontes Laíse da Silveira
Published: December 2020

Integrated crop‐livestock systems (ICLS) are diversified agroecosystems characterized by the rotation, succession or mixtures of agricultural, livestock or forestry activities, in no‐tillage systems. In ICLS with trees, the tree modifies the light and water availability, and might generate root competition for nutrients, like potassium (K). The study aims to evaluate dry matter (DM) and macronutrients accumulation in white oat, DM and grain yield of maize, and the K use efficiency (KUE) by these crops cultivated in an ICLS with eucalyptus. The experimental design was a randomized block in a split‐plot design with three replications. Plots consisted of four cultivation positions (CP) between the tree rows, where CP1 (0 to 4 m distance) refers to a position close to the trees; CP2 (4 to 8 m distance) and CP4 (12 to 16 m distance) corresponds to two intermediate positions between rows; and CP3 (8 to 12 m distance) corresponds to a central position between rows. In subplots, four potassium oxide (K2O) annual doses were assigned, with potassium chloride being applied on the surface, where each rate was half the rate applied at sowing of each crop. DM and macronutrients accumulation in white oat shoot decreased due to eucalyptus shadow (64.5% light restriction). Responses of maize DM and grain yield to K2O addition were different among CPs, possibly owing to different light patterns. No changes in the maize yield were observed with K2O application in CP1 and CP2. However, for other positions, quadratic responses in grain yield were observed. In ICLS with eucalyptus in a subtropical region of Brazil, the reduction of K fertilization led to lower yields in white oat and maize. As KUE was high in plots with low K rate, the production cost in ICLS with trees may be decreased if massive production is not required.
Multidisciplinary collaborative integrated management of increasingly prominent HIV complications in the post‐cART era
Authors: Lin L , Li TS
Published: December 2020

Objectives

With the prolonged survival time of AIDS patients, complications of various systems and organs of HIV infection are increasingly prominent. These diseases have become the major factors influencing the quality of life and prognosis of HIV‐infected persons, and multidisciplinary cooperation treatment is urgently needed.

Methods

The Chinese HIV/AIDS Clinical Trial Network has conducted a series of multicentre clinical cohort studies over the past 16 years, in which studies related to people living with HIV systemic complications. Based on the results of previous studies, this review establishes the complications of Chinese people living with HIV after long‐term cART.

Results

HIV’s direct damage to human cells, chronic abnormal inflammatory activation after HIV infection, long‐term drug side effects caused by cART and persistent reservoirs cause systemic complications in people living with HIV. We summarised the clinical characteristics of the complications of HIV infection in China from the aspects of the liver, cardiovascular, the nervous system, the kidney, bone metabolism, blood glucose, and lipid metabolism.

Conclusions

The management of the complications of HIV infection is a major link in improving the survival treatment and prognosis of patients in the future. The joint participation of doctors from different departments of general hospitals in the management of comorbidities is the main theme for future improvement of quality of life and prognosis for people living with HIV.
From individual motivations to social determinants: towards a sociology of migrants’ remittances
Authors: Mahmud Hasan
Published: December 2020

Migrants may send remittances for a variety of reasons. Studies adopting the perspective of the new economics of labour migration (NEML) identify migrants’ altruism or self‐interest as the motivation for their remittances. This paper first recognises the limits of the NELM perspective due to its utilitarian conception of migrants’ altruism and inability to distinguish between altruism and self‐interest. The discussion also reveals a preponderance of quantitative studies examining remittance utilisation in the origin communities in the absence of the migrants who are sending the funds. These studies must necessarily indirectly deduce migrants’ motivation to send remittances, leading to post hoc and inconsistent interpretations. In a review of the existing literature, this paper identifies alternative conceptualisations of migrants’ agency and structures embedding their remittances as well as emergent properties of both their agency and those structures. Lastly, it outlines a heuristic typology to empirically study migrants’ remittances following Durkheim's approach to suicide, demonstrating the usefulness of this typology by citing examples from the literature as well as reflecting the author's dissertation research.
Identification of Smad3‐related transcriptomes in type‐2 diabetic nephropathy by whole transcriptome RNA sequencing
Authors: Zhou Qin , Guo Honghong , Yu Chaolun , Huang Xiao‐Ru , Liang Liying , Zhang Puhua , Yu Jianwen , Zhang Jizhou , Chan Ting‐Fung , Ma Ronald C. W. , Lan Hui‐yao
Published: December 2020

Smad3 deficiency prevents the development of type 2 diabetic nephropathy; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unknown. In this study, we aimed to identify Smad3‐related genes involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic kidney disease. High‐throughput RNA sequencing was performed to profile the whole transcriptome in the diabetic kidney of Smad3 WT‐db/db, Smad3 KO‐db/db, Smad3+/− db/db and their littermate control db/m mice at 20 weeks. The gene ontology, pathways and alternative splicing of differentially expressed protein‐coding genes and long non‐coding RNAs related to Smad3 in diabetic kidney were analysed. Compared to Smad3 WT‐db/db mice, Smad3 KO‐db/db mice exhibited an alteration of genes associated with RNA splicing and metabolism, whereas heterozygosity deletion of Smad3 (Smad3+/− db/db mice) significantly altered genes related to cell division and cell cycle. Notably, three protein‐coding genes (Upk1b, Psca and Gdf15) and two lncRNAs (NONMMUG023520.2 and NONMMUG032975.2) were identified to be Smad3‐dependent and to be associated with the development of diabetic nephropathy. By using whole transcriptome RNA sequencing, we identified novel Smad3 transcripts related to the development of diabetic nephropathy. Thus, targeting these transcripts may represent a novel and effective therapy for diabetic nephropathy.
Emerging roles of fibroblasts in cardiovascular calcification
Authors: Li Wudi , Su Sheng‐an , Chen Jian , Ma Hong , Xiang Meixiang
Published: December 2020

Cardiovascular calcification, a kind of ectopic mineralization in cardiovascular system, including atherosclerotic calcification, arterial medial calcification, valve calcification and the gradually recognized heart muscle calcification, is a complex pathophysiological process correlated with poor prognosis. Although several cell types such as smooth muscle cells have been proven critical in vascular calcification, the aetiology of cardiovascular calcification remains to be clarified due to the diversity of cellular origin. Fibroblasts, which possess remarkable phenotypic plasticity that allows rapid adaption to fluctuating environment cues, have been demonstrated to play important roles in calcification of vasculature, valve and heart though our knowledge of the mechanisms controlling fibroblast phenotypic switching in the calcified process is far from complete. Indeed, the lack of definitive fibroblast lineage‐tracing studies and typical expression markers of fibroblasts raise major concerns regarding the contributions of fibroblasts during all the stages of cardiovascular calcification. The goal of this review was to rigorously summarize the current knowledge regarding possible phenotypes exhibited by fibroblasts within calcified cardiovascular system and evaluate the potential therapeutic targets that may control the phenotypic transition of fibroblasts in cardiovascular calcification.
Genome editing for plant research and crop improvement
Authors: Zhan Xiangqiang , Lu Yuming , Zhu Jian‐Kang , Botella Jose Ramon
Published: December 2020

The advent of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) has had a profound impact on plant biology, and crop improvement. In this review, we summarize the state‐of‐the‐art development of CRISPR technologies and their applications in plants, from the initial introduction of random small indel (insertion or deletion) mutations at target genomic loci to precision editing such as base editing, prime editing and gene targeting. We describe advances in the use of class 2, types II, V, and VI systems for gene disruption as well as for precise sequence alterations, gene transcription, and epigenome control.
The risk factor analysis and treatment experience in pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia after kidney transplantation
Authors: Yang Pengfeng , Zhu Xiaoqiu , Liang Weixiang , Cai Ruiming
Published: December 2020

Background

Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) is an opportunistic infection among solid organ transplantation. The occurrence of PJP is dangerous and fatal if there is no early identification and sufficient treatment.

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk factors and provide appropriate strategies of prophylaxis and treatment for PJP after kidney transplantation in our centre.

Patients/Methods

From January 2009 to December 2018, a total of 167 kidney transplantation recipients with pneumonia were enrolled, including 47 PJP patients as PJP group and 120 non‐PJP patients as control group. The clinical characteristics of the two groups were analysed retrospectively.

Results

Multivariate analysis showed that high total dosage of ATG [OR, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.12–3.68] and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection were independent risk factors for PJP. Trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole (TMP‐SMX) (1.44 g q6h)–based treatment was used for 2 weeks, and its dosage and course were adjusted according to the therapeutic effect and side effects. Forty‐five cases were recovered after 3 months of follow‐up, and two patients died of respiratory failure. TMP‐SMX (0.48 g/day) prophylaxis was used for 3–6 months and prolonged to 7–8 months after treatment for acute rejection, which reduced the incidence of PJP compared with those without prophylaxis.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that the high total dosage of ATG and CMV infection indicate the increased risk of PJP. The strategies of prophylaxis and treatment for PJP after kidney transplantation in our centre were effective.
MOBP and HIP1 in multiple system atrophy: New α‐synuclein partners in glial cytoplasmic inclusions implicated in the disease pathogenesis
Authors: Bettencourt Conceição , Miki Yasuo , Piras Ignazio S. , de Silva Rohan , Foti Sandrine C. , Talboom Joshua S. , Revesz Tamas , Lashley Tammaryn , Balazs Robert , Viré Emmanuelle , Warner Thomas T. , Huentelman Matt J. , Holton Janice L.
Published: December 2020

Aims

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease. Similar to Parkinson's disease (PD), MSA is an α‐synucleinopathy, and its pathological hallmark consists of glial cytoplasmic inclusions (GCIs) containing α‐synuclein (SNCA) in oligodendrocytes. We previously identified consistent changes in myelin‐associated oligodendrocyte basic protein (MOBP) and huntingtin interacting protein 1 (HIP1) DNA methylation status in MSA. We hypothesized that if differential DNA methylation at these loci is mechanistically relevant for MSA, it should have downstream consequences on gene regulation.

Methods

We investigated the relationship between MOBP and HIP1 DNA methylation and mRNA levels in cerebellar white matter from MSA and healthy controls. Additionally, we analysed protein expression using western blotting, immunohistochemistry and proximity ligation assays.

Results

We found decreased MOBP mRNA levels significantly correlated with increased DNA methylation in MSA. For HIP1, we found a distinct relationship between DNA methylation and gene expression levels in MSA compared to healthy controls, suggesting this locus may be subjected to epigenetic remodelling in MSA. Although soluble protein levels for MOBP and HIP1 in cerebellar white matter were not significantly different between MSA cases and controls, we found striking differences between MSA and other neurodegenerative diseases, including PD and Huntington's disease. We also found that MOBP and HIP1 are mislocalized into the GCIs in MSA, where they appear to interact with SNCA.

Conclusions

This study supports a role for DNA methylation in downregulation of MOBP mRNA in MSA. Most importantly, the identification of MOBP and HIP1 as new constituents of GCIs emphasizes the relevance of these two loci to the pathogenesis of MSA.
The objectivity and subjectivity of pain practices in older adults with dementia: A critical reflection
Authors: Carragher Rianne M. , MacLeod Emily , Camargo‐Plazas Pilar
Published: December 2020

Providing nursing care for people with dementia residing in long‐term care facilities poses specific challenges regarding pain practices. With underlying communication barriers unique to dementia pathologies, this population is often unable to communicate verbal sentiments and descriptions of pain. In turn, nurses caring for older persons with dementia have difficulty assessing, managing and treating pain. Objectivity is an imperative factor in healthcare pain practices; however, it is difficult to objectively evaluate someone who cannot accurately communicate their experience of pain. Therefore, the authors believe that subjectivity is also an essential part of evaluating the person with dementia's experience of pain. In this critical reflection, the authors explore objectivity and subjectivity in relation to pain practices for dementia in long‐term care. A historical summary of pain is provided outlining the evolution of objectivity and subjectivity related to pain practices. The authors discuss the complexities of assessing and managing pain and offer a new perspective about the role of objectivity (and co‐existence of subjectivity) for nurses treating pain in the older adults with dementia.
Molecular mechanisms involved in functional macroevolution of plant transcription factors
Authors: Romani Facundo , Moreno Javier E.
Published: December 2020

Transcription factors (TFs) are key components of the transcriptional regulation machinery. In plants, they accompanied the evolution from unicellular aquatic algae to complex flowering plants that dominate the land environment. The adaptations of the body plan and physiological responses required changes in the biological functions of TFs. Some ancestral gene regulatory networks are highly conserved, while others evolved more recently and only exist in particular lineages. The recent emergence of novel model organisms provided the opportunity for comparative studies, producing new insights to infer these evolutionary trajectories. In this review, we comprehensively revisit the recent literature on TFs of nonseed plants and algae, focusing on the molecular mechanisms driving their functional evolution. We discuss the particular contribution of changes in DNA‐binding specificity, protein–protein interactions and cis‐regulatory elements to gene regulatory networks. Current advances have shown that these evolutionary processes were shaped by changes in TF expression pattern, not through great innovation in TF protein sequences. We propose that the role of TFs associated with environmental and developmental regulation was unevenly conserved during land plant evolution.
Robust Bearing-Only Localization Using Total Least Absolute Residuals Optimization
Authors: Luo Ji-An , Xue Chang-Cheng , Peng Dong-Liang
Published: December 2020

Robust techniques critically improve bearing-only target localization when the relevant measurements are being corrupted by impulsive noise. Resistance to isolated gross errors refers to the conventional least absolute residual (LAR) method, and its estimate can be determined by linear programming when pseudolinear equations are set. The LAR approach, however, cannot reduce the bias attributed to the correlation between system matrices and noise vectors. In the present study, perturbations are introduced into the elements of the system matrix and the data vector simultaneously, and the total optimization problem is formulated based on least absolute deviations. Subsequently, an equivalent form of total least absolute residuals (TLAR) is obtained, and an algorithm is developed to calculate the robust estimate by dual ascent algorithms. Moreover, the performance of the proposed method is verified through the numerical simulations by using two types of localization geometries, i.e., random and linear. As revealed from the results, the TLAR algorithm is capable of exhibiting significantly higher localization accuracy as compared with the LAR method.
Rhizobacteria Communities of Phytoremediation Plant Species in Petroleum Hydrocarbon Contaminated Soil of the Sudd Ecosystem, South Sudan
Authors: Ruley J. A. , Tumuhairwe J. B. , Amoding A. , Westengen O. T. , Vinje H.
Published: December 2020

The Sudd wetland is one of the oil-rich regions of South Sudan where environmental pollution resulting from oil extraction activities has been unprecedented. Although phytoremediation is the most feasible technique, its efficacy reduces at high TPH concentration in soil. This has made rhizoremediation the most preferred approach. Rhizoremediation involves use of a combination of phytoremediation and biostimulation. The process is catalyzed by the action of rhizobacteria. Therefore, the objective of this study is to characterize rhizobacteria communities prevalent in phytoremediation species growing in hydrocarbon-contaminated soils biostimulated with cattle manure. The treatments studied were plant species only (T1), plant species and hydrocarbons (T2), plant species and manure (T3), and plant species, manure, and hydrocarbons (T4). The rhizobacteria communities were determined using pyrosequencing of 16S rRNA. In the treatment with phytoremediation species, hydrocarbons 75 g · kg−1soil, and cattle manure 5 g · kg−1soil (T4), there was a significant increase (

p
<
0.05

) in rhizobacteria abundance with the highest ASV observed in H. rufa (4980) and the lowest in S. arundinaceum (3955). In the same treatment, bacteria community diversity was high in H. rufa (Chao1, 10310) and the least in S. arundinaceum (Chao 1, 8260) with Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria as the dominant phyla. Similarly, in contaminated soil treated with cattle manure, there was a significant increase (

p
<
0.05

) in abundance of rhizobacteria genera with Pseudomonas dominating across phytoremediation species. H. rufa was dominated by Bacillus, Fusibacter, and Rhodococcus; G. barbadense was mainly associated with Luteimonas and Mycobacterium, and T. diversifolia was inhabited by Bacillus and Luteimonas. The rhizosphere of O. longistaminata was dominated by Bacillus, Fusibacter, and Luteimonas, while S. arundinaceum was largely inhabited by Sphingomonas. These rhizobacteria genera ought to be applied in the Sudd region for bioremediation.
Autonomic Dysfunctions in Parkinson’s Disease: Prevalence, Clinical Characteristics, Potential Diagnostic Markers, and Treatment
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Chen Sheng-Di
Published: December 2020

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease in the middle-aged and the elderly. Symptoms of autonomic dysfunctions are frequently seen in PD patients, severely affecting the quality of life. This review summarizes the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and treatment options of autonomic dysfunctions. The clinical significance of autonomic dysfunctions in PD early diagnosis and differential diagnosis is also discussed.
Study on Multiobjective Modeling and Optimization of Offshore Micro Integrated Energy System considering Uncertainty of Load and Wind Power
Authors: Wu Jun , Li Baolin , Chen Jun , Lou Qinghui , Xing Xiangyu , Zhu Xuedong
Published: December 2020

Offshore micro integrated energy systems (OMIESs) are the basis of offshore oil and gas engineering and play an important role in developing and utilizing marine resources. By introducing offshore wind power generation, the carbon emissions of offshore micro integrated energy systems can be effectively reduced; however, greater challenges have been posted to the reliable operation due to the uncertainty. To reduce the influence brought by the uncertainty, a multiobjective optimization model was proposed based on the chance-constrained programming (CCP); the operating cost and penalty cost of natural gas emission were selected as objectives. Then, the improved hybrid constraints handling strategy based on nondominated sorting genetic algorithm II (IHCHS-NSGAII) was introduced to solve the model efficiently. Finally, the numerical studies verified the efficiency of the proposed algorithm, as well as the validity and feasibility of the proposed model in improving the economy of OMIES under uncertainty.
Experimental Study on the Dynamic Mechanical Properties of Large-Diameter Mortar and Concrete Subjected to Cyclic Impact
Authors: Sun Bi , Ping Yang , Zhu Zhende , Jiang Zhijian , Wu Nan
Published: December 2020

Rock bursts are typically accompanied by multiple shocks. In order to explore the dynamic characteristics of filling materials in rock burst roadways, we employ the split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) test to analyze the dynamic mechanical response of mortar and concrete under cyclical impact. The SHPB test results of the large-size specimen indicate the improvement in the waveform shape and the reduction in the wave dispersion via the application of the rubber sheet as the pulse shaper. Under cyclic impact, the peak stress and energy utilization ratio of mortar and concrete specimens were reduced, demonstrating obvious fatigue characteristics. The mortar peak stress and energy utilization ratio were observed to be sensitive to the impact times, while those of concrete were sensitive to impact pressure. The damage evolution of mortar and concrete exhibited very similar trends under the cyclic impact load, whereby the impact pressure had minimal effect on the damage evolution.
Role of the
RNF213
Variant in Vascular Outcomes in Patients With Intracranial Atherosclerosis
Authors: Kim Hyung Jun , Choi Eun‐Hyeok , Chung Jong‐Won , Kim Jae‐Hwan , Kim Ye Sel , Seo Woo‐Keun , Kim Gyeong‐Moon , Bang Oh Young
Published: December 2020

Background

The
RNF213
(
ring finger protein 213
gene) variant R4810K is a susceptibility allele not only for Moyamoya disease (MMD) but also for intracranial atherosclerosis (ICAS) in East Asian populations. We hypothesized that this variant would affect the distribution of ICAS and recurrence of cerebrovascular events.

Methods and Results

We conducted a prospective study of patients with ICAS and MMD using high‐resolution magnetic resonance imaging and
RNF213
R4810K genotyping. Patients were included in the ICAS group when relevant plaques existed on high‐resolution magnetic resonance imagingand in the MMD group when they carried the variant and high‐resolution magnetic resonance imaging showed no plaques but characteristic features of MMD. We compared clinical and neuroimaging features of patients with ICAS‐
RNF213
+ with patients with ICAS‐
RNF213
− and of patients with MMD. Of 477 patients, 238 patients were in the ICAS group and 239 were in the MMD group. Among patients with ICAS, 79 patients (33.2%) were in the ICAS‐
RNF213
+ group and 159 (66.8%) in the ICAS‐
RNF213
− group. Tandem lesions were significantly more common in the ICAS‐
RNF213+
group than in the ICAS‐
RNF213
− group (40.3% versus 72.2%,
P
<0.001), and their distributions were similar between the ICAS‐
RNF213+
and MMD groups. The presence of the R4810K variant (hazard ratio [HR], 3.203; 95% CI, 1.149–9.459;
P
=0.026) and tandem lesions (≥3) (HR, 8.315; 95% CI, 1.930–39.607;
P
=0.005) were independently associated with recurrent cerebrovascular events.

Conclusions

Patients with ICAS carrying the
RNF213
R4810K variant showed clinical and imaging features distinct from patients with ICAS without the variant, suggesting that the R4810K variant plays a role in intracranial atherosclerosis in East Asian patients.
Comparison of Process Parameters on Mild Steel and SS304 Through Statistical Analysis of Optimization Technique
Authors: Kumar Vinit , Hussain Mazhar , Singh Rajnish , Kumar Shashank
Published: December 2020

The present study concentrated on the variation of process parameters on metal removal rate (MRR) used in turning of widely used material (stainless steel 304 and Mild steel). Turning is essential and robust process of material removal in the form of chips. The Turning process involved
lots of process parameters as tool geometry, feed rate, rotational speed of job and rigidity of machine tools etc. In the present work study was done on the following cutting parameters as cutting speed (85,150 and 250 rpm), feed rate (0.13, 0.28 and 0.15, 0.09 mm/sec), depth of cut (0.4,
0.7 and 1 mm). The three label orthogonal array for process parameters were selected for metal removal rate analysis. The carbide tipped cutting tool was selected as cutting tool of positive rake angle. The analysis of process parameters was done through Minitab 17 software. The orthogonal
array was selected 3*3; by the use of signal to noise (S/N) ratio is to minimise the variation due to uncontrolled parameters with the help of Taguchi method. Total nine experiments were performing on stainless steel and other set of nine experiments were perform on the mild steel. The experimental
results reveals that moderate cutting speed 150 rpm, 0.09 mm/sec feed rate and 1 mm depth of cut yield good results for stainless steel 304 grade and mild steel.
Wellness Survey Responses and Smartphone App Response Efficiency: Associations With Remote History of Sport-Related Concussion
Authors: Wilkerson Gary B. , Acocello Shellie N , Davis Meredith B , Ramos Justin M , Rucker Abigail J , Hogg Jennifer A
Published: December 2020

Recent research findings have strongly suggested that sport-related concussion (SRC) increases risk for subsequent injury of any type, as well as a potential for long-term adverse effects on neurological and psychological well-being. The primary purpose of this study was to explore the reliability and discriminatory power of clinical testing procedures for detecting persisting effects of SRC. We used a cross-sectional study design to assess both self-reported symptoms commonly associated with post-concussion syndrome, and the effects of mental or physical activity on metrics derived from a smartphone app designed to test perceptual-motor responses. Among 30 physically active college students, 15 participants reported a SRC occurrence prior to testing ( M time-since-injury = 4.0 years, SD = 3.1, range = 5 months to 11 years). We found good test-retest reliability for key metrics derived from the smartphone app (ICC ≥ .70); and the internal consistency for the Overall Wellness Index (OWI) for 10 categories of 82 post-concussion symptoms was ideal (Cronbach’s α ≥ .80). Moderate intensity treadmill running demonstrated the strongest differential effect on perceptual-motor responses between participants with a history of SRC (HxSRC) and those with no such history (No SRC), which was best represented by the speed-accuracy trade-off quantified by the inverse efficiency index (IEI: group X trial interaction p = .055). Self-reported OWI symptoms ≥4 and post-physical activity IEI ≥ 568 ms provided the strongest discrimination between HxSRC and NoSRC participants (≥1 versus 0: OR = 9.75). Our findings suggest that persisting effects from a remote SRC occurrence can be detected by easily administered screening procedures that have the potential to identify individual athletes who might derive benefit from interventions to restore their optimal function and well-being.
Neonatal sacrococcygeal teratoma: Our 20-year experience from a tertiary care centre in North India
Authors: Rattan Kamal N , Singh Jasbir
Published: December 2020

Advances in diagnostic and therapeutic interventions have improved the survival of neonates with sacrococcygeal teratoma in richer countries. These changes have not yet taken place in resource-limited settings. A retrospective analysis of neonates with sacrococcygeal teratoma operated at our centre during 1997–2016 was performed. Among 44 neonates enrolled, prenatal diagnosis of sacrococcygeal teratoma was available in 25% of pregnancies. All babies except one were born vaginally. Associated congenital malformations were seen in 20% (9/44). Types of sacrococcygeal teratoma were classified as Altman type I in 12 (27.3%), 24 (54.5%) as type II, 6 (13.6%) as type III and 2 (4.5%) as type IV. Morphologically, 77% (34/44) neonates had cystic lesions. All patients were managed successfully by total excision. Histopathology confirmed mature teratoma in 43 (97.7%). After a 12-month follow-up, no recurrence was observed. An uneventful pregnancy, absence of associated congenital anomalies, cystic morphology and a mature histology are good prognostic factors.
Estimating Cognitive Diagnosis Models in Small Samples: Bayes Modal Estimation and Monotonic Constraints
Authors: Ma Wenchao , Jiang Zhehan
Published: December 2020

Despite the increasing popularity, cognitive diagnosis models have been criticized for limited utility for small samples. In this study, the authors proposed to use Bayes modal (BM) estimation and monotonic constraints to stabilize item parameter estimation and facilitate person classification in small samples based on the generalized deterministic input noisy “and” gate (G-DINA) model. Both simulation study and real data analysis were used to assess the utility of the BM estimation and monotonic constraints. Results showed that in small samples, (a) the G-DINA model with BM estimation is more likely to converge successfully, (b) when prior distributions are specified reasonably, and monotonicity is not violated, the BM estimation with monotonicity tends to produce more stable item parameter estimates and more accurate person classification, and (c) the G-DINA model using the BM estimation with monotonicity is less likely to overfit the data and shows higher predictive power.
Transthoracic intracardiac catheters in perioperative management of pediatric cardiac surgery patients: a single-center experience
Authors: Krishnamoorthy Vasanth , Gadhinglajkar Shrinivas V , Palanisamy Nithiyanandan , Sreedhar Rupa , Babu Saravana , Dharan Baiju S
Published: December 2020

Background

Transthoracic intracardiac catheters inserted under direct vision in the pulmonary artery and left atrium during cardiac surgery play major roles in the management of patients with complex congenital heart disease. We aimed to analyze the utility of transthoracic intracardiac catheters in the perioperative management of pediatric cardiac surgery patients and review catheter-related morbidity.

Methods

The computerized register of all pediatric cardiac surgery patients in whom transthoracic intracardiac catheters were inserted from 2012 to 2019 in a tertiary referral center were reviewed.

Results

Transthoracic pulmonary artery and left atrial catheters were inserted in 89 and 71 patients, respectively. The most common indications for pulmonary artery and left atrial catheters were total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (52%) and total cavopulmonary connection (58%) respectively. The most common reason for elevated pulmonary artery and left atrial pressure after cardiopulmonary bypass was left ventricular dysfunction. Transthoracic pulmonary artery catheters helped in diagnosing pulmonary hypertensive crisis (29%), surgical decision-making (14%), and ventilator therapy (16%). Left atrial catheters helped in the diagnosis of left ventricular dysfunction (54%). The incidence of morbidity was 8.9% for transthoracic pulmonary artery catheters and 9.8% for left atrial catheters.

Conclusion

Transthoracic pulmonary artery catheters help in the diagnosis and management of pulmonary hypertensive crisis, for making perioperative surgical decisions, and during ventilator therapy. Transthoracic left atrial catheters help in the diagnosis of left ventricular dysfunction in the perioperative period. The diagnostic and treatment benefits provided by transthoracic intracardiac catheters outweigh the minor adverse events, supporting their continued use in the perioperative period.
The Impact of Macroeconomic Policies on Healthcare Delivery in Kenya: An Analysis of the National Sexual Violence Prevention and Care Response
Authors: Munala Leso , Welle Emily , Okunna Nene , Hohenshell Emily
Published: December 2020

Sexual violence is one of the most common forms of violence against women in Kenya. This study documents the care of sexual violence survivors from the perspective of health care practitioners based on an analytic framework developed in studies of the political-economy of health to examine the effects of International Financial Institutions’ conditionalities on the allocation of national fiscal resources. The study documented the working conditions of practitioners and myriad challenges that they experience in providing quality services to sexual violence survivors. The issues reflected in the results are grounded in social structural inequities driven by the global political economic policies that perpetuate poverty and dependency throughout Africa and the developing world. Macro-level variables associated with health care provision are assessed with a focus on global macroeconomic policies established by the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, their impact on Kenya’s health economy and their ultimate impact on the capacity of the health system to meet the complex needs of survivors of sexual violence. In this paper, study results are analysed within the context of these macroeconomic policies and their legacy.
What’s in it for me? How blame and credit expectations affect support for innovation
Authors: Timeus Krista , Breaugh Jessica
Published: December 2020

The article applies an experimental vignette research design to test how blame and credit expectations affect individuals’ willingness to support innovative programs. Respondents received a survey with three scenarios of innovative programs and were randomly allocated to being blamed if the program failed, credited if it succeeded, or a control group. Blame and credit framing had no statistically significant effect on willingness to support the programs. It was much more important for respondents whether the program was 'good for the community'. This calls into question current assumptions about anticipatory blame avoidance motivations as a primary antecedent of innovative behavior.
The role of sea-level changes in the evolution of coastal barriers – An example from the southwestern Baltic Sea
Authors: Lampe Reinhard , Lampe Matthias
Published: December 2020

According to a basic model, the formation of the coastal barriers in the southwestern Baltic can be divided into four evolutionary stages which are characterized by different rates of sea-level rise and varying relations between sediment supply and accommodation space. This model is tested using the example of a strandplain of the island Usedom, along with a local sea-level curve that reflects even smaller fluctuations of the water table and a detailed chronostratigraphy based on OSL measurements that allows the correlation of the morphodynamics with specific climatic phases. The resulting evolution scheme generally confirms the basic model but the timing of the stages depends on the inherited relief and has to be adjusted locally. A comparison with barriers from the W and SW Baltic region shows that the development during the past 5000 years was controlled by climate fluctuations which caused minor variations of the rather stable sea level and consequential changes in sediment supply, accommodation space and foredune deposition. Progradation decline can mainly be related to cool and windy climate phases which centered around 4.2, 2.8, 1.1, and 0.3 ka b2k, while increasing progradation correlated with warmer climate around 3.5, 2.0, and 0.9 ka b2k. The climate warming and the increasing sea-level rise in the recent past, however, led to shrinking progradation rates and may indicate a critical point beyond which the main progradation trend of the past turns into erosion.