bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of disease management education on the quality of life and self‐efficacy levels of children with asthma
Authors: Kocaaslan Esra Nur , Akgün Kostak Melahat
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of disease management education provided to children with asthma on their quality of life and self‐efficacy levels.

Methods and Design

The study design was a quasi‐experimental design with The One Group Pretest‐Posttest design. This study was conducted on 60 children with asthma between 10 and 18 years of age. Data were collected by “Information Form”, “Pediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire”, and “Self‐Efficacy Scale for Children and Adolescents with Asthma”. Children’s quality of life and self‐efficacy levels were assessed before receiving an individual asthma education intervention and then children were informed with an asthma management education book individually. Two months after the education intervention, the quality of life and self‐efficacy levels of the children were re‐evaluated.

Results

The children’s quality of life and self‐efficacy levels increased significantly after education (p = 0.014). Maternal age, number of siblings, number of family members living in the same house, activity status, the frequency of experiencing symptoms, and the ability to use the inhalers on their own affected children quality of life. Child’s age, knowledge about factors causing asthma, and ability to use medication on their own affected their self‐efficacy (
p < 0.05).

Practice Implications

According to these results, planned asthma education program and provided continuity of this education by nurses would be effective to improve the quality of life and levels of self‐efficacy. Asthma management education for children with asthma by nurses after diagnosis is beneficial for improving the quality of life and levels of self‐efficacy.
Endothelium‐dependent relaxation mechanisms involve nitric oxide and prostanoids in the isolated bovine digital vein
Authors: Comerma‐Steffensen Simon , Risso Arnaldo , Ascanio‐Evanoff Elias , Zerpa Hector
Published: March 2019

Endothelial dysfunction contributes to the development of ungulate's laminitis. Although extensively studied in equines, the endothelial function is not fully examined in bovine digital veins (BDVs). BDVs were studied under isometric conditions to describe the acetylcholine (ACh) endothelium‐dependent relaxation. Concentration–response curves were constructed to phenylephrine, ACh, and sodium nitroprusside (SNP). Relaxation responses were evaluated using either phenylephrine or depolarizing high‐potassium Krebs solution (DKS) as precontraction agents. Endothelium denudation and incubation with L‐NAME (300 μM), indomethacin (10 μM) or both were used to explore endothelial‐mediated mechanisms. Endothelium denudation did not modify phenylephrine and SNP responses, however, significantly (p < 0.05) converted a relaxation (63.2 ± 5%) response to ACh into a contraction (30.3±9%). The ACh‐evoked relaxation was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in the presence of indomethacin (37.5 ± 6%) and L‐NAME (6.40 ± 2%). The presence of both inhibitors abolished the ACh‐evoked relaxation. Although DKS caused a higher precontraction than phenylephrine, ACh‐evoked relaxation (22.4 ± 3.4%) was still observed and was reduced by the combination of inhibitors (7.0 ± 1.0%). The ACh endothelium‐dependent relaxation in BDVs is essentially mediated by nitric oxide and endothelium‐derived prostanoids. The BDV endothelium function is a dynamic component in the control of the bovine digital blood flow, particularly under endothelial dysfunction conditions when venoconstriction might lead to postcapillary resistance increase.
Behavioural changes in African elephants in response to wildlife tourism
Authors: Szott I. D. , Pretorius Y. , Koyama N. F.
Published: March 2019

Eco‐tourism and human–wildlife interaction can lead to increases in stress, vigilance and aggression in many species, however, studies investigating wildlife viewing are scarce. We present the first study investigating the impact of wildlife tourism on African elephant, Loxodonta africana, behaviour. Over 15 months, we studied the effect of monthly tourist pressure (tourist numbers) on the occurrence of stress‐related, vigilance and conspecific‐directed aggressive behaviour in 26 individually identified elephants and the effect of up to three vehicles on the direction of travel of non‐identified herds using 5‐min continuous focal observations. We analysed the effect of tourist pressure and vehicle presence using generalized linear mixed models, including habitat type, herd type and size and season, as well as sex and age for behaviour models, as additional factors. We found no effect of factors on stress‐related behaviour, but elephants were more likely to perform vigilance behaviours at waterholes compared to other habitat types. As tourist pressure increased, conspecific‐directed aggression in elephants increased and male elephants were more likely to perform conspecific‐directed aggression compared to female elephants. Furthermore, we found that elephant herds became increasingly likely to move away with increasing numbers of vehicles present. Results suggest that reserves should monitor elephant behaviour to identify when tourist pressure has potential effects on elephant welfare and train guides to monitor behaviour and adjust minimum distances flexibly to ensure high welfare standards and tourist safety. This study further contributes to a small but growing body of literature on non‐consumptive wildlife tourism impacts on wild animals.
Consequences of Tit‐for‐Tat Enforcement: Toward a Hippocratic Principle of Regulatory Implementation
Authors: Gezelius Stig S.
Published: March 2019

The article discusses when tit‐for‐tat enforcement, an important strategy in responsive regulation theory, may generate intended reactions in communities of regulatees. Combining insights from compliance motivation theory, responsive regulation theory, and ethnographic studies of compliance, I hypothesize that tit‐for‐tat enforcement's probability of success depends on regulators’ institutionalized capacity to promote law–morality correspondence. Building such institutionalized capacity—so‐called “embeddedness”—simultaneously increases requirements for inspectorates’ competence. This article addresses three forms of law–morality correspondence: moral support for the law's content, the legislator's authority, and harmony between legal and moral guilt criteria.
Oxygen isotopic and chemical composition of chromites in micrometeorites: Evidence of ordinary chondrite precursors
Authors: Rudraswami N. G. , Marrocchi Yves , Shyam Prasad M. , Fernandes D. , Villeneuve Johan , Taylor S.
Published: March 2019

We identified 66 chromite grains from 42 of ~5000 micrometeorites collected from Indian Ocean deep‐sea sediments and the South Pole water well. To determine the chromite grains precursors and their contribution to the micrometeorite flux, we combined quantitative electron microprobe analyses and oxygen isotopic analyses by high‐resolution secondary ion mass spectrometry. Micrometeorite chromite grains show variable O isotopic compositions with δ18O values ranging from −0.8 to 6.0‰, δ17O values from 0.3 to 3.6‰, and Δ17O values from −0.9 to 1.6‰, most of them being similar to those of chromites from ordinary chondrites. The oxygen isotopic compositions of olivine, considered as a proxy of chromite in chromite‐bearing micrometeorites where chromite is too small to be measured in ion microprobe have Δ17O values suggesting a principal relationship to ordinary chondrites with some having carbonaceous chondrite precursors. Furthermore, the chemical compositions of chromites in micrometeorites are close to those reported for ordinary chondrite chromites, but some contribution from carbonaceous chondrites cannot be ruled out. Consequently, carbonaceous chondrites cannot be a major contributor of chromite‐bearing micrometeorites. Based on their oxygen isotopic and elemental compositions, we thus conclude with no ambiguity that chromite‐bearing micrometeorites are largely related to fragments of ordinary chondrites with a small fraction from carbonaceous chondrites, unlike other micrometeorites deriving largely from carbonaceous chondrites.
Entanglement‐scar acquisition rates and scar frequency for Bering‐Chukchi‐Beaufort Seas bowhead whales using aerial photography
Authors: George John C. “Craig” , Tudor Barbara , Givens Geof H. , Mocklin Julie , Vate Brattström Linda
Published: March 2019

The Bering‐Chukchi‐Beaufort Seas (BCBS) bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus) has been considered at low‐risk for entanglement injuries and ship strikes because their range is mainly north of commercial fisheries; nevertheless, changes to their arctic habitat, including a longer open water period and declining sea ice, have resulted in increasing commercial activity and concern about fisheries interactions. We examined interyear matches (between 1985 and 2011) from a photo identification project and identified whales that had acquired entanglement injuries. We estimated the probability of a bowhead acquiring an entanglement injury using two statistical methods: interval censored survival analysis and a simple binomial model. Both methods give similar results, suggesting a 2.2% (95% CI: 1.1%–3.3%) annual probability of acquiring a scar. We also include an entanglement scar frequency analysis of aerial photographs from the 2011 spring and fall surveys near Point Barrow, Alaska, which suggest 12.4% of live bowheads show evidence of entanglement scarring. Entanglement rates for the BCBS bowhead stock are lower than many other large whale stocks, and abundance has increased over the past 35 yr; however, our findings indicate that fishing gear entanglement is a more serious concern for the BCBS bowhead whale population than previously thought.
The making of elaborate petals in Nigella through developmental repatterning
Authors: Yao Xu , Zhang Wengen , Duan Xiaoshan , Yuan Yi , Zhang Rui , Shan Hongyan , Kong Hongzhi
Published: March 2019

Elaborate petals are present in many flowering plants lineages and have greatly promoted the success and evolutionary radiation of these groups. How elaborate petals are made, however, remains largely unclear. Petals of Nigella (Ranunculaceae) have long been recognized as elaborate and can thus be an excellent model for the study of petal elaboration.

Here, by conducting detailed morphological, micromorphological, anatomical, developmental and evolutionary studies on the petals of Nigella species, we explored the processes, general patterns and underlying mechanisms of petal elaboration.

We found that petals of Nigella are highly complex, and the complexity can be reflected at various levels. We also found that evolutionary elaboration of the Nigella petals is a gradual process, involving not only modifications of pre‐existing structures but also de novo origination of new characters. Further investigations indicated that the elaboration and diversification of Nigella petals were accomplished by modifying the ancestral trajectory of petal development, a process known as developmental repatterning.

Our results not only provide new insights into the development and evolution of elaborate petals, but also highlight the necessity of conducting multiple‐level investigations for understanding the processes, patterns and underlying mechanisms of plant evolution.
A systems biology view of wood formation in Eucalyptus grandis trees submitted to different potassium and water regimes
Authors: Ployet Raphael , Veneziano Labate Mônica T. , Regiani Cataldi Thais , Christina Mathias , Morel Marie , San Clemente Hélène , Denis Marie , Favreau Bénédicte , Tomazello Filho Mario , Laclau Jean‐Paul , Labate Carlos Alberto , Chaix Gilles , Grima‐Pettenati Jacqueline , Mounet Fabien
Published: March 2019

Wood production in fast‐growing Eucalyptus grandis trees is highly dependent on both potassium (K) fertilization and water availability but the molecular processes underlying wood formation in response to the combined effects of these two limiting factors remain unknown.

E. grandis trees were submitted to four combinations of K‐fertilization and water supply. Weighted gene co‐expression network analysis and MixOmics‐based co‐regulation networks were used to integrate xylem transcriptome, metabolome and complex wood traits. Functional characterization of a candidate gene was performed in transgenic E. grandis hairy roots.

This integrated network‐based approach enabled us to identify meaningful biological processes and regulators impacted by K‐fertilization and/or water limitation. It revealed that modules of co‐regulated genes and metabolites strongly correlated to wood complex traits are in the heart of a complex trade‐off between biomass production and stress responses. Nested in these modules, potential new cell‐wall regulators were identified, as further confirmed by the functional characterization of EgMYB137.

These findings provide new insights into the regulatory mechanisms of wood formation under stressful conditions, pointing out both known and new regulators co‐opted by K‐fertilization and/or water limitation that may potentially promote adaptive wood traits.
Inherited allelic variants and novel karyotype changes influence fertility and genome stability in Brassica allohexaploids
Authors: Gaebelein Roman , Schiessl Sarah V. , Samans Birgit , Batley Jacqueline , Mason Annaliese S.
Published: March 2019

Synthetic allohexaploid Brassica hybrids (2n = AABBCC) do not exist naturally, but can be synthesized by crosses between diploid and/or allotetraploid Brassica species. Using these hybrids, we aimed to identify how novel allohexaploids restore fertility and normal meiosis after formation.

Chromosome inheritance, genome structure, fertility and meiotic behaviour were assessed in three segregating allohexaploid populations derived from the cross (B. napus × B. carinata) × B. juncea using a combination of molecular marker genotyping, phenotyping and cytogenetics.

Plants with unbalanced A–C translocations in one direction (where a C‐genome chromosome fragment replaces an A‐genome fragment) but not the other (where an A‐genome fragment replaces a C‐genome fragment) showed significantly reduced fertility across all populations. Genomic regions associated with fertility contained several meiosis genes with putatively causal mutations inherited from the parents (copies of SCC2 in the A genome, PAIR1/PRD3, PRD1 and ATK1/KATA/KIN14a in the B genome, and MSH2 and SMC1/TITAN8 in the C genome).

Reduced seed fertility associated with the loss of chromosome fragments from only one subgenome following homoeologous exchanges could comprise a mechanism for biased genome fractionation in allopolyploids. Pre‐existing meiosis gene variants present in allotetraploid parents may help to stabilize meiosis in novel allohexaploids.
Invalid Votes, Deliberate Abstentions, and the Brazilian Crisis of Representation
Authors: Nepomuceno Thyago Celso Cavalcante , Costa Ana Paula Cabral Seixas
Published: March 2019

August 31, 2016 registered the historical impeachment of Brazilian president, Dilma Rousseff, indicted for contravening the budget law and misstating the public deficit that propelled the country into deep economic recession. Many disagreements on this matter have permeated the country’s conflict atmosphere, supported by arguments that the collective will of more than 54 million voters was disrespected. Based on 3,010 interviews conducted in 204 Brazilian cities, we construct a pairwise comparison to present arguments that Rousseff had no legitimate representation in the 2014 national elections. We demonstrate how the suboptimal support of invalid votes and deliberate abstentions might have misrepresented the results of Brazilian presidential election by choosing a pseudo‐Condorcet loser candidate. The results in the Brazilian case study presented here point to the weakness in the social process of aggregating preferences by relative or absolute majority, and sets out recommendations.

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Stockemer, Daniel. 2013. “Corruption and Turnout in Presidential Elections: A Macro‐Level Quantitative Analysis.” Politics & Policy 41 (2): 189‐212. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12012

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Related Media

The Conversation. 2017. “Kenneth Arrow’s Legacy and Why Elections Can Be Flawed.” March 1. https://theconversation.com/kenneth-arrows-legacy-and-why-elections-can-be-flawed-73675
Exogenous application of melatonin improves eradication of apple stem grooving virus from the infected in vitro shoots by shoot tip culture
Authors: Chen L. , Wang M.‐R. , Li J.‐W. , Feng C.‐H. , Cui Z.‐H. , Zhao L. , Wang Q.‐C.
Published: March 2019

Production and maintenance of virus‐free planting materials is pivotal for the control of viral diseases. The present study attempted to test exogenous application of melatonin for eradication of apple stem grooving virus (ASGV) from virus‐infected in vitro shoots of apple cultivar Gala. Exogenous application of 15 μm melatonin to the shoot proliferation medium significantly increased the number of shoots and shoot length. The level of endogenous indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA) was the highest in the shoots proliferating on the shoot proliferation medium containing 15 μm melatonin. Shoot regrowth levels were significantly higher in shoot tips of the virus‐infected shoots cultured for 4 weeks on this medium than the control. In addition, culture of shoot tips of the virus‐infected in vitro shoots proliferated for 4 weeks on this medium resulted in 95% of shoots being virus‐free, while no virus‐free shoots were obtained in shoot tips of the virus‐infected shoots cultured without melatonin. Analyses by microtissue direct RT‐PCR and RT‐qPCR showed that ASGV concentration decreased in shoot tips of the virus‐infected shoots proliferating on the medium containing 15 μm melatonin for 4 weeks. Virus localization showed that exogenous application of melatonin enlarged the virus‐free area in the virus‐infected shoot tips. These data provide explanations as to why exogenous application of melatonin can efficiently eradicate ASGV. Exogenous application of melatonin provides an alternative means for plant virus eradication and has the potential to produce virus‐free plants.
Experimental and clinical studies on regenerative periodontal therapy
Authors: Sallum Enilson A. , Ribeiro Fernanda V. , Ruiz Karina S. , Sallum Antonio W.
Published: March 2019

The recognition of a periodontal therapy as a regenerative procedure requires the demonstration of new cementum, periodontal ligament, and bone coronal to the base of the defect. A diversity of regenerative strategies has been evaluated, including root surface conditioning, bone grafts and bone substitute materials, guided tissue regeneration, enamel matrix proteins, growth/differentiation factors, combined therapies and, more recently, tissue‐engineering approaches. The aim of this chapter of Periodontology 2000 is to review the research carried out in Latin America in the field of periodontal regeneration, focusing mainly on studies using preclinical models (animal models) and randomized controlled clinical trials. This review may help clinicians and researchers to evaluate the current status of the therapies available and to discuss the challenges that must be faced in order to achieve predictable periodontal regeneration in clinical practice.
Experimental and clinical studies on plastic periodontal procedures
Authors: Novaes Arthur Belém , Palioto Daniela Bazan
Published: March 2019

We have compiled, in this Periodontology 2000 review, all Latin American literature on experimental and clinical studies of periodontal plastic procedures. The body of literature on this subject has led to a discussion of the features and treatment outcomes of root‐coverage procedures. Over time, knowledge on periodontal plastic procedures has become less empirical and more supportive of the clinical management of recession‐type defects. Gingival recession etiology, animal studies, free gingival grafts, pedicle flaps (semilunar, laterally positioned, and coronally positioned), and subepithelial connective tissue grafts are extensively reviewed. The use of allografts as an alternative to subepithelial connective tissue grafts, the treatment of multiple gingival recessions, and the rationale for use of guided tissue regeneration and enamel matrix derivative in plastic periodontal procedure is discussed. We also assess how smoking can affect the treatment outcomes in plastic surgery procedures. Minimally invasive procedures are of great value in improving the features of the final tissues. The following aspects identified in this compilation were of great interest: (a) some factors, anatomical in nature, favor the formation of root recessions, but it is the inflammatory process (caused by the presence of biofilm and/or by traumatic toothbrushing) that is responsible for the development of root recessions; and (b) pedicle flap procedures (especially the coronally positioned flap) are extremely versatile and have the most predictable outcome of all root‐coverage procedures, especially when combined with subepithelial connective tissue grafting and/or allogeneic grafts. In summary: subepithelial connective tissue grafting is considered as the first option to augment gingival width and thickness, and it may provide better long‐term results; the same principles of root‐coverage procedures in individual sites appear be used in clinical practice also for multiple‐recession type defects; an allograft is an efficient alternative to a subepithelial connective tissue graft and, when it is the treatment option of choice, the use of wide, extended flaps should be considered; because of the superiority of plastic periodontal procedures over guided tissue regeneration and the technical difficulty of the latter, guided tissue regeneration has become obsolete for root‐coverage procedures; there is rather a large body of evidence attesting that smoking negatively influences root‐coverage procedures, especially subepithelial connective tissue grafts; and minimally invasive techniques may be of great value for improving the results obtained with plastic periodontal procedures, but these techniques need to be better addressed in clinical trials, both in terms of the quality and quantity of the new tissue generated.
Socket healing with and without immediate implant placement
Authors: Araújo Mauricio G. , Silva Cleverson O. , Souza Andrė B. , Sukekava Flavia
Published: March 2019

The aim of the present review was to describe the studies produced in Latin America that contributed to the elucidation of the effect of tooth extraction with and without immediate implant installation. An electronic search was conducted in MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, Scielo, Lilacs, and Embase to include clinical and experimental (animal) studies on immediate implants. The studies selected had to fulfill the following inclusion criteria: (i) to present clinical and/or histological data on socket healing with or without immediate implant installation; (ii) to be approved by a Latin American Ethic Committee or comparable; and (iii) to include at least one author from a Latin American institution or to be conducted in a Latin America institution. Latin American studies that fulfilled these criteria demonstrated that immediate implant installation was conducive for predictable osseointegration and high survival rates but failed to prevent bone modeling and dimensional reduction of the alveolar ridge. In addition, it was also shown that regenerative approaches, including hard and soft tissue grafts at the time of immediate implant placement, may be beneficial to compensate for the alveolar ridge reduction. Regenerative approaches immediately after tooth extraction may decrease the amount of dimension reduction of the alveolar ridge.
Cold acclimation of SnRK2.2 kinases mutant Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Unal Dilek , Cekic Fazilet Ozlem
Published: March 2019

In Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, plant‐specific serine/threonine kinases (SnRK2 kinases) play a central role in sulfur metabolism. However, their role in environmental stress has not been clearly understood. Cold stress is one of the most important factors that limit the growth, productivity, and development of photosynthetic organisms. In this report, the effect of cold stress on some physiological parameters were investigated in SnRK2.2 mutant and wild type C. reinhardtii culture. Our results showed that cold stress had significantly enhanced lipid peroxidation rate in wild type, while no significant change was observed in SnRK2.2 mutant culture. Our data also indicated a decline in Rubisco protein amount of wild type culture under low temperature exposure. Low temperature reduced glutathione reductase (GR) activity in the wild type, while GR activity was enhanced in SnRK2.2 mutant. This result indicated the potential of SnRK2 kinase in cold acclimation process.
Discrete effect of each mild behavioural impairment category on dementia conversion or cognitive decline in patients with mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Yokoi Yuma , Takano Harumasa , Sakata Masuhiro , Maruo Kazushi , Nakagome Kazuyuki , Matsuda Hiroshi
Published: March 2019

Background

Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) have been recognized as risk factors for conversion to dementia in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Early detection of NPS may allow for possible interventions in such patients. The present study used mild behavioural impairment to explore the role of NPS in a wide range of patients, from those who are cognitively intact to those with dementia.

Methods

A total of 234 patients with mild cognitive impairment were followed up for up to 3 years in a Japanese cohort study. Longitudinal data from patients who developed dementia during the study and those who did not were statistically analyzed.

Results

Cox regression analysis revealed that only abnormal perception and thought was significant in terms of dementia conversion. Moreover, mixed‐effects models indicated that baseline mild behavioural impairment symptoms did not affect cognitive trajectories such as changes in Mini‐Mental State Examination or Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale‐cognitive subscale scores.

Conclusion

We conclude that only abnormal perception and thought content were risk factors for dementia and that NPS may not lead to deterioration of cognitive function in patients with mild cognitive impairment.
Communicating with the Public About Marauding Terrorist Firearms Attacks: Results from a Survey Experiment on Factors Influencing Intention to “Run, Hide, Tell” in the United Kingdom and Denmark
Authors: Pearce Julia M. , Lindekilde Lasse , Parker David , Rogers M. Brooke
Published: March 2019

Effective risk communication is an integral part of responding to terrorism, but until recently, there has been very little pre‐event communication in a European context to provide advice to the public on how to protect themselves during an attack. Following terrorist attacks involving mass shootings in Paris, France, in November 2015, the U.K. National Police Chiefs’ Council released a Stay Safe film and leaflet that advises the public to “run,” “hide,” and “tell” in the event of a firearms or weapons attack. However, other countries, including Denmark, do not provide preparedness information of this kind, in large part because of concern about scaring the public. In this survey experiment, 3,003 U.K. and Danish participants were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: no information, a leaflet intervention, and a film intervention to examine the impact of “Run, Hide, Tell” advice on perceptions about terrorism, the security services, and intended responses to a hypothetical terrorist firearms attack. Results demonstrate important benefits of pre‐event communication in relation to enhancing trust, encouraging protective health behaviors, and discouraging potentially dangerous actions. However, these findings also suggest that future communications should address perceived response costs and target specific problem behaviors. Cross‐national similarities in response suggest this advice is suitable for adaptation in other countries.
Decision making for the initiation and termination of dialysis in patients with advanced cancer
Authors: Latcha Sheron
Published: March 2019

Age is a risk factor for both cancer and end‐stage renal disease (ESRD). Newer cancer treatments are allowing patients to live longer with their cancer, the renal toxicity from the cancer itself or from the therapies that was used to treat the malignancy. Consequently, nephrologists will increasingly be asked to evaluate and counsel patients with ESRD and advanced cancer regarding the initiation of dialysis. Data on morbidity, mortality, and quality of life (QOL) outcomes in this population are sparse. Expectations regarding what dialysis can reasonably accomplish in this cohort can be unrealistically high among patients, their family members and the rest of the health care team. This article will discuss some results from the available studies on mortality and QOL outcomes in this cohort and advise the nephrologist about how to approach these challenging discussions.
Hepatic serum amyloid A1 upregulates interleukin‐17 (IL‐17) in γδ T cells through Toll‐like receptor 2 and is associated with psoriatic symptoms in transgenic mice
Authors: Choi Minjee , Kim Myoung Ok , Lee Jinhee , Jeong Jain , Sung Yonghun , Park Song , Kwon Wookbong , Jang Soyoung , Park Si Jun , Kim Hyeng‐Soo , Jang Woo Young , Kim Sung Hyun , Lee Sanggyu , Choi Seong‐Kyoon , Ryoo Zae Young
Published: March 2019

Serum amyloid A (SAA) is an acute phase protein with pro‐inflammatory cytokine‐like properties. Recent studies have revealed that SAA promoted interleukin‐17 (IL‐17) production by various cells, including γδ T cells. γδ T cells are innate immune cells and express Toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR2) on their surface, which is one of the SAA receptors. In this study, we investigated the relationship between γδ T cells and SAA1 through TLR2, by using hepatic SAA1‐overexpressing transgenic (TG) mice. By injecting CU‐CPT22, which is a TLR2 inhibitor, into the mice, we confirmed that SAA1 induced IL‐17 in γδ T cells through TLR2. In vitro studies have confirmed that SAA1 increased IL‐17 secretion in γδ T cells in combination with IL‐23. We also observed a thickened epidermis layer and granulocyte penetration into the skin similar to the pathology of psoriasis in TG mice. In addition, strongly expressed SAA1 and penetration of γδ T cells in the skin of TG mice were detected. The exacerbation of psoriasis is associated with an increase in IL‐17 levels. Therefore, these symptoms were induced by IL‐17‐producing γδ T cells increased by SAA1. Our study confirmed that SAA1 was a prominent protein that increased IL‐17 levels through TLR2 in γδ T cells, confirming the possibility that SAA1 may exacerbate inflammatory diseases through γδ T cells.
Self‐regulatory skills: Are they helpful in the prevention of overuse injuries in talented tennis players?
Authors: van der Sluis Alien , Brink Michel S. , Pluim Babette M. , Verhagen Evert A.L.M , Elferink‐Gemser Marije T. , Visscher Chris
Published: March 2019

Talented athletes use metacognitive skills to improve their performance. Also, it is known that these skills are important for managing one's health. The goal of this study was to identify the relationship between metacognitive skills and overuse injuries in talented tennis players. Metacognitive skills were measured in 73 talented tennis players (45 boys and 28 girls, age 11‐14) at the start of the season, using the Self‐Regulation of Learning Self‐Report Scale. Overuse injuries were monitored for one season using the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre Questionnaire on Health Problems. Ordinal regression indicated that moderate or low selfmonitoring skills (compared to high selfmonitoring) (OR 4.555, CI 1.096‐18.927, P = 0.037) and exposure time (OR 1.380, CI 1.106‐1.721, P = 0.004) were associated with more time loss overuse injuries. A second analysis showed that this was the case in girls (OR 10.757, CI 1.845‐62.714, P = 0.008), but not in boys. Linear regression revealed that higher reflection scores and exposure time predicted overuse severity (F(5,58) = 2.921, P = 0.020, R2 = 0.201). Possibly, selfmonitoring can help players to prevent themselves from time loss overuse injuries. Coaches should be aware that players can differ in selfmonitoring ability and thus in the ability to prevent overuse injuries. The role of reflection needs more research.
Successful ceftazidime‐avibactam treatment of post‐surgery Burkholderia multivorans genomovar II bacteremia and brain abscesses in a young lung transplanted woman with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Daccò Valeria , Claut Laura , Piconi Stefania , Castellazzi Luca , Garbarino Francesca , Teri Antonio , Colombo Carla
Published: March 2019

Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) includes several phenotypically similar but genotypically distinct gram‐negative bacteria (GNB) that can colonize the respiratory tract of Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patients. Pathogens are difficult to treat due to intrinsic resistance to multiple antibiotics and are associated to a more rapid decline in lung function and to increased mortality, particularly after lung transplantation. For all these reasons, chronic infection by Burkholderia (B) cenocepacia is presently considered a relative or absolute contraindication in almost all lung transplant centres. We report the case of a young adult CF patient chronically colonized by B multivorans genomovar II, with diabetes and end‐stage renal disease treated with renal replacement therapy: a few months after lung transplantation, she developed post‐surgery B multivorans bacteremia and multiple brain abscesses. This severe infection did not improve despite multiple standard antibiotic regimen. The introduction of ceftazidime‐avibactam, a new β‐lactam/ β‐lactamase inhibitor combination resulted in clinical recovery and in radiological and biochemical improvement.
The
Effect of Aspect Ratio on Compressor
Performance
Authors: To Ho-On , Miller Robert
J.
Published: March 2019

The optimum aspect ratio at which maximum efficiency occurs is relatively low, typically between 1 and 1.5. At these aspect ratios, inaccuracies inherently exist in the decomposition of the flow field into freestream and endwall components due to the absence of a discernible freestream. In this paper, a unique approach is taken: a “linear repeating stage” concept is used in conjunction with a novel way of defining the freestream flow. Through this approach, physically accurate decomposition of the flow field for aspect ratios as low as ∼0.5 can be achieved. This ability to accurately decompose the flow leads to several key findings. First, the endwall flow is found to be dependent on static pressure rise coefficient and endwall geometry, but independent of the aspect ratio. Second, the commonly accepted relationship that endwall loss coefficient varies inversely with the aspect ratio is shown to be physically inaccurate. Instead, a new term, which the authors refer to as the “effective aspect ratio,” should replace the term “aspect ratio.” Moreover, not doing so can result in efficiency errors of ∼0.6% at low aspect ratios. Finally, there exists a low aspect ratio limit below which the two endwall flows interact causing a large separation to occur along the span. From these findings, a low-order model is developed to model the effect of varying aspect ratio on compressor performance. The last section of the paper uses this low-order model and a simple analytical model to show that to a first order, the optimum aspect ratio is just a function of the loss generated by the endwalls at zero clearance and the rate of change in profile loss due to blade thickness. This means that once the endwall configuration has been selected, i.e., cantilever or shroud, the blade thickness sets the optimum aspect ratio.
Smart Rotor With Trailing Edge Flap Considering Bend–Twist Coupling and Aerodynamic Damping: Modeling and Control
Authors: Zhang Wenguang , Liu Ruijie , Wang Yifeng , Wang Yuanyuan , Zhang Xu
Published: March 2019

Aerodynamic damping and bend–twist coupling significantly affect the dynamic response of wind turbines. In this paper, unsteady aerodynamics, aerodynamic damping, and bend–twist coupling (twist-towards-feather) are combined to establish a smart rotor model with trailing edge flaps (TEFs) based on a National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 5 MW reference horizontal-axis wind turbine. The overall idea is to quantitatively evaluate the influence of aerodynamic damping and bend–twist coupling on the smart rotor and to present the control effect of the TEFs under normal wind turbine operating conditions. An aerodynamic model considering the dynamic stall and aerodynamic damping as well as a structural bend–twist coupling model with the influence of gravity and centrifugal force are incorporated into the coupling analysis. The model verification shows that the present model is relatively stable under highly unsteady wind conditions. Then, a robust adaptive tracking (RAT) controller is designed to suppress fluctuations in both the flapwise tip deflection and output power. The simulations show an average reduction of up to 63.86% in the flapwise tip deflection power spectral density (PSD) of blade 1 at the 1P frequency, with an average reduction in the standard deviation of the output power of up to 34.33%.
Stochastic Simplex Approximate Gradient for Robust Life-Cycle Production Optimization: Applied to Brugge Field
Authors: Chen Bailian , Xu Jianchun
Published: March 2019

In oil and gas industry, production optimization is a viable technique to maximize the recovery or the net present value (NPV). Robust optimization is one type of production optimization techniques where the geological uncertainty of reservoir is considered. When well operating conditions, e.g., well flow rates settings of inflow control valves and bottom-hole pressures, are the optimization variables, ensemble-based optimization (EnOpt) is the most popular ensemble-based algorithm for the robust life-cycle production optimization. Recently, a superior algorithm, stochastic simplex approximate gradient (StoSAG), was proposed. Fonseca and co-workers (2016, A Stochastic Simplex Approximate Gradient (StoSAG) for Optimization Under Uncertainty, Int. J. Numer. Methods Eng., 109(13), pp. 1756–1776) provided a theoretical argument on the superiority of StoSAG over EnOpt. However, it has not drawn significant attention in the reservoir optimization community. The purpose of this study is to provide a refined theoretical discussion on why StoSAG is generally superior to EnOpt and to provide a reasonable example (Brugge field) where StoSAG generates estimates of optimal well operating conditions that give a life-cycle NPV significantly higher than the NPV obtained from EnOpt.
Experimental Investigation of the Damage Mechanisms of Drilling Mud in Fractured Tight gas Reservoir
Authors: Wang Zhouhua , Qiu Yilong , Guo Ping , Du Jianfen , Liu Huang , Hu Yisheng , Zeng Fanhua
Published: March 2019

Mud pollution seriously restricts the development of tight gas reservoirs. For the Dabei tight gas field in Tarim Basin, lots of wells show a higher skin factor on the pressure buildup test curves after drilling. Little researches on mud damage have been conducted for the fracture gas reservoir. Based on the previous researches, a dynamic filtration experimental method utilizing full diameter cores is established for fracture-porous cores under reservoir temperature. Twelve sets of dynamic filtration tests with full diameter cores (D = 10 cm) on the established device and some cuttings microscopic analysis on environmental-scanning-electron microscope/energy dispersive X-ray detector (ESEM/EDX) have been conducted. The effects of core type, fracture width, pressure difference, and mud type on mud damage are all investigated. The results show that the fractured cores suffer a more serious damage degree and exhibit lower return permeability ratio, compared with the porous cores. And the damage degree of fractured cores is proportional to the fracture width and pressure difference. The solids invasion is the key factor damaging the fractured cores, while the porous is mainly impaired by the filtrate invasion. This paper provides a scientific, in-depth understanding of the behaviors, laws, and characteristics of mud damage in fractured and porous cores.
Time-Varying Chatter Frequency Characteristics in Thin-Walled Workpiece Milling With B-Spline Wavelet on Interval Finite Element Method
Authors: Wang Chenxi , Zhang Xingwu , Chen Xuefeng , Cao Hongrui
Published: March 2019

As the most significant material removal method, milling plays a very important role in the manufacturing industry. However, chatter occurs frequently in milling, which will seriously affect the production efficiency. The accurate prediction of chatter frequency can contribute to chatter monitoring and the design of the controller for chatter mitigation. During thin-walled workpiece milling under chatter, a new phenomenon of time-varying chatter frequency is discovered and explained in this paper. This phenomenon can be explained as follows, with the workpiece material removal, the modal parameters change during thin-walled milling, which can cause the continuous change of chatter frequency. In order to predict the varying modal parameters, this paper provided an efficient tool, the B-spline wavelet on interval finite element method (BSWIFEM), which can possess the material removal problem more accurately and more rapidly. Based on the calculated modal parameters, the time-varying chatter frequency can be obtained with the chatter frequency calculation formulas. To verify the calculated results, a number of milling tests are implemented on thin-walled parts. The experimental results show that the calculated chatter frequency is in good agreement with the measured chatter frequency, which validates the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Codweb: Whole-genome sequencing uncovers extensive reticulations fueling adaptation among Atlantic, Arctic, and Pacific gadids
Authors: Árnason Einar , Halldórsdóttir Katrín
Published: March 2019

Genome sequencing of codfish supporting large fisheries shows rampant hybridization providing fuel for their adaptations.
Reconfigurable magnetic microrobot swarm: Multimode transformation, locomotion, and manipulation
Authors: Xie Hui , Sun Mengmeng , Fan Xinjian , Lin Zhihua , Chen Weinan , Wang Lei , Dong Lixin , He Qiang
Published: March 2019

Magnetic microrobot swarms collectively perform tasks in a confined environment through multimode transformation and locomotion.
Klebsiella quasipneumoniae
Provides a Window into Carbapenemase Gene Transfer, Plasmid Rearrangements, and Patient Interactions with the Hospital Environment
Authors: Mathers Amy J. , Crook Derrick , Vaughan Alison , Barry Katie E. , Vegesana Kasi , Stoesser Nicole , Parikh Hardik I. , Sebra Robert , Kotay Shireen , Walker A. Sarah , Sheppard Anna E.
Published: March 2019

Several emerging pathogens have arisen as a result of selection pressures exerted by modern health care.
Klebsiella quasipneumoniae
was recently defined as a new species, yet its prevalence, niche, and propensity to acquire antimicrobial resistance genes are not fully described.
Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus Antagonizes NOD2-Mediated Antiviral Effects by Inhibiting NOD2 Protein Expression
Authors: Liu Huisheng , Zhu Zixiang , Xue Qiao , Yang Fan , Cao Weijun , Zhang Keshan , Liu Xiangtao , Zheng Haixue
Published: March 2019

NOD2 was identified as a cytoplasmic viral pattern recognition receptor in 2009. Subsequently, many viruses were reported to activate NOD2-mediated signaling pathways. This study demonstrated that FMDV infection activated NOD2-mediated IFN-β and NF-ĸB signaling pathways. Host cells have developed multiple strategies against viral infection; however, viruses have evolved many strategies to escape host defenses. FMDV has evolved multiple mechanisms to inhibit host type I IFN production. Here, we showed that NOD2 suppressed FMDV replication during viral infection. FMDV 2B, 2C, and 3C
pro
decreased NOD2 protein expression by different mechanisms to promote viral replication. This study provided new insight into the immune evasion mechanisms mediated by FMDV and identified 2B, 2C, and 3C
pro
as antagonistic factors for FMDV to evade host antiviral responses.
Bacterial Diversity Based on a 16S rRNA Gene Amplicon Data Set from a High-Altitude Crater Lake and Glacial Samples of the Iztaccihuatl Volcanic Complex (Mexico)
Authors: Calvillo-Medina Rosa P. , Reyes-Grajeda Juan P. , Moreno-Andrade Vicente D. , Barba-Escoto Luis , Bautista-de Lucio Victor , Jones George H. , Campos-Guillén Juan
Published: March 2019

Little is known about extremophilic microorganisms from glaciers found in subtropical regions, and to our knowledge, no reports have identified glacial bacteria in this ecosystem in Mexico. Herein, we report a 16S rRNA gene amplicon data set demonstrating bacterial diversity of three samples from the Iztaccihuatl volcanic complex (Mexico) with a total of 115,701 to 138,805 high-quality reads.
AMSSM position statement update: blood-borne pathogens in the context of sports participation
Authors: McGrew Christopher , MacCallum Daisy-Scarlett , Narducci Dustymarie , Nuti Rathna , Calabrese Leonard , Dimeff Robert J , Paul Stephen , Poddar Sourav , Rao Ashwin , McKeag Douglas
Published: March 2019

This American Medical Society for Sports Medicine position statement update is directed towards healthcare providers of patients involved in sport and exercise. There have been significant advances in clinical and scientific research in the understanding of blood-borne pathogens (BBPs), and this update incorporates these advancements. This document is intended as a general guide to clinical practice based on the current state of the evidence, while acknowledging the need for modification as new knowledge becomes available. Confirmed transmission of BBPs during sport is exceedingly rare. There are no well-documented reports of HIV, HCV or HDV transmission during sport. There is also no evidence for universal testing for BBPs as a specific requirement for participation in sports. Competitive athletes and non-athletes should follow appropriate general public health agency recommendations for screening for BBPs, considering their individual risk factors and exposures. Standard (universal) precautions must be followed by those providing care to athletes. Exercise and athletic participation can help promote a healthy lifestyle for persons living with BBPs. Those with acute symptomatic BBP infection should limit exercise intensity based on their current health status. Education is the key tool for preventing BBP transmission. Research gaps include evaluation of the prevalence of BBP infections in competitive athletes, the effects of long-term, intense training on infected athletes and the effects of BBP treatment therapies on performance.