bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Response to G. Scott Davis
Authors: Endy Melvin
Published: May 2019

This defense of my essay on Vitoria and Suárez argues that my use of the term “religious war” is based on religious authority at least as much as religious cause, and that Davis’s decision to discuss only Vitoria limits his ability to come to terms with my thesis. To Davis’s argument that for Vitoria war was justified against the Indians only as a necessity of simple justice and to protect the innocent, I argue that his disjunction between simple justice and religious cause is a false one that fails to come to term with the church’s primary reason for approaching Indians, with the Thomistic understanding of the relation between nature and grace and between reason and revelation, and with the distinction between what justice requires in relation to the church and Christians and what it requires for others. I explain finally that my claim is not that the Catholic political rulers readily responded to papal calls for war except when it was in their interest, but that papal war was central to the normative just‐war tradition of the church in canon law and among major theologians like Vitoria and Suárez.
Catholic Social Teaching, Economic Inequality, and American Society
Authors: Himes Kenneth R.
Published: May 2019

The essay begins with an explanation of the underlying theological vision that supports Catholic social teaching's commitment to the centrality of the common good and the role of solidarity as both a virtue and a norm. The vision of humanity as one family and the church as a sacrament of unity is the foundation for a communitarian ethic that prizes inclusion, participation, and relative equality in the quest for a truly just society. An array of social science studies is then employed to show that economic inequality “bleeds” into other realms of public life to undermine fundamental commitments of American society, namely, equal opportunity and political democracy. The essay concludes that an understanding of Catholic social teaching promotes a critical perspective that is deeply at odds with ongoing trends in the U.S. economy.
Effects of yeast culture supplementation and the ratio of non‐structural carbohydrate to fat on growth performance, carcass traits and the fatty acid profile of the longissimus dorsi muscle in lambs
Authors: Liu Yang‐Zhi , Lang Min , Zhen Yu‐Guo , Chen Xue , Sun Zhe , Zhao Wei , Zhang Xue‐Feng , Wang Tao , Qin Gui‐Xin
Published: May 2019

The effects of yeast culture (YC) supplementation and the dietary ratio of non‐structural carbohydrate to fat (NSCFR) on growth performance, carcass traits and fatty acid profile of the longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle in lambs were determined in a 2 × 3 full factorial experiment. Thirty‐six Small‐tailed Han lambs were randomly divided into six groups with six replicates per group. The lambs were fed one of the six pelleted total mixed rations (TMRs) for 60 days after 15 adaption days. The six rations were formed by two NSCFRs (11.37 and 4.57) and three YC supplementation levels (0, 0.8 and 2.3 g/kg dietary dry matter). The average daily gain (ADG), dry matter intake (DMI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) data of each lamb were recorded and calculated. All the lambs were slaughtered for determining carcass traits and fatty acid profile of the LD muscle. DMI was significantly increased (p < 0.05) in a quadratic fashion with 0.8 g/kg of YC supplementation. Carcass weight (CW) and dressing percentage (DP) were significantly increased (p < 0.05) in a linear fashion with 2.3 g/kg of YC supplementation. Animals fed with high‐NSCFR diet had higher (p < 0.05) contents of myristoleic acid (C14:1), pentadecanoic acid (C15:0) and cis‐10‐heptadecenoic acid (C17:1), and lower (p < 0.05) stearic acid (C18:0) content in LD muscle than those fed with low‐NSCFR diet. Moreover, ADG, growth rate (GR), backfat thickness (BFT), percentages of crude fat (CF) and crude protein (CP), SFAs, MUFAs and PUFAs in LD muscle, were significantly affected (p < 0.05) by interaction of dietary NSCFR and supplemental YC level. Overall, YC not only improved the growth performance and carcass traits of the animals but also modified the fatty acid profile of the LD muscle. Furthermore, the effects of YC supplementation may depend on dietary compositions.
Advances and future directions in betalain metabolic engineering
Authors: Polturak Guy , Aharoni Asaph
Published: May 2019

Betalains are nitrogenous red and yellow pigments found in a single order of plants, the Caryophyllales, and in some higher fungi. They are responsible for the colors observed in many ornamental plants, as well as in various food products, where they are used as natural colorants. Their nutritional properties and attractive colors make them an appealing target for metabolic engineering. This is further heightened by the limited availability of natural betalain sources, arising from their relative scarcity in the plant kingdom, particularly in edible plants. Recent progress in decoding their biosynthetic pathway has facilitated stable heterologous production of betalains in several plant and microbial systems. Here, we provide a brief review of recent advances and discuss current approaches and possible future directions in betalain metabolic engineering, including expanding the chemical diversity of betalains and increasing their yield, exploring new host organisms for their heterologous production, and engineering their secretion from the cell.
Searching for the Voice of People with Disabilities in Peace and Conflict Research and Practice
Authors: Francis Roberta L.
Published: May 2019

People with disabilities are the largest minority in the world—a minority that continues to experience direct, structural, and cultural violence during times of peace, as well as times of conflict and displacement. Contributing a unique perspective to the field, this analysis draws on academic and anecdotal evidence from a variety of fields and disciplines, together with the author's interviews with Colombian and Venezuelan refugees and asylum seekers with disabilities, to demonstrate the value of subjugated knowledge within Peace and Conflict Studies. These findings form the case for inclusive and accessible positive peacebuilding, and support the author's call to action for other researchers and practitioners to ensure their own Peace and Conflict Studies endeavors are inclusive of, and accessible to, diverse and marginalized populations.
Client experiences in a prenatal home visiting program: A prenatal care coordination program evaluation
Authors: Heitzman Melissa , Weitzel Jennifer , Kroll Stephanie , Zabler Bev
Published: May 2019

Objective(s)

Prenatal home visiting programs are a strategy to promote positive birth outcomes. Ongoing evaluations of these programs are important to promote fidelity and quality. The goal of this program evaluation was to gain clients’ perspectives of their experiences in one Wisconsin Health Department's Prenatal Care Coordination program including: (a) why clients entered the program, (b) whether client expectations were met, and (c) how expectations impacted client retention.

Design

A Health Department in Wisconsin undertook a three‐part program evaluation of their Prenatal Care Coordination program in 2014–2015. Highlighted here is the final phase of this evaluation. The evaluation was guided by the CDC's (1999) Framework for Program Evaluation in Public Health.

Sample

Clients meeting eligibility criteria were divided into representative clusters using k‐means clustering model. Twenty semi‐structured interviews with former clients of the Wisconsin Health Department's Prenatal Care Coordination program were conducted.

Results

Most clients had no expectations coming into the program and were satisfied with the services they received. Participants named the nurse–client relationship and support from this relationship as a key benefit of the program, while a secondary benefit was the information and resources received. The Health Department used these findings for program improvement and strategic planning.
Vagally mediated heart rate variability and safety learning: Effects of instructions and number of extinction trials
Authors: Wendt Julia , König Jörg , Hufenbach Miriam C. , Koenig Julian , Thayer Julian F. , Hamm Alfons O.
Published: May 2019

Extinction of conditioned fear serves as a laboratory model for the mechanism of action underlying exposure treatment with patients suffering from anxiety disorders. Thus, an enhanced understanding of individual differences in extinction learning may help to improve exposure procedures by tailoring treatment plans to the specific needs of the patient. Vagally mediated heart rate variability (vmHRV) is a promising candidate to investigate individual differences in extinction learning because vmHRV is influenced by an inhibitory prefrontal‐amygdala network that is similarly implied in extinction learning. Moreover, low levels of vmHRV were previously associated with a higher prevalence of anxiety disorders and a deficit in safety learning. Here, we report on two studies (Study 1: N = 48; Study 2: N = 120) in which we investigated the boundary conditions of the observed association between vmHRV and safety learning as indexed by startle potentiation during instructed or uninstructed extinction training. In Study 1 (conditional discrimination task), we found that low vmHRV levels are associated with higher CS+ potentiation during instructed extinction. In Study 2 (differential cue conditional task), we observed an association between individual vmHRV levels and defensive responding during CS− presentations and, in later instructed extinction trials, during intertrial intervals. These findings indicate an overactive defensive system in individuals with low levels of vmHRV that interferes with their ability to recognize safety and thus is associated with a general perception of unsafety.
Functional capacity and self‐care profiles of older people in senior care homes
Authors: Imaginário Cristina , Rocha Magda , Machado Paulo , Antunes Cristina , Martins Teresa
Published: May 2019

The reduction of the functional capacity in older people is the result of physical, psychological and functional changes related to the ageing process, compromising the performance of daily life activities. Assessing their functional capacity and their self‐care profile can facilitate the planning of targeted strategies related to stimulation, as well as cognitive and motor rehabilitation. This study aims to evaluate and analyse the functional capacity, as well as the level of dependence in self‐care of older people in senior care centres. This is a transversal exploratory study, quantitative in nature. The sample was comprised of 313 participants, randomly selected from a set of senior care centres, with an average age of 83.41 (SD=7.14) years, recruited from the interior North of Portugal. The data collection instruments included the Barthel Index, the Lawton and Brody Scale, the Evaluation Form of Dependence in Self‐care, the Self‐care of Home Dwelling Elderly (self‐care subscale profiles) and a questionnaire on demographic data. The elderly showed several levels of dependence on different self‐care items. It was possible to observe that the staff often replaces the elderly in many of the tasks that could still be performed by them, and thus aggravates their levels of dependence. The link observed between functional capacity and self‐care profiles highlights the need to focus on the notion of a healthy and active ageing process, especially in some profiles. The monitoring of the functional capacity and the self‐care profile can provide knowledge concerning the potential for autonomy and individual needs, thus enabling targeted and more responsive interventions for the individual and the real needs of older people.
Perceptions of coach doping confrontation efficacy and athlete susceptibility to intentional and inadvertent doping
Authors: Boardley Ian D. , Smith Alan L. , Ntoumanis Nikos , Gucciardi Daniel F. , Harris Tyler S.
Published: May 2019

Objectives

We tested a conceptually grounded model linking athlete perceptions of strength and conditioning and technical coach doping confrontation efficacy (DCE) with athletes’ doping self‐regulatory efficacy (SRE), doping moral disengagement (MD), and susceptibility to intentional and inadvertent doping.

Design

Cross‐sectional, correlational.

Methods

Participants were high‐level athletes (nmale = 532; nfemale = 290) recruited in Australia (n = 261), the UK (n = 300), and the USA (n = 261). All participants completed questionnaires assessing the variables alongside a variant of the randomized response technique to estimate the prevalence of doping.

Results

The estimated prevalence of intentional doping in the sample was 13.9%. Structural equation modeling established: (a) perceptions of technical and strength and conditioning coaches’ DCE positively predicted doping SRE; (b) doping SRE negatively predicted doping MD; (c) doping MD positively predicted susceptibility to intentional and inadvertent doping; and (d) the predictive effects of coach perceptions on susceptibility to doping were mediated by doping SRE and doping MD. Multisample analyses demonstrated these predictive effects were invariant between males and females and across the three countries represented.

Conclusions

The findings show the conceptually grounded model to offer extended understanding of how multiple individuals within the athlete support personnel network may influence athlete doping.
Altered erythroid‐related miRNA levels as a possible novel biomarker for detection of autologous blood transfusion misuse in sport
Authors: Gasparello Jessica , Lamberti Nicola , Papi Chiara , Lampronti Ilaria , Cosenza Lucia Carmela , Fabbri Enrica , Bianchi Nicoletta , Zambon Christel , Dalla Corte Francesca , Govoni Maurizio , Reverberi Roberto , Manfredini Fabio , Gambari Roberto , Finotti Alessia
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND

Autologous blood transfusion (ABT) is a performance‐enhancing method prohibited in sport; its detection is a key issue in the field of anti‐doping. Among novel markers enabling ABT detection, microRNAs (miRNAs) might be considered a promising analytical tool.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We studied the changes of erythroid‐related microRNAs following ABT, to identify novel biomarkers. Fifteen healthy trained males were studied from a population of 24 subjects, enrolled and randomized into a Transfusion (T) and a Control (C) group. Seriated blood samples were obtained in the T group before and after the two ABT procedures (withdrawal, with blood refrigerated or cryopreserved, and reinfusion), and in the C group at the same time points. Traditional hematological parameters were assessed. Samples were tested by microarray analysis of a pre‐identified set of erythroid‐related miRNAs.

RESULTS

Hematological parameters showed moderate changes only in the T group, particularly following blood withdrawal. Among erythroid‐related miRNAs tested, following ABT a pool of 7 miRNAs associated with fetal hemoglobin and regulating transcriptional repressors of gamma‐globin gene was found stable in C and differently expressed in three out of six T subjects in the completed phase of ABT, independently from blood conservation. Particularly, two or more erythropoiesis‐related miRNAs within the shortlist constituted of miR‐126‐3p, miR‐144‐3p, miR‐191‐3p, miR‐197‐3p, miR‐486‐3p, miR‐486‐5p, and miR‐92a‐3p were significantly upregulated in T subjects after reinfusion, with a person‐to‐person variability but with congruent changes.

CONCLUSIONS

This study describes a signature of potential interest for ABT detection in sports, based on the analysis of miRNAs associated with erythroid features.
Phosphorus retention and loss in three types of soils with implications for geographical pattern of eutrophication in China
Authors: Peng Liang , Xue Xianguang , Tang Quehui , Zhu Yi , Xiao Lijuan , Yang Yang , Lin Qiuqi
Published: May 2019

Phosphorus (P) loss from soil to water bodies is an important process associated with eutrophication of lakes and reservoirs. Phosphorus concentration in China's waterbodies changes geographically, increasing substantially with latitude. It is assumed that the geographical pattern results from change in soil retention and loss features of P. To test this assumption, we designed a soil column leaching experiment to measure the P retention capacity of three common types of soils in China: red, black and loess. Results showed that red soil possessed a much higher P retention capacity than black and loess soils. Red soil retained P primarily through binding by aluminium and iron, with half of the total retained P contributed by iron binding. Phosphorus loss in all three soils was influenced by pH of the used acid solution and the leaching rate. Specifically, acidification tends to promote soil P loss, whereas leaching rate decreases P loss.
Attributes of a Successful Clinical Ladder Program for Nurses: An Integrative Review
Authors: Moore Abigail , Meucci Joanne , McGrath Jacqueline
Published: May 2019

Background

Clinical ladder programs (CLPs) are often utilized by healthcare organizations to monitor and incentivize staff nurse development. Few studies exist related to this topic, yet implementation of CLPs can be an important factor in staff nurse retention and satisfaction, and therefore requires better understanding.

Aim

To identify and examine the factors that contribute to a successful CLP.

Methods

A systematic search of the literature was conducted in PubMed and CINAHL. Studies were not limited by year and were included if the focus was CLP attributes. PRISMA and PICOT were used to guide the process. A matrix of the existing studies was used, and interrater reliability was established at 90% with consensus building for inclusion of studies by the research team.

Results

Twenty‐nine studies were identified for inclusion. Most were program evaluation. Institution's organizational culture was identified as the overarching attribute contributing to a successful CLP. Common themes identified as important to a supportive organizational culture were (a) education and experience; (b) competence and critical thinking; (c) job satisfaction and retention; and (d) compensation and institutional cost. Each of these components can play a significant role in the overall success of a CLP.

Linking Evidence to Action

While further research of a higher caliber is needed, some recommendations for practice can be made: (a) CLP description and terminology needs to be consistent with intent, (b) mandatory CLP engagement has positive implications, and (c) implementation needs to be driven by bedside nurses and includes both continuous education and refinement of program requirements and incentives.
The loss of slow skeletal muscle isoform of troponin T in spindle intrafusal fibres explains the pathophysiology of Amish nemaline myopathy
Authors: Oki Kentaro , Wei Bin , Feng Han‐Zhong , Jin Jian‐Ping
Published: May 2019

Key points

The pathogenic mechanism and the neuromuscular reflex‐related phenotype (e.g. tremors accompanied by clonus) of Amish nemaline myopathy, as well as of other recessively inherited TNNT1 myopathies, remain to be clarified.

The truncated slow skeletal muscle isoform of troponin T (ssTnT) encoded by the mutant TNNT1 gene is unable to incorporate into myofilaments and is degraded in muscle cells.

By contrast to extrafusal muscle fibres, spindle intrafusal fibres of normal mice contain a significant level of cardiac TnT and a low molecular weight splice form of ssTnT. Intrafusal fibres of ssTnT‐knockout mice have significantly increased cardiac TnT.

Rotarod and balance beam tests have revealed abnormal neuromuscular co‐ordination in ssTnT‐knockout mice and a blunted response to a spindle sensitizer, succinylcholine.

The loss of ssTnT and a compensatory increase of cardiac TnT in intrafusal nuclear bag fibres may increase myofilament Ca2+‐sensitivity and tension, impairing spindle function, thus identifying a novel mechanism for the development of targeted treatment.

A nonsense mutation at codon Glu180 of TNNT1 gene causes Amish nemaline myopathy (ANM), a recessively inherited disease with infantile lethality. TNNT1 encodes the slow skeletal muscle isoform of troponin T (ssTnT). The truncated ssTnT is unable to incorporate into myofilament and is degraded in muscle cells. The symptoms of ANM include muscle weakness, atrophy, contracture and tremors accompanied by clonus. An ssTnT‐knockout (KO) mouse model recapitulates key features of ANM such as atrophy of extrafusal slow muscle fibres and increased fatigability. However, the neuromuscular reflex‐related symptoms of ANM have not been explained. By isolating muscle spindles from ssTnT‐KO and control mice aiming to examine the composition of myofilament proteins, we found that, in contrast to extrafusal fibres, intrafusal fibres contain a significant level of cardiac TnT and the low molecular weight splice form of ssTnT. Intrafusal fibres from ssTnT‐KO mice have significantly increased cardiac TnT. Rotarod and balance beam tests revealed impaired neuromuscular co‐ordination in ssTnT‐KO mice, indicating abnormality in spindle functions. Unlike the wild‐type control, the beam running ability of ssTnT‐KO mice had a blunted response to a spindle sensitizer, succinylcholine. Immunohistochemistry detected ssTnT and cardiac TnT in nuclear bag fibres, whereas fast skeletal muscle TnT was detected in nuclear chain fibres, and cardiac α‐myosin was present in one of the two nuclear bag fibres. The loss of ssTnT and a compensatory increase of cardiac TnT in nuclear bag fibres would increase myofilament Ca2+‐sensitivity and tension, thus affecting spindle activities. This mechanism provides an explanation for the pathophysiology of ANM, as well as a novel target for treatment.
Layer-Wise Modeling and Anomaly Detection for Laser-Based Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Seifi Seyyed Hadi , Tian Wenmeng , Doude Haley , Tschopp Mark A. , Bian Linkan
Published: May 2019

Additive manufacturing (AM) is a novel fabrication technique capable of producing highly complex parts. Nevertheless, a major challenge is the quality assurance of the AM fabricated parts. While there are several ways of approaching this problem, how to develop informative process signatures to detect part anomalies for quality control is still an open question. The objective of this study is to build a new layer-wise process signature model to characterize the thermal-defect relationship. Based on melt pool images, we propose novel layer-wise key process signatures, which are calculated using multilinear principal component analysis (MPCA) and are directly correlated with the layer-wise quality of the part. The resultant layer-wise quality features can be used to predict the overall defect distribution of a fabricated layer during the build. The proposed model is validated through a case study based on a direct laser deposition experiment, where the layer-wise quality of the part is predicted on the fly. The accuracy of prediction is calculated using three measures (i.e., recall, precision, and F-score), showing reasonable success of the proposed methodology in predicting layer-wise quality. The proposed quality prediction methodology enables online process correction to eliminate anomalies and to ultimately improve the quality of the fabricated parts.
Field Measurement and Numerical Study of the Vibration in the Pipeline of Centrifugal Compressor
Authors: Wu Jia , Zheng Shui Y.
Published: May 2019

During compressor operation, vibration of the connecting pipeline often occurs which potentially has an impact on safety. Field vibration measurements are carried out on a pipeline for a centrifugal compressor, and the vibration waveform and spectrum characteristics are obtained. Numerical studies are conducted to investigate the relationship between the natural frequency of the pipeline and the fluid excitation frequencies. These numerical results are verified by comparison with the field measurement values, which shows that the numerical method can be useful for engineering applications. Some preliminary conclusions are drawn from the results of the field measurements and the numerical simulation. Pressure fluctuations spread through the pipeline over an appreciable distance. The sensitive frequencies of the pipeline vibration are determined, and the fundamental causes of the flow induced vibration revealed. Accordingly, the pipeline structure can be modified to reduce the vibration and ensure the safety of the equipment and the pipeline.
Characterization of Spinal Needle Buckling Behavior
Authors: Hulburt Tessa , Booth Jessica , Pan Peter , Brown Philip
Published: May 2019

The use of large gauge (G) spinal anesthesia needles can increase complications due to buckling. The purpose of this study was to quantify the behavior of spinal needles in buckling using a repeatable laboratory model. A spinal anesthesia procedure and buckling complication was reproduced in vitro using a custom test fixture designed to match the boundary conditions of needle insertion as performed by an anesthesiologist and a uniaxial servohydraulic material testing machine (MTS, Eden Prairie, MN). Buckling tests were performed with 22 G Whitacre (Medline Industries, Inc., Northfield IL), SPROTTE® (Pajunk, Norcross, GA), and Gertie Marx (International Medical Development, Huntsville, UT) needles (n = 30) in a ballistics gelatin tissue surrogate (Clear Ballistics, Fort Smith, AR). In analyzing axial force results, critical buckling load results were 27.65 ± 0.92 N, signifying that needle fragility is not why buckling is challenging to detect. Force feedback during needle insertion increased linearly due to frictional forces from the tissue surrogate on the needle. The differential between the resultant insertion force and the critical buckling force is more important to the detection of needle buckling than the critical buckling force alone. A very small difference in these two forces could feel like expected resistance increase as the needle is further inserted into the multiple tissue layers. Comparison of the differential between the resultant insertion force and the critical buckling force should be considered when choosing a needle to best detect and prevent a buckling complication.
A Distributed Predictive Control of Energy Resources in Radiant Floor Buildings
Authors: Rastegarpour Soroush , Ferrarini Luca , Palaiogiannis Foivos
Published: May 2019

This paper studies the impact of using different types of energy storages integrated with a heat pump for energy efficiency in radiant-floor buildings. In particular, the performance of the building energy resources management system is improved through the application of distributed model predictive control (DMPC) to better anticipate the effects of disturbances and real-time pricing together with following the modular structure of the system under control. To this end, the load side and heating system are decoupled through a three-element mixing valve, which enforces a fixed water flow rate in the building pipelines. Hence, the building temperature control is executed by a linear model predictive control, which in turn is able to exchange the building information with the heating system controller. On the contrary, there is a variable action of the mixing valve, which enforces a variable circulated water flow rate within the tank. In this case, the optimization problem is more complex than in literature due to the variable circulation water flow rate within the tank layers, which gives rise to a nonlinear model. Therefore, an adaptive linear model predictive control is designed for the heating system to deal with the system nonlinearity trough a successive linearization method around the current operating point. A battery is also installed as a further storage, in addition to the thermal energy storage, in order to have the option between the charging and discharging of both storages based on the electricity price tariff and the building and thermal energy storage inertia. A qualitative comparative analysis has been also carried out with a rule-based heuristic logic and a centralized model predictive control (CMPC) algorithm. Finally, the proposed control algorithm has been experimentally validated in a well-equipped smart grid research laboratory belonging to the ERIGrid Research Infrastructure, funded by European Union's Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme.
Bat sonar and wing morphology predict species vertical niche
Authors: Roemer Charlotte , Coulon Aurélie , Disca Thierry , Bas Yves
Published: May 2019

The use of echolocation allows insectivorous bats to access unique foraging niches by locating obstacles and prey with ultrasounds in complete darkness. To avoid interspecific competition, it is likely that sonar features and wing morphology co-evolved with species vertical distribution, but due to the technical difficulties of studying flight in the vertical dimension, this has never been demonstrated with empirical measurements. The authors equipped 48 wind masts with arrays of two microphones and located the vertical distribution of a community of 19 bat species and two species groups over their annual activity period (>8000 nights). The authors tested the correlation between the proportion of flights at height and the acoustic features of bat calls as well as their wing morphology. The authors found that call peak frequency and bandwidth are good predictors of bat use of the vertical space regardless of their acoustic strategies (i.e., gleaning, hawking, or detecting prey flutter). High wing aspect ratios and high wing loadings were associated with high proportions of time spent at height, confirming hypotheses from the literature.
Broadband, slow sound on a glide-symmetric meander-channel surface
Authors: Beadle J. G. , Hooper I. R. , Sambles J. R. , Hibbins A. P.
Published: May 2019

The acoustic surface waves supported by hard surfaces patterned with repeat-period, meandering grooves are explored. The single, continuous groove forms a glide-symmetric surface, inhibiting the formation of a bandgap at the first Brillouin-zone boundary. Consequently, the acoustic surface waves exhibit an almost constant, sub-speed-of-sound, group velocity over a broad frequency band. Such slow, broadband modes may have applications in controlling the flow of noise over surfaces.
The Moderating Role of Recovery Durations in High-Intensity Interval-Training Protocols
Authors: Schoenmakers Patrick P.J.M. , Hettinga Florentina J. , Reed Kate E.
Published: May 2019

Purpose: Over recent years, multiple studies have tried to optimize the exercise intensity and duration of work intervals in high-intensity-interval training (HIIT) protocols. Although an optimal work interval is of major importance to facilitate training adaptations, an optimal HIIT protocol can only be achieved with an adequate recovery interval separating work bouts. Surprisingly, little research has focused on the acute responses and long-term impact of manipulating recovery intervals in HIIT sessions. This invited commentary therefore aimed to review and discuss the current literature and increase the understanding of the moderating role of recovery durations in HIIT protocols. Conclusion: The acute responses to manipulations in recovery durations in repeated-sprint training (RST), sprint interval training (SIT), and aerobic interval training (AIT) protocols have recently begun to receive scientific interest. However, limited studies have manipulated only the recovery duration in RST, SIT, or AIT protocols to analyze the role of recovery durations on long-term training adaptations. In RST and SIT, longer recovery intervals (≥80 s) facilitate higher workloads in subsequent work intervals (compared with short recovery intervals), while potentially lowering the aerobic stimulus of the training session. In AIT, the total physiological strain endured per training protocol appears not to be moderated by the recovery intervals, unless the recovery duration is too short. This invited commentary highlights that further empirical evidence on a variety of RST, SIT, and AIT protocols and in exercise modalities other than cycling is needed.
Neisseria meningitidis Type IV Pili Trigger Ca
2+
-Dependent Lysosomal Trafficking of the Acid Sphingomyelinase To Enhance Surface Ceramide Levels
Authors: Peters Simon , Schlegel Jan , Becam Jérôme , Avota Elita , Sauer Markus , Schubert-Unkmeir Alexandra
Published: May 2019

Acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) is a lipid hydrolase that converts sphingomyelin to ceramide and that can be activated by various cellular stress mechanisms, including bacterial pathogens. Vesicle transportation or trafficking of ASM from the lysosomal compartment to the cell membrane is a prerequisite for its activation in response to bacterial infections; however, the effectors and mechanisms of ASM translocation and activation are poorly defined.
A DNA-Binding Protein Tunes Septum Placement during
Bacillus subtilis
Sporulation
Authors: Brown Emily E. , Miller Allyssa K. , Krieger Inna V. , Otto Ryan M. , Sacchettini James C. , Herman Jennifer K.
Published: May 2019

The bacterial nucleoid forms a large, highly organized structure. Thus, in addition to storing the genetic code, the nucleoid harbors positional information that can be leveraged by DNA-binding proteins to spatially constrain cellular activities. During
B. subtilis
sporulation, the nucleoid undergoes reorganization, and the cell division protein FtsZ assembles polarly to direct septation over one chromosome. The TetR family protein RefZ binds DNA motifs (
RBM
s) localized near the poles at the time of division and is required for both timely FtsZ assembly and precise capture of DNA in the future spore compartment. Our data suggest that RefZ exploits nucleoid organization by associating with polarly localized
RBM
s to modulate the positioning of FtsZ relative to the chromosome during sporulation.
Pentosan Polysulfate Demonstrates Anti-human T-Cell Leukemia Virus Type 1 ActivitiesIn VitroandIn Vivo
Authors: Ma Guangyong , Yasunaga Jun-ichirou , Ohshima Koichi , Matsumoto Tadashi , Matsuoka Masao
Published: May 2019

HTLV-1 is the first human retrovirus to have been identified and is endemic in certain areas worldwide. HTLV-1 infection leads to the development of an inflammatory disease called HAM/TSP, a myelopathy characterized by slowly progressive spastic paraparesis. There have been no effective therapeutics available for HAM/TSP, but recently, a semisynthetic glycosaminoglycan, named pentosan polysulfate (PPS), has been found to alleviate the symptoms of HAM/TSP. Here we conducted a comprehensive study on the effect of PPS bothin vitroandin vivo. PPS demonstrated anti-HTLV-1 potential in infected cell lines, as shown by its suppressive effects on HTLV-1 replication and transmission and on the transmigration of infected T cells. Moreover, results obtained from two HTLV-1 mouse models demonstrate that PPS inhibits HTLV-1 infection and inflammation developmentin vivo. Our work offers insights into the treatment of HAM/TSP by PPS and also suggests its possible use for treating other HTLV-1-induced inflammatory diseases.
Junctional bradycardia caused by ciguatera intoxication
Authors: Raman Rajendra , Coppes Sarah , Hellingman Tessa , Laclé Casper
Published: May 2019

Ciguatera is a common but underreported tropical disease caused by the consumption of coral reef fish contaminated by ciguatoxins. Gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms predominate, but may be accompanied by cardiovascular features such as hypotension and sinus bradycardia. Here, we report an unusual case of junctional bradycardia caused by ciguatera in the Caribbean; to our knowledge, the first such report from the region. An increase in global sea temperatures is predicted to lead to the spread of ciguatera beyond traditional endemic areas, and the globalisation of trade in coral reef fish has resulted in sporadic cases occurring in developed countries far away from endemic areas. This case serves as a reminder to consider environmental intoxications such as ciguatera within the differential diagnosis of bradycardias.
Thoracoscopic recurrent tracheo-oesophageal fistula repair with mini endostapler: promising solution
Authors: Cano Novillo Indalecio , Aneiros Castro Belén , García Vázquez Araceli , De Miguel Moya Mónica
Published: May 2019

Recurrent tracheo-oesophageal fistula (TOF) is a common complication in children who underwent oesophageal atresia repair. The traditional surgical approach performed either by thoracotomy or cervicotomy is associated with a high rate of morbidity, mortality and new recurrence. In the last decades, endoscopic techniques have emerged as the minimally invasive alternative. However, it seems that the optimal treatment is still unknown. We present a patient with a recurrent TOF who underwent thoracoscopic closure using a 5.8 mm endostapler. The patient was extubated at the end of the procedure, and he started feeding the day after surgery. At 15 months of follow-up, he is asymptomatic. Thoracoscopic closure of TOF using endostaplers seems to be a safe alternative with some possible benefits compared with traditional and endoscopic approach.
Exposure to incivility hinders clinical performance in a simulated operative crisis
Authors: Katz Daniel , Blasius Kimberly , Isaak Robert , Lipps Jonathan , Kushelev Michael , Goldberg Andrew , Fastman Jarrett , Marsh Benjamin , DeMaria Samuel
Published: May 2019

Background

Effective communication is critical for patient safety. One potential threat to communication in the operating room is incivility. Although examined in other industries, little has been done to examine how incivility impacts the ability to deliver safe care in a crisis. We therefore sought to determine how incivility influenced anaesthesiology resident performance during a standardised simulation scenario of occult haemorrhage.

Methods

This is a multicentre, prospective, randomised control trial from three academic centres. Anaesthesiology residents were randomly assigned to either a normal or ‘rude’ environment and subjected to a validated simulated operating room crisis. Technical and non-technical performance domains including vigilance, diagnosis, communication and patient management were graded on survey with Likert scales by blinded raters and compared between groups.

Results

76 participants underwent randomisation with 67 encounters included for analysis (34 control, 33 intervention). Those exposed to incivility scored lower on every performance metric, including a binary measurement of overall performance with 91.2% (control) versus 63.6% (rude) obtaining a passing score (p=0.009). Binary logistic regression to predict this outcome was performed to assess impact of confounders. Only the presence of incivility reached statistical significance (OR 0.110, 95% CI 0.022 to 0.544, p=0.007). 65% of the rude group believed the surgical environment negatively impacted performance; however, self-reported performance assessment on a Likert scale was similar between groups (p=0.112).

Conclusion

Although self-assessment scores were similar, incivility had a negative impact on performance. Multiple areas were impacted including vigilance, diagnosis, communication and patient management even though participants were not aware of these effects. It is imperative that these behaviours be eliminated from operating room culture and that interpersonal communication in high-stress environments be incorporated into medical training.
Production‐related metabolic disorders of cattle: ketosis, milk fever and grass staggers
Authors: Mann Sabine , McArt Jessica , Abuelo Angel
Published: May 2019

Metabolic diseases usually occur when the production's peak is beyond the capacity of the animal's reserves to sustain a particular metabolic demand (eg, energy, calcium, magnesium, etc) at physiologic concentrations. Diseases like ketosis, milk fever or grass staggers usually occur after calving, when the demands for milk production overwhelm the physiological regulatory mechanisms. Despite the availability of treatment strategies for these disorders in the field, the evidence supporting their use is scarce in some cases, and the debate regarding the optimal treatment strategies for recovery continues. This article reviews and compares the current available knowledge on various treatment strategies for ketosis, hypocalcaemia (milk fever), and hypomagnesaemia (grass staggers) in periparturient cattle. The practical applications of the research studies are emphasised to provide current evidence‐based treatment protocols for practising veterinarians.
Not a dry eye in the house: treating rescue dogs with off‐licence cyclosporine
Authors: Williams David
Published: May 2019

This series gives readers the opportunity to consider and contribute to discussion of some of the ethical dilemmas that can arise in veterinary practice. Each month, a case scenario is presented, followed by discussion of some of the issues involved.

In addition, a possible way forward is suggested; however, there is rarely a cut‐and‐dried answer in such cases, and readers may wish to suggest an alternative approach. This month's dilemma, 'Not a dry eye in the house: treating rescue dogs with off‐licence cyclosporine', was submitted and is discussed by David Williams. Readers with comments to contribute are invited to send them as soon as possible, so that they can be considered for publication in the next issue.

The series is being coordinated by Steven McCulloch, senior lecturer in human animal studies at the Centre for Animal Welfare, University of Winchester. It aims to provide a framework that will help practising veterinarians find solutions when facing similar dilemmas.
European Stroke Organisation (ESO)- European Society for Minimally Invasive Neurological Therapy (ESMINT) guidelines on mechanical thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Turc Guillaume , Bhogal Pervinder , Fischer Urs , Khatri Pooja , Lobotesis Kyriakos , Mazighi Mikaël , Schellinger Peter D , Toni Danilo , de Vries Joost , White Philip , Fiehler Jens
Published: May 2019

Background

Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has become the cornerstone of acute ischemic stroke management in patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO). The aim of this guideline document is to assist physicians in their clinical decisions with regard to MT.

Methods

These guidelines were developed based on the standard operating procedure of the European Stroke Organisation, and followed the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. An interdisciplinary working group identified 15 relevant questions, performed systematic reviews and meta-analyses of the literature, assessed the quality of the available evidence, and wrote evidence based recommendations. Expert opinion was provided if not enough evidence was available to provide recommendations based on the GRADE approach.

Results

We found high quality evidence to recommend MT plus best medical management (BMM, including intravenous thrombolysis whenever indicated) to improve functional outcome in patients with LVO related acute ischemic stroke within 6 hours after symptom onset. We found moderate quality of evidence to recommend MT plus BMM in the 6–24 hour time window in patients meeting the eligibility criteria of published randomized trials. These guidelines further detail aspects of prehospital management, patient selection based on clinical and imaging characteristics, and treatment modalities.

Conclusions

MT is the standard of care in patients with LVO related acute stroke. Appropriate patient selection and timely reperfusion are crucial. Further randomized trials are needed to inform clinical decision making with regard to the mothership and drip-and-ship approaches, anesthaesia modalities during MT, and to determine whether MT is beneficial in patients with low stroke severity or large infarct volume.
Trajectories of photons in modified Hayward black hole spacetime
Authors: Hu Jian-Ping , Zhang Yu , Shi Li-Li , Guo Guang-Hai , Duan Peng-Fei
Published: May 2019

We study the trajectories of photons in modified Hayward black hole spacetime. Three kinds of horizons are distinguished by analyzing the lapse function of modified Hayward black hole spacetime. Through plotting the effective potential with different values of parameters, it is found that the parameter [Formula: see text] has more conspicuous effects than parameters [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text] is associated with the time-delay) and [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text] is related to the 1-loop quantum corrections) for the effective potential. The change of the parameters ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]) has an obvious influence on unstable circular orbits. The structure of null geodesic is simpler than that of time-like geodesic. The stable circular orbits and the bound orbits are not included for the photon trajectories. By analyzing the corresponding effective potential, all possible orbits of null geodesic are found. The radius of unstable circular orbit equals 2.8790 for fixed [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text].
Study of Schrödinger equation in terms of Heun functions in the commutative vs. non-commutative spaces
Authors: Sargolzaeipor S. , Hassanabadi H. , Chung W. S.
Published: May 2019

In this paper, we solved the Schrödinger equation in the commutative and non-commutative (NC) spaces under the presence of magnetic field. In other words, we obtained the energy spectrum and wave functions in terms of Heun functions. When we considered the case [Formula: see text], we observed that the NC space converts to the commutative space.
A novel view on successive quantizations, leading to increasingly more “miraculous” states
Authors: Pavšič Matej
Published: May 2019

A series of successive quantizations is considered, starting with the quantization of a non-relativistic or relativistic point particle: (1) quantization of a particle’s position, (2) quantization of wave function, (3) quantization of wave functional. The latter step implies that the wave packet profiles forming the states of quantum field theory are themselves quantized, which gives new physical states that are configurations of configurations. In the procedure of quantization, instead of the Schrödinger first-order equation in time derivative for complex wave function (or functional), the equivalent second-order equation for its real part was used. In such a way, at each level of quantization, the equation a quantum state satisfies is just like that of a harmonic oscillator, and wave function(al) is composed in terms of the pair of its canonically conjugated variables.
Preparation of xLi[Li1/3Mn2/3]O2⋅(1−x) Li[Ni1/3Mn1/3Co1/3]O2 by coprecipitation method
Authors: Shao Zhongcai , Yu Lina , Li Axiang , Cui Yonghui
Published: May 2019

The xLi[Li[Formula: see text]Mn[Formula: see text]]O[Formula: see text](1−x)Li[Ni[Formula: see text]Mn[Formula: see text]Co[Formula: see text]]O2 was prepared by coprecipitation method in this paper. Co(NO3)2, NiCO[Formula: see text]Ni(OH)[Formula: see text]H2O, LiOH⋅H2O and MnSO[Formula: see text]H2O were used as the sources of cobalt, nickel, lithium and manganese. In the process of calcining and sintering, the temperature and time of the material were studied. The optimum conditions for the coprecipitation method synthesis were determined: precursor was pre-sintered at 500[Formula: see text]C for 5 h, then the precursor was successively sintered at 850[Formula: see text]C for 9 h to get the final product. The results of XRD and SEM showed that the composite particles and crystal structure of the particles exhibited basic integrity and high degree of crystallinity with [Formula: see text]-NaFeO2-type structure. The first charging and discharging capacities were 183.14 mA[Formula: see text]⋅[Formula: see text]h[Formula: see text]⋅[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text] and 171.11 mA[Formula: see text]⋅[Formula: see text]h[Formula: see text]⋅[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text] at 0.1 C with a discharge efficiency of 93%. The capacity retention rate was 95% over 20 cycles. It had a good electrochemical cycling performance.