bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aberrant DNA methylation and miRNAs in coronary artery diseases and stroke: a systematic review
Authors: Sharma Anu Radha , Shashikiran Umakanth , UK Abdul Razak , Shetty Ranjan , Satyamoorthy Kapaettu , Rai Padmalatha S
Published: December 2019

Coronary artery disease (CAD) and ischemic stroke are the two most predominant forms of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) caused by genetic, epigenetic and environmental risk factors. Although studies on the impact of ‘epigenetics’ in CVDs is not new, its effects are increasingly being realized as a key regulatory determinant that may drive predisposition, pathophysiology and therapeutic outcome. The most widely studied epigenetic risk factors are regulated by DNA methylation and miRNA expression. To keep pace with growing developments and discoveries, a comprehensive review was performed using Pubmed, Science Direct and Scopus databases to highlight the role of DNA methylation and miRNAs in CAD and stroke subjects. Network analysis was performed using ClueGO software and miRTargetLink database. We identified 32 studies of DNA methylation on CAD and stroke, of which, 6 studies showed differences in global DNA methylation, 10 studies reported the genome-wide difference in DNA methylation and 16 studies demonstrated altered DNA methylation at 14 candidate loci. The network analysis showed positive regulation of nitric oxide biosynthetic process, homocysteine metabolic process and negative regulation of lipid storage. About, 155 miRNAs were associated with CAD, stroke and related phenotypes in 83 studies. Interestingly, mir-223 hypomethylation and altered expression were associated with cerebral infarction and stroke. The target prediction for 18 common miRNAs between CAD and stroke showed strong interaction with SP3 and SP1 genes. This systematic review addresses the present knowledge on DNA methylation and miRNAs in CAD and stroke, whose abnormal regulation has been implicated in etiology or progression of the diseases.
MLDSP-GUI: an alignment-free standalone tool with an interactive graphical user interface for DNA sequence comparison and analysis
Authors: Randhawa Gurjit S , Hill Kathleen A , Kari Lila
Published: December 2019

Machine Learning with Digital Signal Processing and Graphical User Interface (MLDSP-GUI) is an open-source, alignment-free, ultrafast, computationally lightweight, and standalone software tool with an interactive GUI for comparison and analysis of DNA sequences. MLDSP-GUI is a general-purpose tool that can be used for a variety of applications such as taxonomic classification, disease classification, virus subtype classification, evolutionary analyses, among others.

Availability and implementation

MLDSP-GUI is open-source, cross-platform compatible, and is available under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). The executable and dataset files are available at https://sourceforge.net/projects/mldsp-gui/.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
The dynamic of basal ganglia activity with a multiple covariance method: influences of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Rodriguez-Sabate Clara , Morales Ingrid , Puertas-Avendaño Ricardo , Rodriguez Manuel
Published: December 2019

The closed-loop cortico-subcortical pathways of basal ganglia have been extensively used to describe the physiology of these centres and to justify the functional disorders of basal ganglia diseases. This approach justifies some experimental and clinical data but not others, and furthermore, it does not include a number of subcortical circuits that may produce a more complex basal ganglia dynamic than that expected for closed-loop linear networks. This work studied the functional connectivity of the main regions of the basal ganglia motor circuit with magnetic resonance imaging and a new method (functional profile method), which can analyse the multiple covariant activity of human basal ganglia. The functional profile method identified the most frequent covariant functional status (profiles) of the basal ganglia motor circuit, ordering them according to their relative frequency and identifying the most frequent successions between profiles (profile transitions). The functional profile method classified profiles as input profiles that accept the information coming from other networks, output profiles involved in the output of processed information to other networks and highly interconnected internal profiles that accept transitions from input profiles and send transitions to output profiles. Profile transitions showed a previously unobserved functional dynamic of human basal ganglia, suggesting that the basal ganglia motor circuit may work as a dynamic multiple covariance network. The number of internal profiles and internal transitions showed a striking decrease in patients with Parkinson’s disease, a fact not observed for input and output profiles. This suggests that basal ganglia of patients with Parkinson’s disease respond to requirements coming from other neuronal networks, but because the internal processing of information is drastically weakened, its response will be insufficient and perhaps also self-defeating. These marked effects were found in patients with few motor disorders, suggesting that the functional profile method may be an early procedure to detect the first stages of the Parkinson’s disease when the motor disorders are not very evident. The multiple covariance activity found presents a complementary point of view to the cortico-subcortical closed-loop model of basal ganglia. The functional profile method may be easily applied to other brain networks, and it may provide additional explanations for the clinical manifestations of other basal ganglia disorders.
Intestinal bacterial indicator phylotypes associate with impaired DNA double-stranded break sensors but augmented skeletal bone micro-structure
Authors: Maier Irene , Liu Jared , Ruegger Paul M , Deutschmann Julia , Patsch Janina M , Helbich Thomas H , Borneman James , Schiestl Robert H
Published: December 2019

Intestinal microbiota are considered a sensor for molecular pathways, which orchestrate energy balance, immune responses, and cell regeneration. We previously reported that microbiota restriction promoted higher levels of systemic radiation-induced genotoxicity, proliferative lymphocyte activation, and apoptotic polarization of metabolic pathways. Restricted intestinal microbiota (RM) that harbors increased abundance of Lactobacillus johnsonii (LBJ) has been investigated for bacterial communities that correlated radiation-induced genotoxicity. Indicator phylotypes were more abundant in RM mice and increased in prevalence after whole body irradiation in conventional microbiota (CM) mice, while none of the same ten most abundant phylotypes were different in abundance between CM mice before and after heavy ion irradiation. Muribaculum intestinale was detected highest in female small intestines in RM mice, which were lacking Ureaplasma felinum compared with males, and thus these bacteria could be contributing to the differential amounts of radiation-induced systemic genotoxicity between the CM and RM groups. Helicobacter rodentium and M.intestinale were found in colons in the radiation-resistant CM phenotype. While the expression of interferon-γ was elevated in the small intestine, and lower in blood in CM mice, high-linear energy transfer radiation reduced transforming growth factor-β with peripheral interleukin (IL)-17 in RM mice, particularly in females. We found that female RM mice showed improved micro-architectural bone structure and anti-inflammatory radiation response compared with CM mice at a delayed phase 6 weeks postexposure to particle radiation. However, microbiota restriction reduced inflammatory markers of tumor necrosis factor in marrow, when IL-17 was reduced by intraperitoneal injection of IL-17 neutralizing antibody.
WNT5a Regulates Epithelial Morphogenesis in the Developing Choroid Plexus
Authors: Langford Michael B , O’Leary Conor J , Veeraval Lenin , White Amanda , Lanoue Vanessa , Cooper Helen M
Published: December 2019

The choroid plexus (CP) is the predominant supplier of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) and the site of the blood–CSF barrier and is thus essential for brain development and central nervous system homeostasis. Despite these crucial roles, our understanding of the molecular and cellular processes giving rise to the CPs within the ventricles of the mammalian brain is very rudimentary. Here, we identify WNT5a as an important regulator of CP development, where it acts as a pivotal factor driving CP epithelial morphogenesis in all ventricles. We show that WNT5a is essential for the establishment of a cohesive epithelium in the developing CP. We find that in its absence all CPs are substantially reduced in size and complexity and fail to expand into the ventricles. Severe defects were observed in the epithelial cytoarchitecture of all Wnt5a−/− CPs, exemplified by loss of apicobasally polarized morphology and detachment from the ventricular surface and/or basement membrane. We also present evidence that the WNT5a receptor, RYK, and the RHOA kinase, ROCK, are required for normal CP epithelial morphogenesis. Our study, therefore, reveals important insights into the molecular and cellular mechanisms governing CP development.
Value Neglect: A Critical Role for Ventromedial Frontal Lobe in Learning the Value of Spatial Locations
Authors: Pelletier Gabriel , Fellows Lesley K
Published: December 2019

Whether you are a gazelle bounding to the richest tract of grassland or a return customer heading to the freshest farm stand at a crowded market, the ability to learn the value of spatial locations is important in adaptive behavior. The ventromedial frontal lobe (VMF) is implicated in value-based decisions between objects and in flexibly learning to choose between objects based on feedback. However, it is unclear if this region plays a material-general role in reward learning. Here, we tested whether VMF is necessary for learning the value of spatial locations. People with VMF damage were compared with healthy participants and a control group with frontal damage sparing VMF in an incentivized spatial search task. Participants chose among spatial targets distributed among distractors, rewarded with an expected value that varied along the right-left axis of the screen. People with VMF damage showed a weaker tendency to reap reward in contralesional hemispace. In some individuals, this impairment could be dissociated from the ability to make value-based decisions between objects, assessed separately. This is the first evidence that the VMF is critically involved in reward-guided spatial search and offers a novel perspective on the relationships between value, spatial attention, and decision-making.
Smoking and outcomes following guided de-escalation of antiplatelet treatment in acute coronary syndrome patients: a substudy from the randomized TROPICAL-ACS trial
Authors: Orban Martin , Trenk Dietmar , Geisler Tobias , Rieber Johannes , Hadamitzky Martin , Gross Lisa , Orban Mathias , Kupka Danny , Baylacher Monika , Müller Susan , Huber Kurt , Koltowski Lukasz , Huczek Zenon , Heyn Jens , Jacobshagen Claudius , Aradi Dániel , Massberg Steffen , Sibbing Dirk , Hein Ralph ,   on behalf of the TROPICAL-ACS Investigators
Published: December 2019

Aims

Prior analyses disclosed variations in antiplatelet drug response and clinical outcomes between smokers and non-smokers, thus the safety and efficacy of any dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) de-escalation strategy may differ in relation to smoking status. Hence, we assessed the impact of smoking on clinical outcomes and adenosine diphosphate-induced platelet aggregation following guided de-escalation of DAPT in invasively managed acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients.

Methods and results

The multicentre TROPICAL-ACS trial randomized 2610 biomarker-positive ACS patients 1:1 to standard treatment with prasugrel for 12 months (control group) or a platelet function testing guided de-escalation of DAPT. Current smokers (n = 1182) showed comparable event rates between study groups [6.6% vs. 6.6%; hazard ratio (HR) 1.0, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.64–1.56, P > 0.99]. In non-smokers (n = 1428), a guided DAPT de-escalation was associated with a lower 1-year incidence of the primary endpoint [cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, or bleeding ≥ Grade 2 according to Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) criteria] compared with control group patients (7.9% vs. 11.0%; HR 0.71, 95% CI 0.50–0.99, P = 0.048). This reduction was mainly driven by a lower rate of BARC ≥ Grade 2 bleedings (5.2% vs. 7.7%; HR 0.68, 95% CI 0.45–1.03, P = 0.066). There was no significant interaction of smoking status with treatment effects of guided DAPT de-escalation (Pint = 0.23). Adenosine diphosphate-induced platelet aggregation values were higher in current smokers [median 28 U, interquartile range (IQR: 20–40)] vs. non-smoker [median 24 U (16–25), P < 0.0001] in the control group and in current smokers [median 42 U, IQR (27–68)] vs. non-smoker [median 37 U, IQR (25–55), P < 0.001] in the monitoring group.

Conclusion

Guided DAPT de-escalation appears to be equally safe and effective in smokers and non-smokers. Regardless of smoking status and especially for those patients deemed unsuitable for 1 year of potent platelet inhibition this DAPT strategy might be used as an alternative antiplatelet treatment regimen.
Smallholder rice farmers’ post-harvest decisions: preferences and structural factors
Authors: Ruhinduka Remidius Denis , Alem Yonas , Eggert Håkan , Lybbert Travis
Published: December 2019

We study post-harvest decisions among Tanzanian rice farmers. Risk and time preference experiments are used to understand post-harvest decisions. In particular, we investigate storage and processing decisions, which according to our study can increase income by more than 50 per cent, but also introduce risk and time delays. Experimentally elicited risk and time preferences are statistically significant in explaining these post-harvest decisions. Impatient farmers are less likely to store paddy, and risk-averse farmers are less likely both to process and store paddy for future sales. Also, structural factors, such as milling costs, transportation costs and storage losses, influence the post-harvest choices.
Impact of weight on the efficacy and safety of direct-acting oral anticoagulants in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation: a meta-analysis
Authors: Malik Aaqib H , Yandrapalli Srikanth , Shetty Suchith , Aronow Wilbert S , Jain Diwakar , Frishman William H , Cooper Howard A , Panza Julio A ,   on behalf of MAGIC (Meta-analysis And oriGinal Investigations in Cardiology) Investigators
Published: December 2019

Aims

This study sought to determine the impact of weight and body mass index (BMI) on the safety and efficacy of direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) compared with warfarin in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation.

Methods and results

A systematic literature search was employed in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane clinical trials with no language or date restrictions. Randomized trials or their substudies were assessed for relevant outcome data for efficacy that included stroke or systemic embolization (SSE), and safety including major bleeding and all-cause mortality. Binary outcome data and odds ratios from the relevant articles were used to calculate the pooled relative risk. For SSE, the data from the four Phase III trials showed that DOACs are better or similarly effective with low BMI 0.73 (0.56–0.97), normal BMI 0.72 (0.58–0.91), overweight 0.87 (0.76–0.99), and obese 0.87 (0.76–1.00). The risk of major bleeding was also better or similar with DOACs in all BMI subgroups with low BMI 0.62 (0.37–1.05), normal BMI 0.72 (0.58–0.90), overweight 0.83 (0.71–0.96), and obese 0.91 (0.81–1.03). There was no impact on mortality in all the subgroups. In a meta-regression analysis, the effect size advantage of DOACs compared with warfarin in terms of safety and efficacy gradually attenuated with increasing weight.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that a weight-based dosage adjustment may be necessary to achieve optimal benefits of DOACs for thromboembolic prevention in these patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Further dedicated trials are needed to confirm these findings. PROSPERO 2019 CRD42019140693. Available from: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php? ID=CRD42019140693.
Ecology and physiology of halophilic microorganisms – Thematic issue based on papers presented at Halophiles 2019 – 12th International Conference on Halophilic Microorganisms, Cluj-Napoca, Romania, 24–28 June, 2019
Authors: Banciu Horia L , Enache Mădălin , Rodriguez Rafael Montalvo , Oren Aharon , Ventosa Antonio
Published: December 2019

In June 2019, the 12th International Conference on Halophilic Microorganisms – Halophiles 2019, was held in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. This thematic issue of FEMS Microbiology Letters contains papers based on lectures and posters presented at the conference. We here provide a short overview of past research on hypersaline environments in Romania and the microorganisms inhabiting them, and briefly present the papers published in this thematic issue.
The Roles of Body Composition and Specific Strength in the Relationship Between Race and Physical Performance in Older Adults
Authors: Chiles Shaffer Nancy , Simonsick Eleanor M , Thorpe Roland J , Studenski Stephanie A
Published: December 2019

Background

Socioeconomics may explain black–white differences in physical performance; few studies examine racial differences among socioeconomically similar groups. Performance is also affected by body composition and specific strength, which differ by race. We assessed whether racial differences in physical performance exist among older adults with high education and similar income and whether body composition and specific strength attenuate observed differences.

Methods

Cross-sectional analysis of 536 men (18% black) and 576 women (28% black) aged more than 60 years from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. Body composition was evaluated using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Specific strength was assessed by quadricep peak torque divided by height-normalized thigh cross-sectional area and grip strength divided by body mass index-normalized appendicular lean mass. Physical performance was assessed using usual gait speed and fast 400 m walk time. Sex-stratified linear regression models, adjusted for age, height, education, and recent income, determined whether body composition or specific strength attenuated associations between race and physical performance.

Results

Blacks were younger, with higher weight and appendicular lean mass. Black women had higher percent fat and specific strength. In both sexes, blacks had poorer physical performance after adjustment for socioeconomic factors. In women, neither body composition nor specific strength altered the association with gait speed. In men, neither body composition nor specific strength attenuated racial differences in either performance measure.

Conclusions

Poorer physical performance among black compared to white older adults persists among persons with high education and similar income and cannot generally be attributed to differences in body composition or specific strength.
Factors that influence the scale up of new interventions in low-income settings: a qualitative case study of the introduction of chlorhexidine cleansing of the umbilical cord in Bangladesh
Authors: Callaghan-Koru Jennifer A , Islam Munia , Khan Marufa , Sowe Ardy , Islam Jahrul , Mannan Imteaz Ibne , George Joby ,   The Bangladesh Chlorhexidine Scale Up Study Group
Published: December 2019

There is a well-recognized need for empirical study of processes and factors that influence scale up of evidence-based interventions in low-income countries to address the ‘know-do’ gap. We undertook a qualitative case study of the scale up of chlorhexidine cleansing of the umbilical cord (CHX) in Bangladesh to identify and compare facilitators and barriers for the institutionalization and expansion stages of scale up. Data collection and analysis for this case study were informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) and the WHO/ExpandNet model of scale up. At the national level, we interviewed 20 stakeholders involved in CHX policy or implementation. At the district level, we conducted interviews with 31 facility-based healthcare providers in five districts and focus group discussions (FGDs) with eight community-based providers and eight programme managers. At the community level, we conducted 7 FGDs with 53 mothers who had a baby within the past year. Expanded interview notes were thematically coded and analysed following an adapted Framework approach. National stakeholders identified external policy and incentives, and the engagement of stakeholders in policy development through the National Technical Working Committee for Newborn Health, as key facilitators for policy and health systems changes. Stakeholders, providers and families perceived the intervention to be simple, safe and effective, and more consistent with family preferences than the prior policy of dry cord care. The major barriers that delayed or decreased the public health impact of the scale up of CHX in Bangladesh’s public health system related to commodity production, procurement and distribution. Bangladesh’s experience scaling up CHX suggests that scale up should involve early needs assessments and planning for institutionalizing new drugs and commodities into the supply chain. While the five CFIR domains were useful for categorizing barriers and facilitators, additional constructs are needed for common health systems barriers in low-income settings.
Community engagement for health system resilience: evidence from Liberia’s Ebola epidemic
Authors: Barker Kathryn M , Ling Emilia J , Fallah Mosoka , VanDeBogert Brian , Kodl Yvonne , Macauley Rose Jallah , Viswanath K , Kruk Margaret E
Published: December 2019

The importance of community engagement (CE) for health system resilience is established in theoretical and empirical literature. The practical dimensions of how to operationalize theory and implement its principles have been less explored, especially within low-resource crisis settings. It is therefore unclear how CE is drawn upon and how, if at all, it facilitates health system resilience in times of health system crises. To address this critical gap, we adapt and apply existing theoretical CE frameworks to analyse qualitative data from 92 in-depth interviews and 16 focus group discussions collected with health system stakeholders in Liberia in the aftermath of the 2014–15 Ebola outbreak. Health system stakeholders indicated that CE was a crucial contributing factor in addressing the Ebola epidemic in Liberia. Multiple forms of CE were used during the outbreak; however, only some forms were perceived as meaningful, such as the formation of community-based surveillance teams. To achieve meaningful CE, participants recommended that communities be treated as active participants in—as opposed to passive recipients of—health response efforts and that communication platforms for CE be established ahead of a crisis. Participant responses highlight that meaningful CE led to improved communication with and increased trust in health authorities and programming. This facilitated health system response efforts, leading to a fortuitous cycle of increased trust, improved communication and continued meaningful CE—all necessary conditions for health system resilience. This study refines our understanding of CE and demonstrates the ways in which meaningful CE and trust work together in mutually reinforcing and beneficial ways. These findings provide empirical evidence on which to base policies and programmes aimed at improving health system resilience in low-resource settings to more effectively respond to health system crises.
Very Early Onset Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Clinical Approach With a Focus on the Role of Genetics and Underlying Immune Deficiencies
Authors: Ouahed Jodie , Spencer Elizabeth , Kotlarz Daniel , Shouval Dror S , Kowalik Matthew , Peng Kaiyue , Field Michael , Grushkin-Lerner Leslie , Pai Sung-Yun , Bousvaros Athos , Cho Judy , Argmann Carmen , Schadt Eric , Mcgovern Dermot P B , Mokry Michal , Nieuwenhuis Edward , Clevers Hans , Powrie Fiona , Uhlig Holm , Klein Christoph , Muise Aleixo , Dubinsky Marla , Snapper Scott B
Published: December 2019

Very early onset inflammatory bowel disease (VEO-IBD) is defined as IBD presenting before 6 years of age. When compared with IBD diagnosed in older children, VEO-IBD has some distinct characteristics such as a higher likelihood of an underlying monogenic etiology or primary immune deficiency. In addition, patients with VEO-IBD have a higher incidence of inflammatory bowel disease unclassified (IBD-U) as compared with older-onset IBD. In some populations, VEO-IBD represents the age group with the fastest growing incidence of IBD. There are contradicting reports on whether VEO-IBD is more resistant to conventional medical interventions. There is a strong need for ongoing research in the field of VEO-IBD to provide optimized management of these complex patients. Here, we provide an approach to diagnosis and management of patients with VEO-IBD. These recommendations are based on expert opinion from members of the VEO-IBD Consortium (www.VEOIBD.org). We highlight the importance of monogenic etiologies, underlying immune deficiencies, and provide a comprehensive description of monogenic etiologies identified to date that are responsible for VEO-IBD.
Study of the effect of surface wettability on droplet impact on spherical surfaces
Authors: Liu Xiaohua , Wang Kaimin , Fang Yaqin , Goldstein R J , Shen Shengqiang
Published: December 2019

The effect of surface wettability on droplet impact on spherical surfaces is studied with the CLSVOF method. When the impact velocity is constant, with the increase in the contact angle (CA), the maximum spreading factor and time needed to reach the maximum spreading factor (tmax) both decrease; the liquid film is more prone to breakup and rebound. When CA is constant, with the impact velocity increasing, the maximum spreading factor increases while tmax decreases. With the curvature ratio increasing, the maximum spreading factor increases when CA is between 30 and 150°, while it decreases when CA ranges from 0 to 30°.
Electronic health records and burnout: Time spent on the electronic health record after hours and message volume associated with exhaustion but not with cynicism among primary care clinicians
Authors: Adler-Milstein Julia , Zhao Wendi , Willard-Grace Rachel , Knox Margae , Grumbach Kevin
Published: December 2019

Objectives

The study sought to determine whether objective measures of electronic health record (EHR) use—related to time, volume of work, and proficiency—are associated with either or both components of clinician burnout: exhaustion and cynicism.

Materials and Methods

We combined Maslach Burnout Inventory survey measures (94% response rate; 122 of 130 clinicians) with objective, vendor-defined EHR use measures from log files (time after hours on clinic days; time on nonclinic days; message volume; composite measures of efficiency and proficiency). Data were collected in early 2018 from all primary care clinics of a large, urban, academic medical center. Multivariate regression models measured the association between each burnout component and each EHR use measure.

Results

One-third (34%) of clinicians had high cynicism and 51% had high emotional exhaustion. Clinicians in the top 2 quartiles of EHR time after hours on scheduled clinic days (those above the sample median of 68 minutes per clinical full-time equivalent per week) had 4.78 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-20.1; P = .04) and 12.52 (95% CI, 2.6-61; P = .002) greater odds of high exhaustion. Clinicians in the top quartile of message volume (>307 messages per clinical full-time equivalent per week) had 6.17 greater odds of high exhaustion (95% CI, 1.1-41; P = .04). No measures were associated with high cynicism.

Discussion

EHRs have been cited as a contributor to clinician burnout, and self-reported data suggest a relationship between EHR use and burnout. As organizations increasingly rely on objective, vendor-defined EHR measures to design and evaluate interventions to reduce burnout, our findings point to the measures that should be targeted.

Conclusions

Two specific EHR use measures were associated with exhaustion.
Acute abdomen due to an infarction of wandering spleen: case report
Authors: Assaf Ragheb , Shebli Baraa , Alzahran Ayham , Rahmeh Ahmad Rami , Mansour Ali , Hamza Rama , Alaasy Alkushti Ehab , Ayoub Kusay
Published: December 2019

Wandering spleen is a rare condition characterized by the absence or underdevelopment of one or all spleen ligaments that fixate the spleen in the left upper quadrant. Many different terms refer to wandering spleen like dislocated spleen, ectopic spleen and displaced spleen. We report in this case a 13-year-old Syrian girl presented to the emergency department complaining of acute generalized abdominal pain with fever, anorexia and vomiting started 2 days prior to presentation. A splenectomy was performed, with uneventful postsurgical follow-up. Wandering spleen is prone to torsion and infarction resulting in acute abdomen and a life-threatening condition with high mortality rate reaching 50%. We advise the investigation of any recurrent episodes of chronic pain keeping up within mind this diagnosis.
Protecting Identity In Collaborative Assisted Reproduction: The Right To Know One’s Gestational Surrogate
Authors: Mulligan Andrea
Published: December 2019

Gestational surrogacy presents a unique form of parenthood: that which is biological but not genetic. This new form of parenthood demands a re-examination of the rights and duties that arise from the parent–child relationship. This article is concerned with the surrogate-born person’s right to know his or her gestational surrogate, an aspect of the right to identity. The springboard for this analysis is draft legislation in Ireland that proposes the creation of a legal right to trace one’s gestational surrogate. The purpose of this article is to interrogate the normative underpinnings of the legal right to know one’s gestational surrogate, exploring whether instrumental or deontological/rights-based justifications provide a better theoretical basis for the creation of a legal right. The article begins by exploring the link between the gestational relationship and identity formation, drawing on current scholarship on the metaphysics and physiology of pregnancy. It goes on to consider instrumental justifications for the creation of a legal right to know one’s surrogate, but argues that deontological or rights-based justifications provide the more compelling basis for creation of the legal right. The article concludes that this applies to all legal regimes that would seek to establish a legal right to know one’s surrogate, and is especially apt in the case of the draft Irish legislation, due to the requirement of mandatory disclosure.
What is the First English Bookplate?
Authors: Pearson David
Published: December 2019

Bookplates constitute one of the most regularly encountered kinds of provenance evidence in books. Their history is traced back to a late fifteenth-century gift label used at Buxheim and standard sources usually identify the earliest British bookplate as a similar kind of woodcut armorial pasted into books given to Cambridge University in 1574. This note describes a number of hand-painted armorial labels used in the middle of the sixteenth century (and certainly before 1574) by Thomas Andrews of Bury St Edmunds, which were clearly used as ownership markings. These, alongside some other similar examples, make it clear that the practice has a longer history in English usage than we have previously thought.
The Grimm Brothers: A stylometric network analysis
Authors: Rotari Gabriela , Jander Melina , Rybicki Jan
Published: December 2019

Stylometric methods can be used to reveal similarities between texts and, combined with network analysis, to depict the stylistic relations between those texts. The research conducted here focuses on a corpus of letters written by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm. Using stylometric analysis, we model the writing styles of the brothers depending on the addressees and chronology. The brothers have individual styles: Wilhelm has a more friendly and personal tone independent on addresses, while Jacob has a more impersonal style, unless he was writing to Wilhelm. Their styles merge at the interactions of their career or personal development.
Communists spoke differently: An analysis of Czechoslovak and Czech annual presidential speeches
Authors: Kubát Miroslav , Mačutek Ján , Čech Radek
Published: December 2019

Annual speeches of Czech and Czechoslovak presidents on the occasion of the end of the year are analyzed in this study. Several stylometric methods are used, namely, vocabulary richness expressed by the moving-average type–token ratio, an index of text activity, mean word length, mean verb distance, and cluster analysis of the most frequent words. The authors primarily focus on the differences between presidential addresses given in the democratic and in the communist era. Peculiarities of individual styles of particular presidents are also investigated.
Weight Perceptions and Weight Loss Attempts: Military Service Matters
Authors: Breland Jessica Y , Patel Michele L , Wong Jessie J , Hoggatt Katherine J
Published: December 2019

Introduction

People who do not perceive themselves as overweight or obese are less likely to use weight loss treatments. However, little is known about weight perceptions and their association with weight loss attempts among people who have served in the military. They represent a special population with regard to weight perceptions as military personnel must meet strict weight standards to remain in military service.

Materials and Methods

Using data from the U.S.-based 2013–2014 and 2015–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, we fit logistic regression models to determine whether people with overweight or obesity were: (1) more or less likely to underestimate their weight if they reported military service and (2) less likely to attempt weight loss if they underestimated their weight (stratifying by military status). Estimates were adjusted for sociodemographic factors, including objective weight class, gender, age, race/ethnicity, income ratio, comorbidities, and education. This work received exempt status from the Stanford University institutional review board.

Results

Among 6,776 participants, those reporting military service had higher odds of underestimating their weight compared to those not reporting military service [OR (odds ratio): 1.44; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.15, 1.79]. Underestimating weight was associated with lower odds of attempting weight loss among those reporting military service (OR: 0.20; CI: 0.11, 0.36) and those not reporting military service (OR: 0.27; CI: 0.22, 0.34).

Conclusions

This study offers the new finding that underestimating weight is more likely among people reporting military service compared to those not reporting military service. Findings are consistent with past work demonstrating that underestimating weight is associated with a lower likelihood of pursuing weight loss. To combat weight misperceptions, clinicians may need to spend additional time discussing weight-related perceptions and beliefs with patients. The present findings suggest such conversations may be especially important for people reporting military service. Future research should be designed to understand the effects of correcting weight misperceptions. This work would advance the science of weight management and offer ways to increase weight loss treatment engagement, prevent chronic conditions, and improve health outcomes, especially among people reporting military service.
Evidence for reduced magnetic braking in polars from binary population models
Authors: Belloni Diogo , Schreiber Matthias R , Pala Anna F , Gänsicke Boris T , Zorotovic Mónica , Rodrigues Claudia V
Published: December 2019

We present the first population synthesis of synchronous magnetic cataclysmic variables, called polars, taking into account the effect of the white dwarf (WD) magnetic field on angular momentum loss. We implemented the reduced magnetic braking (MB) model proposed by Li, Wu & Wickramasinghe into the Binary Stellar Evolution (bse) code recently calibrated for cataclysmic variable (CV) evolution. We then compared separately our predictions for polars and non-magnetic CVs with a large and homogeneous sample of observed CVs from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. We found that the predicted orbital period distributions and space densities agree with the observations if period bouncers are excluded. For polars, we also find agreement between predicted and observed mass transfer rates, while the mass transfer rates of non-magnetic CVs with periods ≳3 h drastically disagree with those derived from observations. Our results provide strong evidence that the reduced MB model for the evolution of highly magnetized accreting WDs can explain the observed properties of polars. The remaining main issues in our understanding of CV evolution are the origin of the large number of highly magnetic WDs, the large scatter of the observed mass transfer rates for non-magnetic systems with periods ≳3 h, and the absence of period bouncers in observed samples.
Homogeneous analysis of globular clusters from the APOGEE survey with the BACCHUS code – II. The Southern clusters and overview
Authors: Mészáros Szabolcs , Masseron Thomas , García-Hernández D A , Allende Prieto Carlos , Beers Timothy C , Bizyaev Dmitry , Chojnowski Drew , Cohen Roger E , Cunha Katia , Dell’Agli Flavia , Ebelke Garrett , Fernández-Trincado José G , Frinchaboy Peter , Geisler Doug , Hasselquist Sten , Hearty Fred , Holtzman Jon , Johnson Jennifer , Lane Richard R , Lacerna Ivan , Longa-Peña Penelopé , Majewski Steven R , Martell Sarah L , Minniti Dante , Nataf David , Nidever David L , Pan Kaike , Schiavon Ricardo P , Shetrone Matthew , Smith Verne V , Sobeck Jennifer S , Stringfellow Guy S , Szigeti László , Tang Baitian , Wilson John C , Zamora Olga
Published: December 2019

We investigate the Fe, C, N, O, Mg, Al, Si, K, Ca, Ce, and Nd abundances of 2283 red giant stars in 31 globular clusters from high-resolution spectra observed in both the Northern and Southern hemisphere by the SDSS-IV APOGEE-2 survey. This unprecedented homogeneous data set, largest to date, allows us to discuss the intrinsic Fe spread, the shape, and statistics of Al-Mg and N-C anti-correlations as a function of cluster mass, luminosity, age, and metallicity for all 31 clusters. We find that the Fe spread does not depend on these parameters within our uncertainties including cluster metallicity, contradicting earlier observations. We do not confirm the metallicity variations previously observed in M22 and NGC 1851. Some clusters show a bimodal Al distribution, while others exhibit a continuous distribution as has been previously reported in the literature. We confirm more than two populations in ω Cen and NGC 6752, and find new ones in M79. We discuss the scatter of Al by implementing a correction to the standard chemical evolution of Al in the Milky Way. After correction, its dependence on cluster mass is increased suggesting that the extent of Al enrichment as a function of mass was suppressed before the correction. We observe a turnover in the Mg-Al anticorrelation at very low Mg in ω Cen, similar to the pattern previously reported in M15 and M92. ω Cen may also have a weak K-Mg anticorrelation, and if confirmed, it would be only the third cluster known to show such a pattern.
The Comptonizing medium of the neutron star in 4U 1636 − 53 through its lower kilohertz quasi-periodic oscillations
Authors: Karpouzas Konstantinos , Méndez Mariano , Ribeiro Evandro M , Altamirano Diego , Blaes Omer , García Federico
Published: December 2019

Inverse Compton scattering dominates the high-energy part of the spectra of neutron star (NS) low-mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs). It has been proposed that inverse Compton scattering also drives the radiative properties of kilohertz quasi-periodic oscillations (kHz QPOs). In this work, we construct a model that predicts the energy dependence of the rms amplitude and time lag of the kHz QPOs. Using this model, we fit the rms amplitude and time lag energy spectra of the lower kHz QPO in the NS LMXB 4U 1636 − 53 over 11 frequency intervals of the QPO and report three important findings: (i) A medium that extends 1–8 km above the NS surface is required to fit the data; this medium can be sustained by the balance between gravity and radiation pressure, without forcing any equilibrium condition. (ii) We predict a time delay between the oscillating NS temperature, due to feedback, and the oscillating electron temperature of the medium, which, with the help of phase resolved spectroscopy, can be used as a probe of the geometry and the feedback mechanism. (iii) We show that the observed variability as a function of QPO frequency is mainly driven by the oscillating electron temperature of the medium. This provides strong evidence that the Comptonizing medium in LMXBs significantly affects, if not completely drives, the radiative properties of the lower kHz QPOs regardless of the nature of the dynamical mechanism that produces the QPO frequencies.
Li abundances for solar twins in the open cluster M67
Authors: Carlos Marília , Meléndez Jorge , do Nascimento José-Dias , Castro Matthieu
Published: December 2019

We determine lithium (Li) abundances for solar twins in the M67 open cluster to add valuable information about the correlation between Li depletion and stellar age and, then, better understand stellar structure and evolution. We use high resolution and good signal-to-noise ratio spectra to characterize Li depletion in three solar twins from M67, using spectral synthesis in the region of the asymmetric 6707.75 Å Li i feature. The mean Li abundance value of A(Li) = 1.6 ± 0.2 dex for our sample of M67 solar twins (our three stars plus a fourth solar twin from a previous analysis in the literature) presents Li abundance expected for its age. Also, the scatter estimated from the standard deviation of the Li abundances in this work is similar to the typical scatter found in a sample of field solar twins presented in the literature.
General model of vertical distribution of stars in the Milky Way using complete Jeans equations
Authors: Sarkar Suchira , Jog Chanda J
Published: December 2019

The self-consistent vertical density distribution in a thin, isothermal disc is typically given by a sech2 law, as shown in the classic work by Spitzer. This is obtained assuming that the radial and vertical motions are decoupled and only the vertical term is used in the Poisson equation. We argue that in the region of low density as in the outer disc this treatment is no longer valid. We develop a general, complete model that includes both radial and vertical terms in the Poisson equation and write these in terms of the full radial and vertical Jeans equations which take account of the non-flat observed rotation curve, the random motions, and the cross term that indicates the tilted stellar velocity ellipsoid. We apply it to the Milky Way and show that these additional effects change the resulting density distribution significantly, such that the mid-plane density is higher and the disc thickness (HWHM) is lower by 30–40 per cent in the outer Galaxy. Further, the vertical distribution is no longer given as a sech2 function even for an isothermal case. These predicted differences are now within the verification limit of new, high-resolution data for example from Gaia and hence could be confirmed.
Enantioselective assembly of multi-layer 3D chirality
Authors: Wu Guanzhao , Liu Yangxue , Yang Zhen , Jiang Tao , Katakam Nandakumar , Rouh Hossein , Ma Liulei , Tang Yao , Ahmed Sultan , Rahman Anis U , Huang Hongen , Unruh Daniel , Li Guigen
Published: December 2019

The first enantioselective assembly of sandwich-shaped organo molecules has been achieved by conducting dual asymmetric Suzuki-Miyaura couplings and nine other reactions. This work also presents the first fully C-C anchored multi-layer 3D chirality with optically pure enantiomers. As confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis that this chiral framework is featured by a unique C2-symmetry in which a nearly parallel fashion consisting of three layers: top, middle and bottom aromatic rings. Unlike the documented planar or axial chirality, the present chirality shows its top and bottom layers restrict each other from free rotation, i.e., this multi-layer 3D chirality would not exist if either top or bottom layer is removed. Nearly all multi-layered compounds showed strong luminescence of different colors under UV irradiation, and several randomly selected samples displayed aggregation-induced emission (AIE) properties. This work is believed to have broad impacts on chemical, medicinal and material sciences including optoelectronic materials in future.
Two-dimensional ferromagnetic superlattices
Authors: Liu Shanshan , Yang Ke , Liu Wenqing , Zhang Enze , Li Zihan , Zhang Xiaoqian , Liao Zhiming , Zhang Wen , Sun Jiabao , Yang Yunkun , Gao Han , Huang Ce , Ai Linfeng , Wong Ping Kwan Johnny , Wee Andrew Thye Shen , N’Diaye Alpha T , Morton Simon A , Kou Xufeng , Zou Jin , Xu Yongbing , Wu Hua , Xiu Faxian
Published: December 2019

Mechanically exfoliated two-dimensional ferromagnetic materials (2D FMs) possess long-range ferromagnetic order and topologically nontrivial skyrmions in few layers. However, because of the dimensionality effect, such few-layer systems usually exhibit much lower Curie temperature (TC) compared to their bulk counterparts. It is therefore of great interest to explore effective approaches to enhance their TC, particularly in wafer-scale for practical applications. Here, we report an interfacial proximity-induced high-TC 2D FM Fe3GeTe2 (FGT) via A-type antiferromagnetic material CrSb (CS) which strongly couples to FGT. A superlattice structure of (FGT/CS)n, where n stands for the period of FGT/CS heterostructure, has been successfully produced with sharp interfaces by molecular-beam epitaxy on 2-inch wafers. By performing elemental specific X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) measurements, we have unequivocally discovered that TC of 4-layer Fe3GeTe2 can be significantly enhanced from 140 K to 230 K because of the interfacial ferromagnetic coupling. Meanwhile, an inverse proximity effect occurs in the FGT/CS interface, driving the interfacial antiferromagnetic CrSb into a ferrimagnetic state as evidenced by double-switching behavior in hysteresis loops and the XMCD spectra. Density functional theory calculations show that the Fe-Te/Cr-Sb interface is strongly FM coupled and doping of the spin-polarized electrons by the interfacial Cr layer gives rise to the TC enhancement of the Fe3GeTe2 films, in accordance with our XMCD measurements. Strikingly, by introducing rich Fe in a 4-layer FGT/CS superlattice, TC can be further enhanced to near room temperature. Our results provide a feasible approach for enhancing the magnetic order of few-layer 2D FMs in wafer-scale and render opportunities for realizing realistic ultra-thin spintronic devices.