bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Personalized medicine in chronic kidney disease by detection of monogenic mutations
Authors: Connaughton Dervla M , Hildebrandt Friedhelm
Published: February 2019

A large fraction of early-onset chronic kidney disease (CKD) is known to be monogenic in origin. To date, ∼450 monogenic (synonymous with single-gene disorders) genes, if mutated, are known to cause CKD, explaining ∼30% of cases in pediatric cohorts and ∼5–30% in adult cohorts. However, there are likely hundreds of additional monogenic nephropathy genes that may be revealed by whole-exome or -genome sequencing. Although the discovery of novel CKD-causing genes has accelerated, significant challenges in adult populations remain due to broad phenotypic heterogeneity together with variable expressivity, incomplete penetrance or age-related penetrance of these genes. Here we give an overview of the currently known monogenic causes for human CKD. We also describe how next-generation sequencing facilitates rapid molecular genetic diagnostics in individuals with suspected genetic kidney disease. In an era of precision medicine, understanding the utility of genetic testing in individuals with a suspected inherited nephropathy has important diagnostic and prognostic implications. Detection of monogenic causes of CKD permits molecular genetic diagnosis for patients and families and opens avenues for personalized treatment strategies for CKD. As an example, detection of a pathogenic mutation in the gene HNF1B not only allows for the formal diagnosis of CKD, but can also facilitate screening for additional extrarenal manifestations of disease, such as maturity-onset diabetes of youth, subclinical abnormal liver function tests, neonatal cholestasis and pancreatic hypoplasia. It also provides the driving force towards a better understanding of disease pathogenesis, potentially facilitating targeted new therapies for individuals with CKD.
Solving the mystery of vanishing rivers in China
Authors: Wang Yichu , Ni Jinren , Yue Yao , Li Jiaye , Borthwick Alistair G L , Cai Ximing , Xue An , Li Li , Wang Guangqian
Published: February 2019

A major controversy was sparked worldwide by a recent national water census claiming that the number of Chinese rivers with watersheds ≥100 km2 was less than half the previous estimate of 50 000 rivers, which also stimulates debates on the potential causes and consequences. Here, we estimated the number of rivers in terms of stream-segmentation characteristics described by Horton, Strahler and Shreve stream-order rules, as well as their mixed mode for named rivers recorded in the Encyclopedia of Rivers and Lakes in China. As a result, the number of ‘vanishing rivers’ has been found to be highly relevant to statistical specifications in addition to the erroneous inclusion of pseudo-rivers primarily generated in arid or frost-thaw areas. The modified Horton stream-order scheme reasonably depicts the configuration of complete natural streams from headwater to destination, while the Strahler largely projects the fragmentation of the named river networks associated with human aggregation to the hierarchical river systems.
Endoscopic Endonasal Removal of Primary/Recurrent Meningiomas in the Medial Optic Canal: Surgical Technique and Long-Term Visual Outcome
Authors: Sakata Kiyohiko , Takeshige Nobuyuki , Nagata Yui , Yoshitake Hidenobu , Komaki Satoru , Miyagi Naohisa , Morioka Motohiro
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

Tuberculum sellae meningiomas frequently extend into the optic canals, which leads to a progressive longitudinal visual loss. Therefore, in addition to tumor removal, unroofing and exploration inside the optic canal are important procedures.

OBJECTIVE

To perform endoscopic endonasal tumor removal with optic canal decompression for small primary or recurrent meningiomas associated with a progressive visual loss at the inferior-medial optic canal, which corresponded to a blind corner in the ipsilateral pterional/subfrontal approach.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 2 cases of primary meningiomas that arose in the inferior-medial optic canal and 4 recurrent cases from the remnant inside the medial optic canal that had previously undergone craniotomy for tuberculum sellae meningiomas, and were treated by the endoscopic endonasal approach.

RESULTS

All tumors were detectable and could be removed without manipulation of the affected optic nerve. The average maximum diameter of the tumor was 8.4 mm (range: 5-12 mm). Two patients who had a long history of progressive visual disturbance and papillary atrophy did not recover from severe visual disturbances postoperatively. However, others showed considerable improvement, maintaining postoperative visual function during follow-up. There were no postoperative complications.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic endonasal approach has several advantages for meningiomas in the medial optic canal and associated with progressive visual disturbance. In surgery of tuberculum sellae meningiomas, optic canal decompression and exploration inside the optic canal are important procedures to avoid symptomatic recurrence, which may be facilitated by the endoscopic endonasal approach. Papillary atrophy and duration of visual deterioration are predictive factors for postoperative visual outcomes.
The origins of quantum biology
Authors: McFadden Johnjoe , Al-Khalili Jim
Published: February 2019

Quantum biology is usually considered to be a new discipline, arising from recent research that suggests that biological phenomena such as photosynthesis, enzyme catalysis, avian navigation or olfaction may not only operate within the bounds of classical physics but also make use of a number of the non-trivial features of quantum mechanics, such as coherence, tunnelling and, perhaps, entanglement. However, although the most significant findings have emerged in the past two decades, the roots of quantum biology go much deeper—to the quantum pioneers of the early twentieth century. We will argue that some of the insights provided by these pioneering physicists remain relevant to our understanding of quantum biology today.
Local Targeted Memory Reactivation in Human Sleep
Authors: Bar Ella , Arzi Anat , Perl Ofer , Livne Ethan , Sobel Noam , Dudai Yadin , Nir Yuval
Published: February 2019

Memory consolidation can be promoted via Targeted Memory Reactivation (TMR) that re-presents training cues or context during sleep. Whether TMR acts locally or globally on cortical sleep oscillations remains unknown. Here we exploit the unique functional neuroanatomy of olfaction with its ipsilateral stimulus processing to perform local TMR in one brain hemisphere. Participants learned associations between words and locations in left or right visual fields with contextual odor throughout. During post-learning naps, odors were presented to one nostril throughout NREM sleep. We found improved memory for specific words processed in the cued hemisphere (ipsilateral to stimulated nostril). Unilateral odor cues locally modulated slow wave activity (SWA) such that regional SWA increase in the cued hemisphere negatively correlated with select memories for cued words. Moreover, local TMR improved slow wave-spindle coupling specifically in the cued hemisphere. Thus, TMR in human sleep transcends global action by selectively promoting specific memories associated with local sleep oscillations.
Altered cortical development and psychiatric symptom risk in adolescents exposed to maternal stressin utero
Authors: McQuaid Goldie A. , Darcey Valerie L. , Avalos Melissa F. , Fishbein Diana H. , VanMeter John W.
Published: February 2019

Objective

Maternal exposure to stress during pregnancy is associated with increased risk for cognitive and behavioral sequelae in offspring. Animal research demonstrates exposure to stress during gestation has effects on brain structure. In humans, however, little is known about the enduring effects ofin uteroexposure to maternal stress on brain morphology. We examine whether maternal report of stressful events during pregnancy is associated with brain structure and behavior in adolescents.

Method

We compare gray matter morphometry of typically-developing early adolescents (11-14 years of age, mean 12.7) based on presence/absence of maternal report of stressful event(s) during pregnancy: prenatal stress (PS; n=28), no prenatal stress (NS; n=55). The Drug Use Survey Index Revised (DUSI-R) assessed adolescent risk for problematic behaviors. Exclusionary criteria included pre-term birth, low birth weight, and maternal substance use during pregnancy. Groups were equivalent for demographic (age, sex, IQ, SES, race/ethnicity), and birth measures (weight, length).

Results

Compared to NS peers, adolescents in the PS group exhibited increased gray matter volume in bilateral posterior parietal cortex (PPC): bilateral intraparietal sulcus, left superior parietal lobule and inferior parietal lobule. Additionally, the PS group displayed greater risk for psychiatric symptoms and family system dysfunction, as assessed via DUSI-R subscales.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence for the enduring neurodevelopmental effects of exposure to maternal stress whilein utero, suggesting the dynamic alterations in brain structure that occur during the adolescent critical period may unmask the latent effects of gestational stress on brain morphology and increase subsequent risk for psychiatric symptomatology.
Spatial and temporal temperature evolution of rotating tubes heated by a Gaussian laser beam – analytical solutions and calculations
Authors: Schmitt Rüdiger
Published: February 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to give an extended analytical solution for the thermal evolution of rotating tubes irradiated by a Gaussian laser beam. The heating process of opaque targets by surface absorption of laser radiation is a topic of fundamental importance in many civilian and military applications (e.g. hollow tube processing, counter of rockets, mortars and artillery shells). The spatio-temporal distribution of the temperature is analytically determined by the heat equation. Explicit solutions of this parabolic partial differential equation only exist for specific cases such as flat surfaces and specific beam profiles.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the author derives an explicit function that allows the calculation of the spatio-temporal temperature for the case of a tube irradiated by a laser beam. For this purpose, the tube geometry is transformed on that of an infinite extended slab. The heat source is transformed by the method of images to be periodically placed on the slab. Furthermore, the derived formula concerns even a rotation of the tube around the longitudinal axis.

Findings

From the calculations, the strong decrease in maximum temperatures and the spatio-temporal modulation could quantitatively be shown. For high rotation speeds, the modulation shows a falling tendency and the temperature approaches an asymptotic evolution. For this spatio-temporal evolution, the author found also an analytical expression allowing a relatively easy and fast calculation formula.

Originality/value

The analytical solutions were used for further calculations concerning the thermal ignition of encased explosives in rotating tubes. With the help of the formulas, the ignition times over a broad parameter range were determined.
Trajectory tracking control of robotic transcranial magnetic stimulation
Authors: Lin Zecai , Wang Xin , Yang Jian
Published: February 2019

Purpose

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique. Based on the unique functions of TMS, it has been widely used in clinical, scientific research and other fields. Nowadays, the robot-assisted automatic TMS has become the trend. In order to simplify the operation procedures of robotic TMS and reduce the costs, the purpose of this paper is to apply the marker-based augmented-reality technology to robotic TMS system.

Design/methodology/approach

By using the marker of ARToolKitPlus library and monocular camera, the patient’s head is positioned in real time. Furthermore, the force control is applied to keep contact between the coil and subject’s head.

Findings

The authors fuse with visual positioning which is based on augmented-reality and force-control technologies to track the movements of the patient’s head, bring the coil closer to the stimulation site and increase treatment effects. Experimental results indicate that the trajectory tracking control of robotic TMS system designed in this paper is practical and flexible.

Originality/value

This paper provides a trajectory tracking control method for the robotic TMS. The marker-based augmented-reality technology is implemented which simplifies the operation procedures of robotic TMS as well as reduce the costs. During the treatment process, the patients would wear an AR glasses, which can help patients relax through virtual scenes and reduce the uncomfortableness produce by treatment.
Prediction of pipeline collapse due to hydrostatic pressure
Authors: Athanasopoulos Nikolaos , Gavalas Evangelos , Papaefthymiou Spyros
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a finite element method (FEM) model that predicts the collapse pressure of the majority of the gas/petroleum pipelines worldwide. More specifically, it refers to pipelines with diameter to wall thickness (D/t) ratios between 15 and 45. The model’s results were evaluated on the basis of the DNV-OS-F101 offshore pipeline design code.

Design/methodology/approach

A series of FEM simulations were conducted using a 2D model created in the ANSYS’ software environment considering both the plane strain and the plane stress approach. The corresponding values of the collapse pressure for pipes with different value sets of D/t and ovality were calculated in Python (programming language) according to the DNV equations. Given that the pipeline’s resistance to collapse is governed by geometric imperfections and material properties, amongst others, the influence of other crucial factors, such as ovality, eccentricity, hardening modulus and the chemical composition (pipe’s steel grade) was examined.

Findings

The FE model approaches very closely the DNV calculations. Although the effect of the hardening modulus and pipe’s steel grade, respectively, was found to be insignificant on the pipeline’s collapse, it turned out that the lower the D/t ratio was the bigger the influence of these factors appeared. The D/t ratio does not affect the pipe’s sensitivity in eccentricity, because for a pipe with the same characteristics and eccentricity, but with higher ovality, the decrease in collapse pressure was found to be lower.

Originality/value

A 2D FEM which estimates collapse pressure and simultaneously takes into account the effect of various factors is less time-consuming and costly than the full-scale pipe collapse tests in pressure chambers.
Fuzzy optimization design-based multi-level response surface of bogie frame
Authors: Zhi Pengpeng , Li Yonghua , Chen Bingzhi , Li Meng , Liu Guannan
Published: February 2019

Purpose

In a structural optimization design-based single-level response surface, the number of optimal variables is too much, which not only increases the number of experiment times, but also reduces the fitting accuracy of the response surface. In addition, the uncertainty of the optimal variables and their boundary conditions makes the optimal solution difficult to obtain. The purpose of this paper is to propose a method of fuzzy optimization design-based multi-level response surface to deal with the problem.

Design/methodology/approach

The main optimal variables are determined by Monte Carlo simulation, and are classified into four levels according to their sensitivity. The linear membership function and the optimal level cut set method are applied to deal with the uncertainties of optimal variables and their boundary conditions, as well as the non-fuzzy processing is carried out. Based on this, the response surface function of the first-level design variables is established based on the design of experiments. A combinatorial optimization algorithm is developed to compute the optimal solution of the response surface function and bring the optimal solution into the calculation of the next level response surface, and so on. The objective value of the fourth-level response surface is an optimal solution under the optimal design variables combination.

Findings

The results show that the proposed method is superior to the traditional method in computational efficiency and accuracy, and improves 50.7 and 5.3 percent, respectively.

Originality/value

Most of the previous work on optimization was based on single-level response surface and single optimization algorithm, without considering the uncertainty of design variables. There are very few studies which discuss the optimization efficiency and accuracy of multiple design variables. This research illustrates the importance of uncertainty factors and hierarchical surrogate models for multi-variable optimization design.
A hybrid multi-criteria decision-making model for optimal coal blending
Authors: Chakraborty Shankar , Mitra Ankan
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is thus to develop a hybrid decision-making model for optimal coal blending strategy. Coal is one of the major resources contributing to generation of electricity and anthropogenic carbon-dioxide emission. Being formed from dead plant matter, it undergoes a series of morphological changes from peat to lignite, and finally to anthracite. Because of non-uniform distribution of coal over the whole earth and continuous variation in its compositions, coals mined from different parts of the world have widely varying properties. Hence, it requires an ideal blending strategy such that the coking coal having the optimal combination of all of its properties can be used for maximum benefit to the steel making process.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, a multi-criteria decision-making approach is proposed while integrating preference ranking organization method for enrichment of evaluations (PROMETHEE II and V) and geometrical analysis for interactive aid (GAIA) method to aid in formulating an optimal coal blending strategy. The optimal decision is arrived at while taking into account some practical implications associated with blending of coal, such as coal price from different reserves.

Findings

Different grades of coal are ranked from the best to the worst to find out the composition of constituent coals in the final blending process. Coals from the mines of two different geographical regions are considered here so as to prove the applicability of the proposed model. Adoption of this hybrid decision-making model would subsequently improve the performance of coal after blending and help in addressing some sustainability issues, like less pollution.

Originality/value

As this model takes into account the purchase price of coals from different reserves, it is always expected to provide more realistic solutions. Thus, it would be beneficial to deploy this decision-making model to different blending optimization problems in other spheres of a manufacturing industry. This model can further accommodate some more realistic criteria, such as availability of coal in different reserves as a topic of future research work.
‘Zeal and Patriotism’: Forging Identity in the Irish Militia, 1793‐1802
Authors: McDonnell Ciarán
Published: February 2019

The Irish Militia, formed in 1793 to defend Ireland from French invasion, represented almost two‐thirds of the British garrison in Ireland during the French Revolutionary Wars. The Irish Militia was also significant as it was a coming together of the upper‐class Anglo‐Irish Protestant military tradition, represented by the officer corps, and the Catholic majority, who filled the ranks. This article explores how successfully or unsuccessfully these competing Irish identities came together in the Donegal Regiment of Militia, examining how the officers overcame challenges and fostered a regimental identity that was capable of weathering the violence of the 1798 rebellion.
Saccade latencies during a preferential looking task and objective scoring of grating acuity in children with and without visual impairments
Authors: Barsingerhorn Annemiek D. , Boonstra F. Nienke , Goossens Jeroen
Published: February 2019

Purpose

We determined the latencies of orienting responses during a preferential looking task in children with normal vision and in children with visual impairments between 6 and 12 years old, and assessed the feasibility of scoring grating detection in these populations with video‐based eye tracking.

Methods

Children performed a computerized preferential looking test, while a remote eye tracker measured the children's eye movements. The stimuli consisted of a 2 × 2 grid, with three uniform grey fields and one target field consisting of a black‐and‐white square wave grating. The grating was presented randomly at one of the four locations. The spatial frequencies (1.05, 2.11 and 7.02 cyc/deg) were randomly interleaved, with 10 trials per spatial frequency. Three different methods were used to score the accuracy of the responses: (1) primary saccade ends on target, (1) gaze 50% of the presentation time on target, and (3) a combination of method 1 and 2 (i.e. primary saccade ends on target, and/or gaze 50% of the presentation time on target).

Results

The combined scoring method was most reliable to determine whether children could resolve the gratings. Children with visual impairments had significantly lower accuracies than children with normal vision with all three scoring methods. In addition, saccade latencies decreased with age and were significantly longer (62 ± 15 ms) in children with visual impairments.

Conclusion

The use of eye tracking to assess grating detection with a preferential looking task in clinical populations provides valuable additional information, including objective detection measures and developmental delays in saccade latencies.
Examining teachers’ ratings of feedback following success and failure: a study of Chinese English teachers
Authors: Skipper Yvonne , Douglas Karen M.
Published: February 2019

Background

Previous research has explored the impact of different types of praise and criticism on how children experience success and failure. However, less is known about how teachers choose to deliver feedback and specifically whether they deliver person (ability) or process (effort) feedback.

Aim

The aim of the current study was to use vignettes to explore how teachers would deliver feedback following success and failure.

Sample

The sample consisted of Chinese Primary school English teachers (N = 169).

Method

Participants read vignettes depicting children's educational successes and failures. They rated their perceptions of task difficulty, likelihood of giving feedback, and likelihood of giving both person and process forms of feedback. They also completed measures of whether they viewed intelligence as fixed or malleable.

Results

Results suggested that teachers stated that they would be more likely to give praise than criticism and would be more likely to give feedback for tasks perceived to be more challenging than easy. Following success, teachers endorsed the use of person and process feedback interchangeably, while following failure they endorsed more process feedback. Finally, teachers’ understanding of intelligence was also associated with feedback delivery. If teachers believed that intelligence was fixed (vs. something that can be developed), they said that they were more likely to give more person and process praise, but following failure gave more process feedback.

Conclusion

The current research gives insight into how teachers give feedback, and how perceived task difficulty and teachers’ views of intelligence can influence these choices. Further research is needed to understand why teachers may make these decisions.
Cautioning against overemphasis of normative constructs in conservation decision making
Authors: Yanco Esty , Nelson Michael Paul , Ramp Daniel
Published: February 2019

Questions around how to conserve nature are increasingly leading to dissonance in conservation planning and action. While science can assist in unraveling the nature of conservation challenges, conservation responses rely heavily on normative positions and constructs to order actions, aid interpretations, and provide motivation. However, problems can arise when norms are mistaken for science or when they stymy scientific rigor. To highlight these potential pitfalls, we used the ethics‐based tool of argument analysis to assess a controversial conservation intervention, the Pelorus Island Goat Control Program. The program proponents' argument for restorative justice was unsound because it relied on weak logical construction overly entrenched in normative assumptions. Overreliance on normative constructs, particularly the invocation of tragedy, creates a sense of urgency that can subvert scientific and ethical integrity, obscure values and assumptions, and increase the propensity for flawed logic. This example demonstrates how the same constructs that drive biodiversity conservation can also drive poor decision making, spur public backlash, and justify poor animal welfare outcomes. To provide clarity, a decision‐making flowchart we devised demonstrates how values, norms, and ethics influence one another. We recommend practitioners follow 3 key points to improve decision making: be aware of values, as well as normative constructs and ethical theories that those values inform; be mindful of overreliance on either normative constructs or ethics when deciding action is justified; and be logically sound and transparent when building justifications. We also recommend 5 key attributes that practitioners should be attentive to when making conservation decisions: clarity, transparency, scientific integrity, adaptiveness, and compassion. Greater attention to the role of norms in decision making will improve conservation outcomes and garner greater public support for actions.
Missed unroofed coronary sinus
Authors: Karavelioglu Yusuf , Cagli Kumral , Yetim Mucahit , Bekar Lutfu , Golbasi Zehra
Published: February 2019

Coronary sinus atrial septal defect (ASD) is a rare congenital cardiac anomaly, which might be difficult to diagnose. In this report, we describe a patient with small secundum ASDs and an associated large coronary sinus ASD, which had been missed at initial evaluation. The diagnosis of coronary sinus ASD was established by using transesophageal echocardiography after percutaneous closure of a small secundum ASD at another center. Patient underwent corrective surgery.
Intracardiac mass in chronic myeloid leukemia
Authors: Krishnegowda Chetana , Chikkaswamy Srinivas Budanur , Barthur Ashita , Ananthakrishna Rajiv
Published: February 2019

Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) is a neoplastic disorder of myeloid cell lines and is a less aggressive disease compared to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Although cardiovascular complications are not uncommon, intracardiac thrombosis in CML is rarely reported. Herein, we report a case of CML presenting with an intracardiac thrombus attached to the posterior mitral leaflet, and subsequently resulting in peripheral embolization.
The dimensionality of stability depends on disturbance type
Authors: Radchuk Viktoriia , Laender Frederik De , Cabral Juliano Sarmento , Boulangeat Isabelle , Crawford Michael , Bohn Friedrich , Raedt Jonathan De , Scherer Cédric , Svenning Jens‐Christian , Thonicke Kirsten , Schurr Frank M. , Grimm Volker , Kramer‐Schadt Stephanie
Published: February 2019

Ecosystems respond in various ways to disturbances. Quantifying ecological stability therefore requires inspecting multiple stability properties, such as resistance, recovery, persistence and invariability. Correlations among these properties can reduce the dimensionality of stability, simplifying the study of environmental effects on ecosystems. A key question is how the kind of disturbance affects these correlations. We here investigated the effect of three disturbance types (random, species‐specific, local) applied at four intensity levels, on the dimensionality of stability at the population and community level. We used previously parameterized models that represent five natural communities, varying in species richness and the number of trophic levels. We found that disturbance type but not intensity affected the dimensionality of stability and only at the population level. The dimensionality of stability also varied greatly among species and communities. Therefore, studying stability cannot be simplified to using a single metric and multi‐dimensional assessments are still to be recommended.
Chronic pain is underestimated and undertreated in dialysis patients: A retrospective case study
Authors: Kliuk‐Ben Bassat Orit , Brill Silviu , Sharon Haggai
Published: February 2019

Significant chronic pain is highly prevalent in chronic kidney disease patients and is associated with morbidity and mortality. In this study, we retrospectively evaluated the incidence and treatment of pain in the dialysis unit of our tertiary referral center. The cohort included 147 patients. Over 66% reported significant (VAS >40) chronic pain during the preceding 3 months, most often characterized as stabbing (38%) and with concurrent itching (44%). Only 33% of patients received chronic pain medications, while 55.6% of patients with severe pain and 45.9% with pain characterized as the worst imaginable did not receive any analgesics. Pregabalin or weak opioids were the most frequently used. In conclusion, chronic pain is highly prevalent and markedly undertreated in dialysis patients, despite its significant adverse impact.
DAVID CARR'S THEORY OF EXPERIENCING TIMES PAST
Authors: SPIEGEL GABRIELLE M.
Published: February 2019

This article is a review of David Carr's “Reflections on Temporal Perspective” in which Carr argues that present‐day historians or philosophers can experience the past, given that the past persists into the present and thus has a “presence” in contemporary life that makes it directly accessible to us. On that basis, Carr seeks to craft a phenomenological approach to history that puts experience in the place of representation and memory, rejecting thereby traditional notions of how we come to know and understand the past. Inherent in this approach is a new, and now widely shared, revision of our understanding of historical temporality, for such an experiencing of the past analytically demands a revised understanding of what “past” signifies when it is “present.” In this, Carr participates in a much broader movement in current historiography, which can be seen in the work of Frank Ankersmit, Hans Ulrich Gumbrecht, Dominick LaCapra, Ewa Domanska, Eelco Runia, and others who focus on the persistence of the past in the present, embracing a materialist rather than linguistic or narrativist approach to historical research and writing.

But if history signifies change over time, what “past” in the present do we actually experience? How is it logically possible to embrace both a commitment to the notion of historical development—as Carr does—and a notion of historical perseverance so powerful that the past as such survives and can be experienced? Carr's answer to this query is that “the present point of view is somehow permanent and yet always changing, framed at each moment by a different past and future.” What makes this possible, in his view, is the reality of superimposed temporalities, an idea he illustrates in his analysis of Braudel's La Mediterranée and other works. Hence it is precisely his “reflections on temporal perspective” that enable the experience of the past.
Critical role of Lin28‐TNFR2 signalling in cardiac stem cell activation and differentiation
Authors: Xiang Qiuling , Yang Bicheng , Li Li , Qiu Bin , Qiu Caihong , Gao Xiao‐Bing , Zhou Huanjiao (Jenny) , Min Wang
Published: February 2019

Tumour necrotic factor receptor‐2 (TNFR2) has been to be cardiac‐protective and is expressed in cardiac progenitor cells. Our goal is to define the mechanism for TNFR2‐mediated cardiac stem cell activation and differentiation. By employing a protocol of in vitro cardiac stem cell (CSC) differentiation from human inducible pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC), we show that expression of TNFR2 precedes expression of CSC markers followed by expression of mature cardiomyocyte proteins. Activation of TNFR2 by a specific agonist promotes whereas inhibition of TNFR2 by neutralizing antibody diminishes hiPSC‐based CSC differentiation. Interestingly, pluripotent cell factor RNA‐binding protein Lin28 enhances TNFR2 protein expression in early CSC activation by directly binding to a conserved Lin28‐motif within the 3'UTR of Tnfr2 mRNA. Furthermore, inhibition of Lin28 blunts TNFR2 expression and TNFR2‐dependent CSC activation and differentiation. Our study demonstrates a critical role of Lin28‐TNFR2 axis in CSC activation and survival, providing a novel strategy to enhance stem cell‐based therapy for the ischaemic heart diseases.
Efficacy and safety of systemic treatments in psoriatic arthritis: a systematic review, meta‐analysis and GRADE evaluation
Authors: Dressler C. , Eisert L. , Pham P.A. , Nast A.
Published: February 2019

Twenty per cent of patients with plaque psoriasis also have psoriatic arthritis – a disease affecting joints and entheses. Different treatment options exist but currently no succinct systematic overview exists. A systematic review of approved systemic treatments for psoriatic arthritis was conducted. We systematically searched in three databases (last update September 2017). Data were extracted for ACR20/50, HAQ‐DI, SF‐36 and adverse/serious adverse events after 16–24 weeks. We assessed the quality of evidence using GRADE. Twenty trials were included. Three trials compared two active substances. Results for ACR20 were infliximab + methotrexate vs. methotrexate: RR 1.40 (95% CI 1.07–1.84) very low quality evidence; ixekizumab Q2W vs. adalimumab Q2W: RR 1.08 (95% CI 0.86–1.36) very low quality, leflunomide vs. methotrexate: RR 1.01, (95% CI 0.84–1.21) low quality. Eighteen drug vs. placebo comparisons were included. For ACR20/50, HAQ‐DI and SF‐36, the active treatment was efficacious and the quality of the evidence was mostly moderate to low (15 of 18 comparisons). The quality of evidence for (serious) adverse events was mostly low; differences were rare. In three placebo‐controlled comparisons, leflunomide, MTX and sulfasalazine failed to show statistical superiority for ACR. Besides the established treatment of anti‐TNF antibodies and ustekinumab for psoriatic arthritis, the newer treatment options of IL17 antibodies and apremilast are also effective for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis. Based on just one comparative trial and one drug each, the new class of anti‐IL 17 antibodies appears to be equally effective as the group of anti‐TNF antibodies; for apremilast, this is yet unclear.
Thermal kinetics of enzyme inactivation, color changes, and allicin degradation of garlic under blanching treatments
Authors: Huang Zhi , Zhou Quan , Wu Wei‐Liang , Wan Jun , Jiang Ai‐Min
Published: February 2019

Blanching is a feasible and effective method widely applied to prevent greening in garlic puree. However, this processing may cause the physical and chemical changes in garlic puree. Therefore, an investigation was carried out to systematically explore the effects of hot water blanching on enzyme inactivation (alliinase and γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase, GGT), discoloration, allicin degradation, and antioxidant capacity of garlic puree. The results showed that the inactivation of alliinase and GGT was strongly dependent on blanching temperature and time. Garlic puree turned into white when blanched at 80°C for 5 min or at 90°C for 4 min, with a* value of −3.24 ± 0.11, −2.80 ± 0.43, respectively. The inactivation kinetics of alliinase and GGT followed a first‐order reaction, as well as the kinetic of green discoloration. However, allicin content was dropped by 71, 80, and 85% after blanching for 5 min at 70, 80, and 90°C, respectively. A decline in the antioxidant capacity of garlic treated by blanching was also observed. The current findings indicated that blanching could contribute to inhabit garlic greening but had negative effects on the nutritional ingredients of garlic puree.

Practical applications

Garlic is prone to greening when processed into garlic puree, garlic juice and other products. The occurrence of greening seriously hindered the further processing of garlic. Blanching is an effective and feasible method to prevent greening in garlic puree. In this study, the effects of blanching on enzyme inactivation, color changes, allicin degradation and antioxidant capacity of garlic puree were studied. This study provides a theoretical basis for the deep processing of garlic.
Lifetime super‐resolution optical fluctuation imaging
Authors: ZENG ZHIPING , MA JING , CHEN XUANZE , XU CANHUA
Published: February 2019

In this paper, we propose a promising super‐resolution imaging scheme in fluorescence lifetime domain (lifetime super‐resolution optical fluctuation imaging, ltSOFI). ltSOFI has the potential to obtain super‐resolution images by taking advantage of fluorescence lifetime blinking under wide‐field lifetime detection. The proof‐of‐concept for ltSOFI was demonstrated through numerical simulation of high‐order cumulant analysis on fluorescence lifetime blinking emitters. As a tentative experimental demonstration, we obtained super‐resolution lifetime imaging from time‐lapse FLIM recording of HeLa cells expressing a cAMP sensor using ltSOFI method. ltSOFI is expected to initiate a new dimension in the lifetime domain for blinking‐based super‐resolution microscopy.

Lay Description

We report on a promising super‐resolution imaging scheme in fluorescence lifetime domain (lifetime super‐resolution optical fluctuation imaging, ltSOFI). ltSOFI has the potential to obtain super‐resolution images by taking advantage of fluorescence lifetime blinking under wide‐field lifetime detection. Past advances in super‐resolution fluorescence microscopy primarily rely on the spatiotemporal modulation of the fluorescence intensity. Although the applications of the Q‐dot blinking have been discussed in the literature, most of the discussions have focused on the blinking of fluorescence intensity. Few studies have shown the possibility of super‐resolution imaging through fluorescence lifetime fluctuations. In this paper, we proposed the ltSOFI scheme that explored the possibility of super‐resolution reconstruction from the blinking of fluorescence lifetime. The proof‐of‐concept for ltSOFI was demonstrated through numerical simulation of high‐order cumulant analysis on fluorescence lifetime blinking emitters. As a tentative experimental demonstration, we obtained super‐resolution lifetime imaging from time‐lapse FLIM recording of HeLa cells expressing a cAMP sensor using ltSOFI method. The ltSOFI method is expected to initiate a new dimension in the lifetime domain for blinking‐based super‐resolution microscopy. Moreover, the existing fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy and super‐resolution nanoscopy can benefit from the implementation of ltSOFI to significantly improve the imaging spatial resolution of fluorescence lifetime images. In addition, the proof‐of‐concept demonstration achieved by the numerical simulation and tentative experiment will provide a new perspective for obtaining fluorescence lifetime images with much finer details.
Rapid detection of Phytophthora nicotianae by simple DNA extraction and real‐time loop‐mediated isothermal amplification assay
Authors: Hieno Ayaka , Li Mingzhu , Afandi Auliana , Otsubo Kayoko , Suga Haruhisa , Kageyama Koji
Published: February 2019

Phytophthora nicotianae is a phytopathogenic oomycete with a wide host range and worldwide distribution. Rapid detection and diagnosis at the early stages of disease development are important for the effective control of P. nicotianae. In this study, we designed a simple and rapid loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP)‐based detection method for P. nicotianae. We tested three DNA extraction methods and selected the Kaneka Easy DNA Extraction Kit version 2, which is rapid and robust for LAMP‐based detection. The designed primers were tested using mycelial DNA from 35 species (81 isolates) of Phytophthora, 12 species (12 isolates) of Pythium, one isolate of Phytopythium and one isolate each from seven other soil‐borne pathogens. All of the 42 P. nicotianae isolates were detected by these primers, and no other isolates gave positive results. Three isolates were tested for the sensitivity of the reaction, and the lowest amounts of template DNA that could be detected were 10 fg for two isolates and 1 fg for the third. The target was detected within 25 min in all tested samples, including DNA extracted from both inoculated and naturally infected plants. In contrast, PCR assays with P. nicotianae‐specific primers failed or showed weakened detection in several samples. Thus, we found that the rapid DNA extraction and LAMP assay methods developed in this study can be used to detect P. nicotianae with high sensitivity, specificity and stability.
Cost–benefit analysis of two culture methods that influence pearl production from the black‐lip pearl oyster, Pinctada margaritifera
Authors: Johnston Bill , Hine Damian , Kishore Pranesh , Southgate Paul C.
Published: February 2019

The black‐lip pearl oyster, Pinctada margaritifera, used for round pearl production in Polynesia, is generally cultured using “ear‐hanging” where they are attached to a rope to form “chaplets.” In other countries, pearl oysters are cultured using panel (pocket) nets that are more expensive than chaplets but afford more protection to cultured oysters. Prior research has shown panel nets produce pearls of higher quality and value, potentially generating higher profits. This study used cost–benefit analysis to compare pearl production using chaplet‐based and panel net‐based culture methods. Whole farm data, including gross revenues and annual production costs, fixed and variable, were analyzed. Average production cost per pearl using panel net‐based culture was USD 22.47 and for chaplet‐based culture was USD 21.55. However, use of panel nets saved around 3,430 hr (USD 6,860) of labor a year, offsetting the greater capital investment. A chaplet‐based pearl farm generated USD 65,738 in annual profits compared to USD 88,774 for a panel net‐based farm. Positive cash flow was achieved 1 year earlier (Year 7) for the panel net‐based farm. This is the first economic analysis of different pearl culture methods for P. margaritifera and evidence of profitability will support further development of the black‐lip pearl industry in the Indo‐Pacific region.
Weeds as a predominant food source: a review of the diet of common hamsters Cricetus cricetus in farmlands and urban habitats
Authors: Tissier Mathilde L. , Marchandeau Stéphane , Habold Caroline , Handrich Yves , Eidenschenck Julien , Kourkgy Charlotte
Published: February 2019

The common hamster Cricetus cricetus was long considered to be a pest species for crops, but its populations are now dramatically declining. The conservation of this species can only be achieved via an up‐to‐date knowledge of its ecology. However, its diet composition has never been exhaustively reviewed and the last peer‐reviewed publication on its feeding ecology in farmlands dates back to 1974.

This review of the literature aims to establish a list of plant and animal taxa consumed by common hamsters, providing knowledge to be applied to the conservation of hamsters and to identify the main avenues of future research.

Hamsters consume four main categories of food: crops, weeds, trees/shrubs and animals, including mammals, birds, herptiles and invertebrates. Vegetable foods are more diverse (114 taxa) than animal foods (11 taxa). Hamsters mainly consume animals and green parts of plants (flowers and leaves) in spring and summer, and store energy‐rich and non‐perishable foods for winter.

Weeds are the most diverse food category (61 taxa), followed by crops (31 taxa). However, diet shifts from crop products towards tree products in urban habitats, probably in response to a marked difference in availability.

We conclude that hamsters have an opportunist diet that shows a high degree of plasticity, and that weeds make up an important part of their food supply. However, the studies published to date have considered diet composition without taking food availability into account, and therefore lack information on whether the hamsters select the foods consumed or simply consume them because other foods are not readily available. Research on food availability and selection is therefore needed. Moreover, we argue that there is a need for recent data on the feeding ecology of the hamster in relation to fitness. This would provide a crucial tool for the implementation of adapted conservation measures for this declining species of rodent.
Kierkegaard on Existential Kenosis and the Power of the Image: Fear and Trembling and Practice in Christianity
Authors: Becker‐Lindenthal Hjördis , Guyatt Ruby
Published: February 2019

What is the role of the image in faith? How should we relate to Abraham and Christ? Through new readings of two of Kierkegaard’s rarely compared texts, this article locates the religious power of the image in its ability to cleanse the subject of received mis‐images of Christianity, and suggests that Kierkegaard was inspired by elements of Rheno‐Flemish mysticism. Kierkegaard not only identifies this inward existential kenosis as the correct form of imitation, he narratively induces this in his reader. As well as examining this textual performativity and the imagination’s role of kenotically preparing the subject for her subsequent upbuilding, this article identifies the movement of kenosis as constitutive of faith – a task that involves suffering, but a suffering that is always accompanied and tempered by love.
Loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for the identification of invasive Aedes mosquito species
Authors: Schenkel C. D. , Kamber T. , Schaffner F. , Mathis A. , Silaghi C.
Published: February 2019

Invasive Aedes mosquito species (Diptera: Culicidae) are of public health concern in Europe because they are either recognized or potential vectors of pathogens. Loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is a rapid and simple method for amplifying DNA with high specificity and efficiency, with the technique having potential for application in the field, including in high‐throughput format. Specific LAMP assays based on rDNA internal transcribed spacers 1 or 2 sequences, considering intraspecies variability at these loci, were developed for Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, Aedes japonicus, Aedes koreicus and the indigenous Aedes geniculatus. No such assays could be developed for Aedes atropalpus and Aedes triseriatus because both loci were too short to serve as target. The assays rely on the clearly visible colour change from violet to sky blue after successful amplification. Sensitivity of egg detection was confirmed with ratios of up to one mosquito egg in 99 other eggs. Simple sample preparation of adults or eggs by mechanical homogenization in water required an additional heat treatment or centrifugation step to avoid non‐specific colour changes. Thus, further technical improvements are needed to render these assays truly field‐applicable, which would greatly facilitate surveillance of these invasive mosquito species and allow for prompt implementation of control measures.