bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Commentary 1: Research with Persons Under Involuntary Commitment—Ethical Issues Surrounding Competence and Voluntariness
Authors: Scholten Matthé , Vollmann Jochen
Published: November 2019

In this case commentary, we analyze ethical concerns that were raised in response to an interview with a woman with bipolar disorder who was under involuntary commitment. We focus on competence and voluntariness as two prerequisites for valid informed consent. We recommend that judgments of competence be based on whether prospective research participants sufficiently possess certain decision-making abilities. Based on this functional approach, we argue that manic symptoms need not undermine competence and that, even if we were to assume that the research participant became incompetent during the interview, this would not invalidate her consent retroactively. It would, however, compromise her ability to revoke her consent. We furthermore show that obtaining additional proxy consent for research participation may compromise the autonomy of service users who are competent to consent. Then we turn to the issue of voluntariness. Arguing that neither the great strength nor the external etiology of a desire compromises voluntariness, we propose that the voluntariness of a decision instead depends on whether the decision-maker endorses it on reflection. The researchers disclosed that prospective research participants’ decision about study participation would have no influence on the duration of the commitment or the quality of care. We contend that because of this neither coercion nor undue influence was exerted in the informed consent process. Nevertheless, there is an increased likelihood of perceived coercion and undue influence under conditions of involuntary commitment, and we close by suggesting some safeguards to prevent this.
Commentary 2: Qualitative Research with Vulnerable Persons—How to Ensure that Burdens and Benefits are Proportional and Fairly Distributed
Authors: Gieselmann Astrid , Efkemann Simone Agnes , Scholten Matthé
Published: November 2019

This case commentary investigates whether the risks and benefits of an interview study with persons under involuntary commitment on open-door policies in psychiatry were proportional and fairly distributed. Given that there is little data available on the views of service users on open-door policies, the study had significant social value. Because the individual benefits are limited in studies like this, we recommend that special measures be taken to forestall what has been called the “therapeutic misconception.” The study imposed burdens on individual research participants, as evidenced by the distress that a woman with bipolar disorder experienced during the interview. Risks and burdens must be actively monitored in qualitative studies with persons under involuntary commitment. If the actual burdens are disproportional, interviews must be interrupted and risks must be reassessed. A common principle for the fair distribution of the risks and burdens of research participation says that a research study may be carried out with vulnerable persons only if the research aims cannot be attained by including only persons who are not vulnerable. In the study under discussion, both persons who were still involuntarily committed and persons who were no longer committed were included. This indicates that either the aforementioned principle is not fully satisfied or the validity of the study is somewhat compromised. Judging that the latter option is more likely, we contend that this compromise is ethically defensible.
Commentary 2: Empirical Interviews and Moral Engagement—Commentary on “Interviewers as Intruders? Ethical Explorations of Joint Family Interviews”
Authors: Henning Tim
Published: November 2019

This paper discusses a case vignette that captures an ethically challenging situation in qualitative research. The study was about families who had experienced a life-saving bone marrow transplantation between siblings, who were children at the time of transplantation. A difficult situation emerged during a joint family interview that took place a few years after the transplantation. Parents, donor and the recipient were present, both still children. The difficulties included a confrontation of the 10-year old donor child with accusations and pejorative statements from the other family members and his sidelining from the conversation. The interviewers have been acutely aware that their presence in this situation in this moment was an intrusion into family dynamics. The paper argues, on the basis of the vignette, that professional norms of qualitative research need to be reconsidered. Specifically, it is argued that interviewers are obligated to take an engaged moral stance, by taking a position in an exchange of moral arguments.
“As I Was Walking Down the Street, Four Strange Guys Came and Took Me Under the Bridge, Where They All Raped Me”: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of the Types of Rape Experienced by Men in South Africa
Authors: Mgolozeli Siyabulela Eric , Duma Sinegugu Evidence
Published: November 2019

Globally, rape is regarded as the most demoralizing type of trauma, and it has negative implications for victims and their families. Although rape affects the community in general, there is a paucity of literature on rape victimization of men. As a result, the types of rape experienced by them are not understood, and thus it is often difficult to develop contextually relevant interventions to prevent male rape and to support male rape victims. The objective of this study was to first determine and then describe, the types of rape experienced by men. An interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) qualitative approach was used to collect and analyze data from a purposive sample of 11 participants, using semistructured individual interviews. The findings of the study reveal six themes and related subthemes as six types and related subtypes of rape experienced by men as follows: acquaintance rape, including familial rape; stranger rape; gang rape, including corrective-gang rape, drug-facilitated gang rape, pack-hunting rape, women retributive rape (or women vengeance) for violence experienced from men; homophobic rape; prison rape, including transactional rape and gang initiation rape; and armed rape. The findings reveal the different contexts or settings where men are vulnerable to rape. This highlights the possibilities for the development of context-specific sexual violence prevention interventions for men, which include self-defense training and awareness campaigns specific to rape victimization of men. Furthermore, future studies are recommended to expose this pandemic. Activism is advocated to stop the silence around this public and social health issue.
Abnormal wear analysis of straddle-type monorail vehicle running wheel tire
Authors: Wang Guolin , Li Kaiqiang , Zhou Haichao
Published: November 2019

On the Chongqing’s straddle-type monorail train in China, serious abnormal wear of running wheel tires occurs in its routine use, leading to a series of safety, environmental, and economic concerns. To analyze the causes of abnormal wear, a dynamic model of straddle-type monorail vehicle with full consideration to the lateral behavior of running wheel tire was established using Lagrange equations and verified by Zhong’s model created using SIMPACK. Based on the boundary conditions provided in the dynamic model and the friction characteristics of tire and pavement, a finite element model of the running wheel tire was built and validated with vertical, lateral, and longitudinal stiffness tests of corresponding tires. The wear situations of each running wheel tire under extreme turning condition were described in detail with the contact behavior and an assessment was done based on the friction work and the friction work skewness value. Besides, the influence of slip angle, roll angle, and their combined effect on the abnormal wear of running wheel tire was analyzed. This research proposes that, reasonable matching of the slip angle and the roll angle is of engineering significance and it can reduce uneven wear of the running wheel tire.
AK-PDF: An active learning method combining kriging and probability density function for efficient reliability analysis
Authors: Zhou Chengning , Xiao Ning-Cong , Zuo Ming J , Huang Xiaoxu
Published: November 2019

An important challenge in structural reliability is to reduce the number of calls to evaluate the performance function, especially the complex implicit performance functions. To reduce the computational burden and improve the reliability analysis efficiency, a new active learning method is developed to consider the probability density function of samples based on the learning function U in an active learning reliability method that combines the kriging and Monte Carlo simulation. In the proposed method, the proposed active learning function contains two parts: part A is based on function U, and part B is based on the probability density function and function U. By changing the weights of parts A and B, the sample points close the limit-state function, and those in the region with a higher probability density function have more weight to be selected compared to the others. Subsequently, the kriging model can be constructed more effectively. The proposed method avoids a large number of time-consuming function evaluations, and the recommended weight is also reported. The performance of the proposed method is evaluated through three numerical examples and one engineering example. The results demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed method.
Node coverage optimization algorithm for wireless sensor networks based on improved grey wolf optimizer
Authors: Wang Zhendong , Xie Huamao , Hu Zhongdong , Li Dahai , Wang Junling , Liang Wen
Published: November 2019

Aiming at the problem of wireless sensor network node coverage optimization with obstacles in the monitoring area, based on the grey wolf optimizer algorithm, this paper proposes an improved grey wolf optimizer (IGWO) algorithm to improve the shortcomings of slow convergence, low search precision, and easy to fall into local optimum. Firstly, the nonlinear convergence factor is designed to balance the relationship between global search and local search. The elite strategy is introduced to protect the excellent individuals from being destroyed as the iteration proceeds. The original weighting strategy is improved, so that the leading wolf can guide the remaining grey wolves to prey in a more reasonable way. The design of the grey wolf’s boundary position strategy and the introduction of dynamic variation strategy enrich the population diversity and enhance the ability of the algorithm to jump out of local optimum. Then, the benchmark function is used to test the convergence performance of genetic algorithm, particle swarm optimization, grey wolf optimizer, and IGWO algorithm, which proves that the convergence performance of IGWO algorithm is better than the other three algorithms. Finally, the IGWO algorithm is applied to the deployment of wireless sensor networks with obstacles (rectangular obstacle, trapezoidal obstacle and triangular obstacles). Simulation results show that compared with GWO algorithm, IGWO algorithm can effectively improve the coverage of wireless sensor network nodes and obtain higher coverage rate with fewer nodes, thereby reducing the cost of deploying the network.
Luzindole attenuates LPS/d-galactosamine-induced acute hepatitis in mice
Authors: Luo Yisheng , Yang Yongqiang , Shen Yi , Li Longjiang , Huang Jiayi , Tang Li , Zhang Li
Published: November 2019

Melatonin is a well-documented hormone that plays central roles in the regulation of sleep–wake cycles. There is cumulative evidence to suggest that melatonin is also a pleiotropic regulator of inflammation, and luzindole has been widely used as a melatonin receptor antagonist. This study investigated the potential effects of luzindole on LPS/d-galactosamine (d-GalN)-induced acute hepatitis. The results indicated that treatment with luzindole alleviated histological damage in the liver, reduced the level of transaminases in plasma and improved the survival of LPS/d-GalN-exposed mice. Treatment with luzindole also suppressed the production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 in LPS/d-GalN-exposed mice. In addition, treatment with luzindole inhibited the activation of caspase-3, -8 and -9, and suppressed the cleavage of caspase-3 and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase. Therefore, treatment with luzindole attenuates LPS/d-GalN-induced acute liver injury, suggesting that luzindole might have potential value for the intervention of inflammation-based hepatic disorders.
Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards
Authors: McSorley Amanda
Published: November 2019

Article 5 of the Human Rights Act, 1998 states that: ‘Everyone has the right to liberty and security of person. No-one shall be deprived of his or her liberty unless in accordance with a procedure prescribed in law.’ However, there are occasions when it is necessary and appropriate to deprive a person of their liberty in order to keep them safe from harm. Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards are the legal framework introduced in 2009 to ensure that this occurs only when absolutely necessary and no alternative, less restrictive measures can be utilised to ensure safe care. This article outlines the key points relating to DOLS, considering how they relate to GPs during their training and careers.
Comparative Study of the Social Interactions of Two Differently Designed Long-Term Care Facilities for Individuals With Acquired Brain Injury
Authors: Brodsky David , Shepley Mardelle McCuskey
Published: November 2019

Aim:

This study focused on long-term care (LTC) settings for individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI). The goals were (1) to assess the impact of facility configuration on social interactions between residents and staff and (2) obtain a better understanding of staff and resident perceptions of the built environment.

Background:

A few studies have explored the relationship between the built environment and social interaction in LTC facilities, but there is little empirical data about ABI-specific LTC facilities.

Methods:

A literature review was conducted on the impact of the built environment on the LTC of brain injury survivors. Via a questionnaire, staff and residents in two settings, one with patient rooms off corridors and the other with patient rooms surrounding a common space, rated the effectiveness of the built environment in promoting social interaction. Behavioral observation was conducted on 18 residents for a duration of 4 hr per resident.

Results:

Via questionnaires, staff rated the corridor facility as more effective in promoting social interaction, but no significant differences were found between the assessments of the two resident populations. Contrary to staff questionnaire results, residents in the open configuration facility exhibited more social behaviors.

Conclusions:

Building configuration may impact social interaction between staff and residents in ABI-specific LTC facilities and potentially impact staff and resident quality of life. However, configuration cannot be viewed in a vacuum; residents’ physical and mental limitations, demographic information, and staff engagement must be also considered.
High-throughput three-dimensional spheroid tumor model using a novel stamp-like tool
Authors: Liao Wei , Wang Jieqing , Xu Jiecheng , You Fuyu , Pan Mingxin , Xu Xiaoping , Weng Jun , Han Xu , Li Shao , Li Yang , Liang Kangyan , Peng Qing , Gao Yi
Published: November 2019

Spheroid culture is a widely used three-dimensional culture technology that simulates the three-dimensional structure of tumors in vivo and has been considered a good model for tumor research. However, current commercialized spheroid culture tools have the shortcomings of high cost or relatively poor spheroid-forming results for some special cells. To solve such problems, we designed a 3D printed, reusable, stamp-like resin mold that could shape microstructures for spheroid culture of tumor cells on the surface of agarose substrate in a 96-well plate. We applied this homemade three-dimensional culture tool in spheroid formation for hepatocellular carcinoma cells. The experimental data show that the effect of spheroid culture on four hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines in our homemade spheroid culture plate is better than that of the commercialized ultralow attachment spheroid culture plate, and compared to two-dimensional culture, three-dimensional culture improves cell functions. In addition, the drug-sensitive test based on patient-derived hepatocellular carcinoma cells showed a different pattern between spheroid and two-dimensional cultures. In conclusion, our spheroid culture tool is characterized by its low cost, reusability, low cell consumption, convenience in medium exchange, and good effect of spheroid formation, suggesting that this technique could be widely used in individual treatment and high-throughput drug screening.
The mechanisms of pain tolerance and pain-related anxiety in acute pain
Authors: Cimpean Alina , David Daniel
Published: November 2019

This study emphasizes the role of pain catastrophizing and state anxiety on pain tolerance and pain-related anxiety. Response expectancies for pain tolerance and pain intensity were tested as potential mediators. A cold-pressor task was used on a healthy sample. Measures were taken before and after cold-pressor procedure, while aversive versus neutral information regarding the cold-pressor task was given prior to the pain induction. An exploratory path model was conducted. Similar paths for pain tolerance and for pain-related anxiety were shown in aversive condition. Also, psychological measures may explain pain experience in aversive context.
Their whole hearts: Formative reading in the young adult classroom
Authors: Jensen Steven
Published: November 2019

Students in a college literature class have been formed by conflicting approaches to literary pedagogy. The Common Core Standards deemphasize formative reading in favor of close reading, post-reading analysis of literary elements. A counter-movement, with its own network of publications and workshops, emphasizes formative reading, emotional engagement, and the cultivation of adult reading habits. More grounded in reader-response theory, this approach promotes the emotional engagement and autonomy of student readers, and often makes use of young adult literature. This counter-movement, however, depends upon unspoken pre-conditions that connect it to some ancient regimes of formative reading.
Estimating Cost-Effectiveness of Confirmatory Oral Food Challenges in the Diagnosis of Children With Food Allergy
Authors: Alsaggaf Abdullah , Murphy James , Leibel Sydney
Published: November 2019

Introduction. Food allergies affect 8% of the pediatric population in the United States with an estimated annual cost of US$25 billion. The low specificity of some of the main food allergy tests used in diagnosis may generate false positives incurring unnecessary costs. We examined the cost-effectiveness of oral food challenges (OFC) as confirmatory tests in the diagnosis of food allergy. Methods. We constructed a decision tree with a Markov model comparing the long-term (15 years) cost and effectiveness—in the form of quality-adjusted life years (QALY)—of confirmatory OFCs compared with immediate allergenic food elimination (FE) after a skin prick test or blood immunoglobulin E (IgE) level in children with suspected food allergy. For costs, we included the costs of OFCs and the reported annual costs of having a food allergy, including direct medical costs and costs borne by families. Results. The cost of OFC strategy was $8671 compared with $18 012 for the FE strategy for the length of the model. Also, the OFC strategy had a total QALY of 21.942 compared with 21.740 for the FE strategy. In the OFC strategy, the total cost was $9341 less than FE and the increase in QALY after OFCs led to a 0.202 higher effectiveness in the OFC strategy. Conclusion. In conclusion, our study shows that the confirmatory OFC strategy dominated the FE strategy and that a confirmatory OFC for children, within a year of diagnosis, is a cost-effective strategy that decreases costs and appears to improve quality of life.
The Moneychangers (Şarrāfs) in Mughal India
Authors: Haider Najaf
Published: November 2019

The Mughal exchange economy can be visualised as comprising twin circles of cash and credit. In the first, transactions were conducted in currency money (metallic and non-metallic) consisting of fresh imports and pre-existing stocks. In the second, payments were deferred to pre-fixed dates using credit instruments. The circles of cash and credit grew in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, possibly more in the latter. This paper is about a unique professional group, the ṣarrāfs, whose members engaged themselves in both these circles. They were essentially assayers and moneychangers who operated in the market or worked for a client (state, village community, members of the ruling class, merchants), or carried out both functions at the same time. The possession and handling of cash enabled them to diversify their operations, the most important being banking. As bankers, the ṣarrāfs accepted deposits on interest, gave commercial and consumption loans, and transferred money from one place or person to another through bills of exchange (hundī) and book entries (giro). The ṣarrāfs facilitated the movement of money and merchandise also by covering risks on payment of premium (inland, marine and credit insurance).
Evaluation of Efficacy of 3-Dimensional Delta Versus Trapezoidal Condylar Plates in Internal Fixation of Mandibular Subcondylar Fractures: A Clinical Study
Authors: Lata Jeevan , Verma Nitin , Mahajan Sarita
Published: November 2019

Introduction: Among condylar fractures, surgical treatment is most commonly done for subcondylar fractures. Although 2 plate system is most commonly recommended, specially designed delta plate or trapezoidal condylar single 3-dimensional plate have been found to provide early functional rehabilitation with similar stability. Though studied in vitro, not much in vivo study has been done in clinical scenario.

Aim and Objectives: Comparative assessment of functional and radiographic outcomes of patients who underwent subcondylar fracture fixation with trapezoidal and delta condylar plate.

Methods: 20 patients presenting with subcondylar fracture requiring open reduction and internal fixation were included in this 2-year study from 2014 to 2016. Patients were randomly assigned to either one of the groups, with 10 being treated by each plate. Patients were evaluated regularly during 3 months follow-up on clinical parameters, such as occlusion, mouth opening, range of jaw movements, and radiologic parameters, such as fracture alignment, plate fracture, plate bending, screw loosening, secondary displacement of condylar fragment and its direction, ramus height, and any deviation.

Results: In both groups, statistically significant improvement in occlusion seen from the third day to the third month ( P value = .04). Postoperative mouth opening, right and left lateral movements, and protrusive movements were statistically nonsignificant in both group A and group B. But within a group, improvements in the results were variable with regard to all these parameters at different intervals. Clinical and radiographic complications were nonsignificant in both group A and group B.

Conclusion: This study is a preliminary effort to evaluate and compare different special plating systems in the management of condylar fractures with the new 3-dimensional trapezoidal and delta plating system, which gives excellent stability and rigidity.

Improvement in occlusion was found to be gradual in both the plating system over a period of 3 months. Delta plate showed significant improvement in mouth opening at all intervals in comparison to Trapezoidal plate. Improvement in protrusive movement was found to be gradual and better with delta plate. A trapezoidal condylar plate holds goods for low subcondylar fractures owing to its wider dimension, though delta plate is versatile for both high and low subcondylar fracture.
Bear Maul Injury in Maxillofacial Region: A Case Report
Authors: Vashistha Arpit , Singh Manpreet , Kaur Gagandeep , Gupta Shweta
Published: November 2019

Face, has always been the point of attraction in a person’s physique, any disfigurement of that, caused either due to any sort of trauma or by animal attack, would lead to not only functional impairment but also severe psychological disturbance. The reasons for these injuries may vary from one country to another and even within the same country. Injuries due to bear mauling are most commonly seen in rural areas, but in developing countries like ours, stripping the wildlife of their natural habitation brings them close to more populated areas in the search of food. Increase in tourism may be another cause of these types of injuries. We herein report a rare presentation of bear maul injury in adult patient in maxillofacial region, and the purpose of this clinical report is to discuss the increase in incidence of such injuries and its subsequent management.
Angle Fracture: An Outcome in Bareilly Population
Authors: Chaurasia Archana , Gupta Sakshi , Mall Braj Bhushan , Singh Poonam
Published: November 2019

Introduction: Mandibular angle fracture is a very common fracture of the mandible. These account for approximately 30% of all fractures. These fractures are treated by many techniques such as open reduction or maxilla-mandibular fixation. These fractures have high complication rate accounting for 0% to 32% postoperatively.

Material and Methods: This study was conducted on 50 patient reported in Institute of dental sciences, Bareilly and Rohilkhand medical college and hospital, Bareilly to evaluate the outcome of mandibular angle fracture in our institute.

Result: Out of 50 patients of mandibular angle fracture, 30 were treated surgically, 17 were treated conservatively, and 3 patients were not interested in any kind of treatment. Males are more commonly affected and road traffic accidents was a very common cause of angle fracture.
Post-earthquake assessment of moderately damaged reinforced concrete plastic hinges
Authors: Marder Kai , Elwood Kenneth J. , Motter Christopher J. , Clifton G. Charles
Published: November 2019

Modern reinforced concrete buildings are often designed to dissipate energy during strong earthquakes by permitting the controlled formation of plastic hinges. Plastic hinges require assessment of residual capacity in post-earthquake situations. However, few past studies have investigated this topic, and results from experiments focused on undamaged structures are not always transferable to post-earthquake situations. Data from an experimental program, in which both cyclic and earthquake-type loadings were applied to nominally identical reinforced concrete beams, are used to investigate the relationship between residual crack widths and rotation demands. Assessment of the peak deformation demands incurred during a damaging earthquake is critical for post-earthquake assessments, but residual crack widths are shown to be dependent on several factors in addition to the peak rotation demand. Non-dimensional metrics capturing the distribution of cracking are proposed as a more informative alternative. The reduction in stiffness that occurs as a result of earthquake-induced plastic hinging damage was also investigated. A proposed model is shown to give a lower-bound estimate of the residual stiffness following arbitrary earthquake-type loadings.
Nonlinear site amplification model for ergodic seismic hazard analysis in Central and Eastern North America
Authors: Hashash Youssef M. A. , Ilhan Okan , Harmon Joseph A. , Parker Grace A. , Stewart Jonathan P. , Rathje Ellen M. , Campbell Kenneth W. , Silva Walter J.
Published: November 2019

This article presents recommendations for nonlinear site amplification models in Central and Eastern North America (CENA), which are developed from one-dimensional site response analyses results and accompanies linear site amplification model in a companion article. Two median nonlinear amplification models using identical functional forms are produced as a function of VS30 and peak ground acceleration for reference conditions ( PGAr) of VS = 3000 m/s and VS30 = 760 m/s. An epistemic uncertainty model on median nonlinear amplification is proposed as a piecewise functional form to generate reasonable variations of nonlinear amplification across the period and VS30 ranges of interest. Limitations of the models are based on both the methodology of the model derivation and assumptions of nonlinear amplification model forms.
Fragility-based methodology for evaluating the time-dependent seismic performance of post-tensioned timber frames
Authors: Granello Gabriele , Broccardo Marco , Palermo Alessandro , Pampanin Stefano
Published: November 2019

Since 2010, the construction of post-tensioned wooden buildings (Pres-Lam) has been growing rapidly worldwide. Pres-Lam technology combines unbonded post-tensioning tendons and supplemental damping devices to provide moment capacity to beam–column, wall–foundation, or column–foundation connections. In low seismic areas, designers may choose not to provide additional damping, relying only on the post-tensioning contribution. However, post-tensioning decreases over time due to creep phenomena arising in compressed timber members. As a consequence, there is a reduction of the clamping forces between the elements. This reduction affects the seismic response of Pres-Lam buildings in the case of low- and high-intensity earthquakes. Therefore, understanding and accounting for the post-tensioning losses and their uncertainty are paramount for a robust assessment of the safety of Pres-Lam constructions. So far, however, there have been no comprehensive studies which tackle the overall seismic performance of such systems in the presence of time-varying post-tension losses and the associated uncertainty. This study tackles this research gap by introducing a comprehensive seismic evaluation of Pres-Lam systems based on time-dependent fragility curves. The proposed fragility analysis is specifically designed to account systematically for time-varying post-tension losses and the related uncertainty. The method is applied to two case studies, designed, respectively, with and without supplemental damping devices. In terms of structural performance, results show that the use of additional dissipaters mitigates the effect of post-tensioning loss for earthquakes of high intensity. Conversely, performance under low-intensity earthquakes is strongly dependent on the post-tensioning value, as the reduction of stiffness due to the anticipated rocking motion activation would lead to damage to non-structural elements.
New Leiderman–Khlystov Coefficients for Estimating Engine Full Load Characteristics and Performance
Authors: Szpica Dariusz
Published: November 2019

The paper presents a method of calculating the full load engine characteristics based on the Leiderman–Khlystov relation. Because the values of the coefficients of the discussed function available in literature were determined for obsolete engine designs, an attempt was made to update them. To this end, a chassis dynamometer was used where a database of results had been built for a variety of vehicles. Following the data collection, the coefficients for variety of fueling system (six groups: fuel injected gasoline and turbocharged gasoline, spark ignition LPG I–II and IV generation, naturally aspirated diesel and turbocharged diesel) were determined. The identification of the coefficients was carried out in Matlab-Simulink indicating the applicability of the said function for most of the engines, yet the recent popularity of turbocharged gasoline engines requires an additional analysis of the possibility of use of a different functional description. The full load engine characteristics is a basis for the vehicle performance characteristics and, further, for modeling of traffic in a variety of aspects of the vehicle operation.
Correction to: Predicting protein inter-residue contacts using composite likelihood maximization and deep learning
Authors: Zhang Haicang , Zhang Qi , Ju Fusong , Zhu Jianwei , Gao Yujuan , Xie Ziwei , Deng Minghua , Sun Shiwei , Zheng Wei-Mou , Bu Dongbo
Published: November 2019

Following publication of the original article [1], the author explained that there are several errors in the original article
Identification and expression analysis of GRAS transcription factors in the wild relative of sweet potato Ipomoea trifida
Authors: Chen Yao , Zhu Panpan , Wu Shaoyuan , Lu Yan , Sun Jian , Cao Qinghe , Li Zongyun , Xu Tao
Published: November 2019

Background

GRASgene is an important transcription factor gene family that plays a crucial role in plant growth, development, adaptation to adverse environmental condition. Sweet potato is an important food, vegetable, industrial raw material, and biofuel crop in the world, which plays an essential role in food security in China.However, the function of sweet potatoGRASgenes remains unknown.

Results

In this study, we identified and characterised 70 GRAS members fromIpomoea trifida, which is the progenitor of sweet potato. The chromosome distribution, phylogenetic tree, exon-intron structure and expression profiles were analysed. The distribution map showed thatGRASgenes were randomly located in 15 chromosomes. In combination with phylogenetic analysis and previous reports inArabidopsisand rice, the GRAS proteins fromI. trifidawere divided into 11 subfamilies. Gene structure showed that most of theGRASgenes inI. trifidalacked introns. The tissue-specific expression patterns and the patterns under abiotic stresses ofItfGRASgenes were investigated via RNA-seq and further tested by RT-qPCR. Results indicated the potential functions of ItfGRAS during plant development and stress responses.

Conclusions

Our findings will further facilitate the functional study ofGRASgene and molecular breeding of sweet potato.
Auxin and cytokinin coordinate the dormancy and outgrowth of axillary bud in strawberry runner
Authors: Qiu Yuting , Guan Si Cong , Wen Chenjin , Li Peng , Gao Zhen , Chen Xu
Published: November 2019

Background

Axillary buds allow the production of either vegetative or reproductive shoots, which display a plastic developmental potential of the plant to suit the prevailing environmental changes. Strawberry represents one of many plant species which displays horizontal above-ground growth of shoot development for asexual reproduction. Two distinct runner growth patterns exist in different strawberry species: one is called sympodial type such as Fragaria vesca, and the other one is called monopodial type such as Fragaria pentaphylla. Despite the runner growth morphology of these strawberry species have been well known, the mechanisms that determine the distinct patterns have rarely been reported.

Results

In this study, we used Fragaria vesca Hawaii-4 and Fragaria pentaphylla as model species, and captured the initiated dormant bud and non-dormant bud as materials to compare their transcriptome profiles and phytohormone content. Comparisons revealed that relatively higher auxin activity is present in the dormant bud and relatively higher cytokinin activity is in the non-dormant bud. Decapitation and pharmacological experiments on dormant buds showed that the reduction of auxin accumulation triggers the regeneration of vegetative shoots in dormant buds, and exogenous cytokinin application triggers cell fate turnover and generation of reproductive shoots.

Conclusion

Here, we uncover a mechanism by which auxin and cytokinin coordinate the dormancy and outgrowth of axillary bud in strawberry runner. Our results suggest a contrasting behavior of auxin and cytokinin in control of axillary bud development, facilitating a preliminary understanding of shoot architecture formation in strawberry.
Ulcers in leprosy patients, an unrecognized clinical manifestation: a report of 8 cases
Authors: Miyashiro Denis , Cardona Carolina , Valente Neusa Yuriko Sakai , Avancini João , Benard Gil , Trindade Maria Angela Bianconcini
Published: November 2019

Background

Leprosy is a chronic granulomatous infection caused by Mycobacterium leprae. It is a polymorphic disease with a wide range of cutaneous and neural manifestations. Ulcer is not a common feature in leprosy patients, except during reactional states, Lucio’s phenomenon (LP), or secondary to neuropathies.

Cases presentation

We report eight patients with multibacillary leprosy who presented specific skin ulcers as part of their main leprosy manifestation. Ulcers were mostly present on lower limbs (eight patients), followed by the upper limbs (three patients), and the abdomen (one patient). Mean time from onset of skin ulcers to diagnosis of leprosy was 17.4 months: all patients were either misdiagnosed or had delayed diagnosis, with seven of them presenting grade 2 disability by the time of the diagnosis. Reactional states, LP or neuropathy as potential causes of ulcers were ruled out. Biopsy of the ulcer was available in seven patients: histopathology showed mild to moderate lympho-histiocytic infiltrate with vacuolized histiocytes and intact isolated and grouped acid-fast bacilli. Eosinophils, vasculitis, vasculopathy or signs of chronic venous insufficiency were not observed. Skin lesions improved rapidly after multidrug therapy, without any concomitant specific treatment for ulcers.

Conclusions

This series of cases highlights the importance of recognizing ulcers as a specific cutaneous manifestation of leprosy, allowing diagnosis and treatment of the disease, and therefore avoiding development of disabilities and persistence of the transmission chain of M. leprae.
A case report: Numb Chin Syndrome due to thalamic infarction: a rare case
Authors: Rimmele Florian , Maschke Henning , Großmann Annette , Jürgens Tim P.
Published: November 2019

Background

Numb Chin Syndrome (NCS), which is also characterized as sensory neuropathy of the mental nerve, describes a mostly unilateral numbness of the chin and lower lip. Benign and malignant diseases are known to cause this circumscribed symptom, which can easily be overlooked or misdiagnosed. In this article we present the very rare case of a clinical NCS caused by thalamic lacunar infarction. As a pure sensory stroke it is a rare variant of the Cheiro-Oral Syndrome (COS).

Case presentation

A 63-year-old male patient received an emergency referral to our department after the patient had noticed a feeling of numbness of the left lower lip and chin on the previous day. The neurological examination revealed an approximately 2 × 3 cm area of hypoesthesia in the area of the chin and left lower lip and the cranial MRI an acute ischemia in the right thalamus.

Conclusions

In this case report we introduce a patient who clinically shows an NCS. Various diseases may be responsible for NCS, including malignancies or even central neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis. A lacunar thalamic ischemia as a cause of NCS is very rare and to our knowledge described in the literature only in the contex of a COS in three cases. We wish to remind the reader, through this case, of the purely descriptive and syndromal character of the NCS and the importance for detecting underlying diseases. Furthermore we give a brief overview of the NCS and causative disorders.
The association between gestational weight gain z-score and stillbirth: a case-control study
Authors: Pickens Cassandra M. , Hogue Carol J. , Howards Penelope P. , Kramer Michael R. , Badell Martina L. , Dudley Donald J. , Silver Robert M. , Goldenberg Robert L. , Pinar Halit , Saade George R. , Varner Michael W. , Stoll Barbara J.
Published: November 2019

Background

There is limited information on potentially modifiable risk factors for stillbirth, such as gestational weight gain (GWG). Our purpose was to explore the association between GWG and stillbirth using the GWG z−score.

Methods

We analyzed 479 stillbirths and 1601 live births from the Stillbirth Collaborative Research Network case−control study. Women with triplets or monochorionic twins were excluded from analysis. We evaluated the association between GWG z−score (modeled as a restricted cubic spline with knots at the 5th, 50th, and 95th percentiles) and stillbirth using multivariable logistic regression with generalized estimating equations, adjusting for pre − pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and other confounders. In addition, we conducted analyses stratified by pre − pregnancy BMI category (normal weight, overweight, obese).

Results

Mean GWG was 18.95 (SD 17.6) lb. among mothers of stillbirths and 30.89 (SD 13.3) lb. among mothers of live births; mean GWG z−score was − 0.39 (SD 1.5) among mothers of cases and − 0.17 (SD 0.9) among control mothers. In adjusted analyses, the odds of stillbirth were elevated for women with very low GWG z−scores (e.g., adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and 95% Confidence Interval (CI) for z−score − 1.5 SD versus 0 SD: 1.52 (1.30, 1.78); aOR (95% CI) for z−score − 2.5 SD versus 0 SD: 2.36 (1.74, 3.20)). Results differed slightly by pre − pregnancy BMI. The odds of stillbirth were slightly elevated among women with overweight BMI and GWG z−scores ≥1 SD (e.g., aOR (95% CI) for z−score of 1.5 SD versus 0 SD: 1.84 (0.97, 3.50)).

Conclusions

GWG z−scores below − 1.5 SD are associated with increased odds of stillbirth.
Effect of prenatal EPA and DHA on maternal and cord blood insulin sensitivity: a secondary analysis of the mothers, omega 3, and mental health study
Authors: England Joey A. , Jain Joses , Holbrook Bradley D. , Schrader Ronald , Qualls Clifford , Mozurkewich Ellen
Published: November 2019

Background

We sought to determine whether prenatal supplementation with the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) would increase markers of insulin sensitivity in maternal or cord blood compared with placebo supplementation. A secondary aim was to evaluate the association of serum EPA and DHA fractions with adiponectin, leptin and the adiponectin:leptin ratio (ALR). We hypothesized that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation would increase markers of insulin sensitivity in maternal and umbilical cord plasma.

Methods

We analyzed stored plasma samples collected from a prior 3-arm prospective, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial in which 126 women with singleton pregnancies between 12- and 20-weeks’ gestation were randomized to receive: 1) an EPA-rich fish oil supplement, 2) a DHA-rich fish oil supplement, or 3) a soy oil placebo. Maternal venous blood samples were collected at 12–20 weeks gestation (before supplementation) and at 34–36 weeks gestation. At delivery, cord blood was collected. Samples were analyzed using sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits to quantify leptin and adiponectin levels which were utilized to calculate the ALR, a proxy measure for insulin sensitivity.

Results

We found no difference in adiponectin, leptin, and the ALR between the treatment and placebo groups at baseline, after supplementation, or in umbilical cord blood. In regression analyses, higher maternal serum DHA fraction was associated with increased ALR before (p = 0.01) and after (p = 0.04) DHA supplementation. There was no association of EPA fraction with any measure of insulin sensitivity. Cord blood DHA fraction was significantly associated with cord plasma leptin (p = 0.02).

Early pregnancy BMI was significantly associated with maternal leptin levels at baseline and in late pregnancy (p < 0.001) and was inversely associated with the ALR (p < 0.001). The ALR decreased significantly between the early and late pregnancy visits (p < 0.001). Pregnancy weight gain was inversely associated with the ALR (P. < 0.02).

Conclusions

EPA- and DHA- rich fish oil supplementation had no effect on plasma markers of insulin sensitivity. However, maternal serum DHA fraction was significantly associated with markers of insulin sensitivity.

Trial registration

https://clinicaltrials.gov/, registration number NCT00711971, 7/7/2008.
Comparison between clinical features and prognosis of malignancy- and non-malignancy–associated pediatric hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis
Authors: Pan Hua , Huo Yongmin , Sun Lirong
Published: November 2019

Background

The differences between the clinical characteristics and survival time in malignancy- and non-malignancy–associated secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) are unclear. Here, we describe the clinical characteristics, prognostic factors, and survival outcomes of malignancy-associated HLH compared to that of non-malignancy–associated HLH.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 91 pediatric patients with HLH (age < 14 years) at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University Pediatric Department between January 2005 and October 2016. The patients were divided into the malignancy-associated group (n = 22) and non-malignancy–associated group (n = 69, also considered the control group). The clinical features were compared using the Mann–Whitney U and χ2 tests. The overall survival time was compared using log rank and Mann–Whitney U tests.

Results

Hemoglobin (HGB; p = 0.004), alanine aminotransferase (ALT; p = 0.002), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST; p = 0.001) levels in the malignancy-associated group differed from that in the non-malignancy–associated group. The mean survival times were 26.9 ± 3.82 months (malignancy-associated HLH) and 35.03 ± 2.19 months (non-malignancy–associated HLH). The overall survival time between the two groups was not statistically significantly different (p = 0.055). Univariate analysis showed that disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) score > 5 (p = 0.001), albumin < 25 g/L (p = 0.000), HGB < 60 g/L (p = 0.001), and platelet count (PLT) < 30 × 109/L (p = 0.042) correlated with prognosis. Multivariate Cox analysis showed that albumin < 25 g/L (p = 0.017), HGB < 60 g/L (p = 0.027), and bone marrow hemophagocytosis (p = 0.034) correlated with worse prognosis.

Conclusions

Patients with non-malignancy–associated HLH do not have better survival, although their prognosis is relatively better in clinical practice. A higher DIC score at diagnosis and lower albumin, HGB, and PLT levels are negative prognostic factors in malignancy-associated HLH.