bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Behavior underpins the predictive power of a trait‐based model of butterfly movement
Authors: Evans Luke C. , Sibly Richard M. , Thorbek Pernille , Sims Ian , Oliver Tom H. , Walters Richard J.
Published: March 2020

Dispersal ability is key to species persistence in times of environmental change. Assessing a species' vulnerability and response to anthropogenic changes is often performed using one of two methods: correlative approaches that infer dispersal potential based on traits, such as wingspan or an index of mobility derived from expert opinion, or a mechanistic modeling approach that extrapolates displacement rates from empirical data on short‐term movements.

Here, we compare and evaluate the success of the correlative and mechanistic approaches using a mechanistic random‐walk model of butterfly movement that incorporates relationships between wingspan and sex‐specific movement behaviors.

The model was parameterized with new data collected on four species of butterfly in the south of England, and we observe how wingspan relates to flight speeds, turning angles, flight durations, and displacement rates.

We show that flight speeds and turning angles correlate with wingspan but that to achieve good prediction of displacement even over 10 min the model must also include details of sex‐ and species‐specific movement behaviors.

We discuss what factors are likely to differentially motivate the sexes and how these could be included in mechanistic models of dispersal to improve their use in ecological forecasting.
Assessing species diversity of Coral Triangle artisanal fisheries: A DNA barcode reference library for the shore fishes retailed at Ambon harbor (Indonesia)
Authors: Limmon Gino , Delrieu‐Trottin Erwan , Patikawa Jesaya , Rijoly Frederik , Dahruddin Hadi , Busson Frédéric , Steinke Dirk , Hubert Nicolas
Published: March 2020

The Coral Triangle (CT), a region spanning across Indonesia and Philippines, is home to about 4,350 marine fish species and is among the world's most emblematic regions in terms of conservation. Threatened by overfishing and oceans warming, the CT fisheries have faced drastic declines over the last decades. Usually monitored through a biomass‐based approach, fisheries trends have rarely been characterized at the species level due to the high number of taxa involved and the difficulty to accurately and routinely identify individuals to the species level. Biomass, however, is a poor proxy of species richness, and automated methods of species identification are required to move beyond biomass‐based approaches. Recent meta‐analyses have demonstrated that species richness peaks at intermediary levels of biomass. Consequently, preserving biomass is not equal to preserving biodiversity. We present the results of a survey to estimate the shore fish diversity retailed at the harbor of Ambon Island, an island located at the center of the CT that display exceptionally high biomass despite high levels of threat, while building a DNA barcode reference library of CT shore fishes targeted by artisanal fisheries. We sampled 1,187 specimens and successfully barcoded 696 of the 760 selected specimens that represent 202 species. Our results show that DNA barcodes were effective in capturing species boundaries for 96% of the species examined, which opens new perspectives for the routine monitoring of the CT fisheries.
Quality of life in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: importance of obesity, functional capacity, and physical inactivity
Authors: Reddy Yogesh N.V. , Rikhi Aruna , Obokata Masaru , Shah Sanjiv J. , Lewis Gregory D. , AbouEzzedine Omar F. , Dunlay Shannon , McNulty Steven , Chakraborty Hrishikesh , Stevenson Lynne W. , Redfield Margaret M. , Borlaug Barry A.
Published: March 2020

Aims

Patient‐reported quality of life (QOL) is a highly prognostic and clinically relevant endpoint in patients with heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The relationships between QOL and different markers of HF severity remain unclear, particularly as they relate to functional capacity and directly measured activity levels. We hypothesized that QOL would demonstrate a stronger relationship with measures of exercise capacity and adiposity compared to other disease measures.

Methods and results

This is a secondary analysis of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute‐sponsored RELAX, NEAT‐HFpEF and INDIE‐HFpEF trials to determine the relationships between QOL (assessed by the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire and Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire) and different domains reflecting HF severity, including maximal aerobic capacity (peak oxygen consumption), submaximal exercise capacity (6‐min walk distance), volume of daily activity (accelerometry), physician‐estimated functional class, resting echocardiography, and plasma natriuretic peptide levels. A total of 408 unique patients with chronic HFpEF were split into tertiles of QOL scores defined as QOLworst, QOLintermediate, QOLbest. The QOLworst HFpEF group was youngest, with a higher body mass index, greater prevalence of class II obesity and diabetes, and the lowest N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) levels. After adjustment for age, sex and body mass index, poorer QOL was associated with worse physical capacity and activity levels, assessed by peak oxygen consumption, 6‐min walk distance and actigraphy, but was not associated with NT‐proBNP or indices from resting echocardiography. QOL was similarly reduced in patients with and without prior HF hospitalization.

Conclusions

Quality of life in HFpEF is poorest in patients who are young, obese and have diabetes, and is more robustly tied to measures reflecting functional capacity and daily activity levels rather than elevations in NT‐proBNP or prior HF hospitalization. These findings have major implications for the understanding of QOL in HFpEF and for the design of future clinical trials targeting symptom improvement in HFpEF.

Clinical Trial Registration: RELAX, NCT00763867; NEAT‐HFpEF, NCT02053493; INDIE‐HFpEF, NCT02742129.
Improving Heat Dissipation and Temperature Uniformity in Radiative Cooling Coating
Authors: Zhang Hongkai , Fan Desong
Published: March 2020

Heat dissipation has become a key issue in electronic devices with high integration and miniaturization. As an effective way of heat transfer, radiative cooling has aroused a great attention in these devices. However, heat dissipation based on radiative cooling coating is limited by the poor heat spreading and temperature nonuniformity. Herein, a synergic augment strategy of excellent thermal conduction and strong thermal emission is proposed to improve the heat dissipation and temperature uniformity of radiative cooling coating. By the strategy, a composite coating consisting of poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropene) and graphite is designed. It is shown via experiment that heat dissipation in composite coating is enhanced by 7% during daytime. A large temperature reduction of about 15.5 °C is obtained at the surface of the heat source with a composite coating during daytime. The temperature difference of the surface for composite coating within 2 °C demonstrates that the temperature uniformity of radiative cooling coating is improved.
Impact of Carbon Porosity on the Performance of Cathode Microporous Layers in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Govindarajan R. , Payoyo J. , Fang B. , Bonakdarpour A. , Wilkinson D. P.
Published: March 2020

Acetylene black carbons were activated under flowing CO2 atmosphere at 900 °C for different treatment times. The impact of this heat treatment on the porosity, hydrophilicity, and surface oxygen groups was carefully examined. Longer periods of activation led to increases in the surface area and porosity of the samples. Pore size distributions of the samples showed an increase in micropores, followed by a rise in mesopores, which indicated the occurrence of pore widening with a longer activation period. When used as a microporous layer for H2/air fuel cells, samples with higher levels of porosity showed, in general, reduced mass transport performance due to the formation of pooling locations for water. These results highlight the importance of textural pores in carbon structures on the water management in hydrogen fuel cell when operating under high humidity conditions.
Temporospatial distribution and transcriptional profile of retinal microglia in the oxygen‐induced retinopathy mouse model
Authors: Boeck Myriam , Thien Adrian , Wolf Julian , Hagemeyer Nora , Laich Yannik , Yusuf Dilmurat , Backofen Rolf , Zhang Peipei , Boneva Stefaniya , Stahl Andreas , Hilgendorf Ingo , Agostini Hansjürgen , Prinz Marco , Wieghofer Peter , Schlunck Günther , Schlecht Anja , Lange Clemens
Published: March 2020

Myeloid cells such as resident retinal microglia (MG) or infiltrating blood‐derived macrophages (Mϕ) accumulate in areas of retinal ischemia and neovascularization (RNV) and modulate neovascular eye disease. Their temporospatial distribution and biological function in this process, however, remain unclarified. Using state‐of‐the‐art methods, including cell‐specific reporter mice and high‐throughput RNA sequencing (RNA Seq), this study determined the extent of MG proliferation and Mϕ infiltration in areas with retinal ischemia and RNV in Cx3cr1CreERT2:Rosa26‐tdTomato mice and examined the transcriptional profile of MG in the mouse model of oxygen‐induced retinopathy (OIR). For RNA Seq, tdTomato‐positive retinal MG were sorted by flow cytometry followed by Gene ontology (GO) cluster analysis. Furthermore, intraperitoneal injections of the cell proliferation marker 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine (EdU) were performed from postnatal day (p) 12 to p16. We found that MG is the predominant myeloid cell population while Mϕ rarely appears in areas of RNV. Thirty percent of retinal MG in areas of RNV were EdU‐positive indicating a considerable local MG cell expansion. GO cluster analysis revealed an enrichment of clusters related to cell division, tubulin binding, ATPase activity, protein kinase regulatory activity, and chemokine receptor binding in MG in the OIR model compared to untreated controls. In conclusion, activated retinal MG alter their transcriptional profile, exhibit considerable proliferative ability and are by far the most frequent myeloid cell population in areas of ischemia and RNV in the OIR model thus presenting a potential target for future therapeutic approaches.
Novel role for CRK adaptor proteins as essential components of SRC/FAK signaling for epithelial–mesenchymal transition and colorectal cancer aggressiveness
Authors: Franke Fabian C. , Slusarenko Benjamin O. , Engleitner Thomas , Johannes Widya , Laschinger Melanie , Rad Roland , Nitsche Ulrich , Janssen Klaus‐Peter
Published: March 2020

Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a cell plasticity process required for metastasis and chemoresistance of carcinoma cells. We report a crucial role of the signal adaptor proteins CRK and CRKL in promoting EMT and tumor aggressiveness, as well as resistance against chemotherapy in colorectal and pancreatic carcinoma. Genetic loss of either CRKL or CRK partially counteracted EMT in three independent cancer cell lines. Strikingly, complete loss of the CRK family shifted cells strongly toward the epithelial phenotype. Cells exhibited greatly increased E‐cadherin and grew as large, densely packed clusters, completely lacked invasiveness and the ability to undergo EMT induced by cytokines or genetic activation of SRC. Furthermore, CRK family‐deficiency significantly reduced cell survival, proliferation and chemoresistance, as well as ERK1/2 phosphorylation and c‐MYC protein levels. In accordance, MYC‐target gene expression was identified as novel hallmark process positively regulated by CRK family proteins. Mechanistically, CRK proteins were identified as pivotal amplifiers of SRC/FAK signaling at focal adhesions, mediated through a novel positive feedback loop depending on RAP1. Expression of the CRK family and the EMT regulator ZEB1 was significantly correlated in samples from colorectal cancer patients, especially in invasive regions. Further, high expression of CRK family genes was significantly associated with reduced survival in locally advanced colorectal cancer, as well as in pan‐cancer datasets from the TCGA project. Thus, CRK family adaptor proteins are promising therapeutic targets to counteract EMT, chemoresistance, metastasis formation and minimal residual disease. As proof of concept, CRK family‐mediated oncogenic signaling was successfully inhibited by a peptide‐based inhibitor.
The biofilm‐associated bacterial infections unrelated to indwelling devices
Authors: Mirzaei Rasoul , Mohammadzadeh Rokhsareh , Alikhani Mohammad Yousef , Shokri Moghadam Mohammad , Karampoor Sajad , Kazemi Sima , Barfipoursalar Alireza , Yousefimashouf Rasoul
Published: March 2020

Biofilms are microbial communities established in the self‐produced extracellular substances that include up to 80% of associated microbial infections. During biofilm formation, bacterial cells shift from the planktonic forms to aggregated forms surrounded by an extracellular polymeric substance. The bacterial biofilm shows resistance against immune reactions as well as antibiotics and is potentially able to cause disorders by both device‐related and nondevice‐related infections. The nondevice‐related bacterial biofilm infections include dental plaque, urinary tract infections, cystic fibrosis, otitis media, infective endocarditis, tonsillitis, periodontitis, necrotizing fasciitis, osteomyelitis, infectious kidney stones, and chronic inflammatory diseases. In this review, we will summarize and examine the literature about bacterial biofilm infections unrelated to indwelling devices.
Elevated microRNA‐20b‐3p and reduced thioredoxin‐interacting protein ameliorate diabetic retinopathy progression by suppressing the NLRP3 inflammasomes
Authors: Wang Shuai , Du Shanshan , Lv Yong , Wang Wenzhan , Zhang Fengyan
Published: March 2020

Over the years, microRNA‐20b‐3p (miR‐20b‐3p) has been found to play an essential role in human diseases; we aimed to investigate the effect of miR‐20b‐3p on the progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR). The DR rat models were established by streptozotocin injection and treated with miR‐20b‐3p mimics, silenced, or overexpressed thioredoxin‐interacting protein (TXNIP). Afterward, the expression of miR‐20b‐3p and TXNIP, visual function, inflammatory factors, microvascular injury, vascular permeability, cell apoptosis, and angiogenesis in rats' retinal tissues were assessed. The target relation between miR‐20b‐3p and TXNIP was confirmed by dual luciferase reporter gene assay. MiR‐20b‐3p was poorly expressed while TXNIP was highly expressed in DR rats' retinal tissues. Elevated miR‐20b‐3p and inhibited TXNIP promoted the visual function, and restricted the inflammatory reaction, microvascular injury, vascular permeability, cell apoptosis, and angiogenesis in DR rats, thereby decelerating the development of DR. Furthermore, TXNIP was targeted by miR‐20b‐3p. We have found in this study that elevated miR‐20b‐3p could repress the levels of inflammatory factors by inhibiting TXNIP, thus attenuating the pathology of retina in DR rats, which provided new candidates for DR treatment.
Periodontal soft‐ and hard‐tissue changes after augmented corticotomy in Chinese adult patients with skeletal Angle Class III malocclusion: A non‐randomized controlled trial
Authors: Jing Wu‐di , Jiao Jian , Xu Li , Hou Jian‐xia , Li Xiao‐tong , Wang Xiao‐xia , Xu Xiao , Mao Ming‐xin
Published: March 2020

Background

To investigate soft‐ and hard‐tissue changes after augmented corticotomy in Chinese adult patients with skeletal Angle Class III malocclusion.

Methods

This non‐randomized controlled trial included 357 anterior teeth from 30 Chinese adult patients with skeletal Angle Class III malocclusion for whom the proposed treatment was augmented corticotomy. Jaws receiving surgery were allocated to a test group (S, surgical group, n = 47) and jaws not receiving surgery were allocated to a control group (NS, non‐surgical group, n = 13). Changes in the periodontal biotype, width of the keratinized gingiva (WKG), and labial and lingual horizontal bone thicknesses (BTs) were compared 6 months after surgery by univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

After adjustment for confounding variables, average gains of 0.473 mm in the WKG and 0.649 mm in the labial BT were found in the S group relative to the NS group (P <0.05). The odds of transition from a thin periodontal biotype to a thick biotype in the S group were about 230 times those in the NS group, and the odds of the reverse biotype transition in the NS group were about 83 times those in the S group (P <0.05).

Conclusions

Within the limitations of the present study, augmented corticotomy is a promising approach to improve insufficient periodontal soft and hard tissues in Chinese adult patients with skeletal Angle Class III malocclusion.
Interfacial Activity of Bitumen Components
Authors: Stammitti Aurelio , Bhanot Ashutosh , Boza Americo , Ng Samson , Acosta Edgar
Published: March 2020

The interfacial activity of asphaltenes, naphthenic acids, and naphthenates has been amply studied in the literature, as they are involved in the formation and stabilization of bitumen and heavy crude oil emulsions. While most of the literature evaluates one component at a time, in this work these bitumen components were separated one at a time from Athabasca bitumen, and the surface activity of the resulting fraction was evaluated as a function of pH, solvent aromaticity (heptane/toluene mixtures, known as heptol, at volume ratios 50/50 and 80/20), and temperature for selected systems. The interfacial activity was evaluated in two ways: via dynamic interfacial tension during adsorption on a bitumen drop of constant volume, and via dynamic interfacial tension during drop volume cycling. The adsorption data were interpreted using a model that combined multicomponent adsorption kinetics inspired by Langmuir–Freundlich kinetics with the Fainerman surface equation of state. The volume cycling experiments were interpreted using the compression relaxation model, which segregates adsorption/relaxation effects from elastic phenomena at interfaces. Overall, the adsorption data confirmed that naphthenic acids are the fastest adsorbing species that tend to dominate the interface, but that asphaltenes adsorb, almost irreversibly, at longer time scales and likely forming a sublayer previously proposed in the literature. The dilatational elasticity of the interface seems to be highly influenced by that asphaltene sublayer, which softens at high pH at room temperature, or at 80 °C independently of the pH of the system.
Postharvest benzothiazole treatment enhances healing in mechanically damaged sweet potato by activating the phenylpropanoid metabolism
Authors: Wang Caixia , Chen Lin , Peng Chunlin , Shang Xiaoqing , Lv Xiaolong , Sun Jie , Li Cheng , Wei Lei , Liu Xiaoli
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND

Sweet potato often suffers mechanical damage during harvest, handling, and transportation. Infections, water loss, and quality changes of sweet potato caused by mechanical damage pose great financial losses. Wound healing is an effective method to alleviate such problems. In this study, the effects of postharvest treatment with benzothiazole (BTH) on wound healing of sweet potato was investigated.

RESULTS

Postharvest BTH treatment of sweet potatoes promoted lignin accumulation in wounded tissues, and 100 mg L−1 BTH exhibited better effects than 50 mg L−1 or 150 mg L−1 BTH. The biosynthesis of lignin in wounded tissues significantly decreased the weight loss of sweet potatoes. An increase in respiration intensity after BTH treatment was observed. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents and the activity of phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase, peroxidase, and polyphenol oxidase were increased in BTH‐treated sweet potatoes. This suggests that BTH increases phenylpropanoid metabolism.

CONCLUSION

Postharvest 100 mg L−1 BTH treatment could promote wound healing in mechanically damaged sweet potatoes. The activation of the phenylpropanoid metabolism might be the mechanism of action of BTH in wound healing. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Management of tegmen defects with mastoid and epitympanic obliteration using S53P4 bioactive glass
Authors: Remangeon Françoise , Lahlou Ghizlene , Alciato Lauranne , Tankere Frederic , Mosnier Isabelle , Sterkers Olivier , Pyatigorskaya Nadya , Bernardeschi Daniele
Published: March 2020

Objective

To evaluate the surgical results and complications in a cohort of patients operated on to repair a tegmen bony defect using either transmastoid approach with obliteration using S53P4 bioactive glass granules (TMA‐O), or the classic middle cranial fossa approach (MCFA).

Study design

A retrospective monocentric study.

Methods

Twenty‐five cases (24 patients) were included. Data regarding patient demographics, etiology, intraoperative findings, complications, recurrences, audiometric data, and follow‐up were analyzed.

Results

Seven patients were operated with MCFA and 17 patients with TMA‐O. One patient was operated on using a combined approach (MCFA + TMA‐O). In the preoperative HRCT scan, the size of the defect was estimated to be 6 ± 3.8 mm in the TMA‐O group and 6 ± 3.5 mm in the MCFA group (P= .969). Intraoperatively, in the MCFA group, the location of the defect was mostly anterior (86%) with an intact ossicular chain (86%). A discontinuous chain was observed in 15 patients (88%) in the TMA‐O group. The mean follow‐up time was 22 ± 14 months in the TMA‐O group and 24 ± 15 months in the MCFA group (P= .762). In both groups, there were no early postoperative complications or recurrences during follow‐up.

Conclusion

Repair of a tegmen bony defect with S53P4 bioactive glass granules seems to be safe and effective, limiting the use of the middle cranial fossa approach to cases with epitympanic defects and with an intact ossicular chain, and it could be used whatever the size of the defect and/or the presence of meningoencephalocele.

Level of evidence

4.
Deforestation caused abrupt shift in Great Lakes nitrogen cycle
Authors: Guiry Eric J. , Buckley Michael , Orchard Trevor J. , Hawkins Alicia L. , Needs‐Howarth Suzanne , Holm Erling , Szpak Paul
Published: March 2020

Despite the longstanding significance of North America's Great Lakes, little is known about their preindustrial ecology. Here, we report on when and how humans first became a main driver of Lake Ontario's nutrient dynamics. Nitrogen isotope analyses of archaeological fish show that, prior to the 1830s, Lake Ontario's nitrogen cycle and the trophic ecology of its top predators had remained stable for at least 800 yrs, despite Indigenous and historical European agricultural land management across the region. An abrupt shift in the nitrogen isotope composition of Lake Ontario's fish community is evident in the early to mid‐19th century and reflects the initiation of industrial‐scale forest clearance. These data show how the nitrogenous nutrient regimes of even the world's largest freshwater ecosystems can be highly sensitive to short‐term watershed forest cover disturbances and indicate a profound shift in the relationship between humans and their environment.
Oscillation criteria for second‐order Emden–Fowler delay differential equations with a sublinear neutral term
Authors: Džurina Jozef , Grace Said R. , Jadlovská Irena , Li Tongxing
Published: March 2020

New oscillation criteria for the second‐order Emden–Fowler delay differential equation with a sublinear neutral term are presented. An essential feature of our results is that oscillation of the studied equation is ensured via only one condition. Furthermore, as opposed to the results by Agarwal et al. (Ann. Mat. Pura Appl. (4) 193 (2014), no. 6, 1861–1875), Li and Rogovchenko (Math. Nachr. 288 (2015), no. 10, 1150–1162; Monatsh. Math. 184 (2017), no. 3, 489–500), and Xu (Monatsh. Math. 150 (2007), no. 2, 157–171), new criteria can be applied to Emden–Fowler delay differential equations with noncanonical operators and a sublinear neutral term. Our results essentially improve, extend, and simplify some known ones reported in the literature. The results are illustrated with examples.
Ruthenium Nanoparticles on Cobalt‐Doped 1T′ Phase MoS2 Nanosheets for Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Kwon Ik Seon , Debela Tekalign Terfa , Kwak In Hye , Park Yun Chang , Seo Jaemin , Shim Ju Yong , Yoo Seung Jo , Kim Jin‐Gyu , Park Jeunghee , Kang Hong Seok
Published: March 2020

2D MoS2 nanostructures have recently attracted considerable attention because of their outstanding electrocatalytic properties. The synthesis of unique Co–Ru–MoS2 hybrid nanosheets with excellent catalytic activity toward overall water splitting in alkaline solution is reported. 1T′ phase MoS2 nanosheets are doped homogeneously with Co atoms and decorated with Ru nanoparticles. The catalytic performance of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is characterized by low overpotentials of 52 and 308 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and Tafel slopes of 55 and 50 mV decade−1 in 1.0 m KOH, respectively. Analysis of X‐ray photoelectron and absorption spectra of the catalysts show that the MoS2 well retained its metallic 1T′ phase, which guarantees good electrical conductivity during the reaction. The Gibbs free energy calculation for the reaction pathway in alkaline electrolyte confirms that the Ru nanoparticles on the Co‐doped MoS2 greatly enhance the HER activity. Water adsorption and dissociation take place favorably on the Ru, and the doped Co further catalyzes HER by making the reaction intermediates more favorable. The high OER performance is attributed to the catalytically active RuO2 nanoparticles that are produced via oxidation of Ru nanoparticles.
A Common q-Analogue of Two Supercongruences
Authors: Guo Victor J. W. , Zudilin Wadim
Published: March 2020

We give aq-congruence whose specializations$$q=-1$$q=-1and$$q=1$$q=1correspond to supercongruences (B.2) and (H.2) on Van Hamme’s list (in:p-Adic Functional Analysis (Nijmegen, 1996), Lecture Notes in Pure and Applied Mathematics, vol 192. Dekker, New York, pp 223–236, 1997):$$\begin{aligned}&\sum _{k=0}^{(p-1)/2}(-1)^k(4k+1)A_k\equiv p(-1)^{(p-1)/2}\;({\text {mod}}p^3) \quad \text {and}\quad \\&\sum _{k=0}^{(p-1)/2}A_k\equiv a(p)\;({\text {mod}}p^2), \end{aligned}$$∑k=0(p-1)/2(-1)k(4k+1)Ak≡p(-1)(p-1)/2(modp3)and∑k=0(p-1)/2Ak≡a(p)(modp2),where$$p>2$$p>2is prime,$$\begin{aligned} A_k=\prod _{j=0}^{k-1}\biggl (\frac{1/2+j}{1+j}\biggr )^3=\frac{1}{2^{6k}}{\left( {\begin{array}{c}2k\\ k\end{array}}\right) }^3 \quad \text {for}\; k=0,1,2,\ldots , \end{aligned}$$Ak=∏j=0k-1(1/2+j1+j)3=126k2kk3fork=0,1,2,…,anda(p) is thepth coefficient of the modular form$$q\prod _{j=1}^\infty (1-q^{4j})^6$$q∏j=1∞(1-q4j)6(of weight 3). We complement our result with a general commonq-congruence for related hypergeometric sums.
Role of Central Hypo‐enhancement in the Hepatic Arterial Phase of Dynamic Computed Tomography in Patients with Mass‐Forming Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Teraoku Hiroki , Morine Yuji , Uyama Naoto , Ikemoto Tetsuya , Iwahashi Shuichi , Saito Yu , Takasu Chie , Imura Satoru , Harada Masafumi , Shimada Mitsuo
Published: March 2020

Background/Purpose

The enhancement pattern in the hepatic arterial phase (HAP) of dynamic computed tomography (CT) is reportedly a prognostic marker in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHCC). This study was performed to clarify the significance of central hypo‐enhancement in the HAP in patients with mass‐forming IHCC.

Methods

Forty patients who had undergone initial surgical resection for mass‐forming IHCC were enrolled. The dynamic CT was scanned 40 s after contrast agent injection as the HAP. A radiologist classified the patients into three groups based on the vascular pattern: the hyper‐enhancement group (Hyper group), rim‐enhancement group (Rim group), and hypo‐enhancement group (Hypo group). The surgical specimens were immunohistochemically stained for hypoxia‐inducible factor 1 (HIF‐1). The correlation with clinicopathological findings and HIF‐1 expression was investigated.

Results

The Hyper, Rim, and Hypo groups comprised 8, 7, and 25 patients, respectively. There were no significant correlations between the groups and clinicopathological factors. Overall survival (OS) was significantly worse in the Hypo than in the Hyper group (p = 0.03). OS was also significantly worse in the Rim + Hypo group (i.e., hypo‐enhancement in the central tumor) than in the Hyper group (p = 0.04). Furthermore, inclusion in the Rim + Hypo group was a prognostic factor for OS (hazard ratio 6.68). High HIF‐1 expression in the central part of the tumor was correlated with central hypo‐enhancement (Hyper group: 25% and Rim + Hypo group: 72%).

Conclusions

Central hypo‐enhancement was a prognostic factor in patients with IHCC. The high malignant potential of tumors with central hypo‐enhancement might be associated with HIF‐1 upregulation.
Against all odds—the persistent popularity of homeopathy
Authors: Cukaci Cemre , Freissmuth Michael , Mann Christopher , Marti Joshua , Sperl Veronika
Published: March 2020

The use of homeopathy is remarkably popular. Popularity, however, is not an arbiter in a scientific discourse. In fact, the assumptions underlying homeopathy violate fundamental laws of nature. Homeopathy does not have any explanatory power and fails other criteria established for a scientific approach. Two large-scale efforts have recently documented that in spite of a plethora of clinical trials there is no evidence that homeopathic remedies have any therapeutic effect, which goes beyond that of a placebo. Relaxed regulations and lack of scientific literacy and of health education allow for continuous thriving of homeopathy. While the tide may be changing on the regulatory side, health education of the general public is presumably more important to support informed decision making by patients. Otherwise, the responsible patient, who is posited to decide on the medical choices, remains a convenient legal fiction.
Argumentative Use and Strategic Function of the Expression ‘Not for Nothing’
Authors: Jansen Henrike , Snoeck Henkemans Francisca
Published: March 2020

In English discourse one can find cases of the expression ‘not for nothing’ being used in argumentation. The expression can occur both in the argument and in the standpoint. In this chapter we analyse the argumentative and rhetorical aspects of ‘not for nothing’ by regarding this expression as a presentational device for strategic manoeuvring. We investigate under which conditions the proposition containing the expression ‘not for nothing’ functions as a standpoint, an argument or neither of these elements. It is also examined which type of standpoint (descriptive, evaluative or prescriptive) and which types of argument scheme (symptomatic, causal or comparison) the expression typically co-occurs with. In doing so we aim to develop a better understanding of the role and effects of ‘not for nothing’ when used in argumentation. Finally, we show that the strategic potential of ‘not for nothing’ lies in its suggestion that sufficient support has been provided while this support has in fact been left implicit.
Complement Activation in 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome
Authors: Grinde Dina , Øverland Torstein , Lima Kari , Schjalm Camilla , Mollnes Tom Eirik , Abrahamsen Tore G.
Published: March 2020

The 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2 del), also known as DiGeorge syndrome, is a genetic disorder with an estimated incidence of 1:3000 to 1:6000 births. These patients may suffer from affection of many organ systems with cardiac malformations, immunodeficiency, hypoparathyroidism, autoimmunity, palate anomalies, and psychiatric disorders being the most frequent. The importance of the complement system in 22q11.2 del has not been investigated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the complement system in relation to clinical and immunological parameters in patients. A national cohort of patients (n = 69) with a proven heterozygous deletion of chromosome 22q11.2 and a group of age and sex matched controls (n = 56) were studied. Functional capacity of the classical, lectin, and alternative pathways of the complement system as well as complement activation products C3bc and terminal complement complex (TCC) were accessed and correlated to clinical features. All patients in our study had normal complement activation in both classical and alternative pathways. The frequency of mannose-binding lectin deficiency was comparable to the normal population. The patients had significantly raised plasma levels of C3bc and a slight, but not significant, increase in TCC compared with controls. This increase was associated with the presence of psychiatric disorders in patients. The present study shows no complement deficiencies in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. On the contrary, there are signs of increased complement activation in these patients. Complement activation is particularly associated with the presence of psychiatric disorders.
Early and mid-term outcome of frozen elephant trunk using spinal cord protective perfusion strategy for acute type A aortic dissection
Authors: Hohri Yu , Yamasaki Takuma , Matsuzaki Yuichi , Hiramatsu Takeshi
Published: March 2020

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of spinal cord injury in total arch replacement with frozen elephant trunk for acute type A aortic dissection using our spinal cord protection technique.

Methods

Between January 2013 and December 2017, 33 patients underwent total arch replacement with frozen elephant trunk for acute type A aortic dissection (mean age 67.9 ± 13.3 years). Our spinal cord protection technique involved maintaining extracorporeal circulation through the left subclavian artery in all procedures, using aortic occlusion balloon during distal anastomosis, and inserting frozen elephant trunk above Th 8 with transesophageal echocardiographic guidance. Computed tomography was performed within 1–2 weeks, 12 months, and 36 months postoperatively. We compared the degree of thrombosis of the descending aorta between preoperation and early postoperative period by Fisher’s exact test. Moreover, we evaluated postoperative mortality and mobility (including spinal cord injury) at follow-up.

Results

The operative mortality within 30 days was 6.1%. Neither paraplegia nor paraparesis was noted. We observed significant thrombosis of the false lumen at the distal arch and aortic valve level of the descending aorta in postoperative early term period (p < 0.01). At mid-term follow-up (mean 33.9 months), survival probability and 3-year freedom from reoperation rates were 93.9 ± 4.1% and 95.0 ± 4.9%, respectively.

Conclusions

The frozen elephant trunk technique with our spinal protection strategy provides good postoperative outcomes. Our strategy can maintain spinal cord perfusion without complete ischemia time even during lower body ischemia time. Implementation of our spinal protection strategy will help prevent spinal cord injury and dilated downstream aorta.
Applying the Spatial EBLUP to Place-Based Policing. Simulation Study and Application to Confidence in Police Work
Authors: Buil-Gil David , Moretti Angelo , Shlomo Natalie , Medina Juanjo
Published: March 2020

There is growing need for reliable survey-based small area estimates of crime and confidence in police work to design and evaluate place-based policing strategies. Crime and confidence in policing are geographically aggregated and police resources can be targeted to areas with the most problems. High levels of spatial autocorrelation in these variables allow for using spatial random effects to improve small area estimation models and estimates’ reliability. This article introduces the Spatial Empirical Best Linear Unbiased Predictor (SEBLUP), which borrows strength from neighboring areas, to place-based policing. It assesses the SEBLUP under different scenarios of number of areas and levels of spatial autocorrelation and provides an application to confidence in policing in London. The SEBLUP should be applied for place-based policing strategies when the variable’s spatial autocorrelation is medium/high, and the number of areas is large. Confidence in policing is higher in Central and West London and lower in Eastern neighborhoods.
The role of surgery in soft tissue sarcoma: Can we improve outcome and function towards sporting activities?
Authors: Windhager Reinhard , Hobusch Gerhard M.
Published: March 2020

Limb-sparing surgery with pre- or postoperative irradiation has evolved as the standard of care for local tumor control of soft tissue sarcoma while ablative procedures are applied in selected cases only. Adequate excision of sarcoma is prerequisite to guarantee local tumor control. While excision with wide margins has been educated in the past, tumor excision with closer margins has shown to provide similar local tumor control. Beside this oncological aspect, type of surgery and reconstruction impact the functional outcome after sarcoma excision in the extremities, which adds to quality of life for the patients. Satisfactory results have been shown by different scoring systems; however, more recent studies focus on high level activities like sports to define the efficacy of different procedures. This review focuses on recent developments within these two topics.
Experimental rewilding may restore abandoned wood-pastures if policy allows
Authors: Garrido Pablo , Edenius Lars , Mikusiński Grzegorz , Skarin Anna , Jansson Anna , Thulin Carl-Gustaf
Published: March 2020

Large herbivores play key roles in terrestrial ecosystems. Continuous defaunation processes have produced cascade effects on plant community composition, vegetation structure, and even climate. Wood-pastures were created by traditional management practices that have maintained open structures and biodiversity for millennia. In Europe, despite the broad recognition of their biological importance, such landscapes are declining due to land-use changes. This calls for finding urgent solutions for wood-pasture conservation. To test whether introducing an ecological replacement of an extinct wild horse could have positive effects on wood-pasture restoration, we designed a 3-year rewilding experiment. Horses created a more open wood-pasture structure by browsing on seedlings and saplings, affected tree composition via selective browsing and controlled the colonization of woody vegetation in grassland-dominated areas. Thus, rewilding could be a potential avenue for wood-pasture restoration and biodiversity conservation. However, such benefits may not materialize without a necessary paradigm and political shift.
Resolvent growth condition for composition operators on the Fock space
Authors: Mengestie Tesfa
Published: March 2020

For each analytic map $$\psi$$
ψ
on the complex plane $$\mathbb {C}$$
C
, we study the Ritt’s resolvent growth condition for the composition operator $$C_{\psi} :f \rightarrow f\circ \psi$$

C
ψ

:
f
→
f
∘
ψ

on the Fock space $${\mathcal {F}}_2$$

F
2

. We show that $$C_{\psi}$$

C
ψ

satisfies such a condition if and only if it is either compact or reduces to the identity operator. As a consequence, it is shown that the Ritt’s resolvent condition and the unconditional Ritt’s condition for $$C_{\psi}$$

C
ψ

are equivalent.
Getting HIP: A study on the implementation of asynchronous discussion boards as a high-impact practice in online undergraduate survey history courses
Authors: Perrotta Katherine
Published: March 2020

Asynchronous discussion boards are a common pedagogical tool used by history faculty to promote engaged learning, content comprehension, and historical thinking, writing, and research skills in online courses. Although many higher education institutions are increasing their online history course offerings, there is a gap in the literature about the effectiveness of online teaching on student learning. As initiatives aimed at promoting HIPs at colleges and universities continue to grow, there is a need to examine whether the implementation of the asynchronous discussion board can be considered a HIP, especially when promoting writing intensity and undergraduate research in online history courses. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine whether the facilitation of asynchronous discussion boards serves as a HIP. The researcher conducted this study with a total of 167 undergraduate students enrolled in three sections of an online survey United States history course where she taught at a large four-year university in a metropolitan region of the Southeast.
Influenza surveillance case definitions miss a substantial proportion of older adults hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed influenza: A report from the Canadian Immunization Research Network (CIRN) Serious Outcomes Surveillance (SOS) Network
Authors: Andrew Melissa K. , McElhaney Janet E. , McGeer Allison A. , Hatchette Todd F. , Leblanc Jason , Webster Duncan , Bowie William , Poirier Andre , Nichols Michaela K. , McNeil Shelly A. ,   on behalf of the Canadian Immunization Research Network (CIRN) Serious Outcomes Surveillance Network Investigators
Published: March 2020

Objective:

Older adults often have atypical presentation of illness and are particularly vulnerable to influenza and its sequelae, making the validity of influenza case definitions particularly relevant. We sought to assess the performance of influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) criteria in hospitalized older adults.

Design:

Prospective cohort study.

Setting:

The Serious Outcomes Surveillance Network of the Canadian Immunization Research Network undertakes active surveillance for influenza among hospitalized adults.

Methods:

Data were pooled from 3 influenza seasons: 2011/12, 2012/13, and 2013/14. The ILI and SARI criteria were defined clinically, and influenza was laboratory confirmed. Frailty was measured using a validated frailty index.

Results:

Of 11,379 adult inpatients (7,254 aged ≥65 years), 4,942 (2,948 aged ≥65 years) had laboratory-confirmed influenza. Their median age was 72 years (interquartile range [IQR], 58–82) and 52.6% were women. The sensitivity of ILI criteria was 51.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 49.6–52.6) for younger adults versus 44.6% (95% CI, 43.6–45.8) for older adults. SARI criteria were met by 64.1% (95% CI, 62.7–65.6) of younger adults versus 57.1% (95% CI, 55.9–58.2) of older adults with laboratory-confirmed influenza. Patients with influenza who were prefrail or frail were less likely to meet ILI and SARI case definitions.

Conclusions:

A substantial proportion of older adults, particularly those who are frail, are missed by standard ILI and SARI case definitions. Surveillance using these case definitions is biased toward identifying younger cases, and does not capture the true burden of influenza. Because of the substantial fraction of cases missed, surveillance definitions should not be used to guide diagnosis and clinical management of influenza.
Out-of-Plane Compressive Response of Additively Manufactured Cross-Ply Composites
Authors: Yogeshvaran R. N. , Liu B. G. , Farukh F. , Kandan K.
Published: March 2020

Digital manufacturing was employed to 3D print continuous Carbon, Glass and Kevlar fibre reinforced composites in Unidirectional (UD) [0°], Off-axis ±45° and Cross-ply [0°/90°] layup sequence. These 3D printed composites were subjected to quasi-static, in-plane tension and out-of-plane (compression and shear) loading. The tensile strength of 3D printed Carbon, Glass and Kevlar UD laminates was significantly lower than that of 3D printing filaments used to manufacture them. The type of fibre (brittle/ductile) reinforcement was found to be governing the shear yield strength of 3D printed composites despite having the same Nylon matrix in all the composites. Out-of-plane compressive strength of the 3D printed Carbon and Glass fibre reinforced composites was independent of specimen size. Contrary to that, Kevlar fibre composites showed a pronounced size effect upon their out-of-plane compressive strength. A combination of X-ray tomography and pressure film measurements revealed that the fibres in 3D printed composites failed by ‘indirect tension’ mechanism which governed their out-of-plane compressive strength. To gain further insights on the experimental observations, Finite Element (FE) simulations were carried out using a pressure-dependent crystal plasticity framework, in conjunction with an analytical model based on shear-lag approach. Both FE and analytical model accurately predicted the out-of-plane compressive strength of all (Carbon, Glass and Kevlar fibre reinforced) 3D printed composites.
Affine Hecke algebras and generalizations of quiver Hecke algebras of type B
Authors: Poulain d'Andecy L. , Walker R.
Published: March 2020

We define and study cyclotomic quotients of affine Hecke algebras of type B. We establish an isomorphism between direct sums of blocks of these algebras and a generalization, for type B, of cyclotomic quiver Hecke algebras, which are a family of graded algebras closely related to algebras introduced by Varagnolo and Vasserot. Inspired by the work of Brundan and Kleshchev, we first give a family of isomorphisms for the corresponding result in type A which includes their original isomorphism. We then select a particular isomorphism from this family and use it to prove our result.
Nadir experiences and ego-integrity: types of narrative enactment
Authors: Chrz Vladimir , Dubovská Eva , Poláčková Šolcová Iva
Published: March 2020

Coming to terms with negative life experiences is a way of reaching ego-integrity in mature age, a development task belonging to the last phase of Erikson's theory of psycho-social development. This study explores fundamental tensions between negative life experiences and ego-integrity through the lens of narrative enactment,i.e.by looking at how nadir experiences are constructed in the narratives of study participants. From 166 potential participants, we selected life-story narratives of 42 highly ego-integrated older adults based on a self-rated ego-integrity scale. Data were analysed using the narrative approach, where ageing is perceived as autobiographical work and narrativity is viewed as enactment of the constitutive event of ‘trouble’. Our results suggest a subtle classification of five distinct types of narrative enactment: ‘it turned out well’, ‘I managed to cope with it’, ‘validation with respect to future development’, ‘acquisition of a new attitude’ and, finally, ‘justification of a hard decision’. Each of these enactment types is defined by a particular configuration of narrative categories: agency in a negative event, agency in a positive resolution, reflexivity and construction of moral identity. Our results highlight the meaning of processing and reconstruction of negative life experiences and the various narrative pathways this process can follow in highly ego-integrated older adults.
Always alone? Network transitions among detached older Europeans and their effects
Authors: Litwin Howard , Levinsky Michal
Published: March 2020

The present study investigated the changes that occurred within the interpersonal environments of a sample of socially isolated older Europeans after four years. Based upon data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), the inquiry looked at 834 older people who were socially detached at baseline, at follow-up or at both time-points. The analysis traced changes in relation to the social network types that they acquired or left. The findings indicate that respondents more frequently moved from no-network status at baseline to close family-based social network types at follow-up than to other network types. In comparison, the loss of a network at follow-up was seen to originate from close networks and from other network types alike. Multivariate analysis revealed that those who moved from socially detached status to close-family networks had fewer depressive symptoms compared to those who moved to other network types. However, the move from a close-family network to the no-network status was about as depressing as was being chronically isolated. The effects of network transitions were more varied in relation to the life satisfaction outcome. In sum, the findings suggest that a transition out of social isolation in late life is possible and it may be beneficial as well.