bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MiR‐1246 promotes anti‐apoptotic effect of mini‐αA in oxidative stress‐induced apoptosis in retinal pigment epithelial cells
Authors: Chen Qianyin , Lin Huimin , Deng Xuan , Li Shengnan , Zhang Jinglin
Published: March 2020

Background

Geographic atrophy (GA) is a late‐stage symptom of an age‐related macular degeneration (AMD), characterized by the loss of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells and photoreceptor functions. Despite being a major cause of blindness in individuals of 65 years of age and older, some forms of AMD, including GA, still lack targeted treatment. Our previous study demonstrated that mini‐αA peptide, which contains the functional site of αA‐crystallin, protected RPE cells from NaIO3‐induced apoptosis.

Methods

To further investigate the underlying mechanism, we applied next‐generation sequencing analysis to identify miR‐1246 as a putative mediator of mini‐αA protective function. To investigate the role of miR‐1246 in RPE cell apoptosis, a stable miR‐1246‐low‐expression cell line was established by using miR‐1246 inhibitor. A 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay was used to investigate the proliferation of RPE cells, mRNA and miR‐1246 expression were detected by the quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction.

Results

We have further identified caspase‐3 and caspase‐14 as molecular targets of miR‐1246 involved in regulation of apoptosis in NaIO3‐incubated cells. Interestingly, disruption of miR‐1246 expression enhanced anti‐apoptotic effect of mini‐αA on RPE cells during oxidative stress.

Conclusions

Our results provide a mechanistic basis for evaluation of miR‐1246 as a new candidate target for the clinical treatment of AMD.
Alpha‐lipoic acid downregulates TRPV1 receptor via NF‐κB and attenuates neuropathic pain in rats with diabetes
Authors: Zhang Bing‐Yu , Zhang Yi‐Lian , Sun Qian , Zhang Ping‐An , Wang Xi‐Xi , Xu Guang‐Yin , Hu Ji , Zhang Hong‐Hong
Published: March 2020

Aims

Painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) is a refractory complication of diabetes. The study aimed to investigate the role of α‐lipoic acid (ALA) on the regulation of transient receptor potential vanilloid‐1 (TRPV1) in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons of rats with diabetes.

Methods

Whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings were employed to measure neuronal excitability in DiI‐labeled DRG neurons of control and streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic rats. Western blotting and immunofluorescence assays were used to determine the expression and location of NF‐κBp65 and TRPV1.

Results

STZ‐induced hindpaw pain hypersensitivity and neuronal excitability in L4‐6 DRG neurons were attenuated by intraperitoneal injection with ALA once a day lasted for one week. TRPV1 expression was enhanced in L4‐6 DRGs of diabetic rats compared with age‐matched control rats, which was also suppressed by ALA treatment. In addition, TRPV1 and p65 colocated in the same DRG neurons. The expression of p65 was upregulated in L4‐6 DRGs of diabetic rats. Inhibition of p65 signaling using recombinant lentiviral vectors designated as LV‐NF‐κBp65 siRNA remarkably suppressed TRPV1 expression. Finally, p65 expression was downregulated by ALA treatment.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrated that ALA may alleviate neuropathic pain in diabetes by regulating TRPV1 expression via affecting NF‐κB.
Visual experiences during letter production contribute to the development of the neural systems supporting letter perception
Authors: Vinci‐Booher Sophia , James Karin H.
Published: March 2020

Letter production through handwriting creates visual experiences that may be important for the development of visual letter perception. We sought to better understand the neural responses to different visual percepts created during handwriting at different levels of experience. Three groups of participants, younger children, older children, and adults, ranging in age from 4.5 to 22 years old, were presented with dynamic and static presentations of their own handwritten letters, static presentations of an age‐matched control's handwritten letters, and typeface letters during fMRI. First, data from each group were analyzed through a series of contrasts designed to highlight neural systems that were most sensitive to each visual experience in each age group. We found that younger children recruited ventral‐temporal cortex during perception and this response was associated with the variability present in handwritten forms. Older children and adults also recruited ventral‐temporal cortex; this response, however, was significant for typed letter forms but not variability. The adult response to typed letters was more distributed than in the children, including ventral‐temporal, parietal, and frontal motor cortices. The adult response was also significant for one's own handwritten letters in left parietal cortex. Second, we compared responses among age groups. Compared to older children, younger children demonstrated a greater fusiform response associated with handwritten form variability. When compared to adults, younger children demonstrated a greater response to this variability in left parietal cortex. Our results suggest that the visual perception of the variability present in handwritten forms that occurs during handwriting may contribute to developmental changes in the neural systems that support letter perception.
Fitness consequences of artificial diets with different macronutrient composition for the predatory bug Orius majusculus
Authors: Montoro Marta , De Clercq Patrick , Overgaard Johannes , Sigsgaard Lene
Published: March 2020

The commercial production of Orius spp. (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae), including Orius majusculus (Reuter), relies on the use of eggs of Ephestia kuehniella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) as rearing diet. However, E. kuehniella eggs have become an expensive fodder thus increasing the price of these key biological control agents. The use of artificial diets potentially decreases the production costs. In this regard, establishing a link between dietary composition and fitness could advance the development of an optimum alternative artificial diet for these predatory insects. The aim of the current study was to test the effect of six artificial diets with different macronutrient composition on the development and reproductive fitness of O. majusculus when compared with the effect of E. kuehniella eggs. In general, nymphal survival was not affected by diet, whereas development was slightly delayed on artificial diets. However, female body mass and fecundity were significantly lower on all of the artificial diets compared with the E. kuehniella eggs diet, suggesting that artificial diets were of inferior quality. Within artificial diets, females fed the viable diet with highest content in lipid laid more eggs than those raised on the most protein‐rich diets. We found there was some variation in carcass composition between the O. majusculus fed the various diets, but these variations did not match the differences found in the fitness parameters measured.
Frege on the generality of logical laws
Authors: Hutchinson Jim
Published: March 2020

Frege claims that the laws of logic are characterized by their “generality,” but it is hard to see how this could identify a special feature of those laws. I argue that we must understand this talk of generality in normative terms, but that what Frege says provides a normative demarcation of the logical laws only once we connect it with his thinking about truth and science. He means to be identifying the laws of logic as those that appear in every one of the scientific systems whose construction is the ultimate aim of science, and in which all truths have a place. Though an account of logic in terms of scientific systems might seem hopelessly antiquated, I argue that it is not: A basically Fregean account of the nature of logic still looks quite promising.
Beyond “Snow Shoveler's Infarction”: Broadening perspectives on winter health risks
Authors: Haney Christa
Published: March 2020

Winter constitutes a significant threat to humans via damages, injuries, and fatalities in mid and high latitude environments. Much of the research into the health impacts of winter centers on urban areas in the snow climates of North America. When considering how humans are vulnerable to winter hazards, the legend of Snow‐Shoveler's Infarction dominates the public's assessment of winter health risks. This article seeks to broaden the understanding of winter hazards by summarizing the diversity of impacts on human health including frostbite, hypothermia, traffic accidents, slips, and falls, unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning in addition to injuries, and fatalities associated with snow removal. Further, social determinants such as poverty and social isolation are identified as being associated with negative health outcomes. The disproportionate health impacts of winter are also summarized, thus revealing how some groups, particularly the disadvantaged, the elderly and those with preexisting health issues in urbanized snow climates of the United States and Canada, are more vulnerable to winter hazards.
Clinical impact of evaluation of frailty in endoscopic submucosal dissection for early gastric cancer in elderly patients
Authors: Misawa Noboru , Higurashi Takuma , Tachikawa Jun , Tanabe Hiroaki , Yoshihara Tsutomu , Ashikari Keiichi , Kanoshima Kenji , Fuyuki Akiko , Ohkubo Hidenori , Saigusa Yusuke , Chiba Hideyuki , Nonaka Takashi , Kuriyama Hitoshi , Kobayashi Noritoshi , Nakajima Atsushi
Published: March 2020

Aims

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for early gastric cancer (EGC) is performed safely and effectively in elderly patients; however, whether ESD for EGC in elderly patients with frailty is safe and improves prognosis remains unclear.

Methods

In total, 142 patients aged ≥80 years who underwent ESD for EGC between September 2008 and September 2014 were included. We compared outcomes between patients with frailty and those without frailty. Frailty was assessed using the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) based on a patient's status before admission. Study endpoints were short‐ and long‐term clinical outcomes after ESD.

Results

Patients were allocated into two groups: no frailty (CFS 1–3, n = 101) versus frailty (CFS 4–7, n = 41). Short‐term clinical outcomes, specifically, adverse events and curability, did not differ between the two groups. For the long‐term clinical outcomes, patients with frailty had significantly worse outcomes after ESD than those without frailty (the 3‐year overall survival rates were 73.2% vs. 93.1%; P < 0.001 with log‐rank test). The Cox proportional hazards model showed that frailty was only an independent risk factor for poor prognosis.

Conclusions

ESD for EGC is safe for elderly patients with or without frailty. However, elderly patients with frailty have a significantly poorer prognosis than those without frailty after ESD. Our results indicate that the frailty evaluation may be helpful to determine whether ESD for EGC should be performed. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 461–466.
Smoothing and Benchmarking for Small Area Estimation
Authors: Steorts Rebecca C. , Schmid Timo , Tzavidis Nikos
Published: March 2020

Small area estimation is concerned with methodology for estimating population parameters associated with a geographic area defined by a cross‐classification that may also include non‐geographic dimensions. In this paper, we develop constrained estimation methods for small area problems: those requiring smoothness with respect to similarity across areas, such as geographic proximity or clustering by covariates, and benchmarking constraints, requiring weighted means of estimates to agree across levels of aggregation. We develop methods for constrained estimation decision theoretically and discuss their geometric interpretation. The constrained estimators are the solutions to tractable optimisation problems and have closed‐form solutions. Mean squared errors of the constrained estimators are calculated via bootstrapping. Our approach assumes the Bayes estimator exists and is applicable to any proposed model. In addition, we give special cases of our techniques under certain distributional assumptions. We illustrate the proposed methodology using web‐scraped data on Berlin rents aggregated over areas to ensure privacy.
Tuning the luminescence properties of Mn4+‐activated CaYAlO4 phosphor by co‐doping cations for indoor plant cultivation
Authors: Zhang Yongli , Huang Yuding , Li Minghui , Liang Chao , Zhu Haifeng , Zhong Yuan , Yang Nan , Zhou Zhi , Xia Mao
Published: March 2020

To fulfil the demands of high‐power plant growth lamps, cation co‐doping is an effective way to tune the photoluminescence properties of manganese (Ⅳ)‐activated aluminate phosphors. Therefore, we managed to synthesize a series of cations co‐doped CaYAlO4:xMn4+, mSr2+, M+ (M+ = Li+, Na+, and K+) (CYAO:Mn, Sr, M) far‐red‐emitting phosphors. The excitation spectrum of these phosphors contained two excitation bands, and the opposite effects of these two bands on the luminescence intensity have been observed with the increase of Mn4+ concentration. By adding 0.1 mol Sr2+ ions to replace Ca2+ site, the emission intensity and thermal stability of CYAO:Mn phosphors can be enhanced. Furthermore, the luminescence properties of CSYAO:Mn can be further improved by co‐doping monovalent alkali metal ions to serve as charge compensators, the increased number of Mn4+ luminescence centers. Moreover, 0.6 mol% Na+ can increase the initial emission intensity of the phosphors by 117% as the best ratio. The characteristic emission spectrum of the phosphors CYAO:Mn,Sr,M correspond to the phytochrome PFR of plants. These experiments and characterization results have certified that these phosphors have a potential application in indoor plants cultivation.
The reasonably prudent person, or me?
Authors: Simpson Ain , Alicke Mark D. , Gordon Ellen , Rose David
Published: March 2020

Abundant research concerning the role of the self in social judgment suggests that people have a strong tendency to evaluate others’ actions, preferences, and values with regard to their own. Reliance on self‐standards contrasts with the legal standard of the reasonably prudent person (RPP) standard, which presumably represents the behavior of the average person in the community. In three studies that investigated judgments of harmful actions, we compared the influence of self‐standards (“How likely would I behave in this manner?”) and RPP estimates (“How likely would the average, reasonable person in the community behave in this manner?”). In each study, self‐standards influenced participants’ judgments of guilt and the acceptability of the defendant's actions more than did judgments about what a RPP would do. Studies 2a and 2b also investigated attitudinal differences in susceptibility to RPP consensus manipulations. Participants judged a target who committed murder in self‐defense, and also projected their own hypothetical behavior in the scenario. When the manipulated RPP disapproved of the murder, the target was deemed more culpable, but only among participants who themselves were unwilling to commit the hypothetical act. Participants who expressed willingness to murder in self‐defense were unaffected by RPP information, regardless of whether or not it was consistent with their own stance. Hence, RPP information at best exerted minimal influence on juridical judgments, and only among certain participants. Implications of these findings for legal applications of the RPP, and for the role of the self in social judgment, are discussed.
Acetylcholine decreases formation of myofibroblasts and excessive extracellular matrix production in an in vitro human corneal fibrosis model
Authors: Słoniecka Marta , Danielson Patrik
Published: March 2020

Acetylcholine (ACh) has been reported to play various physiological roles, including wound healing in the cornea. Here, we study the role of ACh in the transition of corneal fibroblasts into myofibroblasts, and in consequence its role in the onset of fibrosis, in an in vitro human corneal fibrosis model. Primary human keratocytes were obtained from healthy corneas. Vitamin C (VitC) and transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) were used to induce fibrosis in corneal fibroblasts. qRT‐PCR and ELISA analyses showed that gene expression and production of collagen I, collagen III, collagen V, lumican, fibronectin (FN) and alpha‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) were reduced by ACh in quiescent keratocytes. ACh treatment furthermore decreased gene expression and production of collagen I, collagen III, collagen V, lumican, FN and α‐SMA during the transition of corneal fibroblasts into myofibroblasts, after induction of fibrotic process. ACh inhibited corneal fibroblasts from developing contractile activity during the process of fibrosis, as assessed with collagen gel contraction assay. Moreover, the effect of ACh was dependent on activation of muscarinic ACh receptors. These results show that ACh has an anti‐fibrotic effect in an in vitro human corneal fibrosis model, as it negatively affects the transition of corneal fibroblasts into myofibroblasts. Therefore, ACh might play a role in the onset of fibrosis in the corneal stroma.
Development of a validated short‐form of the Childhood Atopic Dermatitis Impact Scale, the CADIS‐SF15
Authors: Gabes M. , Chamlin S.L. , Lai J.‐S. , Cella D. , Mancini A.J. , Apfelbacher C.J.
Published: March 2020

Background

The Childhood Atopic Dermatitis Impact Scale (CADIS) with 45 items may be burdensome to complete. We therefore aimed to develop a CADIS short‐form.

Methods

Parents of 300 children completed the prototype CADIS. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted on the 45‐item CADIS version. The most representative items were chosen. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to confirm the a priori factor structure. Content validity was assessed in a focus group of patients, parents, clinicians, methodologists and industry delegates. Internal consistency, 48‐h test–retest reliability, construct validity and responsiveness of the newly developed short‐form were assessed.

Results

A total of 270 families provided data at baseline, 34 after 48 h and 228 after 4 weeks. Fourteen items of three different factors fulfilled the proposed eligibility criteria and were included in the draft short‐form. After the content validity rating, one item relating to the child’s sleep was added to further improve content validity. The confirmatory factor analyses showed good model fit, and a 15‐item short‐form was initiated, the CADIS‐SF15. The total scale and the three domains showed good internal consistency and test–retest reliability. The correlation between SCORAD and other subjective measures was consistent with our hypotheses. Differences in scores between mild, moderate and severe AD patients were significant, and the CADIS‐SF15 was able to detect changes in ‘improving’ patients over time.

Conclusion

The CADIS‐SF15 with 15 items in three domains is an internally consistent, reliable, valid, responsive and brief measure of QoL in children affected with AD and their parents. Further evaluation of clinical applicability is required.
The importance of differences; On environment and its interactions with genes and immunity in the causation of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Klareskog L. , Rönnelid J. , Saevarsdottir S. , Padyukov L. , Alfredsson L.
Published: March 2020

The current review uses rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as a prominent example for how studies on the interplay between environmental and genetic factors in defined subsets of a disease can be used to formulate aetiological hypotheses that subsequently can be tested for causality using molecular and functional studies. Major discussed findings are that exposures to airways from many different noxious agents including cigarette smoke, silica dust and more interact with major susceptibility genes, mainly HLA‐DR genetic variants in triggering antigen‐specific immune reactions specific for RA. We also discuss how several other environmental and lifestyle factors, including microbial, neural and metabolic factors, can influence risk for RA in ways that are different in different subsets of RA.The description of these processes in RA provides the best example so far in any immune‐mediated disease of how triggering of immunity at one anatomical site in the context of known environmental and genetic factors subsequently can lead to symptoms that precede the classical inflammatory disease symptoms and later contribute also to the classical RA joint inflammation. The findings referred to in the review have led to a change of paradigms for very early therapy and prevention of RA and to efforts towards what we have named ‘personalized prevention’. We believe that the progress described here for RA will be of relevance for research and practice also in other immune‐mediated diseases.
The UN Declaration on Peasants' Rights (UNDROP): Is Article 19 on seed rights adequately balancing intellectual property rights and the right to food?
Authors: Haugen Hans Morten
Published: March 2020

The UN Declaration on the Rights of Peasants and Other People Working in Rural Areas (UNDROP) was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2018. One provision that caused opposition by certain states was Article 19 on the right to seeds. The article discusses whether the right to seeds is implicitly recognized by Article 15.1(b) of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) on “benefits of scientific progress…,” seen in light of ICESCR Article 11.2(a) on “improving methods of production…” as well as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women Article 14.2(g), on rural women's right to appropriate technology. Moreover, the positive protection of farmers' breeding efforts is covered by the wording of ICESCR Article 15.1(c). Other treaties and soft‐law sources also direct states to improve peasants' livelihoods, including seeds. States can legislate to serve peasants' interests and strengthen their rights when adopting IPR legislation. The article shows how this can be done, for instance by introducing exclusions and limited exceptions to IPRs. States have a policy space when implementing IPR legislation that should be utilized to promote the right to food and the livelihood of peasants.
Using multiple natural tags provides evidence for extensive larval dispersal across space and through time in summer flounder
Authors: Hoey Jennifer A. , Fodrie F. Joel , Walker Quentin A. , Hilton Eric J. , Kellison G. Todd , Targett Timothy E. , Taylor J. Christopher , Able Kenneth W. , Pinsky Malin L.
Published: March 2020

Dispersal sets the fundamental scales of ecological and evolutionary dynamics and has important implications for population persistence. Patterns of marine dispersal remain poorly understood, partly because dispersal may vary through time and often homogenizes allele frequencies. However, combining multiple types of natural tags can provide more precise dispersal estimates, and biological collections can help to reconstruct dispersal patterns through time. We used single nucleotide polymorphism genotypes and otolith core microchemistry from archived collections of larval summer flounder (Paralichthys dentatus,n = 411) captured between 1989 and 2012 at five locations along the US East coast to reconstruct dispersal patterns through time. Neither genotypes nor otolith microchemistry alone were sufficient to identify the source of larval fish. However, microchemistry identified clusters of larvae (n = 3–33 larvae per cluster) that originated in the same location, and genetic assignment of clusters could be made with substantially more confidence. We found that most larvae probably originated near a biogeographical break (Cape Hatteras) and that larvae were transported in both directions across this break. Larval sources did not shift north through time, despite the northward shift of adult populations in recent decades. Our novel approach demonstrates that summer flounder dispersal is widespread throughout their range, on both intra‐ and intergenerational timescales, and may be a particularly important process for synchronizing population dynamics and maintaining genetic diversity during an era of rapid environmental change. Broadly, our results reveal the value of archived collections and of combining multiple natural tags to understand the magnitude and directionality of dispersal in species with extensive gene flow.
Descriptive phenomenological study on ego‐integrity among older people in nursing homes
Authors: Üzar‐Özçetin Yeter Sinem , Ercan‐Şahin Nilay
Published: March 2020

This study aimed to describe, interpret, and understand the phenomenon of ego integrity among nursing home residents using a descriptive phenomenological approach. Data were collected by conducting in‐depth face‐to‐face interviews with 18 nursing home residents with the aid of a pilot‐tested semi‐structured interview guide. The authors followed a systematic analytic procedure. Key themes and subthemes emerged when the codes were combined. The responses of the residents were classified under three themes: (i) existential well‐being, (ii) future expectations, and (iii) regrets regarding past life stages. The results underscored the important role of ego integrity in structuring oneʼs life in the later years. A lack of ego integrity had resulted in negative perceptions of life, a lack of future plans, and existential suffering. The findings underscore the importance of assessing ongoing temporal changes in the ego integrity of nursing home residents and providing effective programs that enhance their sense of ego integrity.
Children with nut allergies have impaired gene expression of Toll‐like receptors pathway
Authors: Poole Ashlyn , Song Yong , O'Sullivan Michael , Lee Khui Hung , Metcalfe Jessica , Guo Jing , Brown Helen , Mullins Ben , Loh Richard , Zhang Guicheng Brad
Published: March 2020

Background

Trends in food allergies prompted investigation into the underlying mechanisms. Genetic and epigenetic factors are of high interest, and, in particular, the interplay between genes relating to immune factors directly and indirectly involved in food allergy pathogenesis. We sought to determine potential links between gene expression and epigenetic factors relating to Toll‐like receptor (TLR) pathways and childhood food allergies.

Methods

In a cross‐sectional study, samples from 80 children with and without food allergies were analysed for gene expression, DNA methylation and a range of immune factors relating to TLR pathways. TLR2, TLR4, CD14, IL5, IL13 and vitamin D were explored.

Results

The importance of these immune factors appeared to vary between the different types of food allergies. Expression of TLR2 (P < .001), TLR4 (P = .014) and CD14 (P = .028) varied significantly between children with no food allergy, allergy to nuts and peanuts, and allergy to eggs. DNA methylation in the promoter regions of these genes had a significant association with gene expression. These trends persisted when subjects were stratified by nut allergy vs no nut allergy. Furthermore, TLR2 (P = .001) and CD14 (P = .007) expressions were significantly lower in children with food allergies when compared to those without.

Conclusion

Gene expression of TLR pathway genes was directly related to food allergy type, and DNA methylation had an indirect effect. TLR2 pathways are of significant interest in nut allergies.
Intrauterine transfusion: an international review of practice and policy
Authors: Clarke Gwen
Published: March 2020

Background

Intrauterine transfusion (IUT) is a treatment for fetal anemia. This technique involves ultrasound guided needle placement followed by transfusion of a specially prepared blood component. The most common indications include hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) and prenatal infection.

Methods

The literature was reviewed, and blood component characteristics and preparatory techniques identified. An international survey of IUT was conducted.

Results

Component preparation for IUT differs from preparation for other transfusions. Differences relate to unique characteristics of the fetus including a small blood volume, invasive access for transfusion and immune deficiency. The techniques for preparation of red blood cells (RBC) are variable with limited evidence. Most use fresh concentrated RBC. Irradiation is uniformly recommended. RBC that are antigen negative for the maternal alloantibody are provided, and the product is selected or modified to minimize risk for cytomegalovirus transmission. Selection of ABO group and the degree of additional prophylactic phenotype matching are variable. While maternal RBC transfusion may be used, compatible allogeneic RBC are more common. For maternal antibodies to high prevalence antigens rare phenotype deglycerolized RBC may be used. There are challenges in providing RBC for IUT. Pre and post transfusion blood samples must be correctly managed in the medical record. Hemovigilance requires that both the fetus and the mother be documented as recipients. Preparation may be urgent, and sterile technique is required. Records of IUT must be conveyed to neonatal care providers as the transfused blood may mask the true blood group for weeks to months post transfusion, and component modifications may be required for any postnatal transfusion in neonates who were treated with IUT.
Quotativebe likein Trinidadian English
Authors: Deuber Dagmar , Hänsel Eva Canan , Westphal Michael
Published: March 2020

This paper studies the sociolinguistics of quotativebe likein Trinidad and its relation to Trinidadian English Creole (TrinEC). Corpus evidence shows a significant association ofbe likeuse and young age as well as female gender, in line with global trends. Questionnaire data reveal that it does not detract from the perception of a speaker as educated and of high social status as long as utterances are grammatically standardized English (StE). TrinEC grammar triggers contrasting perceptions but the data also point to traditional social prejudice against TrinEC being transcended. This ties in with the finding thatbe likeusers tend not actually to be averse to using TrinEC. Overall the sociolinguistics ofbe likein Trinidad is shaped by global trends as well as the local sociolinguistic configuration.
Effect of Perceived Job-Related Stress on Teacher Job Satisfaction in a High-Stakes Testing Environment
Authors: Asamoah-Gyimah Kenneth , Amoako Isaac
Published: March 2020

Public demand for high scores in the nationwide high-stakes test, that is, Basic Education Certificate Examination places Ghanaian teachers in a position to experience high amount of stress since they are to work harder to ensure that the demand is realized. The main aim of the study was to investigate effect of teachers perceived job-related stress on their job satisfaction. Using public Junior High School teachers in the Kwahu South District as the target population, 120 of them from public 20 schools were selected using proportionate stratified sampling technique with a common ratio of 4:10 (0.4). An adapted high-stakes testing questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents. Variance based Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), specifically, Partial Least Square (PLS) model was used to validate the instrument and to test the study hypothesis 1. Independent samples t-test as well as means and standard deviations were used in the analysis of the data to test the hypothesis 2 and answer the research question respectively. Findings revealed teacher Job-related stress as a significant predictor of job satisfaction in a high-stakes testing environment. Implications are provided for policy and practice.
Regional influence of nitric oxide on cutaneous vasodilatation and sweating during exercise‐heat stress in young men
Authors: Schmidt Madison D. , McGarr Gregory W. , Muia Caroline M. , Fujii Naoto , Amano Tatsuro , Kenny Glen P.
Published: March 2020

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Do regional differences exist in nitric oxide synthase (NOS)‐dependent cutaneous vasodilatation and sweating during exercise‐heat stress in young men.

What is the main finding and its importance?

Exercise‐induced increases in cutaneous vasodilatation and sweating were greater on the chest and upper back compared to the forearm, although the NOS contribution to cutaneous vasodilatation was similar across all regions. Conversely, there was a greater NOS‐dependent rate of change in sweating on the chest compared to the forearm, with a similar trend on the back.

While it is established that nitric oxide synthase (NOS) is an important modulator of forearm cutaneous vasodilatation and sweating during an exercise‐heat stress in young men, it remains unclear if regional differences exist in this response. In 15 habitually active young men (24 ± 4 (SD) years), cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) and local sweat rate (LSR) were assessed at three body regions. On each of the dorsal forearm, chest and upper‐back (trapezius), sites were continuously perfused with either (1) lactated Ringer solution (control) or (2) 10 Mm Nω‐nitro‐l‐arginine (l‐NNA, NOS inhibitor), via microdialysis. Participants rested in the heat (35°C) for ∼75 min, followed by 60 min of semi‐recumbent cycling performed at a fixed rate of heat production of 200 W m−2 (equivalent to ∼42% ). During exercise, the chest and upper‐back regions showed higher CVC and LSR responses relative to the forearm (all P < 0.05). Within each region, l‐NNA attenuated CVC and LSR relative to control (all P < 0.05). However, the NOS contribution was not different across regions for the rate of change and plateau for CVC or for the LSR plateau (all P > 0.05). Conversely, there was a greater NOS contribution to the rate of change for LSR at the chest relative to the forearm (P < 0.05) with a similar trend for the back. In habitually active young men, NOS‐dependent cutaneous vasodilatation was similar across regions while the NOS contribution to LSR was greater on the chest relative to the forearm. These findings advance our understanding of the mechanisms influencing regional variations in cutaneous vasodilatation and sweating during an exercise‐heat stress.
X-Ray Propagation-Based Phase-Enhanced Imaging of Fuel Injectors
Authors: Lee Wah-Keat , Fezzaa Kamel , Wang Jin
Published: March 2020

X-ray propagation-based phase-enhanced imaging is a powerful new technique that uses the x-ray beam coherence to greatly improve the image contrast. With the high x-ray beam brilliance (or alternately, good beam coherence) available at third-generation synchrotron sources, such as the Advanced Photon Source (APS), propagation-based phase-enhanced imaging can be easily accomplished. The power of this technique lies in its simplicity — it is an in-line geometry and requires little or no beam manipulation, and it works over the entire range of accessible energies (10–100 keV). Unlike conventional radiography, its contrast mechanism is mostly due to Fresnel diffraction and not absorption. The technique works for soft biological samples, as well as thick (several millimeters) stainless-steel samples. In this paper, we demonstrate the utility of this technique to study several fuel injectors and compare the results with conventional absorption radiography. The possibility of extending this technique to time-resolved imaging studies on the fuel injector will be discussed.
Simulation of Multiphase Flow With Vaporization in DGI Engine Injector
Authors: Alajbegovic Ales , Meister Gerhard , Greif David , von Kuensberg Sarre Christopher , Tatschl Reinhard , Basara Branislav
Published: March 2020

The purpose of the paper is to present a simulation concept, which is able to take into account the most important phenomena that occur in the high-pressure swirl injector fuel flows, typical for the direct gasoline injection (DGI) engines. Used are two- (air, gasoline liquid) and three-phase (air, gasoline liquid and vapor) flow models. The most important characteristics of the flow were predicted. Both two- and three-phase flow simulation results show the formation of a thin conical sheet with an air core. Vaporization in the air core due to pressure drop below the saturation conditions was predicted in the three-phase flow simulation.
Reducing Grid Dependency in Droplet Collision Modeling
Authors: Schmidt David P. , Rutland Christopher J.
Published: March 2020

A faster, more accurate replacement for existing collision algorithms has been developed. The method, called the NTC algorithm, is not grid dependent, and is much faster than older algorithms. Calculations with sixty thousand parcels required only a few CPU minutes. However, there is a significant need to develop mesh-independent momentum coupling between the gas and spray, so that the collision algorithm’s full accuracy can be fully realized.
Quantitative X-Ray Measurements of Diesel Spray Cores
Authors: Powell Christopher F. , Yue Yong , Wang Jin , Lai Ming-Chia , Schaller Johannes
Published: March 2020

A detailed knowledge of the fuel injection process is recognized as a key to the design of clean-burning and efficient combustion engines. As standards for pollutant emissions are tightened worldwide, such knowledge becomes more critical. Computer modeling of the combustion process relies on accurate measurements of the spray throughout its lifetime, and in particular knowledge of the near-nozzle region of the spray is of great importance.

A number of techniques have been developed to study the properties of fuel sprays. However, all of these techniques are significantly limited in the region near the nozzle of high-pressure sprays. No mechanical or visible light probe is able to make non-intrusive and quantitative measurements of the spray in this region.

We have been developing techniques to study sprays using synchrotron x-rays from the Advanced Photon Source at Argonne National Laboratory. We are using an intense, monochromatic x-ray beam as a probe to make time-resolved, quantitative measurements, of intermittent fuel sprays. These experiments have demonstrated that x-rays overcome many of the limitations of other techniques, allowing quantitative characterization of the spray with high time and position resolution. The x-ray technique enables us to make a time-resolved mapping of the mass distribution near the spray nozzle, even immediately adjacent to the orifice. With such a mapping of the mass a number of spray characteristics can be determined, such as the fuel volume fraction, the injection rate and total mass, the speed of the leading and trailing edges of the spray, etc. These quantitative measurements should allow more realistic computational modeling of sprays with better predictive power.
Synchrotron X-Ray Measurement of Direct Injection Gasoline Fuel Sprays
Authors: Yue Y. , Powell C. , Cuenca R. , Poola R. , Wang J.
Published: March 2020

A quantitative and time-resolved radiographic has been used to characterize direct-injection (Dl) gasoline sprays in near-nozzle region. The highly penetrative nature of x-rays promises the direct measurements of dense sprays that are difficult to study by visible-light optical techniques. Appropriate models were developed to determine the fuel volume fraction as a function of time and positions. The results also show quantitatively the strong asymmetry of the hollow-cone sprays studied here.
Analytical and Computational Modeling of High Pressure Gas Injection
Authors: Kirkpatrick Allan , Li Yuan , Mitchell Charles , Willson Bryan
Published: March 2020

The topic of this paper is the analytical and computational modeling of the gas injection process in a large bore natural gas fueled engine. At high injection pressures, the overall gas injection and mixing process includes compressible flow features such as rarefaction waves and shock formation. The injection geometries examined in the paper include both a two dimensional slot and an axisymmetric nozzle. The computations examine the effect of the injection pressure/back pressure ratio, with ratios ranging from 3 to 80. The computational modeling was validated by comparison with results obtained from a 2D analytical method of characteristics solution. The validation process evaluated factors such as pressure and Mach number profiles, jet boundary shape and shock location.
Influence of Aromatic Type on Diesel Emissions Investigated by Blending Narrow-Cut Components and Pure Hydrocarbons Into a Base Fuel
Authors: Neill W. S. , Chippior W. L. , Gülder Ö. L.
Published: March 2020

The influence of fuel aromatic content and type on the exhaust emissions from a heavy-duty diesel engine were investigated by blending predetermined amounts of aromatic compounds with a known chemical structure into a low-aromatic base fuel. Seven test fuels were blended with constant cetane numbers and densities, but with mono-, di-, and tri-aromatic contents ranging from 10 to 30%, 0 to 10%, and 0 to 8%, respectively. The engine experiments were run using the AVL eight-mode steady-state simulation of the EPA transient test procedure. The results show that fuel total aromatic content or type did not significantly affect the engine’s PM emissions. NOx emissions, however, increased by 4.3% as the fuel mono-aromatic content increased from 10 to 30%.
Ultrasound surveillance on detection of nonpalpable supraclavicular recurrence after breast cancer surgery
Authors: Cho Eun , Lee Jin Hwa , Park Eun Hwa , Byun Kyung Do
Published: March 2020

Aims: To evaluate the clinical utility of supraclavicular scanning for locoregional lymph node (LN) assessment in postoperative screening surveillance using ultrasonography (US) in patients who underwent breast cancer surgery.Material and methods: From July 2004 to February 2019, 280 suspicious findings for locoregional recurrence in the lymph node (LRL) on postoperative screening US were detected in 266 asymptomatic patients who underwent breast cancer surgery. Suspicious features of LRL on US included the marked hypoechogenicity, round or irregular shape, eccentric cortical thickening and replacement of the fatty hilum of the LNs. The bilateral breasts, including mastectomy sites, bilateral axillae, internal mammary areas and supraclavicular areas, were included in the scan range of postoperative US.Results: Of 280 LNs with suspicious findings for LRL, LRL of supraclavicular LNs was confirmed in 24 LNs according to cytopathology results. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that higher overall staging of primary breast cancer (odds ratio [OR] 2.361 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.302–4.282]; p=0.005), higher N staging of primary breast cancer (OR 3.086 [95% CI 1.479–6.441]; p=0.003), older patient age (OR 1.060 [95% CI 1.026–1.095]; p<0.001) and breast-conserving surgery (OR 2.253 [95% CI 1.184–4.289]; p=0.013) were independently associated with LRL of supraclavicular LNs. Tumor size, nuclear grade, histological type, hormonal receptor status of the primary cancer, and bilateral cancer were not associated with LRL (p=0.216, p=0.205, p=0.789, p=0.899, and p=0.900, respectively).Conclusion: Routine supraclavicular scanning in postoperative screening surveillance using US in breast cancer patients with higher staging could be useful for the detection of LRL of supraclavicular LNs.
Optimal design and fabrication of ITO photonic crystal using e-beam patterned hydrogen silsesquioxane resist
Authors: Solard Jeanne , Chakaroun Mahmoud , Boudrioua Azzedine
Published: March 2020

In this work, the authors report the design and fabrication of photonic crystals of indium tin oxide (ITO) in the visible range. The structures have been obtained using e-beam lithography combined with inductively coupled plasma reactive ion etching in boron trichloride and chlore plasma. They have particularly studied the effect of the process parameters on the hole features. The triangular lattice configuration consisting of air holes radii of 110 nm with a lattice spacing of 290 nm was successfully transferred through the 300-nm-thick hydrogen silsesquioxane resist mask to the 150 nm-thick ITO layer, achieving smooth and vertical sidewalls. The optical characterization, using an end-fire coupling technique, confirmed the existence of a photonic bandgap over 600–800 nm, which is of a great interest to develop new functionalities based on ITO thin films for laser applications in the visible range.
Role of temperature on structure and electrical properties of titanium nitride films grown by low pressure plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition
Authors: Krylov Igor , Qi Yuanshen , Korchnoy Valentina , Weinfeld Kamira , Eizenberg Moshe , Yalon Eilam
Published: March 2020

Film crystallinity is one of the key factors determining the resistivity of thin conductive nitride films. In the process of plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD), the film crystallinity can be significantly improved by the ion bombardment effect taking place at a low pressure. At a low plasma pressure, ion bombardment supplies additional energy for adatom rearrangement and ligand desorption which significantly enhances the film crystallinity. The deposition of low resistive (∼300 μΩ cm) TiN films is demonstrated here at a temperature as low as 100 °C. The role of deposition temperature on TiN PEALD structure and electrical properties, such as resistivity and temperature coefficient of resistivity, is investigated. The effect of postdeposition annealing is discussed as well. The resistivity can be further reduced (to ∼60 μΩ cm) by increasing deposition temperature up to 250 °C or by postdeposition annealing. The increased temperature results in larger grain size, which is the dominant factor in determining the electrical properties of the film.
Effect of Drug Pressure on Promoting the Emergence of Antimalarial-Resistant Parasites among Pregnant Women in Ghana
Authors: Tornyigah Bernard , Coppée Romain , Houze Pascal , Kusi Kwadwo A. , Adu Bright , Quakyi Isabella , Coleman Nathaniel , Mama Atikatou , Deloron Philippe , Anang Abraham K. , Clain Jérôme , Tahar Rachida , Ofori Michael F. , Tuikue Ndam Nicaise
Published: March 2020

The continuous spread of antimalarial drug resistance is a threat to current chemotherapy efficacy. Therefore, characterizing the genetic diversity of drug resistance markers is needed to follow treatment effectiveness and further update control strategies. Here, we genotyped
Plasmodium falciparum
resistance gene markers associated with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) and artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) in isolates from pregnant women in Ghana. The prevalence of the septuple

IRN

I-

A/FG

K

GS/T

pfdhfr
/
pfdhps
haplotypes, including the
pfdhps
A581G and A613S/T mutations, was high at delivery among post-SP treatment isolates (18.
Child with acute weakness: don’t forget the salts
Authors: Boyle Kathryn , McNaughten Ben , Thompson Andrew , Mullen Stephen
Published: March 2020

Case summary

A 10-year-old boy presented with severe progressive generalised weakness on a background of 3 days of diarrhoea and vomiting. Vital signs were normal. Peripheral neurological examination revealed grade 1–2 power in all limbs, hypotonia and hyporeflexia. Sensation was fully intact. Cranial nerve examination and speech were normal. The ECG (figure 1) and initial venous blood gas (figure 2) are shown.

Figure 1

ECG.

Figure 2

Venous blood gas.

Question 1

What abnormalities are present on the ECG?

Peaked T waves, prolonged PR segment and loss of P waves?

Shortening of the QT interval and Osborn waves (J waves)?

T wave flattening/inversion, prominent U waves and long QU interval?

Prolonged QT interval with multiple atrial and ventricular ectopics?

Question 2

How would you manage this patient’s hypokalaemia?

Question 3

What is the likely diagnosis?

Conversion disorder.

Myasthenia gravis.

Periodic paralysis.

Guillain-Barré syndrome.

Botulism.

Question 4

What interventions can be considered for long-term treatment of this condition?

Answers can be found on page 2.