bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two-penny physics: Teaching 2D linear momentum conservation
Authors: Galante Lorenzo , Gnesi Ivan
Published: March 2020

A low-cost setup is used to quantitatively introduce the momentum conservation law in two dimensions. The apparatus consists of two small identical coins (e.g., 1 euro cent), a small cardboard box, and two A4 sheets of paper; it is technology-free, low-cost, works with energy supplied by the gravitational field, and takes up little space. For these reasons, it can be assembled on a desk, allowing the entire class to directly engage with it, and is a suitable device for schools with a low budget. Educational results of a test stage with 15 secondary school students are also discussed.
Partial perceptual compensation for nasal coarticulation is robust to fundamental frequency variation
Authors: Zellou Georgia , Barreda Santiago , Ferenc Segedin Bruno
Published: March 2020

Listeners show better-than-chance discrimination of nasalized and oral vowels occurring in appropriate consonantal contexts. Yet, the methods for investigating partial perceptual compensation for nasal coarticulation often include nasal and oral vowels containing naturally different pitch contours. Listeners may therefore be discriminating between these vowels based on pitch differences and not nasalization. The current study investigates the effect of pitch variation on the discrimination of nasalized and oral vowels in C_N and C_C items. The f0 contour of vowels within paired discrimination trials was varied. The results indicate that pitch variation does not influence patterns of partial perceptual compensation for coarticulation.
Comment on “Amphibian fungal panzootic causes catastrophic and ongoing loss of biodiversity”
Authors: Lambert Max R. , Womack Molly C. , Byrne Allison Q. , Hernández-Gómez Obed , Noss Clay F. , Rothstein Andrew P. , Blackburn David C. , Collins James P. , Crump Martha L. , Koo Michelle S. , Nanjappa Priya , Rollins-Smith Louise , Vredenburg Vance T. , Rosenblum Erica B.
Published: March 2020

Scheele
et al
. (Reports, 29 March 2019, p. 1459) bring needed attention to the effects of amphibian infectious disease. However, the data and methods implicating the disease chytridiomycosis in 501 amphibian species declines are deficient. Which species are affected, and how many, remains a critical unanswered question. Amphibians are imperiled; protective actions require public support and robust science.
Vanquishing false idols, then and now
Authors: Weinfurt Kevin P.
Published: March 2020

Francis Bacon's 400-year-old list of scientific foibles holds lessons for modern scientists
Sexism and the stars
What Stars Are Made Of: The Life of Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin
Donovan Moore
Harvard University Press, 2020. 320 pp.
Authors: Carson Jennifer
Published: March 2020

A new biography tells the tale of an accomplished astronomer's barrier-breaking life
Is it worth the effort?
Authors: Janes Amy C.
Published: March 2020

Individual variation in dopamine affects the weighting of benefits relative to costs
Reconciling the Potentially Irreconcilable? Genotypic and Phenotypic Amoxicillin-Clavulanate Resistance in
Escherichia coli
Authors: Davies Timothy J. , Stoesser Nicole , Sheppard Anna E. , Abuoun Manal , Fowler Philip , Swann Jeremy , Quan T. Phuong , Griffiths David , Vaughan Alison , Morgan Marcus , Phan Hang T. T. , Jeffery Katie J. , Andersson Monique , Ellington Matt J. , Ekelund Oskar , Woodford Neil , Mathers Amy J. , Bonomo Robert A. , Crook Derrick W. , Peto Tim E. A. , Anjum Muna F. , Walker A. Sarah
Published: March 2020

Resistance to amoxicillin-clavulanate, a widely used beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitor combination antibiotic, is rising globally, and yet susceptibility testing remains challenging. To test whether whole-genome sequencing (WGS) could provide a more reliable assessment of susceptibility than traditional methods, we predicted resistance from WGS for 976
Escherichia coli
bloodstream infection isolates from Oxfordshire, United Kingdom, comparing against phenotypes from the BD Phoenix (calibrated against EUCAST guidelines).
Fis Contributes to Resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to Ciprofloxacin by Regulating Pyocin Synthesis
Authors: Long Yuqing , Fu Weixin , Wang Su , Deng Xuan , Jin Yongxin , Bai Fang , Cheng Zhihui , Wu Weihui
Published: March 2020

Pseudomonas aeruginosais an important opportunistic pathogenic bacterium that causes various acute and chronic infections in human, especially in patients with compromised immunity, cystic fibrosis (CF), and/or severe burn wounds. About 60% of cystic fibrosis patients have a chronic respiratory infection caused byP. aeruginosa. The bacterium is intrinsically highly resistant to antibiotics, which greatly increases difficulties in clinical treatment. Therefore, it is critical to understand the mechanisms and the regulatory pathways that are involved in antibiotic resistance. In this study, we elucidated a novel regulatory pathway that controls the bacterial resistance to fluoroquinolone antibiotics, which enhances our understanding of howP. aeruginosaresponds to ciprofloxacin.
Associations of fat and carbohydrate intake with cardiovascular disease and mortality: prospective cohort study of UK Biobank participants
Authors: Ho Frederick K , Gray Stuart R , Welsh Paul , Petermann-Rocha Fanny , Foster Hamish , Waddell Heather , Anderson Jana , Lyall Donald , Sattar Naveed , Gill Jason M R , Mathers John C , Pell Jill P , Celis-Morales Carlos
Published: March 2020

Objective

To investigate the association of macronutrient intake with all cause mortality and cardiovascular disease (CVD), and the implications for dietary advice.

Design

Prospective population based study.

Setting

UK Biobank.

Participants

195 658 of the 502 536 participants in UK Biobank completed at least one dietary questionnaire and were included in the analyses. Diet was assessed using Oxford WebQ, a web based 24 hour recall questionnaire, and nutrient intakes were estimated using standard methodology. Cox proportional models with penalised cubic splines were used to study non-linear associations.

Main outcome measures

All cause mortality and incidence of CVD.

Results

4780 (2.4%) participants died over a mean 10.6 (range 9.4-13.9) years of follow-up, and 948 (0.5%) and 9776 (5.0%) experienced fatal and non-fatal CVD events, respectively, over a mean 9.7 (range 8.5-13.0) years of follow-up. Non-linear associations were found for many macronutrients. Carbohydrate intake showed a non-linear association with mortality; no association at 20-50% of total energy intake but a positive association at 50-70% of energy intake (3.14
v
2.75 per 1000 person years, average hazard ratio 1.14, 95% confidence interval 1.03 to 1.28 (60-70%
v
50% of energy)). A similar pattern was observed for sugar but not for starch or fibre. A higher intake of monounsaturated fat (2.94
v
3.50 per 1000 person years, average hazard ratio 0.58, 0.51 to 0.66 (20-25%
v
5% of energy)) and lower intake of polyunsaturated fat (2.66
v
3.04 per 1000 person years, 0.78, 0.75 to 0.81 (5-7%
v
12% of energy)) and saturated fat (2.66
v
3.59 per 1000 person years, 0.67, 0.62 to 0.73 (5-10%
v
20% of energy)) were associated with a lower risk of mortality. A dietary risk matrix was developed to illustrate how dietary advice can be given based on current intake.

Conclusion

Many associations between macronutrient intake and health outcomes are non-linear. Thus dietary advice could be tailored to current intake. Dietary guidelines on macronutrients (eg, carbohydrate) should also take account of differential associations of its components (eg, sugar and starch).
Using safety culture results to guide the merger of four general practices in the UK
Authors: Lockwood Alistair Martin , Proulx Joshua , Hill Matthew , Pendray Joanna
Published: March 2020

Background

The rapid merger in a crisis of three GP practices to incorporate the patients from a neighbouring closing surgery, led to the redesign of primary care provision. A deliberate focus on patient safety and staff engagement was maintained throughout this challenging transition to working at scale in an innovative, integrated and collaborative GP model.

Method

3 cycles of a staff culture tool (Safety, Communication, Organizational Reliability, Physician & Employee burn-out and Engagement) were performed at intervals of 9–12 months with structured feedback and engagement with staff after each round. The impact of different styles of feedback, the effect of specific interventions, and overall changes in safety climate and culture domains were observed in detail throughout this time period.

Results

Strong themes demonstrated were that: there was a general improvement in all culture domains; specific focus on teams that expressed they were struggling created the most effective outcomes; an initial lack of trust of the management structure improved; adapting and tailoring the styles of feedback was most efficacious; and burn-out scores dropped progressively. A unique observation of the rate at which different modalities of safety climate and culture change with time is demonstrated.

Conclusion

With limited time, resources and energy, especially at times of crisis or change, the rapid and accurate identification of which domains of ‘culture’ and which teams required the most input at each stage of the journey is invaluable. Using this tool and prioritising patient safety, enables rapid and effective positive change to the culture and shape of expanding practices. It affirms that new models of working at scale in GP can be positively embraced with improvements in safety culture, if this is deliberately focused on and included in the transition process.
Myxoma virus and rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus 2 coinfection in a European wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus algirus), Portugal
Authors: Carvalho Carina Luisa , Abade dos Santos Fábio Alexandre , Fagulha Teresa , Carvalho Paulo , Mendonça Paula , Monteiro Madalena , Dias Duarte Margarida
Published: March 2020

Myxoma virus (MYXV) and rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHDV2) are two major pathogens that affect the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Between August 2017 and August 2019, 1166 wild rabbits (971 legally hunted and 195 found dead) were tested by PCR‐based methods for MYXV and RHDV2 within the scope of an ongoing surveillance programme on wild leporids in Portugal. Despite never having been reported before and being considered a rare event, coinfection by RHDV2 and MYXV was detected in one juvenile wild rabbit found dead in the Évora district located in Alentejo. The relative frequency of coinfection in the group of diseased rabbits (found dead in the field) was 0.52 per cent (1/195). The positivity percentage of each single virus was much higher, namely, 14.36 per cent (28/195) for MYXV and 55.38 per cent (108/195) for RHDV2, within the 2 years of sample collection considered.
PYGB facilitates cell proliferation and invasiveness in non-small cell lung cancer by activating the Wnt–β-catenin signaling pathway
Authors: Xiao Lina , Wang Wei , Huangfu Qiuqiang , Tao Hongjie , Zhang Jingyi
Published: March 2020

Brain-type glycogen phosphorylase (PYGB) has been correlated with the progression of various human malignancies; however, its effects and regulatory mechanisms in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are still unclear. We used Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and qRT-PCR to verify that the protein and mRNA expression levels of PYGB are up-regulated in both NSCLC cell lines and tissues. The expression of PYGB was positively related to TNM stage, positive lymph node metastasis, and poor prognosis in patients with NSCLC. Moreover, overexpression of PYGB promoted cell proliferation, migration, and invasiveness, but inhibited apoptosis, in vitro. Immunofluorescence assays showed that overexpression of PYGB promoted the nuclear import and accumulation of β-catenin. By comparison, silencing PYGB produced the opposite effects. Further, overexpression of PYGB resulted in activation of the Wnt signaling pathway, and transfection with Sh-PYGB produced the opposite effect, and these effects were abrogated by XAV-939 (a β-catenin inhibitor) or overexpression of β-catenin, respectively. Finally, knockdown of PYGB inhibited tumor growth in a mouse model of xenograft tumors. These findings highlight the role of PYGB in the progression of NSCLC, and reveal a link between PYGB and the Wnt–β-catenin signaling pathway, thus providing a new potential target for treatment of NSCLC.
Cytosolic mtDNA released from pneumolysin-damaged mitochondria triggers IFN-β production in epithelial cells
Authors: Fang Yuting , Zhang Xuemei , Lu Chang , Yin Yibing , Hu Xuexue , Xu Wenchun , Liu Yusi , Wang Hong
Published: March 2020

Pneumolysin (Ply) is a major virulence factor of Streptococcus pneumoniae. Ply-induced interferon-β (IFN-β) expression in host macrophages has been shown to be due to the accumulation of mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid (mtDNA) in the cytoplasm during S. pneumoniae infection. Our findings extend this work to show human bronchial epithelial cells that reside at the interface of inflammatory injury, BEAS-2B, adapt to local cues by altering mitochondrial states and releasing excess mtDNA. The results in this research showed that purified Ply induced the expression of IFN-β in human epithelial cells, which was accompanied by mitochondrial damage both in vivo and in vitro. The observations also were supported by the increased mtDNA concentrations in the bronchial lavage fluid of mice infected with S. pneumoniae. In summary, our study demonstrated that Ply triggered the production of IFN-β in epithelial cells, and this response was mediated by mtDNA released from Ply-damaged mitochondria. It displayed an impressive modulation of IFN-β response to S. pneumoniae in epithelial cells.
Atomic parameters of Hf XLVIII, Ta XLIX, Os LII, Pt LIV, and Au LV
Authors: Huang Dan
Published: March 2020

Ab initio multi-configuration Dirac–Fock (MCDF) calculations are performed for energy levels and lifetimes of the lowest 115 fine-structure levels generated from the 3s23p63d7, 3s23p53d8, 3s3p63d8, 3s23p43d9, and 3s3p53d9 configurations of Hf XLVIII, Ta XLIX, Os LII, Pt LIV, and Au LV of fusion interest. Furthermore, radiative rates are calculated for all electric dipole, electric quadrupole, magnetic dipole, and magnetic quadrupole transitions. Electron correlation is treated through multi-configuration expansions in the active space approximation. The Breit interaction and the leading quantum electrodynamic corrections, in the form of self-energy and vacuum polarization, are included. Another theoretical attempt, based on the Flexible Atomic Code, is presented for the atomic structure to serve as an independent check of the MCDF values and the results show fairly good agreement with the MCDF ones. Comparisons are made with available results in the literature. The uncertainties of our energies and strong transition rates are found to be approximately 0.25% and 2%, respectively. The extended and consistent data presented in this study should be of notable interest in various fusion research.
The role ofPeroxin 7duringDrosophilaembryonic development
Authors: Pridie C. , Simmonds Andrew J.
Published: March 2020

Peroxisomes are organelles in eukaryotic cells responsible for processing several types of lipids and management of reactive oxygen species. A conserved family of peroxisome biogenesis (Peroxin, Pex) genes encode proteins essential to peroxisome biogenesis or function. In yeast and mammals, PEROXIN7 (PEX7) acts as a cytosolic receptor protein that targets enzymes containing a peroxisome targeting signal 2 (PTS2) motif for peroxisome matrix import. The PTS2 motif is not present in the Drosophila melanogaster homologs of these enzymes. However, the fly genome contains a Pex7 gene (CG6486) that is very similar to yeast and human PEX7. We find that Pex7 is expressed in tissue-specific patterns analogous to differentiating neuroblasts in D. melanogaster embryos. This is correlated with a requirement for Pex7 in this cell lineage as targeted somatic Pex7 knockout in embryonic neuroblasts reduced survival. We also found that Pex7 over-expression in the same cell lineages caused lethality during the larval stage. Targeted somatic over-expression of a Pex7 transgene in neuroblasts of Pex7 homozygous null mutants resulted in a semi-lethal phenotype similar to targeted Pex7 knockout. These findings suggest that D. melanogaster has tissue-specific requirements for Pex7 during embryo development.
Investigations on sensing of picric acid in aqueous medium via fluorescence quenching of quinine sulfate
Authors: Kulkarni Prashant A. , More Mahendra A. , Nandre Vinod , Kumbhar Anupa
Published: March 2020

This research describes systematic investigations on sensing of high explosives such as picric acid (PA), RDX, NTO, and trinitrotoluene (TNT) in aqueous medium via fluorescence quenching of quinine sulfate (QS). Although all the explosives exhibit fluorescence quenching of QS, highest response is observed for PA. Fluorescence quenching of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]50% (in contrast to pristine QS) at [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]390 nm is observed for 10 nm (2.29 [Formula: see text]g of PA dissolved in 20 [Formula: see text]l of distilled water). The analysis of the Stern–Volmer (SV) plot implies dominance of static quenching mechanism in comparison to dynamic quenching mechanism. Furthermore, the effect of operational temperature on fluoresce quenching response for PA has been investigated, and values of enthalpy, entropy, and Gibbs free energy of interaction at various temperatures are estimated. The temperature-dependent studies reveal that fluorescence quenching is due to formation of strong hydrogen bonds, complemented by computational analysis.
Utilization of Vicryl Bridging Mesh in Orthotopic Liver Transplantation to Achieve Tension-Free Abdominal Wall Closure: A Case Series
Authors: Chang Ea-sle , Martino Alice , Welu Adam , Nazzal Mustafa
Published: March 2020

Difficulty in primary fascial closure of the abdomen in transplant patients is a common challenge. Abdominal wall tension may have detrimental effects on the newly transplanted graft due to compression, and blood flow hindrance, potentially leading to ischemia or thrombosis and possibly graft failure. Furthermore, patients will be at risk of developing fascial ischemia and dehiscence. Myocutaneous flaps, temporary closure with silastic mesh, abdominal wall transplants, and even graft reduction, bowel resection, and splenectomies have been practiced with varying degrees of success. In this study, we present four cases of patients who underwent orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) with bridging Vicryl knitted mesh (ETHICON VKML VICRYL-Polyglactin 910-30×30 cm) to relieve the tension during the closure. Our results show that these patients, despite having a high average Model End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score of 25, had a good liver function at the time of discharge and continue to upon follow-up. They had a relatively short length of stay (LOS) in both the intensive care unit (ICU) and in the hospital, an average of 3.5 days and 9 days, respectively. Our case series successfully show that utilizing a bridging Vicryl knitted mesh is a reasonable approach to attain tension-free abdominal closure in OLT with satisfying results.
Epimedium Polysaccharide Ameliorates Benzene‐Induced Aplastic Anemia in Mice
Authors: He Jin , Han Ru , Yu Gongchang , Lavin Martin F. , Jia Qiang , Cui Ping , Peng Cheng
Published: March 2020

Benzene (BZ) is an important occupational and environmental pollutant. Exposure to BZ may cause aplastic anemia which is characterized as bone marrow hematopoietic failure. In order to reduce the harmful effects of this pollutant, it is necessary to identify additional preventative measures. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of epimedium polysaccharide (EPS), a natural compound with antioxidant and immune‐enhancing potency, on aplastic anemia induced by benzene exposure in mice. Male CD‐1 mice were randomly divided into five groups including control, BZ (880 mg/kg), LE (EPS low‐dose, 20 mg/kg + BZ), ME (EPS middle‐dose, 100 mg/kg + BZ), and HE (EPS high‐dose, 200 mg/kg + BZ) groups. Animals were exposed to BZ by subcutaneous injection in the presence or absence of EPS via oral administration. All mice were treated 3 times a week for 8 consecutive weeks to develop a mouse model of benzene‐induced aplastic anemia (BIAA). Results showed that BZ induced a significant decrease in both white and red blood cells, platelet counts, and hemoglobin level compared with that in the control group (p < 0.01). Treatment of EPS led to a protective effect against these changes particularly in the highest‐dose group (HE, p < 0.01). EPS also recovered the decreased number of nucleated cells in peripheral blood cell smears and femur biopsies by BZ exposure. The increased level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNCs) in mice from the BZ group was significantly lower (p < 0.01) in the mice from the highest concentration of EPS (HE) group when compared with that from the control group. In addition, BZ exposure led to a significant increase in the apoptosis rate in BMMNCs which was prevented by EPS in a dose‐dependent manner (p < 0.01). The antiapoptosis effect of EPS was through reversing apoptotic proteins such as BAX, Caspase‐9 and Caspase‐3, and Bcl‐2. Finally, EPS treatment partially restored the levels of T cells and the different subtypes except CD80+ and CD86+ compared with the BZ group (HE, p < 0.05). These results suggest that EPS has protective effects against BIAA via antioxidative stress, immune modulation, and antiapoptosis mechanisms.
Analyzing Household Vehicle Ownership in the Japanese Local City: Case Study in Toyota City
Authors: Yang Jia , Kato Hideki , Ando Ryosuke , Nishihori Yasuhide
Published: March 2020

This study aims to understand the crucial factors affecting vehicle ownership in the local city, Japan. 14,855 household sample data in Toyota City are used as the research sample. The sample data are extracted from the 5th Person Trip Survey data in the Chukyo region. First, the unknown annual income is complemented by using an ordered probit model. Then, a trivariate ordered probit model is utilized to analyze ownership of light motor vehicles, ordinary motor vehicles, and small trucks simultaneously. To estimate unknown parameters effectively and efficiently, one type of Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods called the Gibbs Sampler algorithm is applied in this study. The significant findings suggest the following: (1) the annual income only affects the ownership of ordinary motor vehicles; (2) a household with a 60-year-old or older householder is more likely to own small trucks, compared to that with a householder below the age of 60; (3) the population density negatively affects the number of light motor vehicles and that of small trucks; (4) there is a substitution effect of vehicle ownership between light motor vehicles and small trucks.
In Vitro Investigation and Evaluation of Novel Drug Based on Polyherbal Extract against Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Riaz Zainab , Ali Murtaza Najabat , Qureshi Zunaira , Mohsin Muhammad
Published: March 2020

Background/Aim. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to develop and standardize the polyhedral formulation (granule) and check its efficacy with regard to type 2 diabetes. Methods. The alcoholic extract of each plant (H. antidysentrica, Prunus dulcis and Cicer arietinum) and oleic acid was mixed and then formulated by wet granulation method. FTIR was done to investigate the presence of active compounds. Physicochemical properties of granules were evaluated and antidiabetic potential was substantiated through inhibition of carbohydrate digestive enzyme (α-amylase and α-glucosidase), glucose uptake activity in yeast cells, and antioxidant activity. Results. IR spectra indicated the presence of active compounds by showing the characteristic peaks of phenols and amines. The FTIR results also showed no interaction between drug and excipients. The prepared granules exhibited excellent flow properties according to USP 30. The dissolution profile of active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) from granules showed 72–80% release in 2 hrs. Granules exhibited better inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase as in comparison with the standard drug and found to be dose-dependent. The enhanced uptake of glucose was observed with a decrease in drug concentration. Moreover, the DPPH scavenging activity was high (98%) at 1 mg/ml. Conclusion. The stabilized formulation (granules) was formed and the presence of active compounds is responsible for better antidiabetic activity by inhibiting carbohydrate-digesting enzymes. Hence, it could lower the postprandial hyperglycemia and has the potential to be used for the treatment of type II diabetes after determining the dose regime.
Test on the Influence of Geometric Parameters of an Annular Trench on the Vibration Isolation Area
Authors: Liu Jinglei , Yu Chuanqing , Li Kai , Liu Jie , Wen Mengyao
Published: March 2020

To study the influence of annular trenches on a vibration isolation area, the depth, width, vibration source distance, and central angle of the trench are analysed as research variables, and a contour diagram of the amplitude reduction ratio is drawn based on an outdoor test of the trench. Taking an area with an amplitude reduction ratio less than 0.40 as the evaluation index of the effective vibration isolation area, the effects of the above geometric parameters on the vibration isolation area are analysed. Limited to the test conditions of this paper, the results show that the depth, vibration source distance, and deep width ratio are the important factors affecting the effective vibration isolation area; with the increase of the above parameters, the effective vibration isolation area increases significantly, but the area increase rate decreases gradually. The width has a relatively little effect on the effective vibration isolation area. When the ratio of depth to width is from 7.05 to 9.15, and the width reaches 0.23 times the Rayleigh wavelength, the annular trench can have a good effective vibration isolation area. When the central angle of the trench is less than 90°, a discontinuous effective vibration isolation area will form in the vibration isolation region. The selection of the central angle of the trench is related to the frequency. With the same trench size, the effective vibration isolation area decreases as frequency decreases. In addition, the effect of distance depth ratio on the effective vibration isolation area presents a fluctuation. When the ratio of distance to depth is from 1.21 to 2.05, a good effective vibration isolation area can be obtained and it is reasonable.
Sciatic Nerve Palsy following Curved Periacetabular Osteotomy
Authors: Fujita Masahiro , Hayashi Shinya , Kikuchi Kenichi , Takashima Yoshinori , Kamenaga Tomoyuki , Tsubosaka Masanori , Fukuda Koji , Takayama Koji , Hashimoto Shingo , Niikura Takahiro , Kuroda Ryosuke , Matsumoto Tomoyuki
Published: March 2020

Curved periacetabular osteotomy (CPO) is used for the treatment of dysplastic hips. Previous studies have reported satisfying outcomes and low rate of severe complications associated with this procedure; however, no case of postoperative sciatic nerve palsy has been reported. In this study, we describe a case of postoperative sciatic nerve palsy following CPO due to nerve strangulation by scar tissue without direct injury. A female patient had severe buttock pain and posterior leg numbness after she underwent left-side CPO. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging showed that the sciatic nerve was strangulated by the surrounding soft tissue. There was no bone fragment, active infection, bone necrosis, tumor, or spine disease. Therefore, we diagnosed nerve palsy by soft tissue strangulation, and revision surgery was indicated. During revision surgery, the sciatic nerve was observed to be strangulated by the scarring soft tissue, and the nerve had no mobility. After detachment, the pain and numbness disappeared. Direct injury of the sciatic nerve should not be caused by CPO; however, there is a possibility of postoperative sciatic nerve palsy due to the scarring soft tissue. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are important for optimal postoperative clinical outcomes.
Fatty Acid Composition, Phospholipid Molecules, and Bioactivities of Lipids of the Mud Crab Scylla paramamosain
Authors: Nguyen Thi Phuong Lan , Nguyen Van Tuyen Anh , Do Thi Thanh Trung , Nguyen Quang Trung , Pham Quoc Long , Le Tat Thanh
Published: March 2020

The mud crab increases the yield of farming in Southeast Asian countries. Scylla paramamosain, one of four mud crab species belonging to the Scylla genus, is a rich nutrient source during its soft-shell moulting period. In this study, we analysed the total lipid content, fatty acid components, and phospholipid molecular species of the S. paramamosain mud crab. The total lipid content was 1.62 ± 0.08%, which is similar to that of S. serrata previously reported. Twenty-one fatty acids were identified in S. paramamosain. The composition and molecular forms of the phospholipids were identified using high-performance liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry. Fifty-four different molecules belonging to six types of phospholipids were identified. Notably, phospholipids were made of fatty acids with C16 : 0; C18 : 0; C20 : 4; C20 : 5; and C22 : 6 main components. The anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic effects of crab lipids and phospholipids were investigated for the first time. The anti-inflammatory activity of the total and polar lipids had IC50 values of 71.5 and 68.6 μg/mL, respectively. The crab polar lipid fraction, which contained phospholipids, also presented high cytotoxic activity toward five cancer cell lines with IC50 values ranging from 85.4 to 95.8 μg/mL.
Research on Intersection Frequent Overflow Control Strategy Based on Wide-Area Radar Data
Authors: Zhang Li-li , Zhao Qi , Wang Li
Published: March 2020

Overflow identification and control at urban road intersection is a derivative problem of oversaturation control. The existing cross-section detector uses the road cross-section occupation of vehicles to identify the overflow state; then, the downstream road condition is often ignored. At present, more and more advanced traffic detection technologies, such as vehicle-to-infrastructure and wide-area radar, can provide reliable data for accurate overflow identification. In this paper, a new method of overflow identification and control at intersections is proposed by using advanced wide-area radar detection data. As a detector for specific segment of road, the wide-area radar can detect the traffic flow data in a certain range of road and provide more data types. Therefore, the average speed and space occupancy of the effective detection road segment are selected as subindicators to establish the comprehensive identification index of overflow identification. Then, the overflow control strategy is developed considering the traffic demand of the overflow phase and the nonoverflow phase. It is proved that the method is more accurate and effective in overflow identification and control by using simulation experiment of field data.
Anticoagulation Effect and Safety Observation of Regional Citrate Anticoagulation for Double-Filtration Plasmapheresis in Critical Patients
Authors: Peng Xiaobei , Xie Xingmin , Yin Jun , Yu Saihong , Zhang Chunyan , Zhao Shuangping
Published: March 2020

Introduction: Double-filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP) is a semi-selective blood purification method based on dual filtration system. Regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA) is an appealing anticoagulation alternative in DFPP. However, there are still few reports on the safety of RCA in DFPP treatment. Objective: To investigate the anticoagulation effect and safety of RCA for DFPP in critical patients. Methods: A total of 34 critical patients treated with DFPP were retrospectively studied. The incidence of coagulation during extracorporeal circulation after single treatment was compared before and after treatment. Heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, blood routine indexes, blood gas analysis, peripheral ionic calcium (iCa), total peripheral calcium (TCa), TCa/iCa, and complications before and after single treatment were compared. The changes of transmembrane pressure, pressure drop were measured, and the indexes of coagulation before and after treatment were compared. Results: The blood coagulation <III class in plasma separator and vein ampulla after single DFPP procedure were 96.00 and 94.00%, respectively. There were no statistically significant changes regarding above parameters before and after treatment, except PH, base excess (BE), bicarbonate (HCO3–), and TCa. Compared with pretreatment levels, PH, BE, and HCO3– were significantly increased at 5 min and 6 h after treatment (p < 0.05) and restored to the pretreatment levels at 24 h after treatment (p > 0.05). Level of TCa was significantly decreased at 5 min after treatment (p < 0.05), but there was no statistically significant difference at 6 and 24 h (p > 0.05). No treatment-related serious complications were observed in any of the patients. Conclusions: For critical patients who underwent DFPP procedure, RCA is safety and had significant anticoagulation effects, which is worthy of clinical application.
Test-Retest Reliability of Frontal and Parietal Alpha Asymmetry during Presentation of Emotional Face Stimuli in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Koller-Schlaud Kristin , Querbach Julia , Behr Joachim , Ströhle Andreas , Rentzsch Johannes
Published: March 2020

Resting-state and event-related frontal alpha asymmetry have been suggested as potential neurobiological biomarkers for depression and other psychiatric conditions. To be used as such, sufficient test-retest reliability needs to be demonstrated. However, test-retest reliability is underinvestigated for event-related alpha asymmetry. The objective of this study was to examine both short-term within-session and long-term between-session reliability of stimulus-related medial and lateral frontal as well as parietal alpha EEG asymmetry in healthy subjects during a simple emotional face processing task. Twenty-three healthy adults participated in two sessions with a test-retest interval of about 1 week. Reliability was estimated with Pearson’s correlation coefficient and paired t test. Results revealed moderate to high within-session reliability of stimulus-related alpha asymmetry for all electrode sites and both conditions. Alpha asymmetry mean values did not change significantly within sessions. Between-session reliability was fair for frontomedial and moderate for frontolateral stimulus-related asymmetry. Exploratory exclusion of subjects with unstable between-session self-rating scores of emotional state and empathy toward stimuli resulted in some higher reliability values. Our results indicate that stimulus-related alpha asymmetry may serve as a useful electrophysiological tool given its adequate within-session reliability. However, long-term stability of stimulus-related frontal alpha asymmetry over 1 week was comparatively low and varied depending on electrode position. Influencing state factors during EEG recording, such as current mood or stimulus engagement, should be considered in future study designs and analyses. Further, we recommend to analyze alpha asymmetry from both frontomedial and frontolateral sites.
Retinal “Caratopathy”: Diamond Dust Residuals after Surgeries
Authors: Hüther Alexander , You Timothy T. , Chen Sanford , Rathod Rajiv R. , Kim Esther L. , Maggiano John M.
Published: March 2020

Diamond dust particles were identified within patients’ eyes both during vitrectomy procedures using diamond-dusted membrane scrapers and in postoperative clinical examinations. The particles had no impact on the patients’ vision and caused no apparent sequelae. Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed the average particle size to be 23.4 μm and an unequal surface area for particle adhesion onto the soft tip. It was determined that diamond dust particles can dislodge from the silicone tip of the Tano diamond-dusted membrane scrapers during the insertion into valve trocars throughout vitrectomy operations and deposit on the retinal surface or within macular holes. Ophthalmologists should be aware of residual diamond particles during procedures and consider diamond dust retinopathy in the differential diagnosis of crystalline retinopathies. Understanding the appearance of residual particles on the retina allows for future studies revealing the long-term impact on patient’s visual performance.
Effects of temperature on growth and development of amphibian larvae across an altitudinal gradient in the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Peng Li Qing , Tang Min , Liao Jia Hong , Liang Shi Yuan , Gan Li Tao , Hua Ke Jun , Chen Yan , Li Hong , Chen Wei , Merilä Juha
Published: March 2020

Organisms living in extreme environments, such as amphibians inhabiting the Tibetan plateau, are faced with a magnitude of potentially strong selection pressures. With an average elevation exceeding 4500 m, the Tibetan plateau is mainly characterized by low temperatures, but little is known about the influence of this factor on the growth, development, and behaviour of amphibian larvae living in this environment. Using a common garden experiment, we studied the influence of temperatures on the early growth and development of tadpoles of the Tibetan brown frog (Rana kukunoris) endemic to the eastern Tibetan plateau. We discovered that temperature had a significant influence on early growth and development of the tadpoles, with those undergoing high-temperature treatment growing and developing faster than their siblings from a low-temperature treatment. However, high-altitude individuals grew faster than low-altitude individuals at low temperatures, while the opposite was true at high temperatures. These results support the temperature adaptation hypothesis, as tadpoles’ growth and developmental rates were maximized at the temperatures experienced in their native environments. These results suggest that variation in ambient temperature, combined with evolutionary adaptation to temperature of local environments, is probably one of the most critical environmental factors shaping altitudinal differences in the growth and development of amphibian larvae on the Tibetan plateau.
Impact of female mating status and female familiarity with remating interval on the reproductive success of Propylea dissecta (Mulsant) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)
Authors: Singh Priya , Mishra Geetanjali , Omkar
Published: March 2020

Remating rate is a fundamental parameter that acts on disease transmission, sexual dimorphism, and the rate of evolution of species. Recent studies have indicated that sperm production can be costly. It is thus likely that males may tailor their sperm expenditure according to female mating status and the remating interval between successive matings. In this study, we investigated the effects of male remating interval, female mating status and familiarity of females in the ladybird beetle Propylea dissecta (Mulsant). Ten-day-old adults were allowed to mate and, post disengagement, these adults were exposed to second mating opportunities, either immediately after the first mating, or 6, 18 or 24 h later. To assess the effect of female mating status, the males were subjected to mating with virgin and mated females. Similarly, for assessing the effects of female familiarity, males were subjected to mating with either familiar or unfamiliar females. With increasing remating interval individuals mated for longer, resulting in higher fecundity. Percent egg viability increased with increased remating interval and was highest at 24 h. Mated and unfamiliar females were found to be more fecund than virgin females. Mated females produced a higher number of viable eggs than virgins, suggesting that multiple mating and promiscuity are essential for maximizing the reproductive success of both sexes.
A review of the Euphorbia schinzii-complex (Euphorbiaceae) in southern Africa

Authors: BRUYNS PETER V. , KLAK CORNELIA , HANÁČEK PAVEL
Published: March 2020

The species closely related to Euphorbia schinzii in subg. Euphorbia are reviewed for southern Africa. Two new species, E. pisima and E. steelpoortensis are described that are closely related to E. lydenburgensis. Euphorbia complexa is reduced to synonymy under E. schinzii. One new subspecies, E. schinzii subsp. schinzioides, is described for E. schinzii, while E. limpopoana is reduced once again to subspecific level, this time under E. schinzii as E. schinzii subsp. bechuanica. Euphorbia schinzii then has three subspecies. The concept of E. clivicola is extended to include collections from a much wider area than before. A new subspecies, E. clivicola subsp. calcritica, is described for E. clivicola. Euphorbia subsalsa subsp. fluvialis is more closely related to E. otjipembana than to E. subsalsa and consequently is changed to E. otjipembana subsp. fluvialis.
New circumscription and segregation of Gloxinia major (Gesneriaceae, Gesnerieae, Gloxiniinae) an endemic species from Bolivia

Authors: LIZARAZU MABEL A. , ZANOTTI CHRISTIAN A.
Published: March 2020

The genus Gloxinia (Gesneriaceae, Gesnerieae, Gloxiniinae) comprises four species distributed from Nicaragua to Argentina. Historically, Koellikeria major has been problematic to place taxonomically due to the morphological similarity with Gloxinia erinoides, and as a result is currently treated as a synonym. Here, we present a molecular phylogenetic and morphological study that allowed us to demonstrate that Koellikeria major is distinct from G. erinoides. As a result, we formally transfer Koellikeria major to Gloxinia major. Here G. major is described, illustrated, and compared to morphologically similar species. Data on its distribution, habitat, and taxonomic treatment are provided.
The millipede family Conotylidae in northwestern North America, with a complete bibliography of the family (Diplopoda, Chordeumatida, Heterochordeumatidea, Conotyloidea)
Authors: SHEAR WILLIAM A. , RICHART CASEY H. , WONG VICTORIA L.
Published: March 2020

The center of diversity for the chordeumatidan millipede family Conotylidae is northwestern North America, where five of six subfamilies and ten of fourteen previously described genera occur; in this paper, seven additional new genera and 33 new species from the region are described. New species in the genus Taiyutyla Chamberlin, 1952 are: Taiyutyla tillamook, Taiyutyla acuphora, and Taiyutyla amicitia; in the genus Bollmanella Chamberlin, 1941: Bollmanella bombus, Bollmanella washingtonensis and Bollmanella leonardi; in the genus Brunsonia Loomis & Schmitt, 1971: Brunsonia pulchra, Brunsonia digitata, Brunsonia wenatchee, Brunsonia chelanoparva, Brunsonia chelanomagna, Brunsonia selwayana and Brunsonia benewah. Vancouvereuma n. gen. is described with the type species Taiyutyla shawi Shear 2004. Calityla n. gen. includes the new species Calityla siskiyou, Calityla ubicki, Calityla trinitaria, Calityla essigi, and Calityla humboldtensis. Ovaskella, n. gen. includes the new species Ovaskella ovaskae and Ovaskella sinuosa. Karagama, n. gen. includes the new species Karagama ladybird. Complicatella, n. gen. includes the new species Complicatella pectenifera and Complicatella neili. Bifurcatella n. gen. includes the new species Bifurcatella olympiana, Bifurcatella hoh, Bifurcatella angulata, Bifurcatella pacifica, Bifurcatella germania, Bifurcatella uniclada, Bifurcatella inflata and Bifurcatella hobo. Loomisiella, n. gen. includes the new species Loomisiella evergreen and Loomisiella pylei. New distribution records are provided for numerous previously described species of conotylids. A complete bibliography of the family Conotylidae of the world is also included.
Analytical hybrid effect prediction and evolution of the tensile response of unidirectional hybrid fibre-reinforced polymers composites for civil engineering applications
Authors: Ribeiro Filipe , Sena-Cruz José , Branco Fernando G , Júlio Eduardo , Castro Fernando
Published: March 2020

The performance of a progressive damage model in quantitative hybrid effect prediction of a comprehensive set of different 16 unidirectional interlayer (layer-by-layer) hybrid composites was assessed. Composites, produced by the hand lay-up method, made out of four different commercially available dry unidirectional fabric materials, namely high-modulus carbon, standard carbon, E-glass and basalt, were tested. Tensile tests on single fibres were performed in order to determine their Weibull strength distribution parameters, which were used as inputs of the progressive damage model. Reasonably good agreement between analytical and experimental hybrid effect results was obtained, which allowed to estimate satisfactorily the reference strengths of the unidirectional low strain composite materials. Next, an existing analytical model for the simulation of stress–strain curve of hybrid composites was adapted to contemplate the hybrid effect, which allowed to predict the following properties of unidirectional hybrid combinations: ‘yield’ stress (or pseudo-yield stress), pseudo-ductile strain and strength. It was verified as well that predictions of the three properties referred to were in close agreement with the test results. Finally, damage mode maps were used in the analysis of these properties and, furthermore, of the hybrid effect and the elastic modulus of hybrid combinations.
Be Afraid, Be Very Afraid! Motivated Intergroup Emotion Regulation
Authors: Netzer Liat , Halperin Eran , Tamir Maya
Published: March 2020

Group-based emotions can shape group members’ behaviors and intergroup relations. Therefore, we propose that people may try to regulate emotions of outgroup members to attain ingroup goals. We call this phenomenon “motivated intergroup emotion regulation.” In four studies, conducted in both hypothetical and real-world contexts, we show that deterrence and reconciliation goals influence how fearful or calm people want outgroup members to feel, respectively. We further show that such motivated intergroup emotion regulation can guide behavior toward the outgroup, influencing how outgroup members feel (Studies 1, 2, and 4) and behave (Study 4). We demonstrate how affiliation with the ingroup, which renders ingroup goals more salient, shapes what ingroup members want outgroup members to feel (Studies 3 and 4) and subsequently how outgroup members feel and behave (Study 4). Finally, we discuss how motivated intergroup emotion regulation might contribute to understanding motivation in emotion regulation, group-based emotions, and intergroup relations.
Citizens’ engagement with popularization and with populist actors on Facebook: A study on 52 leaders in 18 Western democracies
Authors: Ceccobelli Diego , Quaranta Mario , Valeriani Augusto
Published: March 2020

By considering the Facebook activity of 52 party leaders during national election campaigns held in 18 Western democracies that went to the polls between 2013 and 2017, we study users’ engagement with popularization and with populist leaders. Applying negative binomial hierarchical models on original data of party leaders’ Facebook pages, we find that elements of popularization in leaders’ posts are associated with an increase in users’ acknowledgement (number of likes), decreases in redistribution (number of shares), while they do not affect discursive interactions (number of comments). Our research also shows that, irrespective of their content, messages published by populist leaders are more capable of increasing both acknowledgement and redistribution, while they do not generate more comments than those published by non-populists. Finally, we find that when populist leaders adopt popularization as a communicative style, they do not achieve any extra gain vis-a-vis non-populist actors.