bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reconstructing Arctic Precipitation Seasonality Using Aquatic Leaf Wax δ2H in Lakes With Contrasting Residence Times
Authors: Thomas E. K. , Hollister K. V. , Cluett A. A. , Corcoran M. C.
Published: June 2020

Arctic precipitation is predicted to increase this century. Records of past precipitation seasonality provide baselines for a mechanistic understanding of the dynamics controlling Arctic precipitation. We present an approach to reconstruct Arctic precipitation seasonality using stable hydrogen isotopes (δ2H) of aquatic plant waxes in neighboring lakes with contrasting water residence times and present a case study of this approach in two lakes on western Greenland. Residence time calculations suggest that growing season lake water δ2H in one lake reflects summer precipitation δ2H, while the other reflects amount‐weighted annual precipitation δ2H and evaporative enrichment. Aquatic plant wax δ2H in the “summer lake” is relatively constant throughout the Holocene, perhaps reflecting competing effects of local summer warmth and increased distal moisture transport due to a strengthened latitudinal temperature gradient. In contrast, aquatic plant wax δ2H in the “mean annual lake” is 100‰ 2H depleted from 6 to 4 ka relative to the beginning and end of the record. Because there are relatively minor changes in summer precipitation δ2H, we interpret the 100‰ 2H depletion in mean annual precipitation to reflect an increase in winter precipitation amount, likely accompanied by changes in winter precipitation δ2H and decreased evaporative enrichment. Thus, unlike the “summer lake,” the “mean annual lake” records changes in winter precipitation. This dual‐lake approach may be applied to reconstruct past changes in precipitation seasonality at sites with strong precipitation isotope seasonality and minimal lake water evaporative enrichment.
The Value of CME Arrival Time Forecasts for Space Weather Mitigation
Authors: Owens M. J. , Lockwood M. , Barnard L. A.
Published: June 2020

Severe geomagnetic storms are driven by the coronal mass ejections (CMEs). Consequently, there has been a great deal of focus on predicting if and when a CME will arrive in near‐Earth space. However, it is useful to step back and ask, “How valuable is this information, in isolation, for making decisions to mitigate against the adverse effects of space weather?” While all severe geomagnetic storms are triggered by CMEs, not all CMEs trigger severe storms. Thus, even perfect knowledge of CME arrival time will provide “actionable” forecast information only in operational situations where false alarms can be tolerated. Of course, any CME transit model used to predict CME arrival time must also produce an estimate of CME speed at Earth. This can help discriminate between geoeffective and nongeoeffective CMEs, reducing false alarms and expanding the range of operational scenarios under which a forecast provides value. Thus, from an end‐user perspective, CME arrival speed should form part of the standard metric by which CME transit models are evaluated. Looking to the future, even coarse information about the CME magnetic properties would likely provide even greater forecast value. These points are illustrated by a simple analysis of solar wind data.
Compound Effects of Flood Drivers and Wetland Elevation Correction on Coastal Flood Hazard Assessment
Authors: Muñoz D. F. , Moftakhari H. , Moradkhani H.
Published: June 2020

Compound flooding frequently threatens life and assets of people who live in low‐lying coastal regions. Co‐occurrence or sequence of extremes (e.g., high river discharge and extreme coastal water level) is of paramount importance as it may result in flood hazards with potential impacts larger than each extreme in isolation. Here, we use a coupled approach, that is, bivariate statistical analysis linked to hydrodynamic modeling, to quantify compounding effects of flood drivers and generate flood hazard maps near Savannah, Georgia. Also, we integrate wetland elevation correction in digital elevation models to improve hydrodynamic simulations of compound events and hence the accuracy of flood hazard (inundation and velocity) maps. Using statistical measures, we analyze compounding effects of terrestrial/coastal flood drivers and wetland elevation correction on maximum floodwater height (MFH) and velocity (MFV) for 50‐year return period scenarios. In addition, we compare our results to MFH and MFV patterns of Hurricane Matthew that hit the West Atlantic Coasts on October 2016. The statistical measures indicate significant differences among the scenarios, partly explained by wetland elevation correction. Inundation and velocity maps suggest that a proposed composite, that is, synthesis of marginal Q, marginal H, and “AND” scenarios, can lead to the lowest average underestimation of MFH (−0.35 m) and overestimation of MFV (0.20 m/s) within wetland areas. We conclude that a thorough compound flooding assessment should leverage statistical analysis and hydrodynamic modeling of extremes including corrections of coastal digital elevation models.
ZSCAN4 facilitates chromatin remodeling and promotes the cancer stem cell phenotype
Authors: Portney Benjamin A. , Arad Michal , Gupta Aditi , Brown Robert A. , Khatri Raju , Lin Phyo Nay , Hebert Andrea M. , Angster Kristen H. , Silipino Lorna E. , Meltzer W. Alex , Taylor Rodney J. , Zalzman Michal
Published: June 2020

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are cells within tumors that maintain the ability to self-renew, drive tumor growth, and contribute to therapeutic resistance and cancer recurrence. In this study, we investigate the role of Zinc finger and SCAN domain containing 4 (ZSCAN4) in human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The murine Zscan4 is involved in telomere maintenance and genomic stability of mouse embryonic stem cells. Our data indicate that the human ZSCAN4 is enriched for, marks and is co-expressed with CSC markers in HNSCC. We show that transient ZSCAN4 induction for just 2 days increases CSC frequency both in vitro and in vivo and leads to upregulation of pluripotency and CSC factors. Importantly, we define for the first time the role of ZSCAN4 in altering the epigenetic profile and regulating the chromatin state. Our data show that ZSCAN4 leads to a functional histone 3 hyperacetylation at the promoters of OCT3/4 and NANOG, leading to an upregulation of CSC factors. Consistently, ZSCAN4 depletion leads to downregulation of CSC markers, decreased ability to form tumorspheres and severely affects tumor growth. Our study suggests that ZSCAN4 plays an important role in the maintenance of the CSC phenotype, indicating it is a potential therapeutic target in HNSCC.
Intra-arterial hepatic beads loaded with irinotecan (DEBIRI) with mFOLFOX6 in unresectable liver metastases from colorectal cancer: a Phase 2 study
Authors: Pernot Simon , Pellerin Olivier , Artru Pascal , Montérymard Carole , Smith Denis , Raoul Jean-Luc , De La Fouchardière Christelle , Dahan Laetitia , Guimbaud Rosine , Sefrioui David , Jouve Jean-Louis , Lepage Côme , Tougeron David , Taieb Julien ,   for FFCD1201-DEBIRI investigators/Collaborators
Published: June 2020

Background

Chemo-embolisation with drug-eluting beads loaded with irinotecan (DEBIRI) increased survival as compared with intravenous irinotecan in chemorefractory patients with liver-dominant metastases from colorectal cancer (LMCRC). First-line DEBIRI with systemic chemotherapy may increase survival and secondary resection.

Methods

In the FFCD-1201 single-arm Phase 2 study, patients with untreated, non-resectable LMCRC received DEBIRI plus mFOLFOX6. Four courses of DEBIRI were performed alternating right and left lobe or two sessions with both lobes treated during the same session.

Results

Fifty-seven patients were enrolled. Grade 3–5 toxicities were more frequent when both lobes were treated during the same session (90.5% versus 52.8%). Nine-month PFS rate was 53.6% (95% CI, 41.8–65.1%). The objective response rate (RECIST 1.1) was 73.2%, and the secondary R0 surgery was 33%. With a median follow-up of 38.3 months, median OS was 37.4 months (95% CI, 25.7–45.8), and median PFS 10.8 months (95% CI, 8.2–12.3).

Conclusions

Front-line DEBIRI + mFOLFOX6 should not be recommended as the hypothesised 9-month PFS was not met. However, high response rate, deep responses, and prolonged OS encourage further evaluation in strategies integrating biologic agent, in particular in patients with secondary surgery as the main goal.

Clinical trial registration

NCT01839877.
Cervical screening: ESGO-EFC position paper of the European Society of Gynaecologic Oncology (ESGO) and the European Federation of Colposcopy (EFC)
Authors: Kyrgiou Maria , Arbyn Marc , Bergeron Christine , Bosch F. Xavier , Dillner Joakim , Jit Mark , Kim Jane , Poljak Mario , Nieminen Pekka , Sasieni Peter , Kesic Vesna , Cuzick Jack , Gultekin Murat
Published: June 2020

This paper summarises the position of ESGO and EFC on cervical screening based on existing guidelines and opinions of a team of lead experts. HPV test is replacing cytology as this offers greater protection against cervical cancer and allows longer screening intervals. Only a dozen of HPV tests are considered as clinically validated for screening. The lower specificity of HPV test dictates the use of triage tests that can select women for colposcopy. Reflex cytology is currently the only well validated triage test; HPV genotyping and p16 immunostaining may be used in the future, although methylation assays and viral load also look promising. A summary of quality assurance benchmarks is provided, and the importance to audit the screening histories of women who developed cancer is noted as a key objective. HPV-based screening is more cost-effective than cytology or cotesting. HPV-based screening should continue in the post-vaccination era. Only a fraction of the female population is vaccinated, and this varies across countries. A major challenge will be to personalise screening frequency according to vaccination status. Still the most important factor for successful prevention by screening is high population coverage and organised screening. Screening with self-sampling to reach under-screened women is promising.
CD109 mediates tumorigenicity and cancer aggressiveness via regulation of EGFR and STAT3 signalling in cervical squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Mo Xue-Tang , Leung Thomas Ho-Yin , Tang Hermit Wai-Man , Siu Michelle Kwan-Yee , Wan Peter Kok-Ting , Chan Karen Kar-Loen , Cheung Annie Nga-Yin , Ngan Hextan Yuen-Sheung
Published: June 2020

Background

CD109 was involved in the tumorigenesis and progression of various cancers via TGF-β1 signalling and STAT3 activation. As CD109 is strongly expressed in cervical squamous cell carcinoma, this study was conducted to investigate its functional characteristics in cervical cancer.

Methods

CD109 expression was examined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) with cervical tissue microarray. The effects of CD109 expression were examined on migration, cell proliferation, spheroid formation and soft-agar colony-formation assay. Meanwhile, cervical cancer cell lines with high CD109 expression were chosen for the functional study using siRNA knockdown and CRISPR/Cas9 knockout.

Results

IHC demonstrated an upregulation of CD109 in the cell membrane of cervical squamous cell carcinoma. CD109( + ) cells isolated by flow-cytometric sorting displayed enhanced migration, cell proliferation, sphere-forming and anchorage-independent cell growth ability. In contrast, silencing of CD109 expression could reverse the in vitro and in vivo tumorigenic and aggressive properties. Furthermore, CD109 induced EGFR-mediated STAT3 phosphorylation known to be responsible for cell migration, proliferation and maintenance of CSC phenotype.

Conclusion

Abundant CD109( + ) populations in cervical cancer cells potentially contributed to carcinogenesis and aggressiveness, whereas silencing of CD109 expression could reverse those properties. CD109 mediates cervical tumorigenicity and aggressiveness via CD109/EGFR/STAT3 signalling.
The circadian clock gene Bmal1 facilitates cisplatin-induced renal injury and hepatization
Authors: Zha Min , Tian Ting , Xu Weilong , Liu Su , Jia Jia , Wang Lijuan , Yan Qianhua , Li Nan , Yu Jiangyi , Huang Liji
Published: June 2020

Cisplatin is one of the most potent chemotherapy drugs to treat cancers, but its clinical application remains limited due to severe nephrotoxicity. Several approaches have been developed to minimize such side effects, notably including chronotherapy, a well-known strategy based on the circadian clock. However, the component of the circadian clock machinery that particularly responses to the cisplatin stimulation remains unknown, including its functions in cisplatin-induced renal injury. In our present study, we demonstrated that Bmal1, as a key clock gene, was induced by the cisplatin stimulation in the mouse kidney and cultured human HK-2 renal cells. Gain- and loss-of-function studies indicated that Bmal1 facilitated cisplatin-induced renal injury both in vivo and in vitro, by aggravating the cell apoptotic process. More importantly, RNA-seq analysis revealed that Bmal1 triggered the expression of hallmark genes involved in renal hepatization, a critical event accompanied by the injury. At the molecular level, Bmal1 activated the transcription of hepatization-associated genes through direct recruitment to the E-box motifs of their promoters. Our findings suggest that Bmal1, a pivotal mediator induced renal injury in response to cisplatin treatment, and the therapeutic intervention targeting Bmal1 in the kidney may be a promising strategy to minimize the toxic side-effects of cisplatin in its clinical applications.
Shedding light on dark genes: enhanced targeted resequencing by optimizing the combination of enrichment technology and DNA fragment length
Authors: Iadarola Barbara , Xumerle Luciano , Lavezzari Denise , Paterno Marta , Marcolungo Luca , Beltrami Cristina , Fortunati Elisabetta , Mei Davide , Vetro Annalisa , Guerrini Renzo , Parrini Elena , Rossato Marzia , Delledonne Massimo
Published: June 2020

The exome contains many obscure regions difficult to explore with current short-read sequencing methods. Repetitious genomic regions prevent the unique alignment of reads, which is essential for the identification of clinically-relevant genetic variants. Long-read technologies attempt to resolve multiple-mapping regions, but they still produce many sequencing errors. Thus, a new approach is required to enlighten the obscure regions of the genome and rescue variants that would be otherwise neglected. This work aims to improve the alignment of multiple-mapping reads through the extension of the standard DNA fragment size. As Illumina can sequence fragments up to 550 bp, we tested different DNA fragment lengths using four major commercial WES platforms and found that longer DNA fragments achieved a higher genotypability. This metric, which indicates base calling calculated by combining depth of coverage with the confidence of read alignment, increased from hundreds to thousands of genes, including several associated with clinical phenotypes. While depth of coverage has been considered crucial for the assessment of WES performance, we demonstrated that genotypability has a greater impact in revealing obscure regions, with ~1% increase in variant calling in respect to shorter DNA fragments. Results confirmed that this approach enlightened many regions previously not explored.
Tri-functional platform for the facile construction of dual-functional surfaces via a one-pot strategy
Authors: Zhang Shuxiang , Liu Wenying , Wu Zhaoqiang , Chen Hong
Published: June 2020

We designed a novel tri-functional platform and facilely constructed dual-functional surfaces in one pot by combining the “sulfur(vi)-fluoride exchange” (SuFEx) click reaction, photoinitiated polymerization and benzophenone photochemistry.
Reciprocal Benefits of Engaging Undergraduate Researchers in Conducting a Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Look Rachael , Shoemaker Hannah , Hoepner Jerry Kevin , Blake Margaret Lehman
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This project used a reflective practice framework to examine outcomes of an undergraduate student–faculty collaborative research project. The project examined benefits of undergraduate contributions to a large-scale systematic review and explore benefits to the students.

Conclusions

Throughout a large literature search process, two student researchers documented their reflections, including field notes and written reflections about their personal learning. Students completed searches of articles about speech and language impairments associated with right hemisphere damage. In the process, a repository of articles was created for further examination by a writing committee of the Academy of Neurologic Communication Disorders and Sciences. Student accuracy in identifying potential articles that met inclusion criteria was measured by comparing student inclusions to those identified by committee members. Authors examined student reflection outcomes in the context of existing research about student–faculty collaborative research outcomes. Broad-based student outcomes included improvements in understanding the research process, collaboration skills, and confidence, along with opportunities to network/disseminate findings, focus career interests, and foster continued interest in research. Outcomes specific to the project included an increase in topic knowledge and increased accuracy in identifying articles that met inclusion criteria. The two undergraduate student researchers were able to search and identify potential articles for the systematic review. This provided an opportunity to become more proficient in searching databases and interpreting articles. Beyond direct contributions to the systematic review project, both undergraduates reported growth as student learners, researchers, and future clinicians. The students also report ongoing interests in research and considering academic careers.
Addressing the Gap in Education for Cleft Palate: A Module Training Series for Craniofacial Assessment and Treatment
Authors: Baigorri Miriam , Crowley Catherine , Sommer Chelsea
Published: June 2020

Purpose

A shortage of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) with expertise in cleft lip and palate (CLP) care exists in the United States and worldwide. Limited educational and clinical preparation can result in ineffective intervention for individuals with CLP. Yet, comprehensive cleft care is a requisite for patients who require such services from SLPs. It is critical that practitioners possess the necessary knowledge and skills. In response to the shortage of qualified personnel, the authors developed an online cleft palate self-study course. This clinical focus article discusses the development process and provides a description of the video tutorials. A preliminary examination of the effectiveness of the tutorials via a quasi-experimental study was conducted with a group of 25 graduate students who had not taken an undergraduate or graduate course that either exclusively or partially covered the topic of CLP.

Conclusion

Initial investigation of the tutorials via quasi-experimental assessment and feedback from consumers suggests that this resource may serve as an alternative and/or supplemental tool for the education of SLPs, parents, and allied professionals.
Bougie through Murphy’s Eye During Airway Exchange: A Near Miss
Authors: Sameera Vattipalli , Biswas Konish , Rath Girija P.
Published: June 2020

Endotracheal tube (ETT) exchange is a common procedure performed in the operating room and intensive care unit for the purpose of changing damaged or soiled ETT with appropriate one. The exchange procedure is performed over an airway exchange catheter or ETT introducer (bougie). We report an event during ETT exchange over bougie wherein the introducer exited through Murphy’s eye. Here, we intend to re-emphasize the safety concerns pertaining to the use of bougie (with coude tip) as airway exchange conduit and enumerate the precautions to be taken during tube exchange.
Cardiac PET-CT: A Brief Review of Indications and Feasibility in the Indian Scenario
Authors: Nallapareddy Kavitha , Rayaprolu V. L. Gowthami
Published: June 2020

Cardiac positron emission tomography (PET) is a functional imaging modality with the predominant indications being an assessment of myocardial perfusion and viability using short-lived positron emitters. PET procedures are used for perfusion assessment only when single-photon emission computed tomography is equivocal. Perfusion agents are ultra short-lived and have limited availability in our country, that is, only at centers with onsite cyclotron. Viability assessment with fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) is widely performed in many centers across the country due to the availability of FDG. The other important indication is in the detection of inflammatory myocarditis, the most common being cardiac sarcoidosis done with special dietary instructions and FDG as a tracer. This indication is widely used for early detection of myocardial inflammation which would be reversible if treated early. It is also used in the assessment of treatment response. Newer tracer 68 Ga Dotapeptide is also used in this application.
The effect of sideroxylonal-A on feeding of steelblue sawfly, Perga affinis affinis Kirby (Hymenoptera : Pergidae), larvae
Authors: Massaro Anthony , Cooper Paul D.
Published: June 2020

Plant secondary metabolites can affect insect feeding but responses are species-specific. Sideroxylonal-A (a formylated phloroglucinol) has been shown to inhibit feeding in several vertebrate and invertebrate herbivores. To investigate whether sideroxylonal-A affected feeding in sawfly larvae, Perga affinis affinis, we fed larvae eucalypt leaves containing various concentrations of sideroxylonal-A, and measured frass production as an indicator of consumption. We found that: (1) at least 80% of the sideroxylonal-A ingested by larvae was stored in the diverticulum; (2) less than 1% was excreted in frass; (3) feeding was unaffected by the concentration of sideroxylonal-A; and (4) larvae produced more frass on natal host leaves than on non-natal host leaves.
Prosody transfer failure despite cross-language similarities
Authors: Liu Di
Published: June 2020

This study investigates how English and Mandarin speakers (1) use pitch resets and pauses to signal discourse boundaries, and (2) use pitch, duration, and intensity to indicate contrastive stress in their L1s. This study also explores how Mandarin-speaking English learners use prosodic features in L1 Mandarin and L2 English. Linear mixed-effects models showed that Mandarin and English share similarities in the forms and functions of prosody. However, Mandarin-speaking English learners did not transfer prosody usage to L2 English despite these similarities. These findings suggest that L2 prosody learning is not a typological transfer between two static language systems. Rather, it involves the interaction between two complex and dynamic prosody systems, each with its own mapping between prosodic forms and functions. Prosody teaching, therefore, should take into account the dynamic nature of prosody and compare L1 and L2 prosody in forms, meanings, and functions.
Dimensions of bilingualism promoting cognitive control
Authors: Khodos Iryna , Moskovsky Christo
Published: June 2020

The study investigated the capacity of language experiences to predict cognitive performance of bilingual adults,
with a special focus on participants’ proactive (mixing costs) and reactive (switching costs) control processes. Using a Language
and Social Background Questionnaire, demographic and language data were collected from a linguistically diverse group of 60
bilingual adults residing in Australia. The participants were then tested on a non-verbal switching task. The results of multiple
regressions revealed that two of the language variables being examined accounted for the variance in the mixing and switching
costs. In particular, reduced mixing costs were related to the use of two languages in a dual-language context and earlier onset
age of active bilingualism; reduced switching costs were linked to a dual-language context only. These findings reveal that
bilingual experiences contribute to shaping proactive and reactive control processes across cognitive domains.
Introduction
Authors: Mardale Alexandru , Montrul Silvina
Published: June 2020

This volume brings together a selection of papers that were
presented at the international workshop on the acquisition of Differential
Object Marking (DOM) organized by Alexandru Mardale (INaLCO, SeDyL) in Paris
on December 10, 2016 as part of the Unity and diversity in
Differential Object Marking research project funded by the
Fédération Typologie et Universaux Linguistiques of the CNRS. Other papers
in the volume were comissioned by Silvina Montrul (University of Illinois at
Urbana Champaign) as part of her collaborative research projects on DOM in
language acquisition. Taking a crosslinguistic perspective, the present
volume includes 13 chapters on the monolingual and bilingual acquisition of
DOM in a number of typologically unrelated languages (Basque, Estonian,
Hindi, Korean, Persian, Romanian, Spanish, Turkish), from different
theoretical and acquisition perspectives, and using different methodologies.
The new and original empirical data from diverse acquisition situations
presented in this collection contribute to advance our understanding of the
factors that characterize DOM in diverse languages and to test and evaluate
the explanatory power of available theoretical analyses of DOM and of
language acquisition.
Acquisition of symmetrical and asymmetrical Differential Object Marking
in Estonian
Authors: Vihman Virve-Anneli , Theakston Anna , Lieven Elena
Published: June 2020

We compared the acquisition of symmetrical and asymmetrical
Differential Object Marking (DOM) within Estonian, which employs symmetrical
DOM (alternation between overtly case-marked objects) with asymmetrical
subsystems (alternation between marked and unmarked objects) for
imperatives, impersonal voice constructions and plural objects. This
difference in marking symmetry is linked to differences in form frequency
and morphological complexity, with both factors affecting language
acquisition. Through a detailed corpus analysis, we found that marking
symmetry has an effect on one child’s DOM usage at ages 2;0 and 3;0. The
child uses more marked objects overall and makes more errors of commission
than omission in asymmetrical contexts, using case-marked objects in place
of unmarked ones. Morphological complexity and frequency of form-function
pairings were found to affect acquisition.
Differential Object Marking in simultaneous Hungarian-Romanian
bilinguals
Authors: Avram Larisa , Tomescu Veronica
Published: June 2020

This study charts the acquisition of Differential Object Marking
(DOM) in Romanian by Hungarian-Romanian simultaneous bilinguals (2L1). The
main finding is that these 2L1 children acquire the properties of the DOM
system similarly to monolinguals, with only one difference deriving from
descriptive DPs, with which marking is constrained by discourse-pragmatics.
During the early stages, the 2L1 children inconsistently mark these DPs in
comparison with age-matched monolinguals. Data from ‘frog story’ narratives
of 4-year-old bilinguals reveal an increase in DOM use with these DPs. The
results show that the vulnerability is selective and that it is overcome
early. We explain our findings with reference to the syntax of DOM in
Romanian and positive cross-linguistic influence from Hungarian.
The acquisition of Differential Object Marking in Basque as a
sociolinguistic variable
Authors: Rodríguez-Ordóñez Itxaso
Published: June 2020

Following variationist approaches to second language acquisition,
this study examines the variable use of Differential Object Marking (DOM) in
Basque as a second language and tests whether attitudes towards Basque DOM
plays a role in its use. The spontaneous speech of 15 advanced learners and
12 intermediate learners were compared to the speech of 24 Basque-dominant bilinguals. Attitude data was gathered by means of a matched-guise
experiment in which participants rated a number of guises with DOM based on
two traits (Basqueness and correctness).
Results indicated that the learners’ differences in constraining the use of
Basque DOM were affected by their attitudes towards DOM, providing further
evidence that social meaning plays a role in acquisition process of L2
grammars.
On the acceptability of the Spanish DOM among Romanian-Spanish
bilinguals
Authors: López Otero Julio César
Published: June 2020

Spanish and Romanian have Differential Object Marking (DOM)
systems conditioned by similar but not the same features. This study
examined whether Romanian-speaking highly proficient L2 users of Spanish
show signs of crosslinguistic influence from Romanian in their acquisition
of the distribution of DOM in Spanish. A group of Spanish-speaking
monolinguals and a group of Romanian-Spanish bilinguals who acquired Spanish
naturalistically completed an Acceptability Judgment Task that investigated
their receptive grammatical knowledge of the DOM in Spanish and, for the
bilinguals, Romanian. The results are discussed within the frame of the
Feature Reassembly Hypothesis and the Activation Approach.
Verbal lexical frequency and DOM in heritage speakers of Spanish
Authors: Hur Esther
Published: June 2020

This chapter examines the effect of lexical frequency of the verb
on heritage speakers’ (HS) production of Differential Object Marking (DOM)
in Spanish. Specifically, it examines whether HS are more likely to use DOM
with animate direct objects that are the complement of high frequent telic
verbs, as opposed to low-frequency telic verbs. Thirty HSs of different
levels (intermediate and advanced) and 15 Spanish-dominant controls (SDC)
completed an elicited production task (EPT). Results revealed that
intermediate heritage speakers produced more DOM with high-frequency verbs
but such an effect was not found in the advanced group. In explaining our
data, we follow the activation approach that argues that the variability of
DOM among HS is due to how frequently the HS activates the functional
features (FF) of the heritage language (HL) for production purposes.
The processing of Differential Object Marking by heritage speakers of
Spanish
Authors: Arechabaleta Regulez Begoña
Published: June 2020

This study examines the online processing of Differential Object
Marking by heritage speakers of Spanish living in the U.S. Previous research
has found that even heritage speakers with high proficiency in Spanish omit
DOM with animate objects in oral production and find omitted DOM acceptable
in judgment tasks. Therefore, this study investigated whether heritage
speakers’ acceptability of DOM omission is reflected in their language
processing. Twenty monolingual-raised native speakers and 20 heritage
speakers participated in an eye-tracking reading experiment. Sentences
varied in DOM marking (use vs. omission) and word order (SVO vs. VSO).
Overall, reading time data indicated that heritage speakers behaved more
similarly to monolingual-raised native speakers than predicted. The
potential effects of language variation and language attrition are
discussed.
Risk from low blood pressure in frail older adults: diastolic pressure and pulse pressure are important
Authors: Spence J David
Published: June 2020

Blood pressure measurement with a cuff in patients with stiff arteries can be misleading, with false elevation of the diastolic pressure. Coronary flow, and most of the cerebral blood flow occur during diastole. There is a marked diastolic J curve in patients with diastolic pressure <60 mmHg and pulse pressure >60 mmHg. Aiming for a systolic target of 120 mmHg is not safe in some frail older patients.
Skin Exposure to Acrylates in Nail Salons
Authors: Kalenge Sheila , Kirkham Tracy L , Nguyen Linh V , Holness D Linn , Arrandale Victoria H
Published: June 2020

Objectives

The nail salon industry has seen significant growth in recent years. Nail technicians provide manicures, pedicures and apply artificial nails; tasks that expose them to chemicals, including acrylates that are known skin and respiratory sensitizers. This paper reports on potential skin exposure to acrylates among nail technicians in Toronto, Canada.

Methods

Hand skin wipes were collected after (i) the application of artificial nails, (ii) the application of ultraviolet cured gel nail polish, and (iii) deliberate contact with nail polish. Surface wipes were collected from work areas and surfaces contaminated with known products. Wipe samples were analysed for eight acrylates: methyl acrylate (MA), ethyl acrylate (EA), methyl methacrylate (MMA), ethyl methacrylate (EMA), 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA), 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), 2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate (HPMA), and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry.

Results

Thirty-five wipe samples were collected. No acrylates were detected in skin samples (n = 8) or work surfaces (n = 6). However, MMA, EMA, EA, HEMA, and HPMA were detected in the samples of surfaces contaminated with known products. MMA was detected in 28% of products tested. HEMA and HPMA were detected where deliberate contact with nail polish occurred.

Conclusions

These results confirm that acrylates are present in nail products. However, no acrylates were detected in skin wipes. MMA, a chemical prohibited for use in cosmetics in Canada, was detected in nail polishes. Nail technicians should continue to employ safe work practices that reduce the probability of skin contact with acrylates and other chemicals.
Altmetrics in Plastic Surgery Journals: Does It Correlate With Citation Count?
Authors: Asaad Malke , Howell Skyler M , Rajesh Aashish , Meaike Jesse , Tran Nho V
Published: June 2020

Background

Altmetrics (alternative metrics) have become one of the most commonly utilized metrics to track the impact of research articles across electronic and social media platforms.

Objectives

The goal of this study was to identify whether the Altmetric Attention Score (AAS) is a good proxy for citation counts and whether it can be employed as an accurate measure to complement the current gold standard.

Methods

The authors conducted a citation analysis of all articles published in 6 plastic surgery journals during the 2016 calendar year. Citation counts and AAS were abstracted and analyzed.

Results

A total of 1420 articles were identified. The mean AAS was 11 and the median AAS was 1. The journal with the highest mean AAS was Aesthetic Surgery Journal (31), followed by Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (19). A weak positive correlation was identified (r = 0.33, P < .0001) between AAS and citations. Articles in the top 1% in terms of citation counts showed strong positive correlation between AAS and citation counts (r = 0.64, P = .01). On the contrary, articles in the top 1% of AAS had no significant correlation with citation counts (r = −0.31, P = .29).

Conclusions

Overall correlation between citations and AAS was weak, and therefor AAS may not be an accurate early predictor of future citations. The 2 metrics seem to measure different aspects of the impact of scholarly work and should be utilized in tandem for determining the reach of a scientific article.
Brain Structure and Functional Connectivity Associated with Individual Differences in the Attentional Blink
Authors: Zhou Liqin , Zhen Zonglei , Liu Jia , Zhou Ke
Published: June 2020

The attentional blink (AB) has been central in characterizing the limit of temporal attention and consciousness. The neural mechanism of the AB is still in hot debate. With a large sample size, we combined multiple behavioral tests, multimodal MRI measures, and transcranial magnetic stimulation to investigate the neural basis underlying the individual differences in the AB. We found that AB magnitude correlated with the executive control functioning of working memory (WM) in behavior, which was fully mediated by T1 performance. Structural variations in the right temporoparietal junction (rTPJ) and its intrinsic functional connectivity with the left inferior frontal junction (lIFJ) accounted for the individual differences in the AB, which was moderated by the executive control of working memory. Disrupting the function of the lIFJ attenuated the AB deficit. Our findings clarified the neural correlates of the individual differences in the AB and elucidated its relationship with the consolidation-driven inhibitory control process.
Safety of Drugs During Previous and Current Coronavirus Pandemics: Lessons for Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Sebastian S , Gonzalez H A , Peyrin-Biroulet L
Published: June 2020

The coronavirus 2019 [COVID-19] pandemic has posed challenges in the routine care of patients with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD]. One of the key challenges is quantification of the risks of immunosuppressive and biological therapies in IBD patients during the pandemic. The similarities and differences between previous coronavirus outbreaks and the pathobiology of the infections can give useful information in understanding the risks, and perhaps potential beneficial aspects of drugs used in IBD. Although clinical, immunological and pharmacological data from the experience with previous coronavirus outbreaks cannot be automatically translated to predict the safety of IBD therapies during the COVID-19 pandemic, the signals so far from these outbreaks on IBD patients who are on immunomodulators and biologics are reassuring to patients and clinicians alike.
Individual Scaling of Accelerometry to Preferred Walking Speed in the Assessment of Physical Activity in Older Adults
Authors: Karavirta Laura , Rantalainen Timo , Skantz Heidi , Lisko Inna , Portegijs Erja , Rantanen Taina
Published: June 2020

Background

Walking forms a large portion of physical activity (PA) of older adults. We assessed free-living PA using acceleration corresponding to preferred walking speed as a relative cut-point and studied how it relates to age. We compared the relative cut-point to a common absolute cut-point of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA).

Method

Four hundred forty-four community-dwelling adults aged 75, 80, and 85 years wore an accelerometer on the thigh during a PA surveillance period and a modified 6-minute walking test (6MWT) at preferred speed. Each individual’s mean acceleration (g) during the 6MWT was used as a cut-point for relative PA. Acceleration corresponding to three metabolic equivalents (METs) was used as the cut-point for absolute MVPA.

Results

When using the acceleration of preferred walking speed as a cut-point, 62 (SD 82) minutes a week of relative PA was detected, compared to 228 (163) minutes of absolute MVPA. For 96% of the participants, the acceleration generated by their preferred walking speed exceeded the common absolute cut-point for MVPA. Absolute MVPA was lower in the older age groups, and 6MWT speed explained 22% of its variation (p < .001), whereas relative PA was independent of walking speed and age.

Conclusions

Preferred walking speed was a significant contributor to absolute MVPA and those who walked the slowest accumulated the least MVPA. Assessing relative PA using the intensity of preferred walking speed as a cut-point eliminated the dependency of PA on age and walking speed, and may be a feasible scaling option to evaluate relative PA among older people.
The Effects of Tau, Amyloid, and White Matter Lesions on Mobility, Dual Tasking, and Balance in Older People
Authors: Nilsson Maria H , Tangen Gro Gujord , Palmqvist Sebastian , van Westen Danielle , Mattsson-Carlgren Niklas , Stomrud Erik , Hansson Oskar
Published: June 2020

Background

This study aimed to investigate whether white matter lesions (WML), β-amyloid-, and tau pathologies are independently associated with mobility, dual tasking, and dynamic balance performance in older nondemented individuals.

Methods

We included 299 older people (mean, SD, age: 71.8, 5.6 years) from the Swedish BioFINDER study, whereof 175 were cognitively unimpaired and 124 had mild cognitive impairment (MCI). In multivariable regression analyses, dependent variables included mobility (Timed Up & Go [TUG]), dual tasking (TUG with a simultaneous subtraction task, that is, TUG-Cog, as well as dual task cost), and balance (Figure-of-eight). The analyses were controlled for age, sex, education, diagnosis (ie, MCI), and comorbidity (stroke, diabetes, and ischemic heart disease). Independent variables included WML volume, and measures of β-amyloid (abnormal cerebrospinal fluid [CSF] Aβ42/40 ratio) and tau pathology (CSF phosphorylated tau [p-tau]).

Results

Multivariable regression analyses showed that an increased WML volume was independently associated with decreased mobility, that is, TUG (standardized β = 0.247; p < .001). Tau pathology was independently associated with dual tasking both when using the raw data of TUG-Cog (β = 0.224; p = .003) and the dual-task cost (β= −0.246; p = .001). Amyloid pathology was associated with decreased balance, that is, Figure-of-eight (β = 0.172; p = .028). The independent effects of WML and tau pathology were mainly observed in those with MCI, which was not the case for the effects of amyloid pathology on balance.

Conclusions

Common brain pathologies have different effects where WML are independently associated with mobility, tau pathology has the strongest effect on dual tasking, and amyloid pathology seems to be independently associated with balance. Although these novel findings need to be confirmed in longitudinal studies, they suggest that different brain pathologies have different effects on mobility, balance, and dual-tasking in older nondemented individuals.
Theoretic analysis and experimental evaluation of the spectrum transmission coefficient of a multilayer photovoltaic vacuum glazing
Authors: Lv Qinghua , Cui Jiachen , Jarimi Hasila , Lv Hui , Zhai Zhongsheng , Su Yuehong , Riffat Saffa , Dong Shijie
Published: June 2020

This paper introduces an innovative thin film PV vacuum glazing (PV-VG) technology. In addition to electricity generation, the PV-VG glazing can also reduce heat loss from the building in winter and reduce heat gain in summer. In building integrated photovoltaics application, optical characterization of the PV glazing is important in determining the solar ray transmission and thermal transfer process of the glazing. This paper discusses the optical properties of the PV-VG glazing by considering the different layers of the glazing unit that includes a self-cleaning glass, a thin film PV glass and a low-e vacuum glazing. Based on the optical transfer matrix, the transmission coefficients of different film layers were deduced. The theoretical calculations were then validated against the transmission coefficient experiment of the PV-VG using an EDTM SS2450 Solar Spectrum Meter. The calculation error of the transmission coefficient of the single-layer glazing is generally within 5%, the calculation error of the transmission coefficient of the integrated PV-VG glazing is about 6%. The results show that the average visible light transmission coefficient, the average infrared light transmission coefficient and the overall transmission coefficient of PV-VG glazing are 19%, 16% and 12%, respectively. The study is important to optimize the visible light transmission of the PV-VG glazing; the optical model obtained above lays a solid foundation for further study of transmission coefficient analysis of different functional coating of PV-VG glazing.
Multimodal Analgesia and Discharge Opioid Requirements in Burn Patients
Authors: Wright Michael , Lee Jin A
Published: June 2020

Analgesia in burn patients is challenging given the complexity of burn pain and prolonged need beyond hospital admission. Given the risks of opioids, the impact of multimodal analgesia postdischarge needs to be further elucidated in this population. This retrospective, single-center cohort study evaluated adult burn patients who were consecutively admitted to the burn service with at least 10% total body surface area burned and subsequently followed in the burn clinic between February 2015 and September 2018. Subjects were separated into two cohorts based on discharge pain regimens: multimodal and nonmultimodal. The primary outcome was the change in opioid requirements (measured in oral morphine equivalents) between discharge and first follow-up interval. Secondary outcomes included the classes of multimodal agents utilized and a comparison of opioid requirements between the last 24 hours of admission and discharge. A total of 152 patients were included for analysis, 76 in the multimodal cohort and 76 in the nonmultimodal cohort. The multimodal cohort was noted to have increased total body surface area burned and prolonged number of days spent in the intensive care unit at baseline; however, the multimodal cohort exhibited a more significant decrease in opioid requirements from discharge to first follow-up interval when compared with the nonmultimodal cohort (106.6 vs 75.4 mg, P = .039).
The Impact of Comorbid Conditions on Long-Term Patient-Reported Outcomes From Burn Survivors
Authors: Sheckter Clifford C , Li Kevin , Carrougher Gretchen J , Pham Tam N , Gibran Nicole S , Stewart Barclay T
Published: June 2020

Preburn comorbidities increase the risk of death in the acute phase, and negatively impact quality of life among survivors. Investigations to date have only evaluated comorbidities as indices, limiting the ability to target conditions and develop strategies for risk reduction. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the differential effects of specific conditions on long-term, patient-reported outcomes after burn injury. A prospectively maintained trauma registry was merged with a longitudinal database of patient-reported outcomes from a regional burn center from 2007 to 2018. Demographic data, injury-specific information, and the prevalence of 20 comorbidities were systematically documented. The impact of comorbidities on responses to Short Form-12/Veterans RAND 12 (SF/VR-12) health surveys at 6, 12, and 24 months postinjury was evaluated with generalized linear models. The merged dataset included 493 adult participants. Median age was 46 years (interquartile range, IQR 32–57 years), and 72% were male. Median burn size was 14% TBSA (IQR 5–28%). Seventy percent of participants had ≥1 comorbidity (median 1 comorbidity/participant; IQR 0–2 comorbidities). SF/VR-12 mental component summary scores at 6 and 12 months postinjury were negatively associated with mental illness (P < .001, P = .013). SF/VR-12 physical component summary (PCS) scores were negatively associated with smoking (P = .019), diabetes (P = .001), and alcohol use disorder (P = .001) at 6-month follow-up. Twelve-month SF/VR-12 PCS scores were negatively associated with prior trauma admission (P = .001) and diabetes (P = .042). Twenty-four-month SF/VR-12 PCS scores were negatively associated with mental illness (P = .003). Smoking, alcohol use disorder, and diabetes were associated with lower PCS scores 6 months after injury; diabetes persisted as a negatively associated covariate at 12 months. Mental component summary scores were negatively associated with mental illness 6 and 12 months postinjury. Integrated models of postdischarge comorbidity management need to be tested in burn patients.