bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fine mapping of qBlsr3d, a quantitative trait locus conferring resistance to bacterial leaf streak in rice
Authors: Wang Song , Xie Xiaofang , Zhang Zhen , Guan Huazhong , Mao Damei , Wu Weiren , Chen Zhiwei
Published: March 2020

Bacterial leaf streak (BLS) is a destructive bacterial disease in rice (Oryza sativa L.). To date, at least 13 quantitative trait loci (QTL) conferring resistance to BLS have been identified in rice, while only one QTL, qBlsr5a, has been fine mapped and cloned. The present study focuses on fine mapping of qBlsr3d, a minor QTL conferring resistance to BLS. To fine map this QTL, 24 overlapping chromosome segment substitution lines (CSSLs) were developed from the F2 population derived from H359 × H359‐BLSR3D. Combining genotyping of molecular markers with resistant performance, qBlsr3d was delimited to an 81‐kb interval on chromosome 3, which included 12 annotated genes. Sequence alignment indicated that one of the candidate genes, LOC_Os03g03570, has three nucleotide substitutions in the CDS region between H359 and H359‐BLSR3D. In particular, LOC_Os03g03570 encodes a leucine‐rich repeat transmembrane protein, which has been reported to be associated with disease resistance, suggesting that LOC_Os03g03570 may be the target gene. Our research also suggests that CSSLs are suitable for mapping of minor QTL confering disease resistance. Furthermore, our finding has potential value in breeding rice varieties with resistance to BLS in rice.
Competition with insectivorous ants as a contributor to low songbird diversity at low elevations in the eastern Himalaya
Authors: Supriya K. , Price Trevor D. , Moreau Corrie S.
Published: March 2020

Competitive interactions between distantly related clades could cause complementary diversity patterns of these clades over large spatial scales. One such example might be ants and birds in the eastern Himalaya; ants are very common at low elevations but almost absent at mid‐elevations where the abundance of other arthropods and insectivorous bird diversity peaks. Here, we ask if ants at low elevations could compete with birds for arthropod prey. Specifically, we studied the impact of the Asian weaver ant (Oecophylla smaragdina), a common aggressive ant at low elevations. Diet analysis using molecular methods demonstrate extensive diet overlap between weaver ants and songbirds at both low and mid‐elevations. Trees without weaver ants have greater non‐ant arthropod abundance and leaf damage. Experimental removal of weaver ants results in an increase in the abundance of non‐ant arthropods. Notably, numbers of Coleoptera and Lepidoptera were most affected by removal experiments and were prominent components of both bird and weaver ant diets. Our results suggest that songbirds and weaver ants might potentially compete with each other for arthropod prey at low elevations, thereby contributing to lower insectivorous bird diversity at low elevations in eastern Himalaya. Competition with ants may shape vertebrate diversity patterns across broad biodiversity gradients.
Short‐term echocardiographic evaluation by global longitudinal strain in patients with heart failure treated with sacubitril/valsartan
Authors: Mazzetti Simone , Scifo Chiara , Abete Raffaele , Margonato Davide , Chioffi Margherita , Rossi Jessica , Pisani Matteo , Passafaro Giovanni , Grillo Massimiliano , Poggio Daniele , Mortara Andrea
Published: March 2020

Aims

The angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) sacubitril/valsartan reduces mortality and hospitalizations in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Favourable effects on haemodynamic and functional parameters have been observed in patients with HFrEF undergoing ARNI therapy, using standard transthoracic echocardiography. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) assessment uses a semi‐automatic procedure to provide a reliable and repeatable method that improves the detection of early changes of contractile function. We aimed to assess the effects of ARNI on GLS and myocardial mechanics in patients with HFrEF.

Methods and results

Thirty patients with New York Heart Association class II–III HFrEF were treated with ARNI and monitored using standard echocardiographic examination and GLS measurements at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. ARNI therapy resulted in a significant reduction of ventricular volumes and a significant increase in left ventricular ejection fraction at 6 months but not 3 months by standard transthoracic echocardiography (left ventricular ejection fraction from 28 ± 8% at baseline to 34 ± 12% at 6 months, P < 0.001). Non‐significant differences in the size of the left atrium, right ventricular function, and pulmonary pressures were found at 6 months. By using GLS, there was a progressive improvement of all strain parameters by 3 months. The improvement showed a progressive trend over time and maintained significance at 6 months: GLS 4ch −7.2 ± 4.8% at baseline vs. −7.5 ± 3.9% at 3 months (P = 0.025) and − 9.2 ± 5.2% at 6 months (P = 0.0001); AVG GLS −6.9 ± 4.3 at baseline vs. −7.9 ± 4.2 at 3 months (P = 0.04) and − 8.8 ± 4.4 at 6 months (P = 0.035); GLS endo 8.2 ± 4.8 at baseline vs. −9.0 ± 4.8 at 3 months (P = 0.05) and − 10.1 ± 5.1 at 6 months (P = 0.001).

Conclusions

Sacubitril/valsartan induces an early benefit on left ventricular remodelling, which is captured by myocardial strain and not by standard echocardiography. Strain method represents a practical tool to assess early and minimal variations of left ventricular systolic function.
Relationships between perfectionism, self‐report impulsivity measures and delay discounting
Authors: Wainwright Katherine , Romanowich Paul , Bibriescas Natashia
Published: March 2020

Perfectionism and impulsivity are multidimensional constructs. While different perfectionism dimensions are exclusively measured through self‐reports, different impulsivity dimensions can be measured through self‐report or behaviour via preferences for different rewards. This study explored differential associations between perfectionism and impulsivity based on both dimension and measurement modality (self‐report/behavioural). We then examined whether adaptive or maladaptive perfectionism would be differentially associated with impulsivity. Two‐hundred and six students completed two perfectionism and three impulsivity measures (two self‐report; one behavioural). Two self‐report impulsivity measures were associated with specific perfectionism dimensions, whereas the behavioural measure was not associated with perfectionism. Maladaptive perfectionism was associated with decreasing impulsivity, whereas adaptive perfectionism was associated with increasing impulsivity. Perfectionism related to impulsivity differently depending on how each construct was measured.
Development of a decision support system at the stages of pre‐design studies and design of irrigation systems based on IDEFo functional modelling methodology*
Authors: Vasilyev Sergey , Slabunov Vladimir , Voevodin Oleg , Slabunova Alexandra
Published: March 2020

The relevance of the subject matter derives from the need to select the most effective technical solution at the stages of pre‐design studies and design of irrigation systems when performing innovative projects. The purpose of this study is to develop a decision support system (DSS) that would serve as an analytical and advisory tool for conducting complex research at the stages of pre‐project preparation and design of irrigation systems. The leading approach underlying the solution of the subject matter is the functional modelling methodology integration definition for function modelling (IDEFo). This article presents the architecture of the software product, which shows the main subsystems of the DSS and reflects their interrelations. The implementation of the DSS in the form of a software product based on the provisions of the recommendations will automate the process of selecting alternatives (analogues) for elements of irrigation systems in specific conditions and provide information support for decision‐making at the stages of pre‐design studies and design, and also increase quality control and improve efficiency of managerial decision‐making by 10–15% and reduce the total cost of organizing pre‐design studies and designing irrigation systems by 3–5%. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Re‐examining strategic and developmental implications of e‐Choupal, India
Authors: Mukerji Maitrayee
Published: March 2020

e‐Choupal is an ICT‐enabled intervention in rural India, providing agriculture‐related information and services to farmers. Widely acclaimed as a Bottom‐of‐Pyramid (BoP)intervention, e‐Choupal is known for successfully demonstrating sustainable deployment of ICTs for strengthening agricultural market linkages. Much of the popular understanding about e‐Choupal is based on case studies documenting use of Internet in rural India, developing markets for BoP, rural entrepreneurship and corporate social responsibility. However, recent empirical research put forth interesting insights on intermediating role of ICTs and impact of e‐Choupal. This paper integrates these two sets of literature using a strategic information systems perspective to draw insights for policy makers and practitioners. The dominant narrative projects e‐Choupal as almost altruistic endeavor to empower farmers to overcome contextual constraints such as fragmented farms, exploitative middlemen, poor productivity and limited market linkages. It underplays the strong business imperative for the agri‐business firm to invest in e‐Choupal to address distortions and uncertainty in price and quality during procurement of agricultural commodities. Strategically, the company gained much from integrated supply chain, lower transaction costs, increased sourcing efficiency and product differentiation. But, development outcomes in terms of farmers' empowerment and increasing the overall competitiveness of Indian agriculture have been limited.
Analysis of deformable distortion in the architecture of leaf xylary vessel elements of Carthamus oxycantha caused by heavy metals stress using image registration
Authors: Iqbal Tahir , Shah Said K. , Ullah Faizan , Mehmood Sultan , Zeb Muhammad A.
Published: March 2020

Anatomical study of leaf xylary vessel elements of Carthamus oxycantha under various intensities of lead (Pb) and nickel (Ni) stress (200, 400, 600, and 800 mg Pb(NO3)2, NiCl2·6H2O/kg of the soil) was conducted. The deformations caused due to metal stress were detected using point‐based image registration technique. Initially, a set of corresponding feature points called landmarks was selected for warping of two‐dimensional microscopic images of deformed/source vessel (stressed) to its normal/target (unstressed) counterpart. The results show that the target registration error is less than 3 mm using real plant image datasets. The stress caused alterations mainly in diameter, size, and shape of the cells. Average cell diameter and average wall diameter of vessels were measured with “Image J.” The range of decrease in average cell diameter from 18.566 to 13.1 μm and the range of increase in average wall diameter was from 5.166 to 10.1 μm, with increase in stress factor through 200, 400, 600, and 800 mg Pb(NO3)2, NiCl2·6H2O/kg of the soil. We noted large deformation in the form of shrinkage in cell size and diminution in its diameter. The diminution in diameter and the shrinkage in cell size of vessel cells may be due to the deposition of wall materials. It can be a possible strategy to limit the water flow to overcome the rapid mobility and transportation of the excess amount of metals to safeguard the cellular components from unpleasant consequences of metallic stress.
Evaluation of global gene expression in regenerate tissues during Masquelet treatment
Authors: Gohel Nishant , Senos Rafael , Goldstein Steven A. , Hankenson Kurt D. , Hake Mark E. , Alford Andrea I.
Published: March 2020

The Masquelet induced‐membrane (IM) technique is indicated for large segmental bone defects. Attributes of the IM and local milieu that contribute to graft‐to‐bone union are unknown. Using a rat model, we compared global gene expression profiles in critically sized femoral osteotomies managed using a cement spacer as per Masquelet to those left empty. At the end of the experiment, IM and bone adjacent to the spacer were collected from the Masquelet side. Nonunion tissue in the defect and bone next to the empty defect were collected from the contralateral side. Tissues were subjected to RNA isolation, sequencing, and differential expression analysis. Cell type enrichment analysis suggested the IM and the bone next to the polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) spacer were comparatively enriched for osteoblastic genes. The nonunion environment was comparatively enriched for innate and adaptive immune cell markers, but only macrophages were evident in the Masquelet context. iPathwayGuide was utilized to identify cell signaling pathways and protein interaction networks enriched in the Masquelet environment. For IM vs nonunion false‐discovery rate correction of P values rendered overall pathway differences nonsignificant, and so only protein interaction networks are presented. For the bone comparison, substantial enrichment of pathways and networks known to contribute to osteogenic mechanisms was revealed. Our results suggest that the PMMA spacer affects the cut bone ends that are in contact with it and at the same time induces the foreign body reaction and formation of the IM. B cells in the empty defect suggest a chronic inflammatory response to a large segmental osteotomy.
The impact of national culture on hotel guest evaluation – A big data approach
Authors: Zhang Pei , Gerdes John H. , Meng Fang
Published: March 2020

The study utilized Hofstede's national cultural dimensions as the theoretical framework to examine the impact of national culture on guests' evaluation of hotel experience. Unlike previous studies which investigate the role of nationality by merely identifying differences between nations, this study analyzed different dimensions of cultural distance between the destination country and a guest's home nation. Using a big data approach, 25,480 guests from five countries reviewed 1,533 Parisian hotels on value, room, location, cleanness, and service. The results revealed that cultural distance dimension of masculinity, individualism, long‐term orientation, indulgence, and uncertainty avoidance significantly influence different aspects of hotel ratings.
Weighted composition operators between Fock spaces in several variables
Authors: Tien Pham Trong , Khoi Le Hai
Published: March 2020

We obtain criteria for the boundedness and compactness of weighted composition operators between different Fock spaces in . We also give estimates for essential norm of these operators.
Stability of mismatch negativity event‐related potentials in a multisite study
Authors: Roach Brian J. , Hamilton Holly K. , Bachman Peter , Belger Aysenil , Carrión Ricardo E. , Duncan Erica , Johannesen Jason , Kenney Joshua G. , Light Gregory , Niznikiewicz Margaret , Addington Jean , Bearden Carrie E. , Owens Emily M. , Cadenhead Kristin S. , Cannon Tyrone D. , Cornblatt Barbara A. , McGlashan Thomas H. , Perkins Diana O. , Seidman Larry , Tsuang Ming , Walker Elaine F. , Woods Scott W. , Mathalon Daniel H.
Published: March 2020

Objectives

Mismatch negativity (MMN), an auditory event‐related potential sensitive to deviance detection, is smaller in schizophrenia and psychosis risk. In a multisite study, a regression approach to account for effects of site and age (12–35 years) was evaluated alongside the one‐year stability of MMN.

Methods

Stability of frequency, duration, and frequency + duration (double) deviant MMN was assessed in 167 healthy subjects, tested on two occasions, separated by 52 weeks, at one of eight sites. Linear regression models predicting MMN with age and site were validated and used to derive standardized MMN z‐scores. Variance components estimated for MMN amplitude and latency measures were used to calculate Generalizability (G) coefficients within each site to assess MMN stability. Trait‐like aspects of MMN were captured by averaging across occasions and correlated with subject traits.

Results

Age and site accounted for less than 7% of MMN variance. G‐coefficients calculated at electrode Fz were stable (G = 0.63) across deviants and sites for amplitude measured in a fixed window, but not for latency (G = 0.37). Frequency deviant MMN z‐scores averaged across tests negatively correlated with averaged global assessment of functioning.

Conclusion

MMN amplitude is stable and can be standardized to facilitate longitudinal multisite studies of patients and clinical features.
Rituximab for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy—A potential therapeutic option
Authors: Cohen Joss C. , Lewis Richard A.
Published: March 2020

See article on pages 575–579 in this issue.
Cytosolic diffusivity and microscopic anisotropy of N‐acetyl aspartate in human white matter with diffusion‐weighted MRS at 7 T
Authors: Lundell Henrik , Ingo Carson , Dyrby Tim B. , Ronen Itamar
Published: March 2020

Metabolite diffusion measurable in humans in vivo with diffusion‐weighted spectroscopy (DW‐MRS) provides a window into the intracellular morphology and state of specific cell types. Anisotropic diffusion in white matter is governed by the microscopic properties of the individual cell types and their structural units (axons, soma, dendrites). However, anisotropy is also markedly affected by the macroscopic orientational distribution over the imaging voxel, particularly in DW‐MRS, where the dimensions of the volume of interest (VOI) are much larger than those typically used in diffusion‐weighted imaging. One way to address the confound of macroscopic structural features is to average the measurements acquired with uniformly distributed gradient directions to mimic a situation where fibers present in the VOI are orientationally uniformly distributed. This situation allows the extraction of relevant microstructural features such as transverse and longitudinal diffusivities within axons and the related microscopic fractional anisotropy. We present human DW‐MRS data acquired at 7 T in two different white matter regions, processed and analyzed as described above, and find that intra‐axonal diffusion of the neuronal metabolite N‐acetyl aspartate is in good correspondence to simple model interpretations, such as multi‐Gaussian diffusion from disperse fibers where the transverse diffusivity can be neglected. We also discuss the implications of our approach for current and future applications of DW‐MRS for cell‐specific measurements.
Entrepreneurial orientation and generic competitive strategies for emerging SMEs: Financial and nonfinancial performance perspective
Authors: Anwar Muhammad , Shah Syed Z. A.
Published: March 2020

In the competitive markets, business ventures have not only emphasized financial performance but nonfinancial performance has also become the need of the day due to its significant role in increasing customers. However, minor attention is given to the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation, business strategy and nonfinancial performance of emerging small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This study scrutinizes the effect of each dimension of entrepreneurial orientation (i.e., innovativeness, risk‐taking, and proactiveness) and each of generic competitive strategies (i.e., differentiation and cost leadership) on the performance (financial and nonfinancial) of emerging SMEs. We surveyed 373 SMEs operating in Pakistan through a structured questionnaire. For the data analysis and hypotheses testing, we used AMOS.21. The findings display that innovativeness, proactiveness, and risk‐taking significantly improve financial performance while insignificantly impact nonfinancial performance. Differentiation and cost leadership strategies significantly spur financial as well as nonfinancial performance of SMEs. This study advises that top managers of SMEs in the emerging economies need to maintain a focus on entrepreneurial activities and formulate unique competitive strategies to attain higher performance. This research further recommends policymakers to initiate entrepreneurship programs for SMEs to configure entrepreneurial posture of the businessmen. Further recommendations have stated.
Control of neutrophil influx during peritonitis by transcriptional cross‐regulation of chemokine CXCL1 by IL‐17 and IFN‐γ
Authors: Catar Rusan A , Chen Lei , Cuff Simone M , Kift‐Morgan Ann , Eberl Matthias , Kettritz Ralph , Kamhieh‐Milz Julian , Moll Guido , Li Qing , Zhao Hongfan , Kawka Edyta , Zickler Daniel , Parekh Gita , Davis Paul , Fraser Donald J , Dragun Duska , Eckardt Kai‐Uwe , Jörres Achim , Witowski Janusz
Published: March 2020

Neutrophil infiltration is a hallmark of peritoneal inflammation, but mechanisms regulating neutrophil recruitment in patients with peritoneal dialysis (PD)‐related peritonitis are not fully defined. We examined 104 samples of PD effluent collected during acute peritonitis for correspondence between a broad range of soluble parameters and neutrophil counts. We observed an association between peritoneal IL‐17 and neutrophil levels. This relationship was evident in effluent samples with low but not high IFN‐γ levels, suggesting a differential effect of IFN‐γ concentration on neutrophil infiltration. Surprisingly, there was no association of neutrophil numbers with the level of CXCL1, a key IL‐17‐induced neutrophil chemoattractant. We investigated therefore the production of CXCL1 by human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMCs) under in vitro conditions mimicking clinical peritonitis. Stimulation of HPMCs with IL‐17 increased CXCL1 production through induction of transcription factor SP1 and activation of the SP1‐binding region of the CXCL1 promoter. These effects were amplified by TNFα. In contrast, IFN‐γ dose‐dependently suppressed IL‐17‐induced SP1 activation and CXCL1 production through a transcriptional mechanism involving STAT1. The SP1‐mediated induction of CXCL1 was also observed in HPMCs exposed to PD effluent collected during peritonitis and containing IL‐17 and TNFα, but not IFN‐γ. Supplementation of the effluent with IFN‐γ led to a dose‐dependent activation of STAT1 and a resultant inhibition of SP1‐induced CXCL1 expression. Transmesothelial migration of neutrophils in vitro increased upon stimulation of HPMCs with IL‐17 and was reduced by IFN‐γ. In addition, HPMCs were capable of binding CXCL1 at their apical cell surface. These observations indicate that changes in relative peritoneal concentrations of IL‐17 and IFN‐γ can differently engage SP1–STAT1, impacting on mesothelial cell transcription of CXCL1, whose release and binding to HPMC surface may determine optimal neutrophil recruitment and retention during peritonitis. © 2020 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
A sensitive 1H NMR spectroscopic method for the quantification of capsaicin and capsaicinoid: morpho‐chemical characterisation of chili land races from northeast India
Authors: Bora Pranjit Kumar , Kemprai Phirose , Barman Rubi , Das Debabrata , Nazir Aamir , Saikia Siddhartha Proteem , Banik Dipanwita , Haldar Saikat
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Proton (1H) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy based analytical method for the quantification of capsaicin (major pungent principle of chili) has certain advantages including short data acquisition time and better structural authentication. Earlier NMR methods are associated with either of the bottlenecks such as low or lack of information on the sensitivity and scope for the quantification of total capsaicinoid.

Objective

To develop a sensitive 1H quantitative NMR (qNMR) technique for capsaicin and total capsaicinoid in dry chili and chili oleoresin and to demonstrate its applicability in a real sample set.

Method

A 1H qNMR method was developed using benzene as the internal standard for the quantification of capsaicin (terminal methyl signal) as well as total capsaicinoid (benzyl methylene signal) in dry chili and oleoresin and validated in terms of specificity, linearity, sensitivity, accuracy and precision.

Results

The developed 1H qNMR method was specific, sensitive (limit of detection 4.4 μg/mL and limit of quantitation 14.8 μg/mL), linear in the range 0.083–8.33 mg/mL of capsaicin, accurate and precise. The credibility of the developed method was showcased in the morpho‐chemical characterisation of commercially available 15 chili land races from northeast India. The analysis identified the land races with a wide range of capsaicin (trace to 1.49% in the dry fruit and trace to 6.21% in the oleoresin w/w) and oleoresin content (3.35–26.78% w/w).

Conclusion

The standardized 1H qNMR method facilitated the findings of chemical basis for the selection of chili land races from this region, capable of producing high‐yielding oleoresin with intended degree of pungency.
High‐resolution structures of transient receptor potential vanilloid channels: Unveiling a functionally diverse group of ion channels
Authors: van Goor Mark K. , de Jager Leanne , Cheng Yifan , van der Wijst Jenny
Published: March 2020

Transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) channels are part of the superfamily of TRP ion channels and play important roles in widespread physiological processes including both neuronal and non‐neuronal pathways. Various diseases such as skeletal abnormalities, chronic pain, and cancer are associated with dysfunction of a TRPV channel. In order to obtain full understanding of disease pathogenesis and create opportunities for therapeutic intervention, it is essential to unravel how these channels function at a molecular level. In the past decade, incredible progress has been made in biochemical sample preparation of large membrane proteins and structural biology techniques, including cryo‐electron microscopy. This has resulted in high resolution structures of all TRPV channels, which has provided novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of channel gating and regulation that will be summarized in this review.
Effect of the patient information brochure in communicating the risks associated with crizotinib treatment to patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in Europe
Authors: Huang Kui , Madison Terri , Wehler Beatrice , Tiseo Marcello , Wilner Keith D. , Mo Jingping
Published: March 2020

Crizotinib (XALKORI®) is indicated for anaplastic lymphoma kinase‐positive and ROS1‐positive advanced non‐small cell lung cancer. This study evaluated the distribution of the crizotinib patient information brochure (PIB) in Europe and patient knowledge of the key messages in the PIB. A cross‐sectional survey was conducted in 10 European countries among patients who received crizotinib to ascertain whether each patient received and read the PIB, and his/her knowledge of its key messages on hepatotoxicity, interstitial lung disease/pneumonitis, QTc prolongation, bradycardia, and vision disorders. Of the 341 patients contacted, 40 responded (11.7%), and 39 patients were eligible. A total of 77% of respondents acknowledged receiving the PIB, of which, 93% reported reading it. Knowledge of the individual side effects ranged from 36% to 85%, and precautions for use ranged from 56% to 67%. Understanding the reasons for calling a physician ranged from 54% to 85%. Knowledge of each of the 6 key side effects was greater among readers of the PIB compared to non‐readers or respondents who did not recall receiving the PIB. Approximately three‐quarters of survey respondents recalled receiving the crizotinib PIB and respondents who read the PIB were more knowledgeable of the key side effects of crizotinib than those who did not read or receive. Caution should be taken in generalizing these results because of the potential for selection bias and small sample size. These survey results suggest that the crizotinib PIB may be an effective risk communication tool for crizotinib‐treated patients in Europe.
Strength Improvement of Additive Manufacturing Components by Reinforcing Carbon Fiber and by Employing Bioinspired Interlock Sutures
Authors: Selvam Arivazhagan , Mayilswamy Suresh , Whenish Ruban
Published: March 2020

The additive manufacturing (AM) process is used to build three‐dimensional (3D)‐printed components by depositing layers of materials one over another until it completes the building process. There are numerous ways to improve its strength and rigidity of AM processed components. In this research, we discuss an effective method to improve the strength of 3D‐printed component joints by reinforcing carbon fiber (CF) with polylactic acid (PLA) and applying bioinspired interlock sutures. The strength of 3D‐printed components is highly influenced by build parameters such as printing speed, extruder temperature, and layer thickness. In this context, the design of experiment (DOE) was made to ensure the effect of build parameters. The specimens were fabricated according to DOE in order to characterize bending behavior, which was analyzed using special fixture. The bending strength and fracture behavior of specimen for three different interlock joints were studied. The analytical technique of particle swarm optimization was adopted to predict the optimum printing parameters to improve the bending strength of the 3D‐printed components. The result shows that CF‐reinforced PLA with spline interlock suture increases the bending strength of the 3D‐printed specimen when compared to pure PLA.
Extended eigenstate thermalization and the role of FZZT branes in the Schwarzian theory
Authors: Nayak Pranjal , Sonner Julian , Vielma Manuel
Published: March 2020

Abstract

In this paper we provide a universal description of the behavior of the basic operators of the Schwarzian theory in pure states. When the pure states are energy eigenstates, expectation values of non-extensive operators are thermal. On the other hand, in coherent pure states, these same operators can exhibit ergodic or non-ergodic behavior, which is characterized by elliptic, parabolic or hyperbolic monodromy of an auxiliary equation; or equivalently, which coadjoint Virasoro orbit the state lies on. These results allow us to establish an extended version of the eigenstate thermalization hypothesis (ETH) in theories with a Schwarzian sector. We also elucidate the role of FZZT-type boundary conditions in the Schwarzian theory, shedding light on the physics of microstates associated with ZZ branes and FZZT branes in low dimensional holography.
A tale of two exponentiations in $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 8 supergravity at subleading level
Authors: Di Vecchia Paolo , Naculich Stephen G. , Russo Rodolfo , Veneziano Gabriele , White Chris D.
Published: March 2020

Abstract

High-energy massless gravitational scattering in $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 8 supergravity was recently analyzed at leading level in the deflection angle, uncovering an interesting connection between exponentiation of infrared divergences in momentum space and the eikonal exponentiation in impact parameter space. Here we extend that analysis to the first non trivial sub-leading level in the deflection angle which, for massless external particles, implies going to two loops, i.e. to third post-Minkowskian (3PM) order. As in the case of the leading eikonal, we see that the factorisation of the momentum space amplitude into the exponential of the one-loop result times a finite remainder hides some basic simplicity of the impact parameter formulation. For the conservative part of the process, the explicit outcome is infrared (IR) finite, shows no logarithmic enhancement, and agrees with an old claim in pure Einstein gravity, while the dissipative part is IR divergent and should be regularized, as usual, by including soft gravitational bremsstrahlung. Finally, using recent three-loop results, we test the expectation that eikonal formulation accounts for the exponentiation of the lower-loop results in the momentum space amplitude. This passes a number of highly non-trivial tests, but appears to fail for the dissipative part of the process at all loop orders and sufficiently subleading order in ϵ, hinting at some lack of commutativity of the relevant infrared limits for each exponentiation.
Is Laparoscopic Gastrectomy More Advantageous for Elderly Patients Than for Young Patients with Resectable Advanced Gastric Cancer?
Authors: Ushimaru Yuki , Kurokawa Yukinori , Takahashi Tsuyoshi , Saito Takuro , Yamashita Kotaro , Tanaka Koji , Makino Tomoki , Yamasaki Makoto , Nakajima Kiyokazu , Mori Masaki , Doki Yuichiro
Published: March 2020

Background

Laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) is now practiced widely, but it is unclear whether LG is the appropriate approach for elderly patients with resectable advanced gastric cancer. The aim of this study was to examine whether LG is more or less advantageous for elderly patients than for young patients.

Methods

We collected data on 571 consecutive patients who underwent gastrectomy for pT2–4 gastric cancer between January 2001 and December 2015. After adjustment with one‐to‐one propensity score matching, short‐term and long‐term outcomes were compared between the LG and open gastrectomy (OG) groups among young (age < 70 years) and elderly (age ≥ 70 years) patients.

Results

The LG group had a significantly longer operative time (P < 0.001) and less blood loss (P < 0.001) than the OG group among young and elderly patients. There were no significant differences regarding complications. Although disease‐specific survival was similar between the LG and OG groups among young and elderly patients, LG was associated with more favorable overall survival than OG only among elderly patients (hazard ratio 0.67; 95% confidence interval 0.35–1.26). Death from respiratory diseases occurred more frequently in the OG group (10.9%) than in the LG group (0%) for elderly patients (P = 0.012).

Conclusion

LG for resectable advanced gastric cancer was not inferior to OG in terms of both short‐term and long‐term outcomes regardless of patient age. In elderly patients, LG may improve overall survival by reducing mortality from respiratory diseases.
Misclassification of Case–Control Studies in the Orthopedic Literature is Common: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: LeBrun Drake G. , Bido Jen , Kocher Mininder S. , Baldwin Keith D. , Fabricant Peter D.
Published: March 2020

Background

Observational studies constitute the majority of the orthopedic literature, each type distinct in terms of what it can and cannot measure. Case–control studies select participants based on outcome status, not exposure status, and therefore differ from other observational studies in their aims, limitations, and conclusions. Misclassification of a different kind of study as a case–control study can lead to misinterpretation of the data and misreporting of its level of evidence (LOE), either “overselling” or “underselling” its importance.

Questions/Purposes

We sought to answer three questions: (1) How frequently do studies reported to be orthopedic case–control studies actually reflect other study designs? (2) What factors might be associated with misclassification? (3) How does study design misclassification affect LOE reporting?

Methods

A bibliometric analysis was performed to identify all studies published in 75 orthopedic journals over a one-year period (January 2017 through December 2017) that included the term “case–control” in the title, abstract, or main text. We identified the proportion of studies that were misclassified as “case–control” in design and recorded the associated changes in reported LOE. We also examined associations between study misclassification (and by extension LOE misclassification) and the study specialty, journal specialty, and journal impact factor.

Results

Of 339 studies that reported a case–control design, 227 (67%) were misclassified and reflected other study designs. The study designs most often misclassified as case–control designs were retrospective cohort studies ( n = 97; 43%) and cross-sectional studies ( n = 88; 39%). The frequency of misclassification was associated with the subspecialty of the journal and the impact factor but not the study subspecialty. After correction of the LOE in the misclassified studies that reported an LOE ( n = 193), it was found that 28 (15%) had underreported their LOE, and eight (4%) had overreported their LOE.

Conclusions

Studies reported in the orthopedic literature to have a case–control design frequently have another study design, and this pattern is consistent across subspecialties. Enhanced rigor in accurately defining study designs in orthopedics could be achieved through training and stricter review processes.
„Die Relevanz eines kohärenten forensischen Beurteilungs- und Behandlungsprozesses“: großer Wurf oder alter Wein in undichtem Schlauch?
Authors: Habermeyer Elmar , Mokros Andreas , Briken Peer
Published: March 2020

Borchard und Gerth legen in ihrem Beitrag „Die Relevanz eines kohärenten forensischen Beurteilungs- und Behandlungsprozesses: Grenzen der allgemeinpsychiatrischen Diagnosesysteme ICD und DSM für die forensische Fallkonzeption“ (Borchard und Gerth 2020) ein Plädoyer für ein eigenes forensisch-psychiatrisches Diagnosesystem vor. Der folgende Beitrag setzt sich mit diesem Anliegen kritisch auseinander und zeigt, warum der Forderung nach einem forensisch-psychiatrischen Diagnosesystem jenseits von DSM‑5 und ICD-10/ICD-11 nicht gefolgt werden kann. Ein eigener forensisch psychiatrischer Diagnose- und Krankheitsbegriff ist weder erforderlich, noch kann er in der juristisch-medizinischen Schnittstelle sinnvoll angewandt werden. Stattdessen drohen terminologische Schwierigkeiten und die Gefahr einer Pathologisierung delinquenten Verhaltens, was am Beispiel des von Borchard und Gerth empfohlenen FOTRES und Urteilen des Schweizerischen Bundesgerichts dargestellt und diskutiert wird.
Developing occupational therapists’ capabilities for decision-making capacity assessments: how does a support role facilitate workplace learning?
Authors: Matus Janine , Mickan Sharon , Noble Christy
Published: March 2020

Introduction Healthcare practitioners are required to develop capabilities in an effective and efficient manner. Yet, developing capabilities in healthcare settings can be challenging due to the unpredictable nature of practice and increasing workloads. Unsurprisingly, healthcare practitioner development is often situated outside of practice, for example in formal teaching sessions. Supporting practitioners to develop capabilities through engagement with day-to-day practice, whilst advantageous in terms of authenticity and being highly valued, remains a key challenge for healthcare educators. This qualitative interview study aimed to explain, from the learner’s perspective, how a dedicated support role develops occupational therapists’ capability to contribute to decision-making capacity assessments.

Methods Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 12 occupational therapists. Informed by workplace learning theory, interview transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis process.

Results Participants provided rich descriptions of how they developed in their capability to engage in decision-making capacity assessments. Participants reported that their learning was facilitated by the dedicated support role in three key ways: 1) structuring a journey of learning, 2) providing tailored guidance, and 3) fostering a supportive learning environment.

Discussion Participants valued the authentic workplace learning opportunities afforded by the dedicated support role. Findings suggest that capabilities, such as decision-making capacity assessment, can be developed through practice when enriched by a dedicated support role. However, further research examining the sustainability and transferability of this model and its application to other capabilities are warranted.
Comparison of Conventional and IPM Cropping Systems: A Risk Efficiency Analysis
Authors: Lavik Ming Su , Lien Gudbrand , Korsaeth Audun , Hardaker J. Brian
Published: March 2020

To support decision-makers considering adopting integrated pest management (IPM) cropping in Norway, we used stochastic efficiency analysis to compare the risk efficiency of IPM cropping and conventional cropping, using data from a long-term field experiment in southeastern Norway, along with data on recent prices, costs, and subsidies. Initial results were not definitive, so we applied stochastic efficiency with respect to a function, limiting the assumed risk aversion of farmers to a plausible range. We found that, for farmers who are risk-indifferent to moderately (hardly) risk averse, the conventional system was, compared to IPM, less (equally) preferred.
The effects of bond ratings on income inequality in the developing world
Authors: Biglaiser Glen , McGauvran Ronald
Published: March 2020

Although the effects of globalization on income inequality has received much attention, missing from the discussion is the role played by credit rating agencies (CRAs) on income inequality. Using a sample of seventy developing countries from 1990–2015, we find that bond ratings have significant, yet indirect, effects on income inequality. We see that interest rate spreads, and to a lesser degree tax, labor, and monetary policies, mediate the relationship between ratings and income inequality. Specifically, developing countries receiving bond downgrades observe a rise in interest rate spreads. Countries with higher interest rate spreads tend to have less available credit, which reduces output and production, promoting surplus labor and its consequences for those at the bottom of the income distribution. Bond downgrades also compel developing countries to pursue neoliberal reforms, endorsed by the CRAs, in an attempt to lift their ratings. The effects of tax, labor, and monetary policies, in particular, appear to enlarge disparities between the rich and the poor. Our research helps to identify the mechanism by which CRAs and globalization, more generally, impact wealth disparities in the developing world.
Mortality Rate of Infection With COVID-19 in Korea From the Perspective of Underlying Disease
Authors: Kang Yun-Jung
Published: March 2020

On December 31, 2019 the China National Health Commission (NHC) reported that an unknown cause of pneumonia had been detected in Wuhan in Hubei province. On February 12, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) was given a formal name, COVID-19. On January 20, 2020, the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Korea. The age-specific death rate was the highest among patients over 70 years of age, with underlying diseases in their circulatory system, such as myocardial infarction, cerebral infraction, arrythmia, and hypertension. Patients with underlying disease who are 70 years of age or older should recognize that there is a high possibility of developing a serious disease in case of viral infection and follow strict precautions.
Stop the Bleed: An Interprofessional Community Service Learning Project Assessing the Efficacy of Pharmacist-Led Hemorrhage Control Education for Laypersons
Authors: Moton Robert , Baus Courtney , Brandt Claire , Coleman Alana , Kennedy Kaitlin , Swank Steven , Tran Michelle , Kazen Katherine , Allen Stefan , Moote Rebecca , Evoy Kirk E.
Published: March 2020

Objectives:

Stop the Bleed (STB) is a national initiative that provides lifesaving hemorrhagic control education. In 2019, pharmacists were added as health-care personnel eligible to become STB instructors. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of pharmacist-led STB trainings for school employees in South Texas.

Methods:

Pharmacist-led STB trainings were provided to teachers and staff in Laredo, Texas. The 60-min trainings included a presentation followed by hands-on practice of tourniquet application, wound-packing, and direct pressure application. Training efficacy was assessed through anonymous pre- and postevent surveys, which evaluated changes in knowledge, comfort level, and willingness to assist in hemorrhage control interventions. Student volunteers (predominantly pharmacy and medical students) assisted in leading the hands-on portion, providing a unique interprofessional learning opportunity.

Results:

Participants with previous training (N = 98) were excluded, resulting in a final cohort of 437 (response rate 87.4%). Compared with baseline, comfort level using tourniquets (mean, 3.17/5 vs 4.20/5; P < 0.0001), opinion regarding tourniquet safety (2.59/3 vs 2.94/3; P < 0.0001), and knowledge regarding tourniquets (70.86/100 vs 75.84/100; P < 0.0001) and proper tourniquet placement (2.40/4 vs 3.15/4; P < 0.0001) significantly improved.

Conclusions:

Pharmacist-led STB trainings are efficacious in increasing school worker knowledge and willingness to respond in an emergency hemorrhagic situation.
On the physical basis for the creep of ice: the high temperature regime
Authors: Cole D.M.
Published: March 2020

This work quantifies the increased temperature sensitivity of the constitutive behavior of ice with proximity to the melting point in terms of dislocation mechanics. An analysis of quasistatic and dynamic cyclic loading data for several ice types leads to the conclusion that high temperature (e.g. T ≥ −8°C) behavior is the result of a thermally induced increase in the number of mobile dislocations rather than an increase in the activation energy of dislocation glide or the introduction of a new deformation mechanism. The relationship between dislocation density and temperature is quantified and the model is shown to adequately represent the published minimum creep rate vs stress data for isotropic granular freshwater ice for −48 ≤ T ≤ −0.01°C.
OF DEBT AND BONDAGE: FROM SLAVERY TO PRISONS IN THE GOLD COAST,c. 1807–1957
Authors: BALAKRISHNAN SARAH
Published: March 2020

Contrary to the belief that prisons never predated colonial rule in Africa, this article traces their emergence in the Gold Coast after the abolition of the Atlantic slave trade. During the era of ‘legitimate commerce’, West African merchants required liquidity to conduct long-distance trade. Rather than demand human pawns as interest on loans, merchants imprisoned debtors’ female relatives because women's sexual violation in prison incentivized kin to repay loans. When British colonists entered the Gold Coast, they discovered how important the prisons were to local credit. They thus allowed the institutions to continue, but without documentation. The so-called ‘native prisons’ did not enter indirect rule — and the colonial archive — until the 1940s. Contrary to studies of how Western states used prisons to control black labour after emancipation, this article excavates a ‘debt genealogy’ of the prison. In the Gold Coast, prisons helped manage cash flow after abolition by holding human hostages.
INFRASTRUCTURE, ETHNICITY, AND POLITICAL MOBILIZATION IN NAMIBIA, 1946–87
Authors: QUINN STEPHANIE
Published: March 2020

This article uses the copper mining town Tsumeb to examine urban infrastructure, ethnicity, and African political solidarities in apartheid Namibia. To translate apartheid to Namibia, South Africa re-planned Namibian towns to reinforce colonial divisions between two classes of African laborers: mostly Ovambo migrant laborers from northern Namibia and Angola and, secondly, ethnically diverse laborers from the zone of colonial settlement and investment, the Police Zone. Housing and infrastructure were key to this social engineering project, serving as a conduit for official and company ideas about ‘Ovambo’ and Police Zone laborers. Yet Africans’ uses of infrastructure and ethnic discourses challenged, and provoked debates about the boundaries of urban social and political belonging. Between the 1971–2 general strike of northern contract workers and the 1987 strike against the multinational Tsumeb Corporation Limited, which involved northern contract workers and community members, Africans built a political community that challenged both company and colonial state.