bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From spatial data to spatial knowledge infrastructure: A proposed architecture
Authors: Ivánová Ivana , Siao Him Fa Jeremy , McMeekin David A. , Arnold Lesley M. , Deakin Rob , Wilson Mathew
Published: July 2020

Spatial data infrastructures (SDIs) provide access to spatial data and services for humans to solve spatial problems but represent a barrier for machines such as search engines or spatial services. In this article we propose an architecture for spatial knowledge infrastructure (SKI), which attempts to overcome these limitations, and describe the interactions between its components. The SKI architecture proposed is illustrated for two scenarios. The first is an architecture for an ideal solution requiring spatial data on the web, and the second is for a practical short‐term solution that takes into consideration legacy SDIs as well as spatial data on the web in its implementation. In addition, the utility of the proposed SKI architecture is illustrated with two examples demonstrating the scope of the SKI in two different ways: where the SKI is a “knowledge enabler,” and where the SKI acts as a “knowledge creator.” A discussion on how well the proposed architecture meets current best practice for spatial data on the web, as well as obstacles and challenges in the implementation of the proposed solutions, concludes the article.
BBX28/BBX29, HY5 and BBX30/31 form a feedback loop to fine‐tune photomorphogenic development
Authors: Song Zhaoqing , Yan Tingting , Liu Jiujie , Bian Yeting , Heng Yueqin , Lin Fang , Jiang Yan , Wang Deng Xing , Xu Dongqing
Published: July 2020

Light is one of the key environmental cues controlling photomorphogenic development in plants. A group of B‐box (BBX) proteins play critical roles in this developmental process through diverse regulatory mechanisms. In this study we report that BBX29 acts as a negative regulator of light signaling. BBX29 interacts with CONSTITUTIVELY PHOTOMORPHOGENIC 1 (COP1) and undergoes COP1‐mediated degradation in the dark. Mutant seedlings with loss of BBX29 function show shortened hypocotyls, while transgenic plants overexpressing BBX29 display elongated hypocotyls in the light. Both BBX28 and BBX29 interfere with the binding of ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL 5 (HY5) to the promoters of BBX30 and BBX31, consequently leading to the upregulation of their transcript levels. BBX30 and BBX31 associate with the promoter regions of BBX28 and BBX29, which in turn promotes the expression of these genes. Taken together, this study reveals a transcriptional feedback loop consisting of BBX28, BBX29, BBX30, BBX31, and HY5 that serves to fine‐tune photomorphogenesis in response to light in plants.
A multicenter evaluation of heterogeneity in cellular therapy processing laboratory procedure times to assess workload capacity
Authors: Thibodeaux Suzanne R. , McKenna David H. , Szczepiorkowski Zbigniew M. , Fontaine Magali J. , Kelley Linda , Reems Jo‐Anna , Young Pampee P. ,   for the Biomedical Excellence for Safer Transfusion (BEST) Collaborative
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

Growth in size and complexity of clinical hematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) transplant programs necessitates parallel increases in cellular therapy laboratory (CTL) workload. Typically individually developed, HPC product processing is labor and time intensive. Variation in procedure type and numbers across CTLs complicates direct comparisons, and benchmark data are not readily available.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Studies were undertaken at seven CTLs. Transplant volume and staff numbers were determined. Staff recorded time performing tasks broken down into steps: paperwork, product acceptance, transport/infusion, processing, and cryopreservation. Times were added to obtain total times for 15 common CTL procedures.

RESULTS

Annual transplant volume ranged from 53.4 to 463.2, with products processed by a range of 2 to 10 dedicated CTL staff. Paperwork time constituted 23.7% to 62.3% total time; product processing time accounted for 1.8 (for National Marrow Donor Program product receipt) to 62.6% (for red blood cell reduction of allogeneic HPC products from bone marrow) of total processing time. Mean time for 15 procedures ranged from 1.27 to 8.28 hours (standard deviation range, 0.35‐2.71 hr). Mean time for products from bone marrow versus peripheral blood was 6.6 ± 2.0 versus 5.5 ± 1.1 hours (p = 0.02). Cryopreservation (6.5 ± 1.6 vs. 4.4 ± 0.85 hr; p < 0.01) and manipulation (6.4 ± 1.5 vs. 4.4 ± 0.85 hr; p < 0.01) added time.

CONCLUSION

CTL procedures are time intensive, with wide intra‐ and inter‐CTL variation. Paperwork accounted for substantial portion of total time across procedures. Bone marrow source, cryopreservation, and manipulation contributed to longer times. These findings provide concrete data on which to build regarding CTL workload capacity.
Elements of Cooperation and Competition in Teaching as Perceived by Secondary School Teachers
Authors: Formanová Lucie , Gernešová Lenka , Číková Elen , Šťastník Ondřej , Makovcová Veronika , Zlámalová Lucie
Published: July 2020

This contribution deals with use of elements of cooperation and competition in teaching at secondary schools as perceived by secondary school teachers. For the research quantitative questionnaire survey is used. The objective of the research is to find out whether secondary school teachers use elements of cooperation and competition in their teaching, eventually up to what extent, then which advantages and disadvantages of these methods they find. Research sample consists of 108 respondents—secondary school teachers. Obtained data were evaluated using descriptive statistics and then interpreted. From the obtained results recommendations for teaching practice in the field of secondary school education are provided in the final part of the contribution.
Phenomenon of Symptomatic Speech Disorders of People with Sensory Disability from the Point of View of Speech Therapists
Authors: Hanáková Adéla , Stejskalová Kateřina
Published: July 2020

The issue of symptomatic speech disorders of people with sensory disabilities currently is not in the centre of attention of researchers in theoretical field and, based on our research, not even of the professionals in the speech therapy practice. Though it can more or less substantially influence individual's development and his communication. Even though the speech disorder does not represent dominant problem in the scope of primary disability, it can significantly influence individual's life quality, mainly its psychosocial dimension. We were interested in what is the attitude of speech therapists in practice to this issue, what are their needs and experience. From the collected qualitative and quantitative data there were identified several aspects which determine the care of individuals with sensory disability from the point of view of speech therapists. There appeared mainly questions concerning available resources of professional literature, use of aids, possibilities of further development, question of awareness, experience, approach and general knowledge of speech therapists concerning observed issue.
Typology of Intergenerational Learning amongst the Teachers
Authors: Brücknerová Karla , Novotný Petr
Published: July 2020

This article firstly discusses possible approaches to the creation of typology of intergenerational learning and further it introduces concrete typology of intergenerational learning originating from the qualitative research amongst the teachers of primary and secondary schools. Data from 22 interviews were analysed on three levels and developing typology was continuously verified by its reverse grounding to the data. Introduced typology defines four types of intergenerational learning: accepting, transforming, searching and intergenerationally inspiring. These types are defined based on specifics on the level of content and interactions which amongst the members of different generations in the frame of learning appear. In the conclusion possible benefits of view on the intergenerational learning through the presented typology are discussed.
Possibilities of Use of Art Therapy with Adults and Elderly People
Authors: Sejčová Ľuboslava
Published: July 2020

In the contribution the author defines art therapy as a creative activity, she emphasizes its therapeutic and preventive potential and points out the possibility of influencing adults and elderly people by using art therapy. It would be useful to realize art therapy themes and exercises in social facilities or through the offer of leisure time activities and use their therapeutic and preventive potential. By adapting topics to the needs of chosen age groups of clients they would facilitate solving their current problems (in the family, at work, meaning of life, aging problems etc. Method of realization of art therapy techniques is varied based on the needs of individual clients, depending on whether the activities and themes are aimed at intact clients or at handicapped clients (psychically, physically, socially). Each of these client categories has its specific needs and specific therefore will be also the goals of art therapy. In the contribution therefore specific goals of art therapy with individual types of clients are defined and some suitable themes and techniques of work with adults and elderly people are presented. The author also in the contribution briefly defines Development art therapy programme for adolescents / Personal development, which she realizes at the Faculty of Arts of Comenius University in Bratislava with students of 23 to 26 years of age.
Prevention of Armed Attacks at Schools as a Part of Emergency Situations Didactics
Authors: Kovaříková Miroslava
Published: July 2020

This article deals with the issue of security management and its following application in education. The article focuses on the topic of armed attacks at schools. Based on a research probe aimed at teachers which focused on perception of security risks, there are chosen areas to which Central emergency system services should react. Further, knowledge of technical and organizational measures of emergency plans in the organization and the level of attention paid to this issue by the school management were investigated. In the text there are also international models of solutions of this issue introduced. The contribution also brings outline of how is the issue solved in the European Union countries, in particular in the Kingdom of Spain. Experience with the solution of security issues of schools in Latin America are also mentioned. In the conclusion the summary of measures for improvement of security at schools is presented.
Quality of Life and Value Orientation
Authors: Čepelová Slávka
Published: July 2020

Research contains data analysis obtained through two questionnaires – questionnaire WHOQOL-BREF 1996 about quality of life and a questionnaire for the detection of value orientation, attitude to the values and motivation to achievements (Values-Attitudes-Motiovation). According to obtained data statistic analysis of perceived quality of life by the respondents in general didn't significantly prove any differences between the arithmetic averages of individual groups and areas. None of the factors of value orientation shows negative data correlation with the factors of quality of life. By contrast, positive data correlation appeared in the evaluation of physical quality of life, mental quality of life, or in perception of social quality of life. Total score of quality of life shows positive correlation with educational and economic value orientation. Important findings are that respondents who subjectively see their quality of life as high have their values oriented towards educational and economic area. Since the correlation calculations do not show the direction of this relation, a reverse interpretation is also possible - the respondents with value oriented towards education, knowledge and economical relations, experiencea higher quality of their lives.
Art Creation as an Instrument in Education of Individuals with Disabilities
Authors: Sochor Pavel
Published: July 2020

Theoretical study deals with approaches towards art education of individuals with disabilities. Arts and Education are crucial cultural components and significantly affect the quality of life of people with disabilities in our society. Nowadays both components may serve to promote the ideas od lifelong inclusive education. Intervention in education is influenced by models of disability concepts reflecting different approaches. Art therapy and approach presenting the impact of disability on the basis of social reality is confronted with the presentation of disabled artist´s personality and his diversity. Unique environment of art education centres and art studios provides opportunity for cultivation of personality of a person with disability. The establishment of author with a disablity in artistic style art brut and outsider art in mainstream society can be considered as a form of socialization.
I Like to Solve Problems like an Adult — Global Storylines As a Way of Global Education
Authors: Márová Ivana , Slepičková Lenka
Published: July 2020

Drama techniques such as role playing or structured drama are widespread and frequently used methods of supporting the activity and participation of students in learning. Less known method which combines elements of drama education with global social issues is a Scottish method called Global Storylines. Within a three-year partnership project entitled "Expanding Participatory Teaching of Global Issues in the Primary Schools by Global Storylines Method" in whichthe Centre for Global Education NaZemi and the Institute for Research in Inclusive Education of Faculty of Education of Masaryk University participated, with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,three principal research goals were followed: Global Storylines effect on the participation of students in education; Global Storylines supportive role in teaching global issues, and inclusive potential of Global Storylines method. In the first cycle of the method implementation the research sample consisted of 6 teachers from two elementary schools and one kindergarten, in the second cycle of 16 teachers from seven elementary schools and one kindergarten. To fulfill the research project the following qualitative research methods were used: repeated direct observation in classes (3–4 observations in each class), individual and group interviews with teachers and students, analysis of written teacher’s reflections of the story episodes and the analysis of other outcomes such as students’ works and photographs taken by teachers. The survey showed a high motivational influence on the activity level of students and their participation in education. Building a fictional community, which is the basis of work with the story, positively contributed to the development of imagination of students, strengthening their cooperation, self-esteem and interpersonal relationships. A linking has been detected between the level of participation and the inclusive potential of the method. Creating a new identity allows students and teachers to secede from existing social roles and gain a whole new perspective of each other. Students appreciated the privileges associated with adulthood, especially decision-making power and respect, while teachers welcomed the opportunity to leave the role of authority and become part of a community of learners.
Career Counselling at Primary Schools: Survey Research among Career Counsellors
Authors: Ďurišová Libuše
Published: July 2020

Aim of this empirical study was to obtain a profile of professionals providing career counselling at primary schools in Zlín District (called career counsellors), map the material conditions, propagation and availability of career counselling at schools, including office hours of career counsellors, identification of information sources career counsellors use, ways of their cooperation with pupils’ parents in deciding about further education, what are the other subjects career counsellors cooperate with, discovering problems connected to career counselling at primary schools, comparison of the level of accordance of our results with the results of researches in the field of career counselling realized at the schools in previous years and creating a vision of primary school career counselling. Empirical data collection was carried out in the school year 2013/2014 through electronic questionnaires and content analysis. Quantitative analysis of the questionnaire data confirmed findings of previous researches, that career counsellors are usually teachers with long practice and experience, who perform the function of education counsellor. Improvement appeared both in the field of professional training and in material support and working environment of career counsellors. Analysis further showed that career counsellors belong amongst important factors providing pupils with information concerning the options of further education and through the part they take in the teaching of the educational area Man and the World of Work they help pupils to create a realistic professional goal and provide them with necessary competences. Apart from the positives the analysis discovered also some insufficiencies—in cooperation both with parents and regional companies—potential future employers of pupils finishing the school. Qualitative content analysis enabled to identify problems in career counselling and visions of career counsellors about how should the career counselling and primary schools should look like.
‘White Mars’ – nearly two decades of biomedical research at the Antarctic Concordia station
Authors: Van Ombergen Angelique , Rossiter Andrea , Ngo‐Anh Thu Jennifer
Published: July 2020

New Findings

What is the topic of this review?

Biomedical research at the Antarctic Concordia Station.

What advances does it highlight?

Overview of findings in psychology, neuroscience, sleep, cardiovascular physiology and immune system, relevant in isolated, confined and extreme environments and spaceflight.

Extended stays in isolated, confined and extreme (ICE) environments like Antarctica are associated with a whole set of psychological and physiological challenges for the crew. As such, winter‐over stays at Antarctica provide an important opportunity to acquire knowledge into the physiological and psychological changes that ICE environments inevitably bring. The European Space Agency (ESA) is particularly interested in conducting research in such an environment, as it is a unique opportunity to translate these results to space crews experiencing very similar issues. In the past two decades, the ESA has supported a total of 36 biomedical research projects at the Concordia station in collaboration with the French and Italian polar institutes. More specifically, studies in the areas of psychology, neuroscience, sleep physiology, cardiovascular physiology and immunology were performed. The outcomes of these studies are directly relevant for people working in ICE environments, but also help to better understand the biomedical challenges of those environments. Consequently, they can help to better prepare for human space exploration and to identify countermeasures to minimize the adverse effects of space environments on astronaut health. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the biomedical studies that have taken place in the past two decades at the Antarctic Concordia station and to summarize the results and their implication for human spaceflight.
Implementation of Stair-Shaped Dielectric Layers in Micro- and Macroplasma Actuators for Increased Efficiency and Lifetime
Authors: Rodrigues F. F. , Pascoa J. C.
Published: July 2020

Plasma actuators are electronic devices commonly used for active flow control. These devices have been shown to be effective in a wide variety of fluids engineering applications. In order to increase the efficiency of these devices, the combination of micro-exposed electrodes with stair-shaped dielectric layers is proposed. The flow induced by micro- and macrostair-shaped plasma actuators is experimentally evaluated and its mechanical efficiency is estimated. Furthermore, durability tests are performed in order to show that stair-shaped dielectric layers also allow to increase the device lifetime. It is shown that by combining micro-exposed electrodes with stair-shaped dielectric layers, it is possible to achieve mechanical efficiencies eight times greater than in a conventional macro-actuator. In addition, degradation tests demonstrate that stair-shaped dielectric layers degrade slower and lead to an increased lifetime.
Compressible Simulation of Flow and Sound Around a Small Axial-Flow Fan With Flow Through Casing Slits
Authors: Yokoyama Hiroshi , Minowa Katsutake , Orito Kohei , Nishikawara Masahito , Yanada Hideki
Published: July 2020

Small axial fans are used for cooling electronic equipment and are often installed in a casing with various slits. Direct aeroacoustic simulations and experiments were performed with different casing opening ratios to clarify the effects of the flow through the casing slits on the flow field and acoustic radiation around a small axial fan. Both the predicted and measured results show that aerodynamic performance deteriorates at and near the design flow rate and is higher at low flow rates by completely closing the casing slits compared with the fan in the casing with slits. The predicted flow field shows that the vortical structures in the tip vortices are spread by the suppression of flow through the slits at the design flow rate, leading to the intensification of turbulence in the blade wake. Moreover, the pressure fluctuations on the blade surface are intensified, which increases the aerodynamic sound pressure level. The suppression of the outflow of pressurized air through the downstream part of the slits enhances the aerodynamic performance at low flow rates. Also, the predicted surface streamline at the design flow rate shows that air flows along the blade tip for the fan with slits, whereas the flow toward the blade tip appears for the fan without slits. As a result, the pressure distributions on the blade and the torque exerted on the fan blade are affected by the opening ratio of slits.
Evaluation of optimal education level to implement structured reporting into ultrasound training
Authors: Ernst Benjamin Philipp , Strieth Sebastian , Künzel Julian , Hodeib Mohamed , Katzer Fabian , Eckrich Jonas , Bahr Katharina , Matthias Christoph , Sommer Wieland H , Froelich Matthias F , Becker Sven
Published: July 2020

Aims: Reporting of head and neck ultrasound (HNU) has been outlined to be a major obstacle during ultrasound training due to a lack of standardized structure, content and terminology. Consequently, overall report quality differs significantly between various examiners posing a severe risk factor for information loss and miscommunication. Therefore, the present study’s purpose is to compare the overall quality of free text reports (FTR) and structured reports (SR) of HNU at various stages of training in order to determine the optimal educational level to implement SR.Material and methods: Typical pathologies in HNU were reported upon using SR and FTR by medical students, junior residents and senior residents. The reports were assessed for overall quality, time efficiency and readability. Additionally, user satisfaction was determined using a questionnaire.Results: SRs exhibited a significantly superior report quality (93.1% vs. 45.6%, p<0.001) at all training levels. Overall time efficiency was significantly better for SRs, especially at the stages of medical school and early residency (89.4 s vs. 160.2 s., p<0.001). Using structured reporting also increased user satisfaction significantly (VAS 8.6 vs. 3.9, p<0.001).Conclusions: Implementing structured reporting of HNU results in a superior report quality at all training stages. Greatest benefits for time efficiency are achieved by implementation during medical school. Therefore, structured reporting of HNU should be implemented early on in the training of HNU.
First trimester fetal heart evaluation. A pictorial essay
Authors: Rotar Ioana Cristina , Mureșan Daniel , Mărginean Claudiu , Mărginean Claudiu , Iliescu Dominic Gabriel , Iliescu Dominic Gabriel , Tudorache Ștefania , Tudorache Ștefania
Published: July 2020

Classically fetal heart evaluation is mandatory in the second trimester of pregnancy. Recent data suggest that the diagnosis of congenital heart disease is feasible in the first trimester (FT) of pregnancy, especially for trained examiners. In this pictorial essay we aim to illustrate in detail the particularity of the FT heart evaluation: the specific ultrasound techniques including practical tips for the basic and extended first trimester fetal heart evaluation protocol. The diagnosis is possible by the use of a variety of ultrasound techniques (B mode, CFM, Bidirectional Doppler, STIC, TUI) using the transabdominal/transvaginal probes. An abnormal FT heart scan requires second trimester reassessment. Unfortunately, not all cardiac disease can be potentially diagnosed in the first trimester. Based on their own experience the authors recommend that heart examination in the FT should be attempted in all fetuses, even in low risk pregnancies, using at least the basic Doppler examination protocol.
The Phospholipid:Diacylglycerol Acyltransferase-Mediated Acyl-Coenzyme A-Independent Pathway Efficiently Diverts Fatty Acid Flux from Phospholipid into Triacylglycerol in Escherichia coli
Authors: Wang Lian , Jiang Shan , Chen Wen-Chao , Zhou Xue-Rong , Huang Ting-Xuan , Huang Feng-Hong , Wan Xia
Published: July 2020

Although phospholipid:diacylglycerol acyltransferase (PDAT) activity is presumed to exist in prokaryotic oleaginous bacteria, the corresponding gene has not been identified yet. In this article, we have demonstrated that an acyl-CoA-independent pathway can divert phospholipid flux into TAG formation in
Escherichia coli
mediated by exogenous CrPDAT from
Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
without interfering with membrane functions. In addition, the acyl-CoA-independent pathway and the acyl-CoA-dependent pathway had the synergistic effect on TAG accumulation. Overexpression of
CrPDAT
led to synchronous TAG accumulation during cell growth. In particular, CrPDAT possessed multiple catalytic activities, and the rational mutation of CrPDAT led to the decrease of TAG lipase activity without impairing acyltransferase activity. The present findings suggested that applying PDAT in
E. coli
or other prokaryotic microbes may be a promising strategy for accumulation of TAGs and their derivatives.
Dryland Cropping Systems, Weed Communities, and Disease Status Modulate the Effect of Climate Conditions on Wheat Soil Bacterial Communities
Authors: Ishaq Suzanne L. , Seipel Tim , Yeoman Carl , Menalled Fabian D.
Published: July 2020

Climate change is affecting global moisture and temperature patterns, and its impacts are predicted to worsen over time, posing progressively larger threats to food production. In the Northern Great Plains of the United States, climate change is forecast to increase temperature and decrease precipitation during the summer, and it is expected to negatively affect cereal crop production and pest management. In this study, temperature, soil moisture, weed communities, and disease status had interactive effects with cropping system on bacterial communities. As local climates continue to shift, the dynamics of above- and belowground associated biodiversity will also shift, which will impact food production and increase the need for more sustainable practices.
Horizontal Plasmid Transfer among Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolates Is the Key Factor for Dissemination of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamases among Children in Tanzania
Authors: Pedersen Torunn , Tellevik Marit Gjerde , Kommedal Øyvind , Lindemann Paul Christoffer , Moyo Sabrina John , Janice Jessin , Blomberg Bjørn , Samuelsen Ørjan , Langeland Nina
Published: July 2020

Horizontal spread of plasmids carrying multiple resistance genes is considered an important mechanism behind the global health problem caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria. Nevertheless, knowledge about spread of plasmids in a community is limited. Our detailed molecular analyses of
K. pneumoniae
isolated from hospitalized and healthy children in Tanzania disclosed an epidemic spread of a resistance plasmid. In this study population, we revealed horizontal plasmid transfer among
K. pneumoniae
as the key factor for dissemination of ESBLs. Traditional outbreak investigation and surveillance focus on the spread of bacterial clones, and short-read sequencing can result in erroneous plasmid composition. Our approach using long-read sequencing reveals horizontal gene transfer of antimicrobial resistance, and therefore has a potential impact on outbreak investigations and approaches to limit spread of AMR.
Comparative Study of Protection against Newcastle Disease in Young Broilers Administered Natural Chicken Alpha Interferon via Oral and Intramuscular Routes
Authors: Anjum Faisal Rasheed , Rahman Sajjad Ur , Aslam Muhammad Aamir , Qureshi Anas Sarwar
Published: July 2020

Newcastle disease (ND) is an economically important contagious disease of wild and domestic birds worldwide. The disease causes severe economic losses in terms of production due to high mortality and morbidity in nonvaccinated chickens. Despite extensive vaccination approaches, Newcastle disease (ND) remains a permanent threat to the poultry industry worldwide. In the current study, we used natural chicken IFN-α as an innate immune modulator to counteract ND in chickens. We report that chIFN-α is effective in protecting the chickens against ND and also prevents shedding of the virus, which can then prevent further spread of the disease. We propose that in addition to vaccination, chIFN-α therapy could be an effective option for controlling ND in areas of endemicity.
mSphere of Influence: Innate Immunity at the Maternal-Fetal Barrier
Authors: Jurado Kellie Ann
Published: July 2020

Kellie Ann Jurado works in the field of emerging infectious diseases. In this mSphere of Influence article, she reflects on how the papers “Type III interferons produced by human placental trophoblasts confer protection against Zika virus infection” (
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chom.2016.03.008
) and “A three-dimensional culture system recapitulates placental syncytiotrophoblast development and microbial resistance” (
https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.1501462
) by Carolyn Coyne’s group have made an impact on her, inspiring her to explore immunity in the placenta by indicating the unique innate immune control elicited at the maternal-fetal barrier as well as by providing physiologically relevant model systems for study.
Early Holocene weakening and mid- to late Holocene strengthening of the East Asian winter monsoon
Authors: Kang Shugang , Du Jinhua , Wang Ning , Dong Jibao , Wang Duo , Wang Xulong , Qiang Xiaoke , Song Yougui
Published: July 2020

Sub-orbital-scale variations of the East Asian winter monsoon (EAWM) and its mechanisms during the Holocene are controversial, partly due to the lack of high-quality records from Chinese loess. Here, we present high-resolution reconstruction of Holocene EAWM intensity based on optically stimulated luminescence dating and grain-size analysis from three loess sections taken from the Chinese Loess Plateau. The EAWM showed a persistent weakening trend during the early Holocene (ca. 11.7–6.5 kyr B.P.) and a strengthening trend during the mid- to late Holocene (since ca. 6.5 kyr B.P.). We propose that this was caused by changes in high-latitude Northern Hemisphere ice volume and middle- to high-latitude Northern Hemisphere atmospheric temperatures, respectively. We also observed an anti-correlation between EAWM and East Asian summer monsoon. Our findings provide a robust solution to the debate regarding Holocene EAWM changes and contribute to the understanding of potential future variations in EAWM intensity.
Disability and visual outcomes following suspected abusive head trauma in children under 2 years
Authors: Wright Juliana , Painter Sally , Kodagali Sheethal Sujayeendra , Jones Nicholas R , Roalfe Andrea , Jayawant Sandeep , Elston John , Anand Geetha
Published: July 2020

Aim

To report disability and visual outcomes following suspected abusive head trauma (AHT) in children under 2 years.

Methods

We present a retrospective case series (1995–2017) of children with suspected AHT aged ≤24 months. King’s Outcome Score of Childhood Head Injury (KOSCHI) was used to assess disability outcomes at hospital discharge and at follow-up. The study used a retinal haemorrhage score (RHS) to record findings at presentation and a visual outcome score at follow-up.

Results

We included 44 children (median age 16 weeks). At presentation, 98% had a subdural haemorrhage and 93% had a retinal haemorrhage. At discharge, 61% had moderate-to-severe disability, and 34% a good recovery. A higher RHS was observed in those with more disability (r=−0.54, p=0.0002). At follow-up, 14% had a worse KOSCHI score (p=0.055). 35% children had visual impairment, including 9% with no functional vision. Those with poorer visual function had a higher RHS (r=0.53, p=0.003). 28% attended mainstream school without support; 50% were in foster care or had been adopted, 32% lived with birth mother and 18% with extended family.

Conclusion

It is known that injuries from suspected AHT result in high levels of morbidity; our cohort showed significant rates of disability and visual impairment. Those with higher disability at discharge and poorer visual function showed more significant retinal changes. The extent of disability was not always apparent at hospital discharge, impacting on provision of prognostic information and targeted follow-up.
Confidentiality and psychological treatment of moral injury: the elephant in the room
Authors: Williamson Victoria , Murphy D , Stevelink S A M , Jones E , Wessely S , Greenberg N
Published: July 2020

Morally injurious incidents may present ethical or legal quandaries, yet how military or civilian clinicians should manage such disclosures is poorly understood. Individuals who experience moral injury may be reluctant to seek help due to concerns about the legal ramifications of disclosure. Guidance on breaching patient confidentiality differs by regulatory body but also by profession, geography and context. As moral injury continues to become recognised in clinical practice, in the military and elsewhere, clarity is needed regarding best practice in managing moral injury cases and the dilemmas they present.
TableOne: an online web application and R package for summarising and visualising data
Authors: Panos Agapios , Mavridis Dimitris
Published: July 2020

Objective

To develop an easy-to-use R package and web application that summarises baseline characteristics across different arms of a clinical trial or different exposures.

Methods

Tables and figures are the efficient means of visualising, communicating and summarising data. It is common in comparative effectiveness research to provide a synopsis of characteristics and outcomes across the various treatment groups. The popularity of such a table has earned it a name and we simply call it the ‘TableOne’, as it is usually the first TableOne encounters looking at a published clinical trial. Such a table includes not only descriptive statistics for each group but also appropriate tests (p values and 95% CIs) for checking for differences across groups. We have developed an R package (called TableOne) (accessible throughhttps://github.com/agapiospanos/TableOne) th

at quickly summarises and compares results across different groups. We have also extended it to an online web application that is easily handled by the researcher. All computations are done in R and plots are produced using the plotly library. We provide a detailed description on how to use the web application.

Results

The application guides the user in a step by step format (wizard) and it is accessible through any browser in the following link (https://esm.uoi.gr/shiny/tableone/). Finally, appropriate interactive plots are provided for each variable.

Conclusions

This easy-to-use web application will help researchers quickly and easily to visualise differences across treatment groups or different exposures.
Perspectives of emergency department attendees on outcomes of resuscitation efforts: origins and impact on cardiopulmonary resuscitation preference
Authors: Bandolin Norkamari Shakira , Huang Weixiao , Beckett Laurel , Wintemute Garen
Published: July 2020

Background

Previous studies have shown that individuals overestimate the success of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) while underestimating its morbidity. Although perceptions of CPR success affect medical care in the emergency department (ED), no ED-based studies have been done.

Objective

To survey ED patients and their companions to assess their expectations, hypothesising that variation in information sources, prior exposure to CPR, and healthcare experience would influence predicted CPR success rates.

Methods

A survey was carried out of adults (age >18 years) in the ED waiting area of a tertiary care hospital between June and September 2016. An optimism scale was created to reflect expected likelihood of survival after CPR, or CPR success, under several sets of circumstances. Potential predictors of optimism for CPR outcome were examined using linear regression. Associations between optimism and CPR preference were evaluated using a Wilcoxon rank-sum test.

Results

There were 500 respondents and 53% had performed or witnessed CPR, and/or participated in a CPR course (64%). Television was the main source of information about CPR for >95% of respondents. At least half (51–64%) of respondents estimated the success rate of CPR as over 75% in all situations. Estimated CPR success rates were unrelated to age, sex, race, spiritual beliefs or personal healthcare experience. More than 90% of respondents wanted to receive CPR. Less than one-third of respondents had discussed CPR with a medical provider, but most wished to do so.

Conclusion

Consistent with prior studies, individuals overestimate the success rate of CPR. Healthcare experience does not appear to mitigate optimism about CPR, and individuals overwhelmingly want CPR for themselves. Though few had talked about CPR with a medical provider, most wanted to have informed decision-making conversations. Such discussions could help patients obtain a more realistic view of CPR outcomes.
Biological mechanism study of meditation and its application in mental disorders
Authors: Shen Hui , Chen Meijuan , Cui Donghong
Published: July 2020

In recent years, research on meditation as an important alternative therapy has developed rapidly and been widely applied in clinical medicine. Mechanism studies of meditation have also developed progressively, showing that meditation has great impact on brain structure and function, and epigenetic and telomere regulation. In line with this, the application of meditation has gradually been expanded to mental illness, most often applied for major depressive disorders and substance-related and addictive disorders. The focus of this paper is to illustrate the biological mechanisms of meditation and its application in mental disorders.
Pattern of paresis in ALS is consistent with the physiology of the corticomotoneuronal projections to different muscle groups
Authors: Ludolph Albert C , Emilian Susanne , Dreyhaupt Jens , Rosenbohm Angela , Kraskov Alexander , Lemon Roger N , Del Tredici Kelly , Braak Heiko
Published: July 2020

Objective

A recent neuroanatomical staging scheme of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) indicates that a cortical lesion may spread, as a network disorder, both at the cortical level and via corticofugal tracts, including corticospinal projections providing direct monosynaptic input to α-motoneurons. These projections are involved preferentially and early in ALS. If these findings are clinically relevant, the pattern of paresis in ALS should primarily involve those muscle groups that receive the strongest direct corticomotoneuronal (CM) innervation.

Methods

In a large cohort (N=436), we analysed retrospectively the pattern of muscle paresis in patients with ALS using the UK Medical Research Council (MRC) scoring system; we subsequently carried out two independent prospective studies in two smaller groups (N=92 and N=54).

Results

The results indicated that a characteristic pattern of paresis exists. When pairs of muscle groups were compared within patients, the group known to receive the more pronounced CM connections was significantly weaker. Within patients, there was greater relative weakness (lower MRC score) in thumb abductors versus elbow extensors, for hand extensors versus hand flexors and for elbow flexors versus elbow extensors. In the lower limb, knee flexors were relatively weaker than extensors, and plantar extensors were weaker than plantar flexors.

Conclusions

These findings were mostly significant (p<0.01) for all six pairs of muscles tested and provide indirect support for the concept that ALS may specifically affect muscle groups with strong CM connections. This specific pattern could help to refine clinical and electrophysiological ALS diagnostic criteria and complement prospective clinicopathological correlation studies.
X-ray reflection spectroscopy with Kaluza–Klein black holes
Authors: Zhu Jiachen , Abdikamalov Askar B. , Ayzenberg Dimitry , Azreg-Aïnou Mustapha , Bambi Cosimo , Jamil Mubasher , Nampalliwar Sourabh , Tripathi Ashutosh , Zhou Menglei
Published: July 2020

Kaluza–Klein theory is a popular alternative theory of gravity, with both non-rotating and rotating black hole solutions known. This allows for the possibility that the theory could be observationally tested. We present a model which calculates the reflection spectrum of a black hole accretion disk system, where the black hole is described by a rotating solution of the Kaluza–Klein theory. We also use this model to analyze X-ray data from the stella-mass black hole in GRS 1915+105 and provide constraints on the free parameters of the Kaluza–Klein black holes.
From prompt to direct $$\mathrm{J}/\psi $$ production: new insights on the $$\chi _{{c}1} $$ and $$\chi _{{c}2} $$ polarizations and feed-down contributions from a global-fit analysis of mid-rapidity LHC data
Authors: Faccioli Pietro , Lourenço Carlos , Madlener Thomas
Published: July 2020

While the prompt $$\mathrm{J}/\psi $$J/ψ cross section and polarization have been measured with good precision as a function of transverse momentum, $$p_\mathrm{T}$$pT, those of the directly produced $$\mathrm{J}/\psi $$J/ψ are practically unknown, given that the cross sections and polarizations of the $$\chi _{{c}1} $$χc1 and $$\chi _{{c}2} $$χc2 mesons, large indirect contributors to $$\mathrm{J}/\psi $$J/ψ production, are only known with rather poor accuracy. The lack of precise measurements of the $$\chi _{{c}J} $$χcJ polarizations induces large uncertainties in the level of their feed-down contributions to the prompt $$\mathrm{J}/\psi $$J/ψ yield, because of the polarization-dependent acceptance corrections. The experimental panorama of charmonium production can be significantly improved through a consistent and model-independent global analysis of existing measurements of $$\mathrm{J}/\psi $$J/ψ, $$\psi \mathrm{(2S)}$$ψ(2S) and $$\chi _{c}$$χc cross sections and polarizations, faithfully respecting all the correlations and uncertainties. In particular, it is seen that the $$\chi _{{c}J} $$χcJ polarizations and feed-down fractions to $$\mathrm{J}/\psi $$J/ψ production have a negligible dependence on the $$\mathrm{J}/\psi $$J/ψ$$p_\mathrm{T}$$pT, with average values $$\lambda _\vartheta ^{\chi _{{c}1}} = 0.55 \pm 0.23$$λϑχc1=0.55±0.23, $$\lambda _\vartheta ^{\chi _{{c}2}} = -0.39 \pm 0.22$$λϑχc2=-0.39±0.22, $$R^{\chi _{{c}1}} = (18.8 \pm 1.4)\%$$Rχc1=(18.8±1.4)% and $$R^{\chi _{{c}2}} = (6.5 \pm 0.5)\%$$Rχc2=(6.5±0.5)%. The analysis also shows that $$(67.2 \pm 1.9)$$(67.2±1.9)% of the prompt $$\mathrm{J}/\psi $$J/ψ yield is due to directly-produced mesons, of polarization constrained to remarkably small values, $$\lambda _\vartheta ^{\mathrm{J}/\psi } = 0.04 \pm 0.06$$λϑJ/ψ=0.04±0.06.
On the Dynamics of the q-Deformed Gaussian Map
Authors: Cánovas J. , Muñoz-Guillermo M.
Published: July 2020

Following the scheme inspired by Tsallis [Jagannathan & Sudeshna, 2005; Patidar & Sud, 2009], we study the Gaussian map and its [Formula: see text]-deformed version. We compute the topological entropies of the discrete dynamical systems which are obtained for both maps, the original Gaussian map and its [Formula: see text]-modification. In particular, we are able to obtain the parametric region in which the topological entropy is positive. The analysis of the sign of Schwarzian derivative and the topological entropy allow us a deeper analysis of the dynamics. We also highlight the coexistence of attractors, even if it is possible to determine a wide range of parameters in which one of them is a chaotic attractor.
The Mean Sensitivity and Mean Equicontinuity in Uniform Spaces
Authors: Wu Xinxing , Liang Shudi , Ma Xin , Lu Tianxiu , Ahmadi Seyyed Alireza
Published: July 2020

Some characteristics of mean sensitivity and Banach mean sensitivity using Furstenberg families and inverse limit dynamical systems are obtained. The iterated invariance of mean sensitivity and Banach mean sensitivity are proved. Applying these results, the notion of mean sensitivity and Banach mean sensitivity is extended to uniform spaces. It is proved that a point-transitive dynamical system in a Hausdorff uniform space is either almost (Banach) mean equicontinuous or (Banach) mean sensitive.
The Dust Attenuation Law in Galaxies
Authors: Salim Samir , Narayanan Desika
Published: July 2020

Understanding the properties of dust attenuation curves in galaxies and the physical mechanisms that shape them are among the fundamental questions of extragalactic astrophysics, with great practical significance for deriving the physical properties of galaxies. Attenuation curves result from a combination of dust grain properties, dust content, and the spatial arrangement of dust and different populations of stars. In this review, we assess the state of the field, paying particular attention to extinction curves as the building blocks of attenuation laws. We introduce a quantitative framework to characterize extinction and attenuation curves, present a theoretical foundation for interpreting empirical results, overview an array of observational methods, and review observational results at low and high redshifts. Our main conclusions include the following: ▪  Attenuation curves exhibit a wide range of UV-through-optical slopes, from curves with shallow (Milky Way–like) slopes to those exceeding the slope of the Small Magellanic Cloud extinction curve. ▪  The slopes of the curves correlate strongly with the effective optical opacities, in the sense that galaxies with lower dust column density (lower visual attenuation) tend to have steeper slopes, whereas the galaxies with higher dust column density have shallower (grayer) slopes. ▪  Galaxies exhibit a range of 2175-Å UV bump strengths, including no bump, but, on average, are suppressed compared with the average Milky Way extinction curve. ▪  Theoretical studies indicate that both the correlation between the slope and the dust column as well as variations in bump strength may result from geometric and radiative transfer effects.