bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiaxis Servo Synergic Control Based on Sliding Mode Controller
Authors: He Jing , Jiang Xiang , Zhang Changfan , Ding Jin , Liu Zhitian , Chen Xueyuan , Yang Buchong
Published: October 2019

This paper investigates a relative coupling control strategy based on the sliding mode controller to solve the problem of poor synergy performance of the axes of the dynamic seat during operation and to realize the multiaxis servo synergic control with variable proportions during the operation of the system. Firstly, the proposed method is theoretically proven to be accurate in eliminating tracking errors and synchronization errors between servos in the process of system operation. Secondly, the system simulation model is built in the Simulink simulation environment of MATLAB. On one hand, the final simulation result verifies the accuracy of the theoretical proof. On the other hand, the control strategy is characterized by fast convergence, high synchronization accuracy, and strong robustness; thus, the system has excellent synergy performance. Finally, the motion control platform of the dynamic seat was built for physical verification. The experimental result shows the effectiveness and feasibility of the control strategy.
Influence of No-Tillage on Soil Organic Carbon, Total Soil Nitrogen, and Winter Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Grain Yield
Authors: Omara Peter , Aula Lawrence , Eickhoff Elizabeth M. , Dhillon Jagmandeep S. , Lynch Tyler , Wehmeyer Gwendolyn B. , Raun William
Published: October 2019

No-tillage (NT) can improve soil properties and crop yield. However, there are contrasting reports on its benefits compared to conventional tillage (CT). Dataset (2003–2018) from long-term continuous winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) experiments 222 (E222) at Stillwater and 502 (E502) at Lahoma in Oklahoma, USA, established in 1969 and 1970, respectively, was used. Both experiments were managed under CT until 2010 and changed to NT in 2011. In each tillage system, treatments included nitrogen (N) rates at E222 (0, 45, 90, and 135 kg·N·ha−1) and E502 (0, 22.5, 45, 67, 90, and 112 kg·N·ha−1). The objective was to determine the change in wheat grain yield, soil organic carbon (SOC), and total soil nitrogen (TSN) associated with the change to NT. Grain yield was recorded, and postharvest soil samples taken from 0–15 cm were analyzed for TSN and SOC. Average TSN and SOC under NT were significantly above those under CT at both locations while grain yield differences were inconsistent. Under both tillage systems, grain yield, TSN, and SOC increased with N rates. At E222, grain yield, TSN, and SOC under NT were 23%, 17%, and 29%, respectively, more than recorded under CT. At E502, grain yield was lower under NT than CT by 14% while TSN and SOC were higher by 11% and 13%, respectively. Averaged over experimental locations, wheat grain yield, TSN, and SOC were 5%, 14%, and 21%, respectively, higher under NT compared to CT. Therefore, NT positively influenced grain yield, TSN, and SOC and is likely a sustainable long-term strategy for improving soil quality and crop productivity in a continuous monocropping system.
Reinforcement Effects of Isolation Piles on the Adjacent Existing Tunnel in Building Construction
Authors: Yao Aijun , Lu Jian , Guo Yanfei , Zhang Jiantao , Guo Haifeng
Published: October 2019

Similar material model test and numerical simulation method were used to study the reinforcement effect of isolation piles on the existing shield tunnel structure in the adjacent building construction for analyzing foundation pit excavation and new building construction approaching existing shield tunnel engineering. The numerical simulation orthogonal experiment was used to optimize four isolation pile parameters. The conclusions were obtained as follows: (1) Isolation piles could share horizontal load of the soil at the rear side of the support structure and reduce horizontal displacement of the soil. As a result, maximum horizontal displacement of the tunnel structure and differences in horizontal displacement between the tunnel structure roof and the floor after foundation pit excavation and building loading were decreased. The horizontal displacement and torsional deformation of the tunnel structure toward the direction of the foundation pit were controlled, and the increase in internal forces of the transverse tunnel structure was also restrained. (2) At the elevation above the tunnel roof, the increase in burial depth of the isolation pile top slightly affected the reinforcement effect on the tunnel structure. The increase in burial depth of the isolation pile bottom could improve the reinforcement effect. Thus, burial depth of the isolation pile bottom should be properly increased in the engineering practice. The reduction in pile spacing could improve the reinforcement effect. Accordingly, pile spacing should be properly selected in the engineering practice. With the increase of diameter of the isolation pile, the reinforcement effect of isolation piles increased obviously. (3) Pile diameter had the greatest influence on the reinforcement effect of isolation piles, followed by burial depth of the pile bottom, pile spacing, and burial depth of the pile top. Orthogonal experiments indicated the following optimal parameter values: a pile diameter of 1.2 m, a burial depth of the pile bottom of 2H, a pile spacing of 1.6 m, and a burial depth of the pile top of 0.75Z.
Lymphadenitis “As Rosary beads” - a diagnostic challenge
Authors: Dos Santos Vitorino Modesto , De Azevedo Micheline Silva Abreu , Brito Katia Rejane Marques , Da Luz Larissa Almondes , Ribeiro Kayursula Dantas
Published: October 2019

Introduction: nodular lymphangitis (NL) may be a manifestation of various infectious and non-infectious conditions, characterised by subcutaneous inflammatory nodules that extend from the site of the primary focus to the regional lymph nodes. NL usually constitutes a challenge in primary health care, and histopathological and microbiological evaluations are necessary to establish the definitive diagnosis. Methods: We report a classic case of NL that developed in the upper limb of a middle-aged man after trauma on the right thumb. The objective:  was to emphasise some aspects of the differential diagnosis in a patient with NL and to reduce the rate of misdiagnosis in the scenery of initial medical attention. Results: the clinical manifestations were non-specific, but the microbiological study revealed typical characteristics of sporotrichosis. The treatment with itraconazole (200 mg daily) for six months was successful. Conclusion: NL constitutes a challenging condition and the early diagnosis depends on a high index of suspicion. Case reports may reduce late diagnoses with unfavourable results.
Histone-Related Genes Are Hypermethylated in Lung Cancer and Hypermethylated HIST1H4F Could Serve as a Pan-Cancer Biomarker
Authors: Dong Shihua , Li Wei , Wang Lin , Hu Jie , Song Yuanlin , Zhang Baolong , Ren Xiaoguang , Ji Shimeng , Li Jin , Xu Peng , Liang Ying , Chen Gang , Lou Jia-Tao , Yu Wenqiang
Published: October 2019

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Cytologic examination is the current “gold standard” for lung cancer diagnosis, however, this has low sensitivity. Here, we identified a typical methylation signature of histone genes in lung cancer by whole-genome DNA methylation analysis, which was validated by The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) lung cancer cohort (n = 907) and was further confirmed in 265 bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples with specificity and sensitivity of 96.7% and 87.0%, respectively. More importantly, HIST1H4F was universally hypermethylated in all 17 tumor types from TCGA datasets (n = 7,344), which was further validated in nine different types of cancer (n = 243). These results demonstrate that HIST1H4F can function as a universal-cancer-only methylation (UCOM) marker, which may aid in understanding general tumorigenesis and improve screening for early cancer diagnosis.

Significance:

These findings identify a new biomarker for cancer detection and show that hypermethylation of histone-related genes seems to persist across cancers.
Tumor-Derived Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin Expands Bone Marrow B-cell Precursors in Circulation to Support Metastasis
Authors: Ragonnaud Emeline , Moritoh Kanako , Bodogai Monica , Gusev Fedor , Garaud Soizic , Chen Chen , Wang Xin , Baljinnyam Tuvshintugs , Becker Kevin G. , Maul Robert W. , Willard-Gallo Karen , Rogaev Evgeny , Biragyn Arya
Published: October 2019

Immature B cells in the bone marrow emigrate into the spleen during adult lymphopoiesis. Here, we report that emigration is shifted to earlier B-cell stages in mice with orthotopic breast cancer, spontaneous ovarian cancer, and possibly in human breast carcinoma. Using mouse and human bone marrow aspirates and mouse models challenged with highly metastatic 4T1 breast cancer cells, we demonstrated that this was the result of secretion of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) by cancer cells. First, TSLP downregulated surface expression of bone marrow (BM) retention receptors CXCR4 and VLA4 in B-cell precursors, increasing their motility and, presumably, emigration. Then, TSLP supported peripheral survival and proliferation of BM B-cell precursors such as pre-B–like cells. 4T1 cancer cells used the increased pool of circulating pre-B–like cells to generate metastasis-supporting regulatory B cells. As such, the loss of TSLP expression in cancer cells alone or TSLPR deficiency in B cells blocked both accumulation of pre-B–like cells in circulation and cancer metastasis, implying that the pre-B cell–TSLP axis can be an attractive therapeutic target.

Significance:

Cancer cells induce premature emigration of B-cell precursors from the bone marrow to generate regulatory B cells.
ARID5B Influences Antimetabolite Drug Sensitivity and Prognosis of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Xu Heng , Zhao Xujie , Bhojwani Deepa , E Shuyu , Goodings Charnise , Zhang Hui , Seibel Nita L. , Yang Wentao , Li Chunliang , Carroll William L. , Evans William E. , Yang Jun J.
Published: October 2019

Purpose:

Treatment outcomes for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) have improved steadily, but a significant proportion of patients still experience relapse due to drug resistance, which is partly explained by inherited and/or somatic genetic alternations. Recently, we and others have identified genetic variants in the ARID5B gene associated with susceptibility to ALL and also with relapse. In this study, we sought to characterize the molecular pathway by which ARID5B affects antileukemic drug response in patients with ALL.

Experimental Design:

We analyzed association of ARID5B expression in primary human ALL blasts with molecular subtypes and treatment outcome. Subsequent mechanistic studies were performed in ALL cell lines by manipulating ARID5B expression isogenically, in which we evaluated drug sensitivity, metabolism, and molecular signaling events.

Results:

ARID5B expression varied substantially by ALL subtype, with the highest level being observed in hyperdiploid ALL. Lower ARID5B expression at diagnosis was associated with the risk of ALL relapse, and further reduction was noted at ALL relapse. In isogenic ALL cell models in vitro, ARID5B knockdown led to resistance specific to antimetabolite drugs (i.e., 6-mercaptopurine and methotrexate), without significantly affecting sensitivity to other antileukemic agents. ARID5B downregulation significantly inhibited ALL cell proliferation and caused partial cell-cycle arrest. At the molecular level, the cell-cycle checkpoint regulator p21 (encoded by CDKN1A) was most consistently modulated by ARID5B, plausibly as its direct transcription regulation target.

Conclusions:

Our data indicate that ARID5B is an important molecular determinant of antimetabolite drug sensitivity in ALL, in part, through p21-mediated effects on cell-cycle progression.
Patients with Sacral Neuromodulation: What Are the Factors Affecting Their Therapy Satisfaction?
Authors: Banakhar Mai , Hassouna Magdy
Published: October 2019

Introduction and Objectives: Technology has brought about changes to the sacral neuromodulation (SNM) therapy and has rendered it as a minimally invasive procedure. The presence of tined lead, smaller implantable pulse generator, and the different available patient programmers are the factors new modifications this procedure; however, no enough data are available about patient satisfaction comparing these different parameters. We therefore conducted our study among SNM-implanted patients, assessing factors affecting long-term satisfaction. Patients and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study with a survey questionnaire for all SNM-implanted patients from December 2011 to May 2012. The survey questionnaire included information on patient demographics, level of satisfaction, and the need for combined medical therapy for symptom control, type of programmer used by patient, and their ability to use it efficiently. Results: A total of 117 patients visited the clinic in that duration, and 71 patients filled up the survey questionnaire, with a response rate of 60.7%, diagnosis OAB 41 (57.7%), chronic non-obstructive retention 15 (21.1%) and frequency-urgency syndrome 15 (21.1%). Forty-nine (69%) of patients were on SNM therapy alone, while 31% patients needed other forms of therapy for symptoms control. The types of patient programmers used were old programmers in 10 (14.1%), new programmers in 44 (62%), and twin programmers in 4 patients. Patient SNM therapy satisfaction level was 95.8%, while 3 patients (4.2%) were not satisfied. SNM therapy satisfaction showed that it was correlated with the need for combined therapy for symptoms control (correlation coefficient 0.341, p value = 0.004), but there was no correlation with age, duration of therapy, complication, or programmer type. Conclusion: SNM satisfaction in patients is mainly correlated with the need for additional medications for symptom control.
Association between Use of Statin and Risk of Dementia: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies
Authors: Poly Tahmina Nasrin , Islam Md. Mohaimenul , Walther Bruno Andreas , Yang Hsuan-Chia , Wu Chieh-Chen , Lin Ming-Chin , Li Yu-Chuan
Published: October 2019

Background and Aims: The impact of statin on dementia risk reduction has been a subject of debate over the last decade, but the evidence remains inconclusive. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis of relevant observational studies to quantify the magnitude of the association between statin therapy and the risk of dementia. Methods: We systematically searched for relevant studies published from January 2000 to March 2018 using EMBASE, Google, Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Two authors performed study selection, data abstraction, and risk of bias assessment. We then extracted data from the selected studies and performed meta-analysis of observational studies using a random-effects model. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were also conducted. Results: A total of 30 observational studies, including 9,162,509 participants (84,101 dementia patients), met the eligibility criteria. Patients with statin had a lower all-caused dementia risk than those without statin (risk ratio [RR] 0.83, 95% CI 0.79–0.87, I2 = 57.73%). The overall pooled reduction of Alzheimer disease in patients with statin use was RR 0.69 (95% CI 0.60–0.80, p < 0.0001), and the overall pooled RR of statin use and vascular dementia risk was RR 0.93 (95% CI 0.74–1.16, p = 0.54). Conclusion: This study suggests that the use of statin is significantly associated with a decreased risk of dementia. Future studies measuring such outcomes would provide useful information to patients, clinicians, and policymakers. Until further evidence is established, clinicians need to make sure that statin use should remain restricted to the treatment of cardiovascular disease.
Effect of photobiomodulation on the viability of osteoblasts and fibroblasts submitted to alendronate sodium or zoledronic acid
Authors: Brozoski Mariana Aparecida , Tartaroti Natalia Caroline Aguiar , Traina Andreia Aparecida , Deboni Maria Cristina Zindel , Marques Marcia Martins , Homem Maria Da Graça Naclerio
Published: October 2019

The goal of this study is to evaluate the effect of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) on the viability of osteoblasts and cultured fibroblasts in different concentrations of alendronate or zoledronic acid. Two cell lines: osteoblast-like mouse cells (OSTEO 1) and human buccal mucosa fibroblast (FMM1) were used. Cells were submitted to different concentrations of bisphosphonates (1 μM, 10 μM, and 100 μM sodium alendronate and 3 μM, 5 μM and 10 μM zoledronic acid) for 24 hours. Next, the cultures received PBMT. The irradiations were applied with a diode laser (InGaAIP, 660 nm, 30 mW, spot 0.028 cm2) in continuous, punctual and contact mode at two energy densities: 5 J/cm2 (4.5 s) or 10 Jcm2 (9s) with 6 hours-intervals. Cell viability was determined by mitochondrial activity assay (MTT) 24 h after the last irradiation. The data were compared by the one way- ANOVA, complemented by the Tukey’s test (p < 0.05). Sodium alendronate at concentrations of 100 μM and 10 μM and zoledronic acid at 10 μM concentration showed higher long-term toxicity. The cellular viability of the PBMT treated group was significantly higher than that of the negative control group. The same occurred with the osteoblasts treated with the highest concentrations of the drug (5 and 10 μM), despite not reaching the cell viability of the positive control group, it presented greater viability than the negative control where the cells were not irradiated. In the groups submitted to zoledronic acid, positive controls presented greater cell viability. We concluded that under the parameters applied in this study, PBMT at an energy density of 5 J/cm2 was able to revert the toxicity of sodium alendronate applied at the higher concentrations in both cell types, whereas zoledronic acid toxicity, regardless of its concentrations, was not influenced by PBMT.
An Unbiased Proteomics Method to Assess the Maturation of Human Pluripotent Stem Cell–Derived Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Cai Wenxuan , Zhang Jianhua , de Lange Willem J. , Gregorich Zachery R. , Karp Hannah , Farrell Emily T. , Mitchell Stanford D. , Tucholski Trisha , Lin Ziqing , Biermann Mitch , McIlwain Sean J. , Ralphe J. Carter , Kamp Timothy J. , Ge Ying
Published: October 2019

Rationale:

Human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)–derived cardiomyocytes exhibit the properties of fetal cardiomyocytes, which limits their applications. Various methods have been used to promote maturation of hPSC-cardiomyocytes; however, there is a lack of an unbiased and comprehensive method for accurate assessment of the maturity of hPSC-cardiomyocytes.

Objective:

We aim to develop an unbiased proteomics strategy integrating high-throughput top-down targeted proteomics and bottom-up global proteomics for the accurate and comprehensive assessment of hPSC-cardiomyocyte maturation.

Methods and Results:

Utilizing hPSC-cardiomyocytes from early- and late-stage 2-dimensional monolayer culture and 3-dimensional engineered cardiac tissue, we demonstrated the high reproducibility and reliability of a top-down proteomics method, which enabled simultaneous quantification of contractile protein isoform expression and associated post-translational modifications. This method allowed for the detection of known maturation-associated contractile protein alterations and, for the first time, identified contractile protein post-translational modifications as promising new markers of hPSC-cardiomyocytes maturation. Most notably, decreased phosphorylation of α-tropomyosin was found to be associated with hPSC-cardiomyocyte maturation. By employing a bottom-up global proteomics strategy, we identified candidate maturation-associated markers important for sarcomere organization, cardiac excitability, and Ca
2+
homeostasis. In particular, upregulation of myomesin 1 and transmembrane 65 was associated with hPSC-cardiomyocyte maturation and validated in cardiac development, making these promising markers for assessing maturity of hPSC-cardiomyocytes. We have further validated α-actinin isoforms, phospholamban, dystrophin, αB-crystallin, and calsequestrin 2 as novel maturation-associated markers, in the developing mouse cardiac ventricles.

Conclusions:

We established an unbiased proteomics method that can provide accurate and specific assessment of the maturity of hPSC-cardiomyocytes and identified new markers of maturation. Furthermore, this integrated proteomics strategy laid a strong foundation for uncovering the molecular pathways involved in cardiac development and disease using hPSC-cardiomyocytes.
Serpinema cayennensis n. sp. (Nematoda: Camallanidae), a parasite of the freshwater turtle Rhinoclemmys punctularia Daudin (Reptilia: Testudines: Geoemydidae) from French Guiana: morphology and phylogenetic relationships with other turtle-parasitising camallanids
Authors: HARNOSTER FLORENCE , SVITIN ROMAN , PREEZ LOUIS DU
Published: October 2019

The genus Serpinema was erected from the genus Camallanus to include species parasitising freshwater turtles. Following this, the taxonomic status of Serpinema was challenged by different authors considering it as a subgenus or junior synonym of Camallanus. Several specimens of these nematodes were retrieved from the spot-legged wood turtle Rhinoclemmys punctularia from Cayenne, French Guiana. These specimens clearly differed from previously reported Serpinema and Camallanus species parasitising turtles by the number of caudal papillae, shape of spicules and development of vulvar lips. Based on morphological characters the nematodes were assigned to the genus Serpinema and described as a new species S. cayennensis n. sp. The description followed by the molecular data analyses based on 28S, 18S rDNA and cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene sequences.
Review of the tent-web spider genus Uroctea Dufour, 1820 in China, with descriptions of two new species (Araneae: Oecobiidae)
Authors: YANG ZI-ZHONG , YANG ZHI-BIN , ZHAO YU , ZHANG ZHI-SHENG
Published: October 2019

This paper concerns four species of the spider genus Uroctea Dufour, 1820 (Oecobiidae) from China. Two species, U. compactilis L. Koch, 1878 and U. lesserti Schenkel, 1936 are redescribed. Two new species are described here under the names U. multiprocessa Yang & Zhang sp. nov. (male only, from Batang County of Sichuan Prov.) and U. yunlingensis Yang & Zhao sp. nov. (both sexes from Yunling Mountains area of Yunnan Prov.). Color images of habitus and genitalia, SEM images of the male palps, and illustrations of epigynes of all species are provided. Specimens examined are deposited in the Institute of Entomoceutics Research, Dali University, China (DUIER) and School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, China (SWUC).
On further species of the spider genus Clubiona Latreille, 1804 (Araneae, Clubionidae) from Xishuangbanna Rainforest, southwestern China
Authors: YU HAO , LI SHUQIANG
Published: October 2019

A further study of the spider genus Clubiona Latreille, 1804 from Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, China is presented. A total of ten species, eight of which new to science, are here addressed, raising from 18 to 27 the number of species of the genus known to the area. Clubiona didentata Zhang & Yin, 1998 is redescribed based on new specimens from type locality, with the first description of the female. C. kai Jäger & Dankittipakul, 2010 is newly recorded from China, and the female is reported for the first time. Seven of the new species here described belongs to four species groups: C. cochlearis sp. nov. (♂) and C. tiane sp. nov. (♂) from the C. corticalis species-group; C. tongi sp. nov. (♂♀) from the C. hystrix species-group; C. yueya sp. nov. (♂♀) and C. zhanggureni sp. nov. (♂) from the C. japonica species-group; and C. bicornis sp. nov. (♂) and C. subasrevida sp. nov. (♂♀) from the C. trivialis species-group. The eighth new species, C. jiandan sp. nov. (♂♀) is not readily assignable to any of the existing species groups.
New species, diversity, systematics, and conservation assessment of the Puppet Toads of Sumatra (Anura: Bufonidae: Sigalegalephrynus)
Authors: SARKER GOUTAM C. , WOSTL ELIJAH , THAMMACHOTI PANUPONG , SIDIK IRVAN , HAMIDY AMIR , KURNIAWAN NIA , SMITH ERIC N.
Published: October 2019

Using a combination of morphological and molecular data we recognize three new species of Puppet Toad, Sigalegalephrynus Smart, Sarker, Arifin, Harvey, Sidik, Hamidy, Kurniawan & Smith, a recently described genus endemic to the highland forests of Sumatra, Indonesia. Phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial DNA sequences recovered a monophyletic relationship among all Puppet Toads, with two distinct evolutionary clades, a northern and a southern. The northern clade includes Sigalegalephrynus gayoluesensis sp. nov., and S. burnitelongensis sp. nov., and the southern clade includes S. harveyi sp. nov., S. mandailinguensis, and S. minangkabauensis. With the discovery of these three new species, Sigalegalephrynus contains more endemic species than any other genus of toad in Indonesia. We used maximum entropy, implemented in MaxEnt, to identify suitable habitats and occurrence probability of additional undescribed new species from the island. The most important predictors of Sigalegalephrynus distribution were elevation (64.5%) and land cover (7.11%). Based on the probability of presence, it is likely that there are many more species of the genus awaiting discovery in Sumatra. Our analysis, based on IUCN Red List of Threatened Species category and criteria, shows that all of the five species of Sigalegalephrynus are in great risk of extinction and should be placed into the Endangered (EN) category of IUCN Red List.
100 Years of Progress in Cloud Physics, Aerosols, and Aerosol Chemistry Research
Authors: Kreidenweis Sonia M. , Petters Markus , Lohmann Ulrike
Published: October 2019

This chapter reviews the history of the discovery of cloud nuclei and their impacts on cloud microphysics and the climate system. Pioneers including John Aitken, Sir John Mason, Hilding Köhler, Christian Junge, Sean Twomey, and Kenneth Whitby laid the foundations of the field. Through their contributions and those of many others, rapid progress has been made in the last 100 years in understanding the sources, evolution, and composition of the atmospheric aerosol, the interactions of particles with atmospheric water vapor, and cloud microphysical processes. Major breakthroughs in measurement capabilities and in theoretical understanding have elucidated the characteristics of cloud condensation nuclei and ice nucleating particles and the role these play in shaping cloud microphysical properties and the formation of precipitation. Despite these advances, not all their impacts on cloud formation and evolution have been resolved. The resulting radiative forcing on the climate system due to aerosol–cloud interactions remains an unacceptably large uncertainty in future climate projections. Process-level understanding of aerosol–cloud interactions remains insufficient to support technological mitigation strategies such as intentional weather modification or geoengineering to accelerating Earth-system-wide changes in temperature and weather patterns.
A Vision Statement From the New Editor
Authors: Kim Bryan S. K.
Published: October 2019

As the new editor of The Counseling Psychologist, I describe my vision for the journal. I have five overarching goals designed to improve the journal’s impact on the field of counseling psychology and three initiatives, two of which are targeted to improve the relevance of TCP to practitioners, advocates, and educators/trainers, and to international readers. The third initiative is to have TCP indexed in Medline. I also describe two improvements to TCP relative to its operational capacity and efficiency.
Rasch Versus Classical Equating in the Context of Small Sample Sizes
Authors: Babcock Ben , Hodge Kari J.
Published: October 2019

Equating and scaling in the context of small sample exams, such as credentialing exams for highly specialized professions, has received increased attention in recent research. Investigators have proposed a variety of both classical and Rasch-based approaches to the problem. This study attempts to extend past research by (1) directly comparing classical and Rasch techniques of equating exam scores when sample sizes are small ( N≤ 100 per exam form) and (2) attempting to pool multiple forms’ worth of data to improve estimation in the Rasch framework. We simulated multiple years of a small-sample exam program by resampling from a larger certification exam program’s real data. Results showed that combining multiple administrations’ worth of data via the Rasch model can lead to more accurate equating compared to classical methods designed to work well in small samples. WINSTEPS-based Rasch methods that used multiple exam forms’ data worked better than Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods, as the prior distribution used to estimate the item difficulty parameters biased predicted scores when there were difficulty differences between exam forms.
Numerical simulation on heat extraction performance of enhanced geothermal system under the different well layout
Authors: Ma Yuanyuan , Li Shibin , Zhang Ligang , Li Hao , Liu Zhaoyi
Published: October 2019

China has hundreds of thousands of oil and water wells, about 30% of which have been abandoned currently. If we can convert abandoned wells into geothermal wells, it will save lots of money and reduce drilling and completion time greatly. In this paper, six enhanced geothermal system (EGS) well layout schemes are proposed based on the utilization of abandoned oil–water wells and common oilfield well pattern. Here six common injection-production well patterns in oilfield are combined to hot dry rock (HDR) production and the heat extraction performance is simulated. The results show that the injection well number and the location of injection wells have critical influence on the heat extraction performance. Under the same total injection mass flow rate, the injection well number is the key factor and the fracture area is the secondary factor on heat extraction when the HDR energy is enough. For electricity generation, the life span is 20.2, 19.2, 19.0, 19.2, 18.2 and 13.9 years, and the heat extraction ratio is 65.83, 57.35, 65.96, 62.79, 59.30 and 43.09% from case 1 to case 6, respectively. For heating demand, the life span is 30.0, 30.0, 29.9, 30.0, 29.8, and 27.7 years, the heat extraction ratio is 78.91, 69.63, 77.02, 75.92, 72.27 and 58.94% from case 1 to case 6, respectively. The total injection mass flow rate and injection temperature also have a negative effect on the heat extraction performance. Case 1 (row parallel well layout), Case 3 (four-spot well layout) and Case 4 (five-spot well layout) are a good choice both for electricity generation and heating demand. This study provides good guidance for the selection and optimization of different EGS well layout.
Meta-Analysis Comparing Steroids and Diuretics in the Treatment of Acute Low-Tone Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Authors: Zhu Yueying , Li Guangqi , Zhuang Huiwen , Yang Zijun , Sun JinCangjian , Xiong Guangxia , Wang Xianren
Published: October 2019

Objective:

Our objective was to perform a meta-analysis to compare the effectiveness of steroids and diuretics in the treatment of acute low-tone sensorineural hearing loss (ALHL).

Methods:

PubMed, Google Scholar, and Sci databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the treatment of ALHL with steroids and diuretics. The Cochrane Reviewer’s Handbook 5.0 evaluation criteria were used to evaluate the quality of the included RCTs. Meta-analysis was performed using Revman 5.3 software to compare the recovery rate of low-tone hearing levels between patients treated with steroids and diuretics.

Results:

A total of 3 RCTs were included. There was no heterogeneity between the 3 studies (χ2 = 2.61, P = .27, I2 = 23%); thus, a fixed-effects model of analysis was used. Meta-analysis showed there was no significant difference in the recovery rate of patients treated with steroids and those treated with diuretics (odds ratio = 1.48, 95% confidence interval: 0.64-3.40, P = .36).

Conclusion:

Steroids and diuretics are equally effective for the treatment of ALHL.
Clinical manifestations and outcome analysis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis infection: a retrospective study in 43 nonneutropenic patients
Authors: Zhang Lihong , Che Chunli
Published: October 2019

Objective

To investigate clinical characteristics of early-onset invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) in nonneutropenic patients.

Methods

Retrospective analysis was used to investigate clinical manifestations and auxiliary examination characteristics in 43 patients with IPA and 51 patients with community-acquired pneumonia in the early stage.

Results

Risk factors of IPA were dust and mold exposure, bronchiectasis, old pulmonary tuberculosis, and nasosinusitis. The incidence rate of complex clinical manifestations was 60.47% during the first week of IPA. The incidence rate of white blood cell (WBC) count >20.0 × 109/L was 51.16%. Lung CT findings indicated incidence rates of single or multiple nodules with a halo sign and central airway expansion with ground glass opacity were 27.9% and 37.21%, respectively. Mortality rates of patients with IPA given empirical and targeted antifungal treatments were 12.0% and 42.9%, respectively.

Conclusions

Bronchiectasis, old pulmonary tuberculosis, nasosinusitis, and dust and mold exposure may increase the risk of IPA. Single or multiple nodules with a halo sign and central airway expansion with ground glass opacity may be early-stage lung CT findings in patients with IPA. A WBC count >20.0 × 109/L may aid in early diagnosis, and empirical antifungal therapy may reduce mortality in patients with IPA.
Symptomatic Venous Thromboembolism After Achilles Tendon Rupture: A Nationwide Danish Cohort Study of 28,546 Patients With Achilles Tendon Rupture
Authors: Pedersen Melissa Hornbæk , Wahlsten Liv Riisager , Grønborg Henrik , Gislason Gunnar Hilmar , Petersen Michael Mørk , Bonde Anders Nissen
Published: October 2019

Background:

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a well-known complication of Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) and carries a high risk of morbidity and mortality. Although routine thromboprophylaxis for patients with ATR is not recommended, sparse knowledge is available regarding risk factors associated with VTE in patients with ATR.

Purpose:

To use Danish nationwide registers to identify incidence rates for symptomatic VTE and risk factors associated with increased risk of developing VTE in patients with ATR.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

By crosslinking nationwide registers, we identified all patients with diagnosed ATR in Denmark from 1997 to 2015. We stratified patients into 4 groups by age and treatment modality (ie, operative vs nonoperative treatment). The main outcome was VTE within 180 days. We calculated crude incidence rates and considered age, sex, year, comorbidities, and medications as risk factors for VTE in Poisson regression models.

Results:

We identified 28,546 patients with ATR, of whom 389 (1.36%) were hospitalized with VTE during the follow-up period: 278 due to deep vein thromboses and 138 due to pulmonary embolism. Incidence rates were highest during the first month and ranged from 4.6 to 14.6 events per 100 person-years. VTEs were most frequent among nonoperatively treated patients aged ≥50 years. In Poisson regression analyses, having had VTE beforehand was associated with an increased risk of VTE, as was male sex in the nonoperative treatment group aged ≥50 years; among women <50 years of age, hormonal contraceptives led to a 4- to 6-fold higher risk of VTE compared with patients in the same group without the equivalent risk factor.

Conclusion:

In this nationwide cohort of patients with ATR, 1.36% developed symptomatic VTE during follow-up. Hormonal contraception, previous VTE, older age group, and male sex increased the risk of VTE. Taken together, the results of the present study suggest that focus on risk stratification and initiatives to prevent VTE might be warranted. A randomized controlled trial could answer this question.
A Cry for Care But not Justice: Embodied Vulnerabilities and the Moral Economy of Child Welfare
Authors: Knezevic Zlatana
Published: October 2019

This study explores the pivotal role of the body for political recognition and rights claims in child welfare “moral” interventions. I examine how the bodily figures in child welfare assessments, linking these manifestations to the concept of the moral economy of care. A sample of assessment reports from a Swedish municipality, all addressing violations of children’s bodies or integrity, are used as empirical material. I show how the psychosomatically suffering child is being best “heard” as vulnerable. I also argue that such a moral economy of care silences children’s accounts of gendered and racial injustices. Furthermore, racialized moral divides are indicated when assessments of different child bodies are considered. A concluding remark points to a need for a child welfare moral economy of social justice that responds to structural intersecting injustices in childhoods, including to those of a racialized child welfare and its individualized and symptom-oriented services.
City Profile: Batangas City, Philippines
Authors: Reyes Mario R. Delos , Daguio Keith Gerard L. , Gamboa Mark Anthony M.
Published: October 2019

Cities have always been the predominant centres of political power, economic growth, educational and cultural advancement and technological innovation. However, rapid urbanization and growth of metropolitan cities, especially in developing countries, have resulted to various challenges that national and local governments and institutions fail to address completely. Against this background, small- and medium-sized cities are becoming the new growth nodes of the country. Batangas City in the Philippines is a medium-sized city located in the proximity of the Metro Manila region. This article provides an overview of the urbanization of Batangas City with special reference to its social, economic and urban characteristics along with its pressing challenges. The study highlights the current state of Batangas City with an emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on health, education and urban sustainability. Finally, the article attempts to conclude on whether the city is gearing towards a learning, healthy and sustainable Batangas City.
Immigration and Impassioned Management Scholarship
Authors: McGahan Anita M.
Published: October 2019

Businesses in a wide range of industries profit from the immigration of vulnerable people who are crossing international boundaries to escape war, famine, poverty, and persecution. I argue that the field of management faces a moral, humanitarian, and social imperative to deal comprehensively with the implications of this fact.
Climate Financing Through the Adaptation Fund: What Determines Fund Allocation?
Authors: Mori Akihisa , Rahman Syed M. , Uddin Md. Nasir
Published: October 2019

There is an ongoing debate about criteria based on which allocation of climate finance, particularly financing adaptation, is made. This article aims at investigating the determinants of fund allocation and the consequences of rearrangement considering the case of the Adaptation Fund (AF). This research conducts a mixed-method approach including binary logistic regression and multiple regressions to analyze the factors that influence access to and volume of funding from the AF, respectively, along with a qualitative assessment of the AF’s institutional features. The findings suggest that the level of vulnerability of a country is likely to affect accessibility to and the volume of funding from the AF. Besides, low-income countries are more likely while least developed countries are less likely to access the fund. Readiness of country is not significant for accessing the AF; however, it affects the volume of funding. Funding allocation rearrangement may put the AF on pressure for effective use of the readiness program.
Phage constructs targeting gonadotropin-releasing hormone for fertility control: evaluation in cats
Authors: Johnson Aime K , Jones Rebecca L , Kraneburg Carol J , Cochran Anna M , Samoylov Alexandre M , Wright James C , Hutchinson Cynthia , Picut Catherine , Cattley Russell C , Martin Douglas R , Samoylova Tatiana I
Published: October 2019

Objectives

Phage–gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) constructs with potential contraceptive properties were generated in our previous study via selection from a phage display library using neutralizing GnRH antibodies as selection targets. In mice, these constructs invoked the production of antibodies against GnRH and suppressed serum testosterone. The goal of this study was to evaluate this vaccine against GnRH for its potential to suppress reproductive characteristics in cats.

Methods

Sexually mature male cats were injected with a phage–GnRH vaccine using the following treatment groups: (1) single phage–GnRH vaccine with adjuvant; (2) phage–GnRH vaccine without adjuvant and half-dose booster 1 month later; or (3) phage–GnRH vaccine with adjuvant and two half-dose boosters with adjuvant 3 and 6 months later. Anti-GnRH antibodies and serum testosterone, testicular volume and sperm characteristics were evaluated monthly for 7–9 months.

Results

All cats developed anti-GnRH antibodies following immunization. Serum antibody titers increased significantly after booster immunizations. In group 3, serum testosterone was suppressed 8 months after primary immunization. Total testicular volume decreased in group 1 by 24–42% and in group 3 by 15–36% at 7 months after immunization, indicating potential gonadal atrophy. Vacuolation of epididymides was observed histologically. Although all cats produced sperm at the conclusion of the study, normal morphology was decreased as much as 38%. Phage alone produced no local or systemic reactions. Immunization of phage with AdjuVac produced unacceptable injection site reactions.

Conclusions and relevance

Our phage-based vaccine against GnRH demonstrated a potential for fertility impairment in cats. Future research is required to optimize vaccine regimens and identify animal age groups most responsive to the vaccine. If permanent contraception (highly desirable in feral and shelter cats) cannot be achieved, the vaccine has a potential use in zoo animals or pets where multiple administrations are more practical and/or reversible infertility is desirable.
Novel USH1G homozygous variant underlying USH2-like phenotype of Usher syndrome
Authors: D’Esposito Fabiana , Randazzo Viviana , Cennamo Gilda , Centore Nicola , Maltese Paolo Enrico , Malesci Rita , D’Andrea Luca , Bertelli Matteo , Marciano Elio , de Crecchio Giuseppe , Pioppo Antonino , Magli Adriano , Cordeiro Maria Francesca
Published: October 2019

Purpose:

Usher syndrome (USH) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by congenital sensorineural hearing impairment and retinitis pigmentosa. Classification distinguishes three clinical types of which type I (USH1) is the most severe, with vestibular dysfunction as an added feature. To date, 15 genes and 3 loci have been identified with the USH1G gene being an uncommon cause of USH. We describe an atypical USH1G-related phenotype caused by a novel homozygous missense variation in a patient with profound hearing impairment and relatively mild retinitis pigmentosa, but no vestibular dysfunction.

Methods:

A 26-year-old female patient with profound congenital sensorineural hearing loss, nyctalopia and retinitis pigmentosa was studied. Audiometric, vestibular and ophthalmologic examination was performed. A panel of 13 genes was tested by next-generation sequencing (NGS).

Results:

While the hearing loss was confirmed to be profound, the vestibular function resulted normal. Although typical retinitis pigmentosa was present, the age at onset was unusually late for USH1 syndrome. A novel homozygous missense variation (c.1187T>A, p.Leu396Gln) in the USH1G gene has been identified as causing the disease in our patient.

Conclusions:

Genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity are very common in both isolated and syndromic retinal dystrophies and sensorineural hearing loss. Our findings widen the spectrum of USH allelic disorders and strength the concept that variants in genes that are classically known as underlying one specific clinical USH subtype might result in unexpected phenotypes.
Risk of cancer among multiple sclerosis patients, siblings, and population controls: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Grytten Nina , Myhr Kjell-Morten , Celius Elisabeth G , Benjaminsen Espen , Kampman Margitta , Midgard Rune , Vatne Anita , Aarseth Jan H , Riise Trond , Torkildsen Øivind
Published: October 2019

Background:

Risk of cancer in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients compared to their siblings is unknown.

Objective:

The objective was to prospectively investigate the risk of cancer among MS patients compared to siblings without MS and to population controls.

Methods:

We retrieved data on MS patients born between 1930 and 1979 from the Norwegian Multiple Sclerosis Registry and population studies and on cancer diagnosis from the Cancer Registry of Norway. We used adjusted Cox proportional hazard regression to estimate cancer risk among 6883 MS patients, 8918 siblings without MS, and 37,919 population controls.

Results:

During 65 years of follow-up, cancer risk among MS patients was higher than that among population controls (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.14, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.05–1.23) in respiratory organs (HR = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.26–2.19), urinary organs (HR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.12–2.04), and the central nervous system (HR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.11–2. 09). Siblings had higher risk of hematological cancers compared with MS patients (HR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.21–2.73) and population controls (HR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.36–2.18).

Conclusion:

MS patients were associated with increased risk of cancer compared to population controls. Siblings had increased risk of hematological cancer. This indicates that MS and hematological cancer could share a common etiology.
A critical discourse analysis of gendered cardiovascular disease meanings of the #MoreMoments campaign on Twitter
Authors: Gonsalves Christine A , McGannon Kerry R , Pegoraro Ann
Published: October 2019

The purpose of this study was to explore how the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada and Canadian Twitter users linked women’s experiences and health identities with the #MoreMoments cardiovascular disease awareness campaign. Critical discourse analysis of Twitter data between September 2017 and November 2017 identified two primary discourses (tragedy and loss, and life and health) and two identity/subject positions (visionary leaders and successful survivors). Responsibility for women’s health was attributed to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, also limiting neo-liberal healthism and risk identification. Novel findings included resistance through use of ‘small stories’ within discourses regarding the targeted demographic for health promotion and knowledge translation.
Probability reasoning in judicial fact-finding
Authors: Hunt Ian , Mostyn Justice
Published: October 2019

We argue that the laws of probability promote coherent fact-finding and avoid potentially unjust logical contradictions. But we do not argue that a probabilistic Bayesian approach is sufficient or even necessary for good fact-finding. First, we explain the use of probability reasoning in Re D (A Child) [2014] EWHC 121 (Fam) and Re L (A Child) [2017] EWHC 3707 (Fam). Then we criticise the attack on this probabilistic reasoning found in Re A (Children) [2018] EWCA Civ 1718, which is the appeal decision on Re L. We conclude that the attack is unjustified and that the probability statements in the two cases were both valid and useful. We also use probabilistic reasoning to enlighten legal principles related to inherent probability, the Binary Method and the blue bus paradox.