bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Capturing juvenile tree dynamics from count data using Approximate Bayesian Computation
Authors: Lines E. R. , Zavala M. A. , Ruiz‐Benito P. , Coomes D. A.
Published: December 2019

The juvenile life stage is a crucial determinant of forest dynamics and a first indicator of changes to species' ranges under climate change. However, paucity of detailed re‐measurement data of seedlings, saplings and small trees means that their demography is not well understood at large scales, and rarely represented in forest models in detail. In this study we quantify the effects of climate and density dependence on recruitment and juvenile growth and mortality rates of thirteen species measured in the Spanish Forest Inventory. Single‐census sapling count data is used to constrain demographic parameters of a simple forest juvenile dynamics model based on the perfect plasticity approximation model (PPA) within a likelihood‐free parameterisation method, Approximate Bayesian Computation. Our results highlight marked differences between species, and the important role of climate and stand structure, in controlling juvenile dynamics. Recruitment had a hump‐shaped relationship with conspecific density, and for most species conspecific competition had a stronger negative effect than heterospecific competition. Mediterranean species showed on average higher mortality and lower growth rates than temperate species, and in low density stands recruitment and mortality rates were positively correlated. Under climate change our model predicted declines in recruitment rates for almost all species. Reliable predictive models of forest dynamics should include realistic representation of critical early life‐stage processes and our approach demonstrates that existing coarse count data can be used to parameterise such models. Approximate Bayesian Computation may have wide application in many fields of ecology to unlock information about past processes from single survey observations.
Predator demographics and dispersal in alfalfa trap‐cropped strawberry
Authors: Hagler James R. , Nieto Diego J. , Machtley Scott A. , Swezey Sean L.
Published: December 2019

Alfalfa, Medicago sativa L. (Fabaceae), is a highly preferred host plant of Lygus spp. (Hemiptera: Miridae). As such, intercropping alfalfa trap‐crops in strawberry production can serve as a sink for both Lygus (primarily Lygus hesperus Knight) and its natural enemies. Here we investigated the population dynamics and dispersal characteristics of the generalist predator complex in strawberry fields with alfalfa trap‐crops spaced 50 rows (62 m) apart. Predator abundance was determined by counting six focal taxa collected from strawberry and alfalfa. The data revealed that Orius spp. (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) were the numerically dominant predator taxa, comprising 84% of the focal predator population. In general, the population densities obtained for the various taxa throughout this agroecosystem were unexpectedly uniform. Predator movement from a central alfalfa trap‐crop row was determined using a protein mark–capture procedure. Most protein‐marked predator specimens were collected less than 2 m from the centrally marked alfalfa row, indicating that the trap‐crop often produces a predator sink. Results suggest that alfalfa is a useful cultural (trap‐cropping) and a biological (refuge for natural enemies) control tactic for managing Lygus spp. in strawberries.
Structural insights into substrate recognition and catalysis by glycoside hydrolase family 87 α‐1,3‐glucanase from Paenibacillus glycanilyticus FH11
Authors: Itoh Takafumi , Intuy Rattanaporn , Suyotha Wasana , Hayashi Junji , Yano Shigekazu , Makabe Koki , Wakayama Mamoru , Hibi Takao
Published: December 2019

The α‐1,3‐glucanase from Paenibacillus glycanilyticus FH11 (Agl‐FH1), a member of the glycoside hydrolase family 87 (GH87), hydrolyzes α‐1,3‐glucan with an endo‐action. GH87 enzymes are known to degrade dental plaque produced by oral pathogenic Streptococcus species. In this study, the kinetic analyses revealed that this enzyme hydrolyzed α‐1,3‐tetraglucan into glucose and α‐1,3‐triglucan with β‐configuration at the reducing end by an inverting mechanism. The crystal structures of the catalytic domain (CatAgl‐FH1) complexed with or without oligosaccharides at 1.4–2.5 or 1.6 Å resolutions, respectively, are also presented. The initial crystal structure of CatAgl‐FH1 was determined by native single‐wavelength anomalous diffraction. The catalytic domain was composed of two modules, a β‐sandwich fold module, and a right‐handed β‐helix fold module. The structure of the β‐sandwich was similar to those of the carbohydrate‐binding module family 35 members. The glycerol or nigerose enzyme complex structures demonstrated that this β‐sandwich fold module is a novel carbohydrate‐binding module with the capabilities to bind saccharides and to promote the degradation of polysaccharides. The structures of the inactive mutant in complexes with oligosaccharide showed that at least eight subsites for glucose binding were located in the active cleft of the β‐helix fold and the architecture of the active cleft was suitable for the recognition and hydrolysis of α‐1,3‐glucan by the inverting mechanism. The structural similarity to GH28 and GH49 enzymes and the results of site‐directed mutagenesis indicated that three Asp residues, Asp1045, Asp1068, and Asp1069, are the most likely candidates for the catalytic residues of Agl‐FH1.

Database

Structural data are available in RCSB Protein Data Bank under the accession numbers 6K0M (CatAgl‐FH1), 6K0N (WT/nigerose), 6K0P (D1045A/nigerose), 6K0Q (D1068A/nigerose), 6K0S (D1069A/ nigerose), 6K0U (D1068A/oligo), and 6K0V (D1069A/oligo).

Enzymes

Agl‐FH1, α‐1,3‐glucanase (EC3.2.1.59) from Paenibacillus glycanilyticus FH11.
Impacts of climate change on the global potential distribution of two notorious invasive crayfishes
Authors: Zhang Zhixin , Capinha César , Usio Nisikawa , Weterings Robbie , Liu Xuan , Li Yiming , Landeria José M. , Zhou Qiang , Yokota Masashi
Published: December 2019

Invasive alien species and climate change are two of the most serious global environmental threats. In particular, it is of great interest to understand how changing climates could impact the distribution of invaders that pose serious threats to ecosystems and human activities.

In this study, we developed ensemble species distribution models for predicting the current and future global distribution of the signal crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus and the red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii, two of the most highly problematic invaders of freshwater ecosystems worldwide. We collected occurrence records of the species, from native and alien established ranges worldwide. These records in combination with averaged observations of current climatic conditions were used to calibrate a set of 10 distinct correlative models for estimating the climatic niche of each species. We next projected the estimated niches into the geographical space for the current climate conditions and for the 2050s and 2070s under representative concentration pathway 2.6 and 8.5 scenarios.

Our species distribution models had high predictive abilities and suggest that annual mean temperature is the main driver of the distribution of both species. Model predictions indicated that the two crayfish species have not fully occupied their suitable climates and will respond differently to future climate scenarios in different geographic regions. Suitable climate for P. leniusculus was predicted to shift poleward and to increase in extent in North America and Europe but decrease in Asia. Regions with suitable climate for P. clarkii are predicted to widen in Europe but contract in North America and Asia.

This study highlights that invasive species with different thermal preference are likely to respond differently to future climate changes. Our results provide important information for policy makers to design and implement anticipated measures for the prevention and control of these two problematic species.
Magnesium isotope fractionation during microbially enhanced forsterite dissolution
Authors: Brewer Aaron , Harrold Zoe , Chang Elliot , Gorman‐Lewis Drew , Teng Fang‐Zhen
Published: December 2019

Bacillus subtilis endospore‐mediated forsterite dissolution experiments were performed to assess the effects of cell surface reactivity on Mg isotope fractionation during chemical weathering. Endospores present a unique opportunity to study the isolated impact of cell surface reactivity because they exhibit extremely low metabolic activity. In abiotic control assays, 24Mg was preferentially released into solution during forsterite dissolution, producing an isotopically light liquid phase (δ26Mg = −0.39 ± 0.06 to −0.26 ± 0.09‰) relative to the initial mineral composition (δ26Mg = −0.24 ± 0.03‰). The presence of endospores did not have an apparent effect on Mg isotope fractionation associated with the release of Mg from the solid into the aqueous phase. However, the endospore surfaces preferentially adsorbed 24Mg from the dissolution products, which resulted in relatively heavy aqueous Mg isotope compositions. These aqueous Mg isotope compositions increased proportional to the fraction of dissolved Mg that was adsorbed, with the highest measured δ26Mg (−0.08 ± 0.07‰) corresponding to the highest degree of adsorption (~76%). The Mg isotope composition of the adsorbed fraction was correspondingly light, at an average δ26Mg of −0.49‰. Secondary mineral precipitation and Mg adsorption onto secondary minerals had a minimal effect on Mg isotopes at these experimental conditions. Results demonstrate the isolated effects of cell surface reactivity on Mg isotope fractionation separate from other common biological processes, such as metabolism and organic acid production. With further study, Mg isotopes could be used to elucidate the role of the biosphere on Mg cycling in the environment.
Advantage of liver stiffness measurement before and after direct‐acting antiviral therapy to predict hepatocellular carcinoma and exacerbation of esophageal varices in chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Ogasawara Nobuhiko , Saitoh Satoshi , Akuta Norio , Sezaki Hitomi , Suzuki Fumitaka , Fujiyama Shunichiro , Kawamura Yusuke , Hosaka Tetsuya , Kobayashi Masahiro , Suzuki Yoshiyuki , Arase Yasuji , Ikeda Kenji , Kumada Hiromitsu
Published: December 2019

Aim

The risk of development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) persisted in patients with advanced fibrosis, even after achieving sustained virologic response (SVR). This study aimed to show the advantage of liver stiffness measurement (LSM) at baseline and after SVR to predict HCC occurrence and esophageal varices (EV) exacerbation.

Methods

These risks were evaluated in 398 chronic hepatitis C patients without a history of HCC who achieved SVR after direct‐acting antiviral agent and evaluated LSM at least twice during follow up. We defined liver cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis as LSM of ≥12 kPa and <12 kPa, respectively.

Results

LSM was significantly correlated with serum fibrosis markers, such as Fib‐4 index and Wisteria floribunda agglutinin‐positive Mac‐2 binding protein, at baseline and SVR at 24 weeks after treatment (SVR24). Five patients received preventive treatment of EV, but no EV bleeding occurred after SVR, and their LSM at baseline and SVR24 was significantly higher than that of other cirrhosis patients. The annual rate of HCC during the first 4 years was 1.5%. LSM in HCC patients tended to decrease after direct‐acting antiviral agent therapies, but significantly higher than that of cirrhosis patients without HCC before and after treatment. Multivariate analysis identified LSM and alpha‐fetoprotein at baseline and LSM at SVR24 as significant independent predictors of HCC.

Conclusions

Evaluating LSM not only at baseline, but also SVR24, was found to be useful for the detection of advanced fibrosis patients at high risk of HCC occurrence and EV exacerbation. We recommend focused surveillance of HCC and EV for these patients.
Youth, Mobility, and the Emotional Burdens of youxue (Travel and Study): A Case Study of Chinese Students in Italy
Authors: Lan Shanshan
Published: December 2019

Based on fieldwork in China and Italy, this article examines the affective dimension of middle‐class Chinese students’ youxue (travel and study) practices in Italy. With the liberalization of state policy in China’s self‐funded study abroad market and the proliferation of educational intermediaries, youxue has become a special type of educational consumption that caters to the middle‐class Chinese family’s desire for transnational mobility and cosmopolitan life styles. The blurring of the line between travel and study points to the open‐ended and multi‐linear nature of transnational student mobility. However, due to the limitations and pitfalls in international education policies in both the sending and the receiving countries, Chinese students’ youxue experiences in Italy are marked by notable contradictions between mobility and immobility, hopes and frustrations, self‐appreciation and self‐reproach.
Molar incisor hypomineralisation and dental anomalies: A random or real association?
Authors: Walshaw Emma Grace , Noble Fiona , Conville Robert , Anne Lawson Jennifer , Hasmun Noren , Rodd Helen
Published: December 2019

Background

Clinical observations suggest molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) may present with other dental conditions.

Aims

The study aimed to determine the prevalence and variety of dental anomalies in children presenting with MIH.

Design

A convenience sample of children referred to a UK dental hospital was recruited. Orthopantogram radiographs, taken as part of routine care, were assessed for dental anomalies. Two calibrated examiners reviewed the films separately and determined the presence and character of anomalies.

Results

Radiographs were obtained from 101 patients, with an age range of 6‐15 years. Co‐existing hypodontia was identified in 12%, with lower second premolars being the most commonly missing teeth. Concurrent ectopic first permanent molars were identified in 8%, and infraocclusion of one or more primary molars was identified in 9%. Abnormal morphology was found in 9%, including macrodont and microdont teeth. In total, 29% of patients had an associated dental anomaly. Examiners had perfect agreement using Cohen's kappa coefficient.

Conclusion

This high prevalence of dental anomalies, particularly hypodontia, in children with MIH is a novel and clinically important finding. Further research is warranted considering the potential implications for assessment and treatment planning.
Exploitation and Remedial Duties
Authors: Malmqvist Erik , Szigeti András
Published: December 2019

The concept of exploitation and potentially exploitative real‐world practices are the subject of increasing philosophical attention. However, while philosophers have extensively debated what exploitation is and what makes it wrong, they have said surprisingly little about what might be required to remediate it. By asking how the consequences of exploitation should be addressed, this article seeks to contribute to filling this gap. We raise two questions. First, what are the victims of exploitation owed by way of remediation? Second, who ought to remediate? Our answers to these questions are connected by the idea that exploitation cannot be fully remediated by redistributing the exploiter's gain in order to repair or compensate the victim's loss. This is because exploitation causes not only distributive but also relational harm. Therefore, redistributive measures are necessary but not sufficient for adequate remediation. Moreover, this relational focus highlights the fact that exploitative real‐world practices commonly involve agents other than the exploiter who stand to benefit from the exploitation. Insofar as these third parties are implicated in the distributive and relational harms caused by exploitation, there is, we argue, good reason to assign part of the burden of remediation to them.
Automated office blood pressure measurements obtained with and without preceding rest are associated with awake ambulatory blood pressure
Authors: Andreadis Emmanuel A. , Geladari Charalampia V. , Angelopoulos Epameinondas T.
Published: December 2019

Automated office blood pressure (AOBP) measurement, attended or unattended, eliminates the white coat effect (WCE) showing a strong association with awake ambulatory blood pressure (ABP). This study examined the difference in AOBP readings, with and without 5 minutes of rest prior to three readings recorded at 1‐min intervals. Cross‐sectional data from 100 randomized selected hypertensives, 61 men and 39 women, with a mean age of 52.2 ± 10.8 years, 82% treated, were analyzed. The mean systolic AOBP values without preceding rest were 127.0 ± 18.2 mm Hg, and the mean systolic AOBP values with 5 minutes of preceding rest were 125.7 ± 17.9 mm Hg (P = .05). A significant order effect was observed for the mean systolic BP values when AOBP without 5 minutes of preceding rest was performed as the first measurement (130.0 ± 17.7 vs 126.5 ± 16.2, P = .008). When we used a target systolic AOBP ≥ 130 mm Hg, awake ABP yielded lower readings, while at a target systolic AOBP value of < 130 mm Hg higher awake ABP values were obtained. Our findings indicate that systolic AOBP can be initially checked without any preceding rest and if readings are normal can be accepted. Otherwise, when AOBP is ≥ 130 mm Hg, measurements should be rechecked with 5 minutes of rest.
Leisure‐time physical activity and all‐cause mortality among adults with intellectual disability: the National Health Interview Survey
Authors: Diaz K. M.
Published: December 2019

Background

Adults with intellectual disabilities (IDs) have higher rates of morbidity and mortality compared with the general population, necessitating a need to identify modifiable targets for intervention to mitigate risk. While the benefits of leisure‐time physical activity (PA) are well established in the general population; there is a dearth of evidence confirming its health benefits among adults with IDs. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between leisure‐time PA and all‐cause mortality among a population‐based sample of adults with IDs.

Methods

A total of 413 adults with IDs from 17 waves (1997–2014) of the National Health Interview Survey, a U.S. nationally representative survey, were studied. Minutes per week of leisure‐time PA was ascertained by self‐report and classified as poor, intermediate or ideal levels of PA.

Results

Over a median follow‐up of 7.2 years, 60 participants died. In a multivariable‐adjusted model, higher levels of leisure‐time PA were dose‐dependently associated with a lower risk of all‐cause mortality (P‐trend = 0.008). The multivariable‐adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) for all‐cause mortality comparing participants with intermediate and ideal versus poor levels of PA were 0.43 (0.18, 1.04) and 0.30 (0.10, 0.87), respectively.

Conclusion

These findings show that leisure‐time PA confers mortality benefit in adults with IDs and should be considered as a priority target for promoting health and longevity in this population.
Transverse myelitis following measles vaccination in a rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta)
Authors: Sarfaty Anna E. , Fulbright Robert K. , Compton Susan R. , Asher Jennifer L. , Zeiss Caroline J.
Published: December 2019

A 16‐year‐old rhesus macaque presented with progressive, ascending quadriparesis following measles vaccination. He was diagnosed with transverse myelitis following MRI, gross necropsy, and histopathology. This is the first report of transverse myelitis in a rhesus macaque following measles vaccination.
Executive functioning affects verbal learning process in multiple sclerosis patients: Behavioural and imaging results
Authors: Pitteri Marco , Dapor Caterina , Pisani Anna Isabella , Castellaro Marco , DeLuca John , Chiaravalloti Nancy , Guandalini Maddalena , Ziccardi Stefano , Calabrese Massimiliano
Published: December 2019

Verbal learning and memory deficits are among the most frequent in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) and have been shown to be affected by deficits in other cognitive domains, such as information processing speed and executive functioning (EF). In the present study, we aimed to further investigate the differential impact that EF may exert on verbal learning and memory on both behavioural and neural levels. Seventy pwMS were assessed with a comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests, including tests of verbal memory (Selective Reminding Test; SRT) and EF (Stroop test; Phonemic and Alternate Verbal Fluency; Modified Five‐Point Test). Structural 3Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were available for 68 patients; cortical thickness of several frontal, pre‐frontal, and hippocampal regions was calculated. Multivariable linear regression analysis showed that patients' performance on Alternate Fluency Test predicted both their immediate (SRT‐LTS: R2 = .38; p < .001; SRT‐CLTR: R2 = .42; p < .001) and delayed (SRT‐D: R2 = .39; p < .001) verbal memory performance. In addition, we found a significant relationship between the cortical thickness of the hippocampus and several bilateral frontal areas (i.e., anterior cingulate gyrus, superior and inferior frontal gyrus, medial frontal cortex, and frontal pole) with verbal memory tests scores (SRT‐LTS: R2 = .45; p < .001; SRT‐CLTR: R2 = .52; p < .001; SRT‐D: R2 = .49; p < .001). These behavioural and MRI results suggest that EF significantly impacts verbal memory performance in pwMS. The understanding of the complex interaction between these distinct cognitive domains can help foster the development of memory rehabilitation paradigms that take into account also the role of executive functioning.
Implicit Ethics: Normative Claims to Culture in Multilateral Negotiations
Authors: Groth Stefan
Published: December 2019

Multilateral negotiations are often critiqued for not sufficiently addressing issues of justice and for rendering contentious issues ‘technical.’ Such a view is problematic as it limits the voicing of justice claims to explicit utterances and neglects implicit claims. This paper shows that the communicative modalities of multilateral negotiations can lead to situations in which a shift to implicit justice claims is advantageous. The seeming absence of such claims does not necessarily preclude a mostly technical discourse or the absence of issues of justice but can also signify a shift towards a strategically favorable diplomatic register in which normative stances are implied but not made explicit.
Collective‐unconscious apologetics of plutocracy and oligarchy: Chicago economics' ideological preferences revealed by the sociology of knowledge
Authors: Zafirovski Milan
Published: December 2019

The article places and analyzes the Chicago school of economics within the framework of Mannheim's sociology of knowledge or ideas that posits and documents social determinants of ideas and ideologies. This framework reveals the Chicago school as the explicit or implicit ideology and utopia of plutocracy, oligarchy and aristocracy in the sense of apologetics of these social classes and/or systems, thus being the class form of ‘apologetic economics’. Specifically, first, Chicago economics reveals itself as the collective‐unconscious apologetics of plutocracy, oligarchy and aristocracy. Second, it appears as the ‘collective‐conscious’ apologetics in this respect. In addition, it come close to the mostly covert collective‐unconscious or conscious apologetics of theocracy and fascism. The article aims to contribute to a better understanding of the social, in particular class, factors of Chicago and related schools of economics and generally of economic ideas, theories and policies by applying Mannheim's sociology of knowledge, especially its emphasis on the collective unconscious as the source of ideology.
Investigation of astrovirus and bornavirus in the cerebrospinal fluid of dogs clinically diagnosed with meningoencephalitis of unknown etiology
Authors: Collinet Audrey , Garcia Gabriel , Wellehan Jim , Childress April , Carrera‐Justiz Sheila
Published: December 2019

Background

Non‐suppurative encephalitides in a variety of species, including humans and dogs, have been linked to infection by astroviruses and bornaviruses.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To determine whether or not ribonucleic acid of astroviruses or bornaviruses was present in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of dogs with clinically diagnosed meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown etiology (MUE).

Animals

Twenty‐five client‐owned dogs evaluated by CSF analysis at a single university referral hospital.

Methods

Prospective case‐control study. Cerebrospinal fluid was collected from clinically diagnosed MUE and control cases and evaluated by reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction for the presence of astrovirus and bornavirus.

Results

Neither astrovirus nor bornavirus nucleic acids were identified in CSF collected from 20 clinically diagnosed MUE and 5 control cases.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

The negative results of this investigation suggest that astrovirus and bornavirus are not commonly detectable in CSF of dogs with MUE.
Beyond the self: The role of co‐regulation in medical students’ self‐regulated learning
Authors: Bransen Derk , Govaerts Marjan J. B. , Sluijsmans Dominique M. A. , Driessen Erik W.
Published: December 2019

Context

Medical students are expected to self‐regulate their learning within complex and unpredictable clinical learning environments. Research increasingly focuses on the effects of social interactions on the development of self‐regulation in workplace settings, a notion embodied within the concept of co‐regulated learning (CRL). Creating workplace learning environments that effectively foster lifelong self‐regulated learning (SRL) requires a deeper understanding of the relationship between CRL and SRL. The aim of this study was therefore to explore medical students’ perceptions of CRL in clinical clerkships and its perceived impact on the development of their SRL.

Methods

We conducted semi‐structured interviews with 11 purposively sampled medical students enrolled in clinical clerkships at one undergraduate competency‐based medical school. Data collection and analysis were conducted iteratively, informed by principles of constructivist grounded theory. Data analysis followed stages of open, axial and selective coding, which enabled us to conceptualise how co‐regulation influences the development of students’ self‐regulation.

Results

Data revealed three interrelated shifts in CRL and SRL as students progressed through clerkships. First, students’ CRL shifted from a focus on peers to co‐regulation with clinician role models. Second, self‐regulated behaviour shifted from being externally driven to being internally driven. Last, self‐regulation shifted from a task‐oriented approach towards a more comprehensive approach focusing on professional competence and identity formation. Students indicated that if they felt able to confidently and proactively self‐regulate their learning, the threshold for engaging others in meaningful CRL seemed to be lowered, enhancing further development of SRL skills.

Conclusions

Findings from the current study emphasise the notion that SRL and its development are grounded in CRL in clinical settings. To optimally support the development of students’ SRL, we need to focus on facilitating and organising learners’ engagement in CRL from the start of the medical curriculum.
Delayed post‐hypoxic leukoencephalopathy with a peculiar autoantibody association
Authors: Coppola Cinzia , Oliva Mariano , Saracino Dario , Cipriano Lorenzo , Capaldo Guglielmo , Puoti Gianfranco , Fratta Mario , Ugga Lorenzo , D'Amico Alessandra
Published: December 2019

Delayed post‐hypoxic leukoencephalopathy (DPHLE) is a rare demyelinating syndrome that follows an episode of prolonged cerebral hypoxia after a relatively lucid intervening period of variable length. Although the pathophysiology still remains obscure, it has been suggested that hypoxic‐metabolic injuries to oligodendrocytes may play a crucial role. We describe the case of a patient with chronic respiratory problems who fell into a coma during morphine therapy. After a brief period of successful recovery, neurocognitive and behavioral disorders suddenly appeared and a diagnosis of DPHLE was made also taking into account the MRI picture. The antioxidant therapy has probably facilitated the almost complete neurological recovery within 4 weeks. A peculiar finding was the presence of anti‐CV2/CRMP5 antibodies in serum, which may stand as potential factors implicated in oligodendrocytes damage.
Fast plants in deep water: introducing the whole‐soil column perspective
Authors: Tumber‐Dávila Shersingh Joseph , Malhotra Avni
Published: December 2019

This article is a Commentary on Jiang et al. (2020), 225: 222–233.
New treatments for obstructive sleep apnea in children
Authors: Jones Oguh Sheri , Elden Lisa , Swanson Jordan , Tapia Ignacio , Subramanyam Rajeev
Published: December 2019

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has a prevalence of up to 5% in children and 50% in obese children. OSA is associated with various comorbidities in the general population and in the perioperative period. In this review, we will provide background of OSA and insights into the available treatment options both surgically and medically. Unlike adults, most pediatric OSA is treated with adenotonsillectomy. Continuous positive airway pressure therapy is the commonly used medical treatment. Management of pediatric OSA is multidisciplinary. We will discuss the surgical options and medical options of managing pediatric OSA.
Virtual reality during pediatric vascular access: A pragmatic, prospective randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Caruso Thomas J. , George Alexandria , Menendez Maria , De Souza Elizabeth , Khoury Michael , Kist Madison N. , Rodriguez Samuel T.
Published: December 2019

Background

Vascular access is a minor procedure that is associated with reported pain and fear in pediatric patients, often resulting in procedural incompliance. Virtual reality has been shown to be effective in adult populations for reducing pain and anxiety in various medical settings, although large studies are lacking in pediatrics.

Aims

The primary aim was to determine whether pain would be reduced in pediatric patients using virtual reality undergoing vascular access. The four secondary aims measured patient fear, procedural compliance, satisfaction, and adverse events.

Methods

A prospective, randomized, controlled trial was completed at a pediatric hospital, enrolling children 7‐18 years old undergoing vascular access in a variety of clinical settings, randomized to virtual reality or standard of care. Pain scores were measured using a numeric pain faces scale. The secondary outcomes of patient fear, procedural compliance, satisfaction, and adverse events were measured with the Child Fear Scale, modified Induction Compliance Checklist, and satisfaction surveys, respectively. Chi‐squared, t tests, and regression models were used to analyze the results.

Results

The analysis included 106 patients in the virtual reality group and 114 in the control. There were no significant differences in postprocedure pain (VR group estimated 0.11 points lower, 95% confidence interval: 0.50 points lower to 0.28 points greater, P = .59), postprocedure fear (VR group estimated 0.05 points lower, 95% confidence interval: 0.23 points lower to 0.13 points greater), or compliance (adjusted odds ratio 2.31, 95% confidence interval: 0.96‐5.56). Children in the virtual reality group were satisfied with the intervention. There were no adverse events.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates no reduction in pain while using Virtual reality (VR) across a heterogeneous pediatric inpatient population undergoing vascular access.
Polyphasic phenotypic and genetic analysis reveals clonal nature of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. punicae causing pomegranate bacterial blight
Authors: Kumar A. , Sharma J. , Munjal V. , Sakthivel K. , Thalor S. K. , Mondal K. K. , Chinchure S. , Gharate R.
Published: December 2019

Yellow‐pigmented bacteria isolated from blight‐affected pomegranate leaves and fruit across seven Indian states in epidemics during the years 2008–2016 were characterized and identified using phenotypic and genotypic tools. All bacterial isolates shared phenotypic traits such as colony morphology, NaCl and pH sensitivity and fuscan production, and caused typical lesions on pomegranate plants upon artificial inoculation. Analysis of 16S ribosomal DNA and 16S–23S rDNA intergenic spacer sequences confirmed their identity as Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. punicae. The new isolates collected after 2000 were compared with an old isolate from the 1950s using polyphasic taxonomic approaches including multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA). Nucleotide polymorphism in 24 isolates for nine genomic loci (dnaK, fyuA, gyrB (Young), gyrB (Almeida), rpoD, fusA, gapA, gltA and lepA) showed minor variations in loci fyuA and gyrB. Isolates were grouped into four nearly identical sequence types, ST1, ST2, ST3 and ST4, based on their allelic profiles, ST3 being widespread in Indian states. Molecular phylogenetic analysis of concatenated 5690 bp with other Xanthomonas pathovars revealed its close genetic similarity with the X. citri group. The blight outbreak in diverse geographical locations is attributed to a re‐emerged clonal population of X. axonopodis pv. punicae on a genetically homogenous pomegranate cultivar. The latently infected vegetative planting material of elite pomegranate cultivars contributed to the dissemination of the bacterial inoculum. This study highlights and forewarns of the role played by the clonally propagated elite pomegranate cultivars in disseminating and sustaining clonal populations of this bacterial plant pathogen in many Indian states.
Experiences of interpersonal interaction among patients with chronic schizophrenia: A phenomenological study
Authors: Chen Shan‐Hua , Huang Xuan‐Yi , Cheng Jui‐Fen
Published: December 2019

Purpose

To explore the subjective interpersonal interaction experiences of patients with chronic schizophrenia.

Design and Methods

Descriptive phenomenological, purposive sampling, in‐depth one‐to‐one, and unstructured interviews were used. Colaizzi's method was used to analyze narratives.

Findings

Three themes and six subthemes were emerged: Feelings associated with interpersonal interactions (pleasant and unpleasant feelings experienced during interpersonal interactions); interpersonal interaction is a dynamic process (Positive and negative dynamic processes); selection of interaction targets (limitations in the selection of interaction targets and selection criteria for interaction targets).

Practice Implications

Professionals should understand the interpersonal interactions experiences of patients with schizophrenia to help them have a better interpersonal relationship.
Ageing in the Changing Countryside: The Experience of Rural Czechs
Authors: Galčanová Lucie , Staveník Adam
Published: December 2019

Gerontological research has extensively focused on the experiences of people ageing within changing social contexts. However, accounts from the context of the European post‐socialist transformation are missing. In addition, there is a lack of theoretical understanding concerning how older people experience ageing as part of the dynamic process of rural change. In this article, we present the perspectives of older Czech rural residents on living and ageing in the changing countryside. Based on 20 qualitative interviews with older adults, we show how they interpret contemporary changes in three major areas: politics and economy, infrastructure and technology, and local population and community life. Embedded in a constructionist approach, we aim to understand how their interpretations of current changes are related to their views on the past, to their self‐positioning within current and past changes and their sense of local and social belonging. We introduce the concept of biographical contextualisation, which grasps the temporal horizon of meaning‐making with regard to contemporary changes in rural life.
Addition of organic and inorganic amendments to regenerate the surface structure of silty soils
Authors: Gabioud Emmanuel A. , Sasal María C. , Wilson Marcelo G. , Seehaus Mariela S. , Van Opstal Natalia V. , Beghetto Stella M. , Wingeyer Ana B.
Published: December 2019

The widespread degradation of the structure of silty soils under no‐till systems (NT) that has been observed in recent years is characterized by the presence of a Platy structure (P) near the soil surface. Under these conditions, addition of organic and inorganic amendments could have beneficial effects on soil physical properties. We assessed structural regeneration following addition of amendments in an Argiudoll of Paraná, Argentina. Poultry litter (PL) and gypsum (G) were applied, providing an organic and inorganic amendment, respectively. Four treatments were tested: PL (7.5 Mg ha−1), G (3 Mg ha−1), the combination of PL+G (7.5 + 3 Mg ha−1), and control (T) with no amendment. Description and quantification of the structural state of the soil profile was made using a Visual Soil Evaluation method: “Le profil cultural”. Aggregate stability, bulk density, total porosity, pore size distribution and soil shear strength for each soil structure and soil organic carbon (SOC) were determined at two depths. Twenty months after the amendment applications, both PL and PL+G treatments led to a significant increase of SOC in the upper 5 cm of soil. The proportion of Gamma (Γ) structure increased and P declined under PL and PL+G compared with G and T inn the A horizon. Treatments G and PL+G contributed to an increase in average diameter of aggregates in Γ only. The use of PL amendment alone or in combination with G could be a promising strategy to regenerate, in the short term, the degraded soil structure under NT.
How to survive the end of the future: Preppers, pathology, and the everyday crisis of insecurity
Authors: Barker Kezia
Published: December 2019

Emergency preparedness is a distinctive feature of contemporary anticipatory politics, yet “preppers,” a sub‐culture who prepare to survive a range of possible crisis events through practices including stockpiling and survival skill development, are subject to media ridicule and academic dismissal. If the hoarder is the symbolic deviant figure of the consumer society, the prepper is that of the security society. Such constructions of prepper pathology, however, work to reinforce the neoliberal security state. By repositioning the prepper as an amplifier of conditions of the present, what emerges is an emblematic and anticipatory figure who troubles the cracks in the security state's governing logics, exposing its social differentiation and rehearsing the inevitability of its future failures. Drawing on qualitative research on UK prepping cultures, I define prepping across three constellations of imaginative‐material practices, concerning “value,” “temporalities,” and “crisis.” I argue that prepping exposes the contradictions of infrastructural weakening alongside the networked dependencies and restricted agency felt within late modernity, challenges the expert determination of what constitutes crisis, and unveils the myth of the universality of state security protection. Living with profound crisis attunement, preppers nevertheless recuperate pleasure in material potentiality and skilful practice, in thoughtful engagement with temporalities, and in the vitality of community and meaning formed in the times and spaces in, and around, crisis.
Linear Finite Element Modeling of Joined Structures With Riveted Connections
Authors: Kim J. S. , Xu Y. F. , Zhu W. D.
Published: December 2019

Riveted connections are widely used to join basic components, such as beams and panels, for engineering structures. However, accurately modeling joined structures with riveted connections can be a challenging task. In this work, an accurate linear finite element (FE) modeling method is proposed for joined structures with riveted connections to estimate modal parameters in a predictive manner. The proposed FE modeling method consists of two steps. The first step is to develop nonlinear FE models that simulate riveting processes of solid rivets. The second step is to develop a linear FE model of a joined structure with the riveted connections simulated in the first step. The riveted connections are modeled using solid cylinders with dimensions and material properties obtained from the nonlinear FE models in the first step. An experimental investigation was conducted to study accuracy of the proposed linear FE modeling method. A joined structure with six riveted connections was prepared and tested. A linearity investigation was conducted to validate that the test structure could be considered to be linear. A linear FE model of the test structure was constructed using the proposed method. Natural frequencies and corresponding mode shapes of the test structure were measured and compared with those from the linear FE model. The maximum difference of the natural frequencies was 1.63% for the first 23 out-of-plane elastic modes, and modal assurance criterion values for the corresponding mode shapes were all over 95%, which indicates high accuracy of the proposed linear FE modeling method.
Design and Analysis of a High-Static-Low-Dynamic Stiffness Isolator Using the Cam-Roller-Spring Mechanism
Authors: Yao Yuhui , Wang Xiaojian , Li Hongguang
Published: December 2019

This paper presents a new design of a high-static-low-dynamic stiffness (HSLDS) isolator with an adjustable cam profile. The interaction force between the cam and roller provides the negative stiffness force and the linear spring provides the positive stiffness force in the HSLDS isolator. Unlike previous studies, the cam profile in this paper can be individually designed to meet different working conditions. Firstly, the harmonic balance method is used to acquire the dynamic response of the HSLDS isolator. Then, the effects of the damping ratio, stiffness ratio, and external force amplitude on the frequency response amplitude and force transmissibility are discussed. Finally, the frequency responses of four designed nonlinear HSLDS isolators and a linear isolator are acquired by the numerical method. The results show that the nonlinear isolator begins to achieve vibration isolation at 0.11 Hz and the linear one is 8.9 Hz. The proposed HSLDS isolator realizes lower vibration isolation frequency than the linear isolator.
The Phenomenon of Unidirectional Circulating Flow in an Oscillating Heat Pipe
Authors: Yu Chunrong , Ji Yulong , Chu Lilin , Wang Zongyu , Li Yadong , Ma Hongbin
Published: December 2019

The phenomena of two different types of unidirectional circulating flow pattern in a copper oscillating heat pipe (OHP) were firstly discovered and investigated. The OHP has six turns and three sections: evaporator, condenser and adiabatic sections with lengths of 40 mm, 64 mm, and 51 mm, respectively. R152a was used as the working fluid, the effects of the tilt angle from 0° to 90° and the heat input on the flow and heat transfer of the working fluid in OHP was studied. The experimental results showed that (1) the OHP charged with R152a can form a unidirectional circulating flow at any tilt angle under certain heat input, and the unidirectional circulating flow become steady as the heat input increases; (2) another type of circulating flow was found in the same OHP as the heat input increased to a relative high level, the difference between the two types of circulating flow is that the liquid slugs move forward with or without back forward oscillating movement; (3) the unidirectional circulating flow of the working fluid without back forward oscillating movement in the OHP significantly enhance the heat transfer of OHP.
Optimization of Flow and Heat Transfer for a New Double-Layered Microchannel Heat Sink
Authors: Liu Huanling , Zhang Bin
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we propose a new type of DL-MCHS to improve the substrate temperature uniformity of the microchannel heat sink, and conduct the optimization of the New DL-MCHS. The heat transfer and friction characteristics of the novel DL-MCHS are studied by numerical simulation. We compare the heat transfer performance the new DL-MCHS with the traditional TDL-MCHS (the DL-MCHS with truncated top channels λ = 0.38). The results prove the effectiveness of the improved design by FLUENT simulation. When the inlet velocity is kept constant and coolant is water, the heat transfer performance of the New DL-MCHS is higher than that of TDL-MCHS leading to an increase of the temperature uniformity. In order to achieving the best overall heat transfer performance, an optimization of New DL-MCHS is performed by GA (genetic algorithm).
Theoretical Model of Bubble Growth in Superheated Ethanol-Water Mixture
Authors: Cai Chang , Liu Hong , Xi Xi , Jia Ming , Zhang Weilong , He Yang
Published: December 2019

A novel model was developed to investigate the bubble growth characteristics in uniformly superheated ethanol-water (EtOH-H2O) mixture. The influence of the mass fraction of ethanol was discussed in detail. In the proposed model, the energy equation and the component diffusion equation for the liquid were respectively coupled with quadratic temperature and mass fraction distribution within the thermal and concentration boundary layers. The non-random two-liquid equation (NRTL) was adopted to obtain the vapor-liquid equilibrium of the binary mixture at the bubble surface. The comparison between the current calculated bubble radius with the available experimental data demonstrates the accuracy of the bubble growth model. The maximum mass diffusion limited growth rate was also proposed to quantify and illustrate the effect of mass diffusion on bubble growth. The results showed that the later stage of bubble growth in a binary mixture is controlled by both mass diffusion and heat transfer. The bubble growth characteristics strongly depend on the initial mass fraction of ethanol. Within a large concentration range, a higher content of ethanol is adverse to bubble growth at a constant superheat degree. The effect of mass diffusion on bubble growth becomes weaker with an increased initial mass fraction of ethanol.
Control Characteristics of Mass Diffusion in a Meta-Material Based on Transformation Coordinate Method
Authors: Zhang Hao-Chun , Li Yi-Yi , Ma Zhuang , Zou Quan
Published: December 2019

Mass transfer is a ubiquitous transfer phenomenon, efficient means of mass flux regulation are of great significance to various fields. Recently, because of superior physical properties, meta-materials have been widely concerned, and the research on flux regulation using meta-materials has been rapidly developed. However, the relevant research in the field of mass transfer has progressed much more slowly than expected. In this work, the characteristic regulation of gas diffusion in meta-material functional region was investigated. Through coordinate transformation, Fick diffusion equation and gas diffusivity were derived mathematically. Different kinds of homogeneous isotropic materials are alternately compounded based on equivalent medium theory to form meta-material functional region, which realize the characteristic regulation of oxygen, nitrogen and their mixtures. In addition, the simulation results are in agreement with the derived formulas mutually verified and quantitative analysis of geometric factors affecting gas regulation process is carried out.