bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of fatigue crack propagation through damage characteristic FWHM using FBG sensors
Authors: Zhang Meng , Zhang Weifang , Liang Xiaobei , Zhao Yan , Dai Wei
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Crack damage detection for aluminum alloy materials using fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensor is a kind of structure health monitoring. In this paper, the damage index of full width at half maximum (FWHM) was extracted from the distorted reflection spectra caused by the crack-tip inhomogeneous strain field, so as to explain the crack propagation behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

The FWHM variations were also investigated through combining the theoretical calculations with simulation and experimental analyses. The transfer matrix algorithm was developed to explore the mechanism by which FWHM changed with the linear and quadratic strain. Moreover, the crack-tip inhomogeneous strain field on the specimen surface was computed according to the digital image correlation measurement during the experiments.

Findings

The experimental results demonstrated that the saltation points in FWHM curve accorded with the moments of crack propagation to FBG sensors.

Originality/value

The interpretation of reflected spectrum deformation mechanism with crack propagation was analyzed based on both simulations and experiments, and then the performance of potential damage features – FWHM were proposed and evaluated. According to the correlation between the damage characteristic and the crack-tip location, the crack-tip of the specimen could be measured rapidly and accurately with this technique.
Effect of Sb additions on the creep behaviour of low temperature lead-free Sn–8Zn–3Bi solder alloy
Authors: Ren Guang , Collins Maurice
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the creep behaviour of the recently developed Sn–8Zn–3Bi–xSb (x = 0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5) low temperature lead-free solder alloys.

Design/methodology/approach

An in-house compressive test rig was developed to perform creep tests under stresses of 20–40 MPa and temperature range 25°C–75 °C. Dorn power law and Garofalo hyperbolic sine law were used to model the secondary creep rate.

Findings

High coefficient of determination R2 of 0.99 is achieved for both the models. It was found that the activation energy of Sn–8Zn–3Bi solder alloy can be significantly increased with addition of Sb, by 60% to 90 kJ/mol approximately, whereas the secondary creep exponent falls in the range 3–7. Improved creep resistance is attributed to solid solution strengthening introduced by micro-alloying. Creep mechanisms that govern the deformation of these newly developed lead-free solder alloys have also been proposed.

Originality/value

The findings are expected to fill the gap of knowledge on creep behaviour of these newly developed solder alloys, which are possible alternatives as lead-free interconnecting material in low temperature electronic assembly.
Collective orientation and its implications for coordination and team performance in interdependent work contexts
Authors: Hagemann Vera , Ontrup Greta , Kluge Annette
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the influence of collective orientation (CO) on coordination and team performance for interdependently working teams while controlling for person-related and team variables.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 58 two-person-teams participated in a simulation-based firefighting task. The laboratory study took 2 h for each team. The effects of CO in tasks of increasing complexity were investigated under the consideration of control variables, and the relations between CO, coordination and team performance were assessed using a multivariate latent growth curve modeling approach and by estimating indirect effects in simple mediation models.

Findings

Team members high on CO performed significantly better than low-scoring members. The effect of CO on team performance was independent from an increasing task complexity, whereas the effect of CO on coordination was not. The effect of CO on team performance was mediated by coordination within the team, and the positive relation between CO and performance persists when including group efficacy into the model.

Research limitations/implications

As CO is a modifiable person-related variable and important for effective team processes, additional research on factors influencing this attitude during work is assumed to be valuable.

Practical implications

CO is especially important for highly interdependently working teams in high-risk-organizations such as the fire service or nuclear power plants, where errors lead to severe consequences for human beings or the environment.

Originality/value

No other studies showed the importance of CO for coordination and team performance while considering teamwork-relevant variables and the interdependence of work.
3D numerical back-analysis of an instrumented underpass road
Authors: Houhou Mohamed Nabil , Belounar Abderahim , Amari Tamir , Brouthen Abdelaziz
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on three-dimensional (3D) numerical simulation of a monitored urban underground road consisting of diaphragm walls supported by one row of temporary steel struts and a cover slab in the central area. In addition to the lateral wall displacements, the analysis focuses on the load development in the struts and the evolution of the total stresses at the soil–wall interface, and highlights the 3D effect on the behavior of the structure.

Design/methodology/approach

Computation by back-analysis has become an important contribution to the understanding of observed phenomena. In this context, this paper investigates a full 3D numerical back-analysis of diaphragm wall deformation using the finite difference code FLAC3D.

Findings

The instrumentation allows a deep understanding of the ground response and the soil-structure interaction phenomena. It also provides an opportunity to validate numerical models. Using a soil model with simple failure criteria, the wall displacements are strongly influenced by the soil deformation modulus. The strut stiffness considerably influences the wall behavior. The geometrical effects have a significant impact on the induced wall displacements.

Originality/value

In the present study, the main soil geotechnical characteristics were deduced from laboratory and in situ tests. However, Young’s modulus of the soil has been adjusted to take account of the unloading effect. In the same context, the non-linearity of the elastic characteristics of the steel struts has been taken into account by modeling the struts using their experimental stiffness instead of their theoretical rigidity.
Multi-response optimization of EDM parameters using grey relational analysis (GRA) for Ti-5Al-2.5Sn titanium alloy
Authors: Bhaumik Munmun , Maity Kalipada
Published: October 2020

Purpose

In this research, electro discharge machining (EDM) of Ti-5Al-2.5Sn titanium alloy is performed taking gap voltage, pulse on time, peak current and duty cycle as process parameters. The purpose of this paper is to find out the optimal process parameters setting for getting higher machining efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

For experimental design, a face-centered central composite design (FCCCD)-based response surface methodology (RSM) is used. Multi-objective optimization like grey relational analysis (GRA) is adopted to achieve the higher machining efficiency by means of lower radial overcut (ROC), surface roughness (Ra), tool wear rate (TWR) and higher material removal rate (MRR). For the statistical study, analysis of variance (ANOVA) has been carried out.

Findings

The result shows that gap voltage, peak current and pulse on time are the most efficient parameters for the responses. An optimal parameter setting has been obtained for achieving higher machining efficiency. For validation of the study, confirmation experiment has been performed at optimal parameters setting.

Originality/value

Optimum parameter level for higher machining performance of Ti-5Al-2.5Sn Titanium alloy has been achieved machined by copper electrode during EDM operation.
Lytic and sublytic effects of gossypol on red blood cells and thymocytes
Authors: Chorieva Nargiza M. , Fayziev Diyor D. , Tsiferova Nargiza A. , Toshtemirova Gulnoza A. , Khamidova Ozoda J. , Merzlyak Petr G. , Kurbannazarova Ranokhon Sh. , Ziyaev Khayrulla L. , Gafurov Makhmud B. , Sabirov Ravshan Z.
Published: October 2020

Gossypol is a natural polyphenol presently considered as a promising biological phytochemical with a range of activities including anticancer. We examined volume regulation‐dependent effects of gossypol using erythrocytes and thymic lymphocytes. Gossypol effectively lysed human red blood cells (RBC) with a half‐maximal concentration of 67.4 ± 1.6 μmol/L and in a non‐colloid osmotic manner. Sublytic gossypol doses of 1–10 μmol/L significantly protected RBC from osmotic hemolysis, but potentiated their sensitivity to the colloid‐osmotic lysis induced by a pore‐former nystatin. When added to the thymocytes suspension, gossypol caused a strong depression of the ability of cells to restore their volume under hypoosmotic stress with a half‐maximal activity at 2.1 ± 0.3 μmol/L. Gossypol suppressed regulatory volume decrease under experimental conditions, when cationic permeability was controlled by gramicidin D, and volume recovery depended mainly on anionic conductance, suggesting that the polyphenol inhibits the swelling‐induced anion permeability. In direct patch‐clamp experiments, gossypol inhibited the volume‐sensitive outwardly rectifying (VSOR) chloride channel in thymocytes and in human HCT116 and HeLa cells, possibly by a mechanism when gossypol molecule with a radius close to the size of channel pore plugs into the narrowest portion of the native VSOR chloride channel. Micromolar gossypol suppressed proliferation of thymocytes, HCT116 and HeLa cells. VSOR blockage may represent new mechanism of anticancer activity of gossypol in addition to its action as a BH3‐mimetic.
From Implicit to Explicit: The Impact of Disclosure Requirements on Hidden Transaction Costs
Authors: CUNY CHRISTINE , EVEN‐TOV OMRI , WATTS EDWARD M.
Published: October 2020

This paper provides evidence that disclosing corporate bond investors' transaction costs (markups) affects the size of the markups. Until recently, markups were embedded in the reported transaction price and not explicitly disclosed. Without explicit disclosure, investors can estimate their markups using executed transaction prices. However, estimating markups imposes information processing costs on investors, potentially creating information asymmetry between unsophisticated investors and bond‐market professionals. We explore changes in markups after bond‐market professionals were required to explicitly disclose the markup on certain retail trade confirmations. We find that markups decline for trades that are subject to the disclosure requirement relative to those that are not. The findings are pronounced when constraints on investors' information processing capacity limit their ability to be informed about their markups without explicit disclosure.
Effects of ethyl acetate fractional extract fromPortulaca oleraceaL. (PO‐EA) on lifespan and healthspan inCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Zhang Wenwen , Zheng Bisheng , Deng Na , Wang Hong , Li Tong , Liu Rui Hai
Published: October 2020

Portulaca oleraceaL. (PO), with abundant natural bioactive phytochemicals, exhibits potential bioactivities and pharmacological activities. However, the mechanisms of action of PO on anti‐aging effect remain unclear. In this study, the ethyl acetate fractional extract from PO (PO‐EA) was obtained by fractionation of solvent extractions, and its effect on lifespan was assessed using theCaenorhabditis elegans(C. elegans). Results showed that PO‐EA could significantly increase the lifespan ofC. elegansby 5.31, 12.67, and 16.47% at the doses of 250, 500, and 1,000 µg/mL, respectively. Moreover, PO‐EA significantly promoted the mobility ofC. eleganswithout obvious side effects such as changing body length or decreasing fecundity of the nematodes. Further study demonstrated that PO‐EA could enhance the stress resistance inC. elegansvia improving the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase, and diminishing the contents of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde. The gene expression ofdaf‐12,daf‐16,sod‐3,skn‐1,cat‐1,mev‐1,akt‐1, andsek‐1were upregulated inC. elegansafter administrated by PO‐EA. This study indicated that PO‐EA plays a vital role in extending lifespan and healthspan inC. elegans, and the underlying mechanism of action might be attributed to Insulin/IGF‐1‐like signaling pathways. Therefore, PO‐EA could be served as a potential candidate for anti‐aging functional food.

Practical Application

Portulaca oleraceaL. (PO) is an edible vegetable that could be used as functional food to exert health benefits for humans such as neuroprotective, antioxidant, anticancer, and anti‐aging effects. Therefore, our findings would provide a strategy to promote the comprehensive utilization of ethyl acetate extract from PO with additional health benefits.
Defining how microorganisms benefit human health
Authors: Marco Maria L.
Published: October 2020

An appreciation for how microorganisms can benefit human health has grown over the past century. The future of this research will be to identify the specific microbial enzymatic pathways and molecules necessary for health promotion. Some of these ‘beneficial factors’ are already known for probiotics and species in the human microbiome, however, precise descriptions of the mechanistic details for their effects remain to be discovered. The need for this research is elevated by the potential use of microorganisms for preventing and treating the non‐communicable diseases which are now the leading causes of death worldwide.
Effectiveness of EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors in advanced non‐small cell lung cancer patients with uncommon EGFR mutations: A multicenter observational study
Authors: Kanazu Masaki , Mori Masahide , Kimura Madoka , Nishino Kazumi , Shiroyama Takayuki , Nagatomo Izumi , Ihara Shoichi , Komuta Kiyoshi , Suzuki Hidekazu , Hirashima Tomonori , Kumagai Toru , Imamura Fumio
Published: October 2020

Background

Epidermal growth factor receptor‐tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR‐TKI) therapy is the standard treatment for advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring common EGFR mutations, such as exon 19 deletion or L858 point mutation. However, the effectiveness of EGFR‐TKIs for patients with uncommon EGFR mutations remains unclear.

Methods

We retrospectively surveyed a consecutive database of NSCLC patients with EGFR mutations at five participating institutions. Data from NSCLC patients with uncommon mutations (including single or compound mutations), who were treated with systemic therapy between May 2016 and October 2018, were collected and analyzed.

Results

A total of 23 of the 524 patients whose data were collected had uncommon EGFR mutations. Of these, 22 received EGFR‐TKIs (gefitinib = 6, erlotinib = 4, and afatinib = 12). Patients who received first EGFR‐TKIs had overall response and disease control rates of 59.1% and 81.8%, respectively. The median progression‐free survival (PFS) of patients with G719X mutation (n = 13, median PFS = 32.9 months) was favorable, compared with those of patients with L861Q mutation (n = 4, median PFS = 6.4 months) and compound mutations (n = 4, median PFS = 7.3 months). The PFS of patients who received first‐ and second‐generation EGFR‐TKIs was 14.0 months (n = 10) and 7.3 months (n = 12), respectively. The median cumulative duration of treatment (DOT) with EGFR‐TKIs was 30.4 months, which was longer than those of cytotoxic chemotherapy (median DOT = 10.7 months) or immune checkpoint inhibitors (median DOT = 6.6 months).

Conclusions

EGFR‐TKIs elicit favorable responses and contribute to long‐term disease control in NSCLC patients with uncommon EGFR mutations.

Key points

Significant findings of the study: Our results demonstrate that both first‐ and second‐generation EGFR‐TKIs elicit favorable responses in NSCLC patients with uncommon EGFR mutations.

What this study adds This study revealed all clinical courses for NSCLC patients with uncommon EGFR mutations. In addition to EGFR‐TKIs, CCT and ICIs were found to contribute to long‐term disease control in this cohort.
What Is a Good Rank? The Effort and Performance Effects of Adding Performance Category Labels to Relative Performance Information*
Authors: Knauer Thorsten , Sommer Friedrich , Wöhrmann Arnt
Published: October 2020

Prior research demonstrates that relative performance information affects effort and performance. However, little is known about the qualitative design parameters of these information systems. This study examines, via an experiment, how adding performance category labels to ranks (e.g., “good” ranking position and “poor” ranking position) affects effort and performance. Furthermore, we investigate the effort and performance effects of two design choices observed in practice: the type of performance category labels and the proportion of positively labeled ranks. We argue that performance category labels motivate greater effort and performance through competition for status, which varies with both the type of performance category labels and the proportion of positively labeled ranks. We find partial support for our hypothesis that adding performance category labels increases effort and performance. Specifically, we find positive effects if top ranks are positively labeled and bottom ranks are negatively labeled (combined labels) but not if only top ranks are labeled (positive‐only labels). We also find as predicted that the positive effects on effort resulting from using combined labels, instead of positive‐only labels, are stronger when the proportion of positively labeled ranks is larger. The results for performance are weaker. Our results shed new light on the usefulness of performance category labels and emphasize how firms can render relative performance information more effective.
Improving Complex Audit Judgments: A Framework and Evidence*†
Authors: Griffith Emily E. , Kadous Kathryn , Young Donald
Published: October 2020

Regulators and researchers provide evidence that auditors' judgment quality is problematic in complex audit tasks. We introduce a framework for improving auditor judgment in these tasks. The framework builds on dual‐process theory to recognize that high‐quality judgment in complex tasks requires that auditors (i) possess the knowledge needed for the task, (ii) recognize the need for analytical (versus heuristic) processing, and (iii) have sufficient cognitive capacity to complete the analytical processing. Based on the framework, we predict that auditors' need for cognition (NFC), a characteristic theoretically linked to recognizing the need for analytical processing, is associated with higher quality complex judgments. Analysis of 11 studies supports this assertion. We demonstrate the usefulness of the framework by predicting and finding that priming auditors with an accuracy goal improves judgments, particularly for lower NFC auditors, who are less likely to spontaneously engage in analytical processing. The framework facilitates systematic development of interventions to improve auditor judgment by highlighting that solutions should address the specific conditions causing judgment problems.
Acoustic indices perform better when applied at ecologically meaningful time and frequency scales
Authors: Metcalf Oliver C. , Barlow Jos , Devenish Christian , Marsden Stuart , Berenguer Erika , Lees Alexander C.
Published: October 2020

Acoustic indices are increasingly employed in the analysis of soundscapes to ascertain biodiversity value. However, conflicting results and lack of consensus on best practices for their usage has hindered their application in conservation and land‐use management contexts. Here we propose that the sensitivity of acoustic indices to ecological change and fidelity of acoustic indices to ecological communities are negatively impacted by signal masking. Signal masking can occur when acoustic responses of taxa sensitive to the effect of interest are masked by less‐sensitive acoustic groups, or target taxa sonification is masked by non‐target noise. We argue that by calculating acoustic indices at ecologically appropriate time and frequency bins, masking effects can be reduced and the efficacy of indices increased.

We test this on a large acoustic dataset collected in Eastern Amazonia spanning a disturbance gradient of undisturbed, logged, burned, logged‐and‐burned and secondary forests. We calculated values for two acoustic indices: the Acoustic Complexity Index and the Bioacoustic Index, across the entire frequency spectrum (0–22.1 kHz), and four narrower subsets of the frequency spectrum; at dawn, day, dusk and night.

We show that signal masking has a large impact on the sensitivity of acoustic indices to forest disturbance classes. Calculating acoustic indices at a range of narrower time–frequency bins substantially increases the classification accuracy of forest classes by random forest models. Furthermore, signal masking led to misleading correlations, including spurious inverse correlations, between biodiversity indicator metrics and acoustic index values compared to correlations derived from manual sampling of the audio data.

Consequently, we recommend that acoustic indices are calculated either at a range of time and frequency bins, or at a single narrow bin, predetermined by a priori ecological understanding of the soundscape.
The prognostic value of aspartate aminotransferase‐to‐lymphocyte ratio index in early‐stage hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatectomy: A propensity‐score matched analysis
Authors: Chen Yanyu , He Chao , Wen Tianfu , Yan Lvnan , Yang Jiayin
Published: October 2020

Background

An elevated preoperative aspartate aminotransferase‐to‐lymphocyte ratio index (ALRI) may predict poor survival in various cancers. However, the prognostic value of aminotransferase‐to‐lymphocyte ratio index (ALRI) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains to be determined.

Materials and methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted among 983 patients with HCC in our hospital from February 2007 to March 2016. A propensity‐score matching (PSM) was performed to correct the selection bias and confounding factors. The risk of death and recurrence was plotted over aminotransferase‐to‐lymphocyte ratio index (ALRI) using the locally weighted scatterplot smoothing (LOWESS)‐smoothed fit curve. Time‐dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and Kaplan–Meier method analysis was utilized to the role of aminotransferase‐to‐lymphocyte ratio index (ALRI) in HCC. Multivariate analysis was conducted to identify independent prognostic factors associated with overall survival (OS) and recurrence‐free survival (RFS).

Results

With the increase of aminotransferase‐to‐lymphocyte ratio index (ALRI), the risk of recurrence and death in HCC patients increases. In time‐dependent ROC analysis, the AUC of aminotransferase‐to‐lymphocyte ratio index (ALRI) for predicting 1‐, 3‐ and 5‐year OS were 0.668 (95% CI: 0.596‐0.740), 0.605 (95% CI: 0.560‐0.649) and 0.613 (95% CI: 0.570‐0.656), respective. The AUC of aminotransferase‐to‐lymphocyte ratio index (ALRI) for predicting 1‐, 3‐ and 5‐year RFS were 0.598 (95% CI: 0.555‐0.641), 0.590 (95% CI: 0.552‐0.628) and 0.604 (95% CI: 0.562‐0.646), respectively. HCC patients with high aminotransferase‐to‐lymphocyte ratio index (ALRI) had a poor overall survival. Moreover, cox regression analysis revealed that aminotransferase‐to‐lymphocyte ratio index (ALRI) was an independent factor affecting the prognosis of HCC patients.

Conclusions

Elevated preoperative aminotransferase‐to‐lymphocyte ratio index (ALRI) is a noninvasive, simple, and effective predictor in the prognosis of patients with HCC.
Prospective association of maternal immune pro‐inflammatory responsivity and regulation in pregnancy with length of gestation
Authors: Gyllenhammer Lauren E. , Entringer Sonja , Buss Claudia , Simhan Hyagriv N. , Grobman William A. , Adam Emma K. , Keenan‐Devlin Lauren , Borders Ann E. , Wadhwa Pathik D.
Published: October 2020

Problem

The immune system represents a leading pathway of interest in the pathophysiology of preterm birth. The majority of human clinical studies interrogating this pathway have utilized circulating immune biomarkers; however, these concentrations typically reflect only basal production but not key functional properties of the immune system, particularly variation in the pro‐inflammatory response to antigen challenge and the regulation of this response. Thus, in this study, we utilized an ex vivo stimulation protocol that quantifies these processes, and we examined their prospective association with the gestation length and risk of preterm birth.

Method of Study

Immune responsiveness and regulation were assessed in 128 pregnant women in mid‐gestation using an ex vivo stimulation protocol. Maternal pro‐inflammatory responsivity of leukocytes was quantified by assessing the release of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐6, TNF‐α, and IL‐1β in response to antigen stimulation, and regulation of the pro‐inflammatory response was quantified by assessing the suppression of stimulated cytokine response upon co‐incubation with increasing dexamethasone concentrations (ie, glucocorticoid receptor resistance; GRR).

Results

Higher maternal GRR, indicating impaired regulation of the pro‐inflammatory response, was significantly and independently associated with shorter gestational length (β = −0.42, p = .0091) and a 3.0‐fold increase in risk for preterm birth (OR = 3.01, 95% CI = 1.17–7.70, p = .0218). Basal circulating IL‐6 and TNF‐α were not associated with either outcome.

Conclusion

The association of maternal GRR with length of gestation and preterm birth risk suggests that the processes represented by this measure—maternal pro‐inflammatory propensity and immune regulation—may provide further mechanistic insight into the pathophysiology of preterm birth.
Laser trabeculoplasty in newly diagnosed multi‐treated glaucoma patients
Authors: Rasmuson Erika , Bengtsson Boel , Lindén Christina , Heijl Anders , Aspberg Johan , Andersson‐Geimer Sabina , Jóhannesson Gauti
Published: October 2020

Purpose

To evaluate the intraocular pressure (IOP)‐lowering effect of laser trabeculoplasty (LTP) in eyes which IOP had been substantially reduced by intensive topical treatment for one week.

Methods

Patients with newly diagnosed open‐angle glaucoma were randomized to treatment with three IOP‐lowering substances. One week later, 360° argon or selective LTP was performed. IOP was measured before LTP and at one‐, three‐, six‐ and 12‐month post‐LTP. The patients were part of the Glaucoma Intensive Treatment Study (GITS).

Results

Mean IOP (± SD) in 152 eyes of 122 patients was 14.0 (± 3.5) mmHg just before LTP. For every mmHg higher IOP prior to LTP, the IOP was reduced by an additional 0.6 mmHg at 12 months. The IOP was significantly reduced at all follow‐up visits from −2.6 (± 3.1) mmHg at one month to −2.1 (± 3.8) mmHg at 12 months in eyes with pre‐LTP IOP ≥ 15 mmHg, while no significant IOP reduction was seen in eyes with pre‐LTP IOP < 15 mmHg. Older age, argon LTP and male sex were associated with larger IOP reduction after 12 months, whereas presence of exfoliation syndrome was associated with a smaller IOP reduction. No severe complications were reported.

Conclusion

Success of LTP was highly dependent on the IOP level prior to LTP treatment. A sustained significant IOP reduction was seen in eyes with pre‐LTP IOP ≥ 15 mmHg whereas no such effect was seen in eyes with pre‐LTP IOP < 15 mmHg. Thus, LTP can be considered in eyes with multi‐treatment when target pressure of < 15 mmHg is not achieved.
Epidemiology and outcomes of hyphema: a single tertiary centre experience of 180 cases
Authors: Iftikhar Mustafa , Mir Tahreem , Seidel Natalie , Rice Katya , Trang Michelle , Bhowmik Ryan , Chun Justin , Goldberg Morton F. , Woreta Fasika A.
Published: October 2020

Purpose

To characterize the epidemiology and outcomes of hyphema.

Methods

Retrospective case series. Medical records from patients with traumatic and spontaneous hyphema seen at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins, from 2011 through 2017 were evaluated. Aetiology, demographics, clinical characteristics, complications, management and outcomes were ascertained. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), rebleeding and poor outcome (final visual acuity ≤ 20/40) in traumatic hyphema. A safe frequency of follow‐up was retrospectively determined.

Results

Traumatic hyphema (n = 152) was more common in males (78%) and adults (55%), with sports/recreational activities being the most frequent cause (40%). Elevated IOP was the most common complication (39%). Rebleeding occurred in seven patients (5%) and was more likely with a higher IOP on presentation (OR:1.1; p = 0.004). Thirty‐seven patients (24%) had a poor outcome, mostly due to traumatic sequelae such as cataract (32%) or posterior segment involvement (30%). A poor outcome was more likely with worse presenting visual acuity (OR: 9.1; p = 0.001), rebleeding (OR: 37.5; p = 0.035) and age > 60 years (OR: 16.0; p = 0.041). Spontaneous hyphema (n = 28) did not have a gender predominance and was more common in adults > 60 years (71%). The most common cause was iris neovascularization (61%). Complications and visual outcomes were worse compared with traumatic hyphema.

Conclusions

Traumatic hyphema continues to be common in young males engaging in sports, necessitating increased awareness for preventive eyewear. Older age and rebleeding can lead to poor outcomes. Elevated IOP at presentation predisposes to rebleeding and warrants frequent follow‐up. Otherwise, routine follow‐up at days 1, 3, 5, 7 and 14 is sufficient for uncomplicated cases.
Comprehensive analysis of genetic and clinical characteristics of 30 patients with X‐linked juvenile retinoschisis in China
Authors: Gao Feng‐Juan , Dong Jian‐Hong , Wang Dan‐Dan , Chen Fang , Hu Fang‐Yuan , Chang Qing , Xu Ping , Liu Wei , Li Jian‐Kang , Huang Ying , Wu Ji‐Hong , Xu Ge‐Zhi
Published: October 2020

Purpose

To provides the clinical and genetic characteristics of a series of Chinese patients with X‐linked juvenile retinoschisis (XLRS) through multimodal imaging and next‐generation sequencing.

Methods

Thirty patients (60 eyes) from 29 unrelated families of Chinese origin with XLRS were screened using multigene panel testing, and underwent a complete clinical evaluation. All variants identified in this study and reported in the Human Gene Mutation Database were analysed.

Results

Twenty‐five distinct variants in the retinoschisin gene were identified, of which eight were novel, and one was de novo. Missense mutations were the most prevalent type, and mutation hot spot was localized in the discoidin domain. The mean Snellen best‐corrected visual acuity was 0.28 ± 0.17. Of all eyes presenting with schisis, 92.86% had lamellar schisis and 62.5% had peripheral schisis. Schisis changes mostly involved inner and outer nuclear layers. X‐linked juvenile retinoschisis (XLRS) patients had a high incidence of complications, and peripheral schisis was a risk factor for it. No obvious genotype–phenotype association was observed.

Conclusion

This study provides comprehensive analyses of the genetic and clinical characteristics of XLRS in a cohort of Chinese patients. The fourth de novo mutation in RS1 was identified. And we show that XLRS has a wide spectrum of clinical characteristics; hence, molecular diagnosis is crucial for its diagnosis, differential diagnosis and genetic counselling. Peripheral schisis is a risk factor for the high incidence of complications, and no clear genotype–phenotype correlations were found.
Besides affirmationism? On geography and negativity
Authors: Dekeyser Thomas , Jellis Thomas
Published: October 2020

This paper poses questions on the possibility of styles of working besides “affirmationism.” We hone in on three ostensible limits of affirmationism: affirmationist vitalism, affirmationist politics, and affirmationist critique. Encountering these limits, we argue for the ongoing need to embrace attempts to think and act that elude, or dispense with, the propensity to affirm.
COVID‐19: A Case for Inhibiting NLRP3 Inflammasome, Suppression of Inflammation with Curcumin?
Authors: Saeedi‐Boroujeni Ali , Mahmoudian‐Sani Mohammad‐Reza , Bahadoram Mohammad , Alghasi Arash
Published: October 2020

Curcumin is the effective ingredient of turmeric, sometimes used as a painkiller in traditional medicine. It has extensive biological properties such as anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant activities. SARS‐CoV‐2 is a betacoronavirus developing severe pneumonitis. Inflammasome is one of the most important components of innate immunity, which exacerbates inflammation by increasing IL‐1β and IL‐18 production. Studies on viral infections have shown overactivity of inflammasome and thus the occurrence of destructive and systemic inflammation in patients. NLRP3 inflammasome has been shown to play a key role in the pathogenesis of viral diseases. The proliferation of SARS‐CoV‐2 in a wide range of cells can be combined with numerous observations of direct and indirect activation of inflammasome by other coronaviruses. Activation of the inflammasome is likely to be involved in the formation of cytokine storm. Curcumin regulates several molecules in the intracellular signal transduction pathways involved in inflammation, including IBB, NF‐kBERK1,2, AP‐1, TGF‐β, TXNIP, STAT3, PPARγ, JAK2‐STAT3, NLRP3, p38MAPK, Nrf2, Notch‐1, AMPK, TLR‐4 and MyD‐88. Due to anti‐inflammatory and anti‐inflammasome properties without any special side effects, curcumin can potentially play a role in the treatment of COVID‐19 infection along with other drug regimens.
Constructivist educational technology: Re‐examining the foundations and state of the literature
Authors: Lemay David John , Doleck Tenzin
Published: October 2020

With this special section, we hope to draw attention to educational technology designed for expanding human capability, that is, educational technology for accelerating and enabling our range of knowledge and agency. The four contributions to our special issue include the development of a location‐based history teaching app, a STEM inquiry platform, using Knowledge Forum for teaching self‐reflective practice to pre‐service teachers using as well as a review of computer‐supported collaborative learning. These special section articles show the promise of constructivist educational technology for expanding horizons.
Protection against light‐induced retinal degeneration via dual anti‐inflammatory and anti‐angiogenic functions of thrombospondin‐1
Authors: Ju Yahan , Tang Zhimin , Dai Xiaochan , Gao Huiqin , Zhang Jing , Liu Yan , Yang Yanan , Ni Ni , Zhang Dandan , Wang Yuyao , Sun Na , Yin Luqiao , Luo Min , Zhang Jianhua , Gu Ping
Published: October 2020

Background and Purpose

Retinal photodamage is a high‐risk factor for age‐related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. However, both the pathogenesis and effective therapies for retinal photodamage are still unclear and debated.

Experimental Approach

The anti‐inflammatory effects of thrombospondin‐1 on blue light‐induced inflammation in ARPE‐19 cells and in retinal inflammation were evaluated. Furthermore, the anti‐angiogenic effects of thrombospondin‐1 on human microvascular endothelial cells (hMEC‐1 cells) and a laser‐induced choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) mouse model were evaluated. in vitro experiments, including western blotting, immunocytochemistry, migration assays and tube formation assays, as well as in vivo experiments, including immunofluorescence, visual electrophysiology, spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography, and fluorescein angiography, were employed to evaluate the anti‐inflammatory and anti‐angiogenic effects of thrombospondin‐1.

Key Results

Specific effects of blue light‐induced retinal inflammation and pathological angiogenesis were reflected by up‐regulation of pro‐inflammatory factors and activation of angiogenic responses, predominantly regulated by the NF‐κB and VEGFR2 pathways respectively. During the blue light‐induced pathological progress, THBS‐1 derived from retinal pigment epithelium down‐regulated proteomics and biological assays. Thrombospondin‐1 treatment also suppressed inflammatory infiltration and neovascular leakage. The protective effect of Thrombospondin‐1 was additionally demonstrated by a substantial rescue of visual function. Mechanistically, thrombospondin‐1 reversed blue light‐induced retinal inflammation and angiogenesis by blocking the activated NF‐κB and VEGFR2 pathways, respectively.

Conclusion and Implications

Thrombospondin‐1, with dual anti‐inflammatory and anti‐neovascularisation properties, is a promising agent for protection against blue light‐induced retinal damage and retinal degenerative disorders which are pathologically associated with inflammatory and angiogenic progress.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed issue on Inflammation, Repair and Ageing. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v179.9/issuetoc
Do potential migrants internalize migrant rights in OECD host societies?
Authors: Beine Michel , Machado Joël , Ruyssen Ilse
Published: October 2020

This paper analyzes how countries’ provision of migrant rights affects potential migrants’ destination choice. Combining data on bilateral migration desires from over 140 origin countries and data on migrant rights in 38 mainly OECD destination countries over the period 2007–2014, we find that potential migrants tend to favour destinations that are more open to the inclusion of immigrants into their society. In particular, better access to and conditions on the labour market as well as access to nationality and to permanent residency significantly increase the perceived attractiveness of a destination country. These results are robust across different specifications and hold for subsamples of origin countries as well as of destinations. Moreover, some results vary across types of respondents. Educational opportunities for migrants, for instance, affect the migration desires of individuals aged 15 to 24, but less so of individuals in other age groups.
Severe fetal anemia as a consequence of extra‐abdominal umbilical vein varix: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Io Shingo , Kondoh Eiji , Iemura Yoshiki , Minamiguchi Sachiko , Chigusa Yoshitsugu , Mogami Haruta , Mandai Masaki
Published: October 2020

Umbilical vein varix is associated with a high incidence of fetal anomalies and perinatal complications. There are two types of umbilical vein varix: fetal intra‐abdominal and extra‐abdominal. Herein, a case is reported of severe fetal anemia with extra‐abdominal umbilical vein varix. A 33‐year‐old primigravida was referred to our hospital for fetal growth restriction, fetal cardiomegaly, and decreased fetal movements at 26 weeks' gestation. A Doppler assessment showed an elevated middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity at 2.2 MoM, suggesting fetal anemia. Umbilical vein varix had caused intermittent turbulent flow, provoking hemolytic anemia. Intrauterine transfusion improved fetal circulatory failure and anemia and prolonged gestational period. At 33 weeks' gestation, the patient underwent cesarean delivery due to nonreassuring fetal status. Pathological analysis revealed focal loss of vascular smooth muscle of the umbilical vein. Extra‐abdominal umbilical vein varix has been reported in 14 cases including this case. The antenatal diagnosis rate is reported to be 79%; fetal heartbeat abnormalities and fetal deaths were reported as 50% and 14%, respectively. Eighty‐six percent of patients had intra‐umbilical cord thrombosis, but currently this is the only case of hemolytic anemia. Furthermore, extra‐abdominal umbilical vein varix may present as fetal hydrops with anemia. During ultrasound examination of fetal anemia, umbilical cord screening should be performed with caution.
Graft vasculopathy in upper extremity allotransplantation: Results of a retrospective high‐resolution ultrasonographic study
Authors: Petruzzo Palmina , Luong Stephane , Kanitakis Jean , Sardu Claudia , Feugier Patrick , Danjou Fabrice , Gazarian Aram , Badet Lionel , Morelon Emmanuel
Published: October 2020

Graft vasculopathy (GV) is the most severe pathologic change of chronic rejection in vascularized composite allotransplantation. Since 2012, the intimal media thickness (IMT) of radial and ulnar arteries was annually monitored by high‐resolution ultrasonography in seven bilateral upper extremity transplant (UET) patients. We also investigated the IMT of seven matched healthy subjects (controls). No significant difference between IMT values of controls and UET patients was found. The median IMT values of recipient radial and ulnar arteries were 0.23 mm and 0.25 mm, respectively, while the median IMT values of grafted radial and ulnar arteries were 0.27 mm and 0.30 mm, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in the IMT values of the grafted and recipient ulnar arteries (p = .043), but this difference was no longer significant when patient #2 was excluded. He showed a significant difference between recipient and grafted arteries and significantly higher IMT values (p = .001) of his grafted arteries compared with those of all transplanted patients. This patient developed GV leading to graft loss 11 years after the transplantation. In conclusion, this study showed a significant IMT increase in an UET recipient who developed GV.
Challenges in developing the academic profession in the Western Balkans
Authors: Pavlin Samo , Sušanj Zoran
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we explore the developmental challenges facing the academic profession in Europe and especially in some Western Balkan countries, Croatia and Slovenia. First, we look at how the higher education environment determines key changes to the academic profession: expectations to demonstrate professional expertise, internationalisation, segmentation, and precarity. While these processes are mainly considered from the above perspective, we also examine the work of academics from within. Second, we discuss aspects of academic tasks, challenges of synchronising academic work with performance measures, intensification of work and expansion of bureaucratic tasks. Building on these perspectives, we introduce a qualitative pilot study that tests how these general trends described in the literature may be applied to given situations in five countries of former Yugoslavia: Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, North Macedonia and Kosovo. Although these countries cover a relatively small geographical area, the differences among them with respect to the economy, society and politics are important. Our findings suggest that problems accumulating in academic work in Slovenia and Croatia were in almost all of the surveyed aspects less problematic than in the three other observed countries.
Seasonal environments drive convergent evolution of a faster pace‐of‐life in tropical butterflies
Authors: Halali Sridhar , van Bergen Erik , Breuker Casper J. , Brakefield Paul M. , Brattström Oskar
Published: October 2020

New ecological niches that may arise due to climate change can trigger diversification, but their colonisation often requires adaptations in a suite of life‐history traits. We test this hypothesis in species‐rich Mycalesina butterflies that have undergone parallel radiations in Africa, Asia, and Madagascar. First, our ancestral state reconstruction of habitat preference, using c. 85% of extant species, revealed that early forest‐linked lineages began to invade seasonal savannahs during the late Miocene‐Pliocene. Second, rearing replicate pairs of forest and savannah species from the African and Malagasy radiation in a common garden experiment, and utilising published data from the Asian radiation, demonstrated that savannah species consistently develop faster, have smaller bodies, higher fecundity with an earlier investment in reproduction, and reduced longevity, compared to forest species across all three radiations. We argue that time‐constraints for reproduction favoured the evolution of a faster pace‐of‐life in savannah species that facilitated their persistence in seasonal habitats.
We live in a changing world, but that shouldn’t mean we abandon the concept of equilibrium
Authors: Coulson Tim
Published: October 2020

Ecological systems are no longer at equilibrium, but over much of the history of the Earth, the natural world has been in stationary states, that are punctuated by periods of transience. Just because we have knocked our planet away from a stable state, doesn't mean we have to abandon the concept of equilibrium when we strive to understand the dynamics of the natural world.
Global functional and phylogenetic structure of avian assemblages across elevation and latitude
Authors: Jarzyna Marta A. , Quintero Ignacio , Jetz Walter
Published: October 2020

Mountain systems are exceptionally species rich, yet the associated elevational gradients in functional and phylogenetic diversity and their consistency across latitude remain little understood. Here, we document how avian functional and phylogenetic diversity and structure vary along all major elevational gradients worldwide and uncover strong latitudinal differences. Assemblages in warm tropical lowlands and cold temperate highlands are marked by high functional overdispersion and distinctiveness, whereas tropical highlands and temperate lowlands appear strongly functionally clustered and redundant. We additionally find strong geographic variation in the interplay of phylogenetic and functional structure, with strongest deviations between the two in temperate highlands. This latitudinal and elevational variation in assemblage functional structure is underpinned by nuanced shifts in the position, shape and composition of multivariate trait space. We find that, independent of latitude, high‐elevation assemblages emerge as exceptionally susceptible to functional change.