bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Basic Concepts in Genetics and Pharmacogenomics for Pharmacists
Authors: Orrico Kathleen B
Published: December 2019

This basic review of genetic principles will aid pharmacists in preparing for their eventual role of translating gene-drug associations into clinical practice. Genes, which are stretches of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) contained on the 23 pairs of human chromosomes, determine the size and shape of every protein a living organism builds. Variation in pharmacogenes which encode for proteins central to drug action and toxicity serves as the basis of pharmacogenomics (PGx). Important online resources such as PharmGKB.org, cpicpgx.org, and PharmVar.org provide the clinician with curated and summarized PGx associations and clinical guidelines. As genetic testing becomes increasingly affordable and accessible, the time is now for pharmacists to embrace PGx-guided medication selection and dosing to personalize and improve the safety and efficacy of drug therapy.
Psychometric properties of the parent’s versions of the SDQ and the PANAS-X in a community sample of Portuguese parents
Authors: Costa Pedro Alexandre , Tasker Fiona , Ramos Catarina , Leal Isabel
Published: December 2019

This study examined the psychometric properties of the parent’s versions of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule–Extended Form (PANAS-X) in a community sample of Portuguese parents. A total of 1100 SDQ and PANAS-X were collected from an online sample of 761 parents, whose ages ranged from 23 to 65 years ( M = 42, SD = 5). Confirmatory factor analyses provided evidence of the internal factor structure of both the SDQ and the PANAS-X and invariance of the factor structure across age and gender groups, with the exception of the SDQ, which failed to provide evidence of invariance between genders. Internal reliability and discriminant validity were confirmed for both measures, although convergent validity was only confirmed for the PANAS-X. Concurrent validity was also confirmed by comparing the results from the SDQ dimensions and the PANAS-X broad dimensions subscales.
One situation doesn’t fit all: Variability and stability of state willingness to communicate in a Chinese College English classroom
Authors: Zhang Jiayi , Beckmann Nadin , Beckmann Jens F.
Published: December 2019

Willingness to communicate (WTC) used to be studied as a relatively stable, trait-like predisposition; however, recently attention has shifted to the more dynamic, state-like components of WTC. This research investigates variability and stability in state WTC, particularly focusing on within-person variability, which may lead to stable between-person differences, and situational antecedents that can either promote or hinder state WTC in L2 classrooms. To investigate whether, how and why state WTC varies over time, this study used a high-density repeated measurement design and a group of Chinese university students to describe fluctuations in state WTC in English classrooms over one semester. Data related to state WTC and selected situational antecedents were collected through a self-report questionnaire and statistically analysed. It was found that state WTC varied systematically within the person across the semester, and this variability was systematically related to changes in the psychological properties of the learning situations (e.g. teacher and peer support, task-interest, and task-importance). It was also found that within-person variability in state WTC predicted language learning performance, e.g. students whose state WTC increased as a function of perceived task interest tended to achieve higher grades at the end of the semester. This study calls for more attention to be directed at within-person variability in state WTC, and provides novel insights into how relationships between state WTC and its situational antecedents may be investigated within individuals. This work is of interest to researchers and practitioners who aim to enhance L2 learners’ state WTC and language learning performance by systematically shaping their situated learning experience.
EFL learners’ speaking proficiency and its connection to emotional understanding, willingness to communicate and musical experience
Authors: Fernández-García Antonio , Fonseca-Mora M. Carmen
Published: December 2019

One of the main reasons for studying a foreign language is communicating with others, but many students do not feel confidently enough when trying to develop their speaking skills. Among adolescents’ frequent activities are that of listening to music while paying attention to song lyrics. We hypothesize that these musical experiences could influence their speaking skills. The present study aims to consider different factors that could influence students’ speaking proficiency. Among these factors, students’ emotional understanding, their willingness to communicate in a FL and their musical experience are considered. One hundred and twenty-four students of English as a foreign language (EFL) in the fourth year of Secondary Education from three different high schools in Spain took part in the study. Oral data were collected through individual interviews and three scales were administered to measure the different factors. Students’ musical experience and emotional response to music were measured through The Absorption in Music Scale, their emotional understanding of verbal texts through The Situational Test of Emotional Understanding – Brief, and their willingness to communicate in the EFL class through Willingness to Communicate Scale. Although no direct connection was found between students’ musical experience and their speaking proficiency, results demonstrate that students with high emotional understanding show better speaking skills and that students with musical experience exhibited higher emotional understanding. We detected a significant positive connection between emotional understanding and all the five parameters considered to assess students’ speaking proficiency. The connection between willingness to communicate in the EFL class and students’ speaking skills is even greater.
Intergroup contact and endorsement of social change motivations: The mediating role of intergroup trust, perspective-taking, and intergroup anxiety among three advantaged groups in Northern Cyprus, Romania, and Israel
Authors: Çakal Huseyin , Halabi Samer , Cazan Ana-Maria , Eller Anja
Published: December 2019

Three studies investigated the effect of intergroup contact and social identification on social change among three advantaged groups in Cyprus, Romania, and Israel. In Study 1 ( n = 340, Turkish Cypriots), intergroup contact with disadvantaged immigrant Turks positively predicted endorsement of their social change motivations directly, and via intergroup trust and perspective-taking indirectly. In Study 2 ( n = 200, Romanians), contact with the ethnic minority Hungarians positively predicted endorsement of their social change motivations via intergroup trust, perspective-taking, and intergroup anxiety, while ingroup identification negatively predicted endorsement of Hungarian ethnic minority’s collective action tendencies via perspective-taking and anxiety. In Study 3 ( n = 240, Israeli Jews), intergroup contact positively predicted, while ingroup identification negatively predicted, endorsement of disadvantaged Israeli Palestinian citizens’ social change motivations via perspective-taking, anxiety, and trust. Across three studies, results show that intergroup contact led the advantaged groups to attitudinally support social change motivations of the disadvantaged outgroups through increased trust, perspective-taking, and reduced anxiety, whereas ingroup identification weakened their intention to support social change motivations via perspective-taking and intergroup anxiety in Study 2, and via intergroup trust, perspective-taking, and intergroup anxiety in Study 3.
An investigation into the use of infant feeding tracker apps by breastfeeding mothers
Authors: Dienelt Kaitlyn , Moores Carly J , Miller Jacqueline , Mehta Kaye
Published: December 2019

Sufficient information and support for breastfeeding mothers is vital to encourage optimal infant feeding practices. Infant feeding apps give breastfeeding instructions and access to information however, little is known about mothers’ perceptions about these resources. This study investigated mothers’ use and experiences of infant feeding apps with a feeding tracker component, including how information within these apps is used, initial reasons for downloading, the role of the app in infant feeding, and perceived benefits and disadvantages of infant feeding apps. In-depth interviews were conducted with nine Australian breastfeeding mothers who had used an infant feeding app in the last year. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and coded prior to thematic analysis. The findings revealed that infant feeding apps provide mothers with objective information to guide their breastfeeding decisions and other aspects of baby care. This objective approach to infant feeding gives mothers a perception of greater control, confidence and efficacy at a time of transition and stress in the early stages of parenting an infant. While, overall, the mothers were positive about infant feeding apps, they also expressed concerns regarding overreliance on the app, feeling overwhelmed with the data and questioning the credibility of the information.
Entrepreneurial stories, narratives and reading – Their role in building entrepreneurial being and behaviour
Authors: Manning Paul , Stokes Peter , Tarba Shlomo Yedidia , Rodgers Peter
Published: December 2019

The article undertakes an innovative study focusing on the choices and manners of entrepreneur reading as a means of developing resilience and responding to the challenges and crises that entrepreneurial activity presents. The article explores predominant patterns of entrepreneurial learning and challenges the assumptions on which these are grounded. This allows original insights and perspectives to be developed with which to enhance understanding of entrepreneurial sense-making. The study employs a qualitative methodology involving purposive semi-structured interviews with entrepreneurs to determine the ways in which they identify, engage with and operationalize entrepreneurial behaviour based on their reading. The ensuing fieldwork provided a range of findings and discussion themes centred on dynamic and non-linear behaviour, reading and transformative learning events, and social interaction and reading. The study concludes with a range of observations on the power of reading in assisting entrepreneurs to develop resilience and behaviours for coping with the challenges and crises which are an integral aspect of entrepreneurial activity.
Exercising agency in a hostile environment: How do refused asylum seekers find work?
Authors: May Paul
Published: December 2019

Using Anthony Giddens’ structuration theory, this article analyzes the specific ways refused asylum seekers use agency to find employment, despite a legal framework that prevents them working. It is based on a total of 34 semi-structured interviews conducted in Paris. Three points are to be noted. Firstly, there is a hierarchy in the type of jobs available: the most popular jobs can be accessed by borrowing the identity of a third person with regular status, while people who cannot use this means are confined to jobs on the more precarious fringes of the job market. Secondly, our research highlights the existence of an informal labor market that asylum seekers can approach, sometimes even before their asylum application is filed. It is also a space for discussion, advice, and contact with other undocumented job seekers, accessible in specific locations or via the Internet. Thirdly, any long-term prospects are hindered by the precariousness of a person’s migration status: although French legislation officially makes regularization possible, under certain conditions, for people who can justify working without ID, our research reveals a series of obstacles on the ground that make this prospect unlikely. In addition to analyzing the current institutional situation, this research focuses on migrant agency, which is crucial to understanding the hidden aspects of migration.
The Nature and Extent of Qualitative Research Conducted With Children About Their Experiences of Domestic Violence: Findings From a Meta-Synthesis
Authors: Noble-Carr Debbie , Moore Tim , McArthur Morag
Published: December 2019

Domestic violence is a significant issue experienced by many children that can have a detrimental impact on their health, development, and well-being. This article reports on the findings of a meta-synthesis that examined the nature and extent of qualitative studies conducted with children about their experience of domestic violence. Studies were identified by a search of electronic databases and included gray literature. Studies were included for review if they were published between 1996 and 2016, were from countries considered as comparable Western nations to Australia and available in the English language, and reported on qualitative studies that directly engaged with children under the age of 18 years on their experiences of intimate partner violence involving one or more of their parents/carers. Forty peer-reviewed publications that reported on 32 studies were included for the review. This study was unique in that it included child participation measures to assess the quality of available studies. This article explores the contribution that research with children has made to our understandings of, and responses to, domestic violence, and provides a critique of the limitations and gaps evident in the extant qualitative research with children on the issue of domestic violence. The article considers implications for future research, policy, and practice and in particular focuses our attention on the need to engage more children more fully in participatory research in the field of domestic violence.
Dose-Dependent, Antidepressant, and Anxiolytic Effects of a Traditional Medicinal Plant for the Management of Behavioral Dysfunctions in Animal Models
Authors: Asif Hafiz Muhammad , Hayee Abdul , Aslam Muhammad Rahil , Ahmad Khalil , Hashmi Abdul Sattar
Published: December 2019

The present work was carried out to assess the Onosma bracteatum anxiolytic and antidepressant properties. Swiss albino mice (male) were fed orally with hydroalcoholic extract at different doses 50, 100, and 200 mg 1 hour prior to test with the standard diazepam and fluoxetine. Anxiolytic and antidepressant activities were evaluated by using open field, elevated plus maze, force swimming, and tail suspension test. Results of open field test showed an increase in number of line crossing as well as number of rearing in dosage-dependent design. Although results of elevated plus maze test evidently showed antianxiety effect of O bracteatum by increasing the time spent in open arms along with decreasing the time spent in closed arms in dosage-dependent way. For the evaluation of antidepressant effect, O bracteatum diminished the immobility time and expanded mobility time in forced swim model in dosage-dependent way. Likewise, O bracteatum expanded time span of mobility along with diminished immobility time in tail suspension method in dosage-dependent way. Outcome demonstrated that plant at the dose of 200 mg/kg body weight showed significant potential which was similar to that standard diazepam and fluoxetine. Hence, O bracteatum may be used as potent natural psychotherapeutic agent against the mental disorders.
Performance evaluation of a novel intelligent distributed mounting system for marine mechanical equipment
Authors: Qiu Yuanran , Xu Wei , Li Zhengmin
Published: December 2019

Machinery mounting system is one of the most significant vibration and noise attenuation technology for marine mechanical equipment. A novel intelligent mounting system having distributed intermediate mass light in weight, intelligent in function and small in installation space is presented. The performance of the novel distributed mounting system is analysed using a simplified but efficient theoretical model. The influences of system designing parameters including weight of intermediate mass, stiffness of isolators and mechanical impedance of foundation on vibration isolation efficiency are analysed. A scale experimental prototype was established to verify the accuracy of theoretical analysis. Conclusions of theoretical and experimental analysis reveal that stiffness of isolators should be chosen as small as possible under the premise of stability of system. The intermediate mass should be chosen within a reasonable range based on the index requested on isolation efficiency because substantial increase on intermediate mass will not lead to substantial increase on vibration isolation efficiency which is different from conventional methods to obtain considerable isolation efficiency. And intelligent safety mechanism designed to ensure the ultimate operation safety of equipment was introduced. The novel intelligent mounting system is qualified with the need of practical projects on vibration isolation efficiency and reliability standard, providing a new way for vibration engineer to choose when making mounting plan for marine machinery equipment.
Exploiting null space potentials to control arm robots compliantly performing nonlinear tactile tasks
Authors: Wilhelm Nikolas , Burgkart Rainer , Lang Jan , Micheler Carina , von Deimling Constantin
Published: December 2019

In this article, two new compliant control architectures are introduced that utilize null space solutions to decouple force and position control. They are capable to interact with uncertain surfaces and environments with varying materials and require fewer parameters to be tuned than the common architectures – hybrid or impedance control. The general concept behind these approaches allows to consider manipulators with six degrees of freedom as redundant by creating a virtual redundancy with a reduced work space. It will be demonstrated that the introduced approaches are superior regarding orthogonal separation of the Cartesian degrees of freedom and avoid inner singularities. To demonstrate their performance, the controllers are tested on a standard industrial robot (Stäubli, RX90B, six degrees of freedom) that actuates two different biomechanically inspired models of the human knee joint.
Reliability of focal identification of motor fascicles of the ulnar nerve proximal to the wrist: an anatomical study
Authors: Barrett Justin E. , Farooq Hassan , Merrell Gregory A.
Published: December 2019

We investigated whether motor fascicles of the ulnar nerve can be reliably identified proximal to the wrist. In 17 cadaveric upper limbs, the anterior interosseous nerve was transected at its arborization in the pronator quadratus and transposed to the palmar aspect of the ulnar nerve. The motor fascicular bundle was identified at this level after distinguishing the intraneural epineural involution by microsurgical probing. The motor branch was identified in Guyon’s canal and traced retrograde via intraneural dissection to assess accuracy of the original identification. The motor fascicular bundle was found to have been correctly identified in all specimens. We conclude that local anatomic landmarks allow for the motor fascicular group to be correctly identified. Therefore, retrograde, internal dissection of the ulnar nerve is not likely to be required for reliable transfer of anterior interosseous nerve to ulnar nerve motor fascicles.
Studying biological science does not lead to adoption of a healthy lifestyle
Authors: Bhatti SN , Leidi A , Leake D , Li J-M
Published: December 2019

Aims:

The lifestyle and physical activity (PA) habits of young people play a key role in the prevention of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases at older ages. The current generation of biological science students at university holds promise for better future medicine and medical technology. However, their physical fitness and lifestyle are often ignored.

Methods:

Lifestyle, PAs and common risk factors for cardiovascular disease before, and at, university were collected from 408 students using self-completed, anonymous surveys between the academic years of 2017 and 2019 from the School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS® 9.4 software.

Results:

Among the 408 participants, 134 were male and 274 were female with a mean ( SD) age of 19.6 (2.24). Approximately 19% of participants consumed alcohol beyond the safe limit of <14 units/week (112 g/week). Among them, 65% were males. Before university, 47% of students failed to meet the UK National Physical Activity Guidelines (NPAG) which increased to 56% during university with males exhibiting a steeper incline. Compared to their lifestyles before university, more students had insufficient sleep and displayed greater sedentariness during university. Moreover, 16% of students declared no engagement in PA which was greater than the value of 12% before university. Fitness perceptions worsened by 11% during university particularly for females. Statistical analysis revealed that gender, BMI and fitness perceptions were significantly correlated with PA levels. The most prevalent explanation for inadequacy in meeting NPAG was insufficient time.

Conclusions:

Compared to their pre-university lifestyles, biological science students at university are more likely to adopt unhealthier behaviours with less time for exercise and prolonged sedentary behaviours, which increases the risk for cardiovascular diseases. It is important to raise awareness of their fitness perceptions and to encourage health-promoting programmes at university.
Worrying News for Brazilian Caatinga: Prevalence of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in Amphibians
Authors: Benício Ronildo A. , Carvalho Tamilie , Barbosa Maria D. R. , Costa Janiella de M , da Silva Felipe C. C. , Fonseca Mariluce G.
Published: December 2019

The chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) has been linked to the declines of more than 500 amphibian species globally. In Brazil, Bd has been identified in several regions but predominantly in the Atlantic Forest. Data on the occurrence of this amphibian pathogen in northeastern Brazil are scarce, specifically from the Caatinga ecoregion, where there is only one study that reports Bd in the region. This study is the first to show a high prevalence of Bd in Caatinga’s species and includes two new records of species infected by Bd: Rhinella granulosa and R. jimi. In addition, we discuss the possibility of amphibian with terrestrial habits serving as potential Bd reservoirs in semiarid climate regions.
What do we require from surveillance technology? A review of the needs of people with dementia and informal caregivers
Authors: Vermeer Yvette , Higgs Paul , Charlesworth Georgina
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Dementia has become a major global concern and surveillance technology might provide support for informal caregivers and people with dementia. However, the needs of caregivers and people with dementia for surveillance technology have not been reviewed.

Method

A scoping literature review was used to identify the needs of caregivers and/or people with dementia towards surveillance technology. Electronic database searching was undertaken on LexisNexis, PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cumulative Index to Nursing, Allied Health Literature, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Assistive Technology database, and Google Scholar. Eligible studies were synthesized by theme.

Results

Twenty-eight eligible studies were identified, with the majority reporting the needs of caregivers rather than people with dementia. The predominant themes for caregivers were location accuracy, and increasing the safety of the person with dementia. People with dementia wanted simple useful technology that fits within their capacity and existing routines.

Conclusions

The needs of people with dementia must be considered when designing surveillance products. Studies have mostly focused on caregivers and discount ST product requirements. Further work is required to establish effective use of surveillance technology in dementia care. Therefore, further research should cross analyze these results by examining both the needs of caregivers, and people with dementia.
Cultures of Scientific Culture
Authors: Schiele Bernard
Published: December 2019

The sciencescape has been completely transformed in just over 30 years. Science exerts such impact on today's society as to have completely remodelled it. The ways of appropriating knowledge, individual and collective, in terms of parcelling disciplines, the burgeoning knowledge produced by each of them, and the demultiplication of information sources, can no longer be thought of in terms of the model that prevailed up to now. To imagine another model, one must try to understand what has changed.
Politics, Religion, Science and Scientific Temper
Authors: Raza Gauhar , Singh Surjit
Published: December 2019

Spreading scientific temperament and communicating science to the public at large is a cultural and political undertaking. This article looks at a recent transition in Indian politics, the nexus between majoritarian religious leadership and political leadership, and its impact on science, science communication and scientific temper. 1 In the first section, the focus is on an unfolding three-pronged attack on science and scientific temper. First, those in power, including the Prime Minister of India, have publicly attacked established norms for distinguishing science from fiction. Second, the strengthening of the nexus between political leaders and ‘god-men’ has led to a blurring of the boundaries between religious and scientific discourses. Third, an effective cut to science and technology research expenditure has made the scientific community restless. The second section explores how religio-mythical culture affects scientific institutions. The third section shows how scientific output (scientific publications in reputable journals) has been affected in the recent past, when the political balance shifted in favour of blatant anti-science discourse.
On Gandhi and Sanitation
Authors: Joshi P. C. , Khattri Prashant
Published: December 2019

It was Gandhi who gave centrality to the debate on sanitation from the perspective of bio-power. The category of sanitation for him was not something to be used as a form of control but an instrument for transforming the structural caste-based hierarchy. Gandhian idea on sanitation resonates well with the anthropological notion of holism. He has visualised sanitation across the domains of soma, polis and psyche. Sanitation for Gandhi is not limited by its technical definition requiring only technical solutions but in its expansion that assumes a metaphorical significance. For Gandhi, swaraj (self-rule) in political sphere can only be achieved if there is a collective sense of sanitation and hygiene. The field of sanitation, therefore, can be seen as a testing ground for the ability and preparedness to achieve political swaraj. Sanitation reforms for him are based on reforming the collective sense of social self. This kind of reformation leads sanitation into the domain of the ‘moral-political’ that invoke collective and municipal efforts from the state to address insanitation. It is within these contexts that the article tries to understand the Gandhian philosophy on sanitation that traverses through the conceptions of bio-power, caste hierarchies, colonialism, scientism, nationalism and morality.
Corporate Governance an Imperative for Stakeholders Protection: Evidence from Risk Management of Indian Listed Firms
Authors: Busru Showkat Ahmad , Shanmugasundaram G. , Bhat Shariq Ahmad
Published: December 2019

The central focus of the study is to assess corporate governance effectiveness in mitigating risk and controlling risk behavior of management of Indian firms. From sample of 270 NSE listed Indian firms for period of 9 years ranging from 2007–2008 to 2015–2016 using partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) method an alternative to covariance-based SEM was applied to test hypothesis. While testing hypothesized negative relationship between good governance and risk-taking as documented in prior research, our results have shown contradictory results only in case of effectiveness of committee level governance especially compensation and risk committee effectiveness has failed to significantly claim causality on compensation risk and other risk measured through financial and investment risk. Similarly, board structure and activities have failed to reduce compensation sensitivity to performance, while as, characteristics like board diversity, expertise, average tenure, and CEO vested power boards have positive inclination to debt financing and spending on research and development. However, using Cohens D, called effect size, all corporate governance constructs have no or very minimal contribution in explaining changes in risk variability, thus creating ample scope for improvements in Indian corporate governance system.
A biomechanical comparison of different tying techniques of a double-stranded looped suture
Authors: Luenam Suriya , Koonalinthip Poonsak , Kosiyatrakul Arkaphat
Published: December 2019

Purpose:

This study aims to assess the biomechanical performance of different tying techniques of a double-stranded looped suture (DSLS).

Methods:

Loop and knot security of DSLS tying techniques (nice knot (NK), modified nice knot (MNK), double-twist knot (DTK), and double-barrel knot (DBK)) were compared. The square knot of DSLS (SKD) and the square knot of single-stranded suture (SKS) had been used as references. Twenty-four loops of each configuration were created using No. 2 Fiberwire (Arthrex, Naples, Florida, USA) and tested with a material testing machine. Samples were loaded with 10 N preloads for loop security assessment. Knot security was subsequently evaluated. Twelve loops of each knot were loaded to failure. The rest were subjected to cyclic load testing and the elongation at the 50th and 1000th cycles were measured. Knot bulkiness was determined by measuring knot height before testing. Data were compared with analysis of variance and post hoc tests. Statistical significance was p < 0.05.

Results:

All knots showed no statistically significant difference in displacement with preload. The load-to-failure was highest in NK, followed by MNK, DTK, DBK, SKD, and SKS. The cyclic loading test at the 50th cycle and the 1000th cycle demonstrated that NK has significantly less displacement than the others except MNK. DTK provided a minimal average knot height followed by NK, SKS, DBK, MNK, and SKD.

Conclusion:

The different tying techniques in DSLS provided the similar loop security but different knot security and knot bulkiness. NK and MNK are biomechanically superior to the other knots, whereas DTK is the least bulky. The findings in the present study may help set the guide for the surgeons to select the tying technique of DSLS to best suit their requirement.
Resistance behaviour of carbon fibre-reinforced polymers subjected to lightning strikes: Experimental investigation and application
Authors: Chen Jian , Fu Zhengcai , Zhao Yang
Published: December 2019

It is difficult to monitor lightning damage to carbon fibre-reinforced polymers (CFRPs) online. This work experimentally investigates the changes associated with the electrical resistance of CFRPs subjected to lightning strikes. Two kinds of simulated lightning currents with different amplitudes in the range of 10–80 kA were injected into the CFRP samples. By measuring and comparing the changes in the struck-side (front) surface resistance, the surface resistance of the side opposite to the struck-side (back) and the oblique resistance of each sample before and after the lightning strike, it was observed that inflection points exist in the curve of the resistance change rate. The resistance decreases with increasing peak currents before the inflection point and increases when the peak current goes beyond the inflection point. The change rate of the front surface resistance is more sensitive to the lightning damage than are those of the back surface resistance and the oblique resistance. Different simulated lightning currents have approximately the same action integrals at the inflection points of resistance change rate. The characteristics indicate that resistance change detection could be a possible method for the online monitoring of CFRP lightning damage.
American Society of Hematology 2019 guidelines for immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Neunert Cindy , Terrell Deirdra R. , Arnold Donald M. , Buchanan George , Cines Douglas B. , Cooper Nichola , Cuker Adam , Despotovic Jenny M. , George James N. , Grace Rachael F. , Kühne Thomas , Kuter David J. , Lim Wendy , McCrae Keith R. , Pruitt Barbara , Shimanek Hayley , Vesely Sara K.
Published: December 2019

Background:

Despite an increase in the number of therapies available to treat patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), there are minimal data from randomized trials to assist physicians with the management of patients.

Objective:

These evidence-based guidelines of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) are intended to support patients, clinicians, and other health care professionals in their decisions about the management of ITP.

Methods:

In 2015, ASH formed a multidisciplinary guideline panel that included 8 adult clinical experts, 5 pediatric clinical experts, 2 methodologists with expertise in ITP, and 2 patient representatives. The panel was balanced to minimize potential bias from conflicts of interest. The panel reviewed the ASH 2011 guideline recommendations and prioritized questions. The panel used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach, including evidence-to-decision frameworks, to appraise evidence (up to May 2017) and formulate recommendations.

Results:

The panel agreed on 21 recommendations covering management of ITP in adults and children with newly diagnosed, persistent, and chronic disease refractory to first-line therapy who have non–life-threatening bleeding. Management approaches included: observation, corticosteroids, IV immunoglobulin, anti-D immunoglobulin, rituximab, splenectomy, and thrombopoietin receptor agonists.

Conclusions:

There was a lack of evidence to support strong recommendations for various management approaches. In general, strategies that avoided medication side effects were favored. A large focus was placed on shared decision-making, especially with regard to second-line therapy. Future research should apply standard corticosteroid-dosing regimens, report patient-reported outcomes, and include cost-analysis evaluations.
Cortical GABA in migraine with aura -an ultrashort echo magnetic resonance spectroscopy study
Authors: Stærmose Tobias G. , Knudsen Marie K. , Kasch Helge , Blicher Jakob U.
Published: December 2019

Objective

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the cortical metabolite concentrations in patients suffering from migraine with aura (MWA). We hypothesized that occipital γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels are lower in MWA patients.

Background

Recent studies have indicated that a disturbance in the inhibitory GABA is involved in triggering the migraine aura. We aimed to explore this using a novel magnetic resonance spectroscopy sequence.

Methods

Using spin echo full intensity acquired localized spectroscopy on a Siemens 3 Tesla magnetic resonance scanner, we obtained occipital and parietal metabolite concentrations in 14 patients suffering from migraine with aura and a group of 16 matched healthy subjects.

All scans were performed at Aarhus University Hospital, at the Center for Functionally Integrative Neuroscience (CFIN).

Results

No difference was found in GABA/(Total creatine) levels in either the occipital cortex (p = 0.744) or in the somatosensory cortex (p = 0.305).

Conclusion

These findings indicate that cortical GABA levels are normal in patients suffering from relatively few migraine attacks. Previous studies have reported that cortical GABA in patients with more frequent migraines is reduced; further investigation of the inhibitory system in migraine patients is warranted to determine the underlying mechanisms.
A novel target convergence set based random walk with restart for prediction of potential LncRNA-disease associations
Authors: Li Jiechen , Li Xueyong , Feng Xiang , Wang Bing , Zhao Bihai , Wang Lei
Published: December 2019

Background

In recent years, lncRNAs (long-non-coding RNAs) have been proved to be closely related to the occurrence and development of many serious diseases that are seriously harmful to human health. However, most of the lncRNA-disease associations have not been found yet due to high costs and time complexity of traditional bio-experiments. Hence, it is quite urgent and necessary to establish efficient and reasonable computational models to predict potential associations between lncRNAs and diseases.

Results

In this manuscript, a novel prediction model called TCSRWRLD is proposed to predict potential lncRNA-disease associations based on improved random walk with restart. In TCSRWRLD, a heterogeneous lncRNA-disease network is constructed first by combining the integrated similarity of lncRNAs and the integrated similarity of diseases. And then, for each lncRNA/disease node in the newly constructed heterogeneous lncRNA-disease network, it will establish a node set called TCS (Target Convergence Set) consisting of top 100 disease/lncRNA nodes with minimum average network distances to these disease/lncRNA nodes having known associations with itself. Finally, an improved random walk with restart is implemented on the heterogeneous lncRNA-disease network to infer potential lncRNA-disease associations. The major contribution of this manuscript lies in the introduction of the concept of TCS, based on which, the velocity of convergence of TCSRWRLD can be quicken effectively, since the walker can stop its random walk while the walking probability vectors obtained by it at the nodes in TCS instead of all nodes in the whole network have reached stable state. And Simulation results show that TCSRWRLD can achieve a reliable AUC of 0.8712 in the Leave-One-Out Cross Validation (LOOCV), which outperforms previous state-of-the-art results apparently. Moreover, case studies of lung cancer and leukemia demonstrate the satisfactory prediction performance of TCSRWRLD as well.

Conclusions

Both comparative results and case studies have demonstrated that TCSRWRLD can achieve excellent performances in prediction of potential lncRNA-disease associations, which imply as well that TCSRWRLD may be a good addition to the research of bioinformatics in the future.
Genome-wide identification, characterisation and functional evaluation of WRKY genes in the sweet potato wild ancestor Ipomoea trifida (H.B.K.) G. Don. under abiotic stresses
Authors: Li Yuxia , Zhang Lei , Zhu Panpan , Cao Qinghe , Sun Jian , Li Zongyun , Xu Tao
Published: December 2019

Background

WRKY DNA-binding protein (WRKY) is a large gene family involved in plant responses and adaptation to salt, drought, cold and heat stresses. Sweet potato from the genus Ipomoea is a staple food crop, but the WRKY genes in Ipomoea species remain unknown to date. Hence, we carried out a genome-wide analysis of WRKYs in Ipomoea trifida (H.B.K.) G. Don., the wild ancestor of sweet potato.

Results

A total of 83 WRKY genes encoding 96 proteins were identified in I. trifida, and their gene distribution, duplication, structure, phylogeny and expression patterns were studied. ItfWRKYs were distributed on 15 chromosomes of I. trifida. Gene duplication analysis showed that segmental duplication played an important role in the WRKY gene family expansion in I. trifida. Gene structure analysis showed that the intron-exon model of the ItfWRKY gene was highly conserved. Meanwhile, the ItfWRKYs were divided into five groups (I, IIa + IIb, IIc, IId + IIe and III) on the basis of the phylogenetic analysis on I. trifida and Arabidopsis thaliana WRKY proteins. In addition, gene expression profiles confirmed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed that ItfWRKYs were highly up-regulated or down-regulated under salt, drought, cold and heat stress conditions, implying that these genes play important roles in response and adaptation to abiotic stresses.

Conclusions

In summary, genome-wide identification, gene structure, phylogeny and expression analysis of WRKY gene in I. trifida provide basic information for further functional studies of ItfWRKYs and for the molecular breeding of sweet potato.
Characterization of QTL and eQTL controlling early Fusarium graminearum infection and deoxynivalenol levels in a Wuhan 1 x Nyubai doubled haploid wheat population
Authors: Fauteux François , Wang Yunli , Rocheleau Hélène , Liu Ziying , Pan Youlian , Fedak George , McCartney Curt , Ouellet Thérèse
Published: December 2019

Background

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a major disease of cereal crops, caused by the fungal pathogenFusarium graminearumand related species. Breeding wheat for FHB resistance contributes to increase yields and grain quality and to reduce the use of fungicides. The identification of genes and markers for FHB resistance in different wheat genotypes has nevertheless proven challenging.

Results

In this study, early infection byF. graminearumwas analyzed in a doubled haploid population derived from the cross of the moderately resistant wheat genotypes Wuhan 1 and Nyubai. Three quantitative trait loci (QTL) were identified: 1AL was associated with lower deoxynivalenol content, and 4BS and 5A were associated with reducedF. graminearuminfection at 2 days post inoculation. Early resistance alleles were inherited from Wuhan 1 for QTL 1AL and 4BS and inherited from Nyubai for the 5A QTL.Cisandtransexpression QTL (eQTL) were identified using RNA-seq data from infected head samples. Hotspots fortranseQTL were identified in the vicinity of the 1AL and 4BS QTL peaks. Among differentially expressed genes withciseQTL within the QTL support intervals, nine genes had higher expression associated with FHB early resistance, and four genes had higher expression associated with FHB early susceptibility.

Conclusions

Our analysis of genotype and gene expression data of wheat infected byF. graminearumidentified three QTL associated with FHB early resistance, and linked genes with eQTL and differential expression patterns to those QTL. These findings may have applications in breeding wheat for early resistance to FHB.
Piperaquine concentration and malaria treatment outcomes in Ugandan children treated for severe malaria with intravenous Artesunate or quinine plus Dihydroartemisinin-Piperaquine
Authors: Byakika-Kibwika Pauline , Ssenyonga Ronald , Lamorde Mohammed , Blessborn Daniel , Tarning Joel
Published: December 2019

Background

Treatment for severe malaria must be prompt with effective parenteral antimalarial drugs for at least 24 h to achieve fast parasite clearance, and when the patient can tolerate oral therapy, treatment should be completed with effective artemisinin based combination therapy (ACT) for complete parasite clearance and to prevent recrudescence. We evaluated piperaquine concentration and malaria treatment outcomes among Ugandan children treated for severe malaria with intravenous artesunate (AS) or quinine (QN) plus dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP), in Tororo District Hospital in Eastern Uganda.

Methods

Capillary blood piperaquine concentration data were obtained from a randomized clinical trial whose objective was to evaluate parasite clearance, 42-day parasitological treatment outcomes and safety, following treatment of severe malaria with intravenous AS or QN, plus artemether-lumefantrine or DP among children in Tororo District Hospital, in Eastern Uganda.

Results

Piperaquine concentration data from 150 participants who received DP were analyzed. Participants with unadjusted treatment failure had lower median day 7 capillary piperaquine concentration than those with treatment success (34.7 (IQR) (17.9–49.1) vs 66.7 (IQR) (41.8–81.9), p < 0.001), and lower than the recommended day 7 cut off level of 57 ng/mL. There was no difference in median capillary piperaquine concentrations among participants with re-infection and recrudescence (35.3 (IQR) (17.9–55.2) vs 34.8 (IQR) (18.1–45.1), p = 0.847). The risk of treatment failure was two times higher among children with low (< 57 ng/mL) day 7 capillary piperaquine concentration (relative risk: 2.1 CI 1.4–3.1), p < 0.001) compared to children with high day 7 capillary piperaquine concentrations (> 57 ng/mL).

Conclusion

Considering the low day 7 concentrations of piperaquine reported in the patients studied here, we suggest to adopt the recently recommended higher dose of DP in young children or a prolonged 5-day dosing in children living in malaria endemic areas who have suffered an initial episode of severe malaria in order to achieve adequate drug exposures for effective post-treatment prophylactic effects.

Trial registration

The study was registered with the Pan African Clinical Trial Registry (PACTR201110000321348). Registered 7th October 2011.
Problems with analyses and interpretation of data in “use of the KDQOL-36™ for assessment of health-related quality of life among dialysis patients in the United States”
Authors: Hays Ron D. , Peipert John D. , Kallich Joel D.
Published: December 2019

A recent article in the journal reported analyses of KDQOL-36™ survey data collected from 240,343 adults (330,412 surveys) dialyzed at a large dialysis organization in the United States during 2014–2016. The authors concluded that the KDQOL-36™ Symptoms and Problems of Kidney Disease scale had the highest mean score of the KDQOL-36™ scales. We note that this inference was erroneous because the scales are not scored on the same numeric scale. In addition, the authors found that responses to a general health perceptions item (“In general, would you say your health is excellent, very good, good, fair, or poor”) was not significantly associated with any of the 5 KDQOL-36 scale scores. In contrast, we find significant and noteworthy correlations in two other datasets. These analytic issues call into question the accuracy and validity of the conclusions of this paper.