bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alary muscles and thoracic alary-related muscles are atypical striated muscles involved in maintaining the position of internal organs
Authors: Bataillé Laetitia , Colombié Nathalie , Pelletier Aurore , Paululat Achim , Lebreton Gaëlle , Carrier Yannick , Frendo Jean-Louis , Vincent Alain
Published: March 2020

Alary muscles (AMs) have been described as a component of the cardiac system in various arthropods. Lineage-related thoracic muscles (TARMs), linking the exoskeleton to specific gut regions, have recently been discovered in Drosophila. Asymmetrical attachments of AMs and TARMs, to the exoskeleton on one side and internal organs on the other, suggested an architectural function in moving larvae. Here, we analysed the shape and sarcomeric organisation of AMs and TARMs, and imaged their atypical deformability in crawling larvae. We then selectively eliminated AMs and TARMs by targeted apoptosis. Elimination of AMs revealed that AMs are required for suspending the heart in proper intra-haemocelic position and for opening of the heart lumen, and that AMs constrain the curvature of the respiratory tracheal system during crawling; TARMs are required for proper positioning of visceral organs and efficient food transit. AM/TARM cardiac versus visceral attachment depends on Hox control, with visceral attachment being the ground state. TARMs and AMs are the first example of multinucleate striated muscles connecting the skeleton to the cardiac and visceral systems in bilaterians, with multiple physiological functions.
Synchronous and Metachronous Peritoneal Metastases in Patients with Left-Sided Obstructive Colon Cancer
Authors:   Dutch Snapshot Research Group, Veld Joyce Valerie , Wisselink Daniel Derk , Amelung Femke Julie , Consten Esther Catharina Josephina , de Wilt Johannes Hendrik Willem , de Hingh Ignace , Bemelman Wilhelmus Adrianus , van Hooft Jeanin Elise , Tanis Pieter Job
Published: March 2020

Background

Controversy exists on emergency setting as a risk factor for peritoneal metastases (PM) in colon cancer patients. Data in patients with obstruction are scarce. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of synchronous and metachronous PM, risk factors for the development of metachronous PM, and prognostic implications within a large nationwide cohort of left-sided obstructive colon cancer (LSOCC).

Methods

Patients with LSOCC treated between 2009 and 2016 were selected from the Dutch ColoRectal Audit. Additional treatment and long-term outcome data were retrospectively collected from original patient files in 75 hospitals in 2017.

Results

In total, 3038 patients with confirmed obstruction and without perforation were included. Synchronous PM (at diagnosis or < 30 days postoperatively) were diagnosed in 148/2976 evaluable patients (5.0%), and 3-year cumulative metachronous PM rate was 9.9%. Multivariable Cox regression analyses revealed pT4 stage (HR 1.782, 95% CI 1.191–2.668) and pN2 stage (HR 2.101, 95% CI 1.208–3.653) of the primary tumor to be independent risk factors for the development of metachronous PM. Median overall survival in patients with or without synchronous PM was 20 and 63 months (p < 0.001) and 3-year overall survival of patients that did or did not develop metachronous PM was 48.1% and 77.0%, respectively (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

This population based study revealed a 5.0% incidence of synchronous peritoneal metastases in patients who underwent resection of left-sided obstructive colon cancer. The subsequent 3-year cumulative metachronous PM rate was 9.9%, with advanced tumor and nodal stage as independent risk factors for the development of PM.
Novel use of arterial spin labelling in the imaging of peripheral vascular malformations
Authors: Ramachandran Sanjeev , Delf Jonathan , Brookes Jocelyn , Adair William , Rayt Harjeet , Bown Matthew , Kandiyil Neghal
Published: March 2020

We present a novel use of arterial spin labelling (ASL), a MRI perfusion technique, to assess a high-flow, peripheral vascular malformation (PVM), specifically a large arteriovenous malformation in the left forearm of a 20-year-old female. While there has been experience with ASL in the assessment of intracranial vascular malformations, there has been no known use of ASL in the evaluation of PVMs. We also discuss the potential benefits and limitations of ASL in the imaging of PVMs. The promising results from this case warrant further research on ASL in the investigation of PVMs.
Game—Rolling the Dice on Global Supply Chain Sustainability: A Total Cost of Ownership Simulation
Authors: Cole Rosanna , Snider Brent
Published: March 2020

Sustainability in management education is a potential solution to societal challenges, influencing students’ worldviews and attitudes to contribute to a more profound social change. Through this innovative dice-based classroom simulation, students are exposed to supply chain sustainability, total cost of ownership (TCO), and risk management while also understanding their linkages through effective instructor debrief. Student teams compete by selecting sourcing options such as supplier location, transportation methods, and sustainability reputation from a menu, then see how their decisions fare as the product-line life cycle is simulated with a dice. The debrief facilitated by the instructor compares and contrasts results across the teams, generating insights into the interrelationships between supply chain sustainability choices, TCO, and risk management. Successfully conducted by multiple instructors, in multiple countries, and across all levels of management education (undergraduate, master of science, and executive master of business administration), survey results (n = 350) plus a pilot study (n = 31) confirm that this dice-based simulation accomplishes multiple learning objectives while also providing a highly engaging experiential learning classroom environment for this sample.
Offsetting Disagreement and Security Prices
Authors: Huang Shiyang , Hwang Byoung-Hyoun , Lou Dong , Yin Chengxi
Published: March 2020

We propose that investor beliefs frequently “cross” in the sense that an investor may like company A but dislike company B, whereas another investor may like company B but dislike company A. Such belief-crossing makes it almost impossible to construct a portfolio that is composed solely of every investor’s most favored companies. This causes the level of excitement for portfolios to be generally lower than the levels of excitement that individual companies generate among their most fervent supporters. Coupled with short-sale constraints, wherein prices are set by the most optimistic investors, this causes portfolios to trade at discounts. Utilizing several settings whereby the value of a portfolio and the values of the underlying components can be evaluated separately (e.g., closed-end funds), we present evidence supporting our proposition that, in financial markets, the “whole” is often less than the “sum of its parts.”

This paper was accepted by Karl Diether, finance.
Catheter-associated urinary tract infections in community settings
Authors: Nazarko Linda
Published: March 2020

Linda Nazarko explains how nurses can identify and treat these challenges in patients with catheters
Hypertension – what's new from NICE's updated guidance?
Authors: Bostock-Cox Beverley
Published: March 2020

Beverley Bostock-Cox looks at the latest guidelines on the management of this condition
From epidemic to pandemic
Authors: Peate Ian
Published: March 2020

As COVID-19 spreads across the globe, Ian Peate discusses its challenges and emergency response
How report writing supports paramedic students' learning
Authors: Angeli Elizabeth L.
Published: March 2020

Writing skills are critical as emergency medical services (EMS) use them to support patient care, yet limited research supports EMS writing practice and pedagogy. The field of writing studies and its sub-field of technical communication offers theories and methods to understand these skills. Grounded in writing theory, this article reports on a longitudinal study about paramedic documentation training and uses the framework of ‘threshold concepts’: ideas, knowledge, and skills writers gain that transform learning. This study collected paramedic students' writing over 2 years, and participants also completed interviews and focus groups. Grounded theory and textual analysis guided data analysis. Findings suggest that paramedic students pass through significant learning thresholds when they write during field training, including developing expertise, audience awareness, and reflection. In turn, writing provides an opportunity for paramedic students to learn critical skills. This article provides assignment ideas that training programmes can use to harness writing's transformative power.
Catheter application in the care home
Authors: Hill Barry , Mitchell Aby
Published: March 2020

Catheterisation is often a necessary measure for those in care homes, but it is an invasive procedure that must be performed carefully and with due diligence. Barry Hill and Aby Mitchell provide guidance on catheter insertion and management
Numerical Assessment of Different Engine Model Levels in the View of Complex Hybrid Application
Authors: Luca Giuseppe Di , Muccillo Massimiliano , Giardiello Giovanni , Gimelli Alfredo , Blasio Gabriele Di
Published: March 2020

Despite the degree of railway electrification in many EU countries is higher than 50%, the diesel-driven railway vehicles continue to play an important role. As known, internal combustion engines, especially diesel engines, have also long been recognized as a significant source of pollutant emissions contributing to poor air quality, negative human health impacts and climate change. The future emissions regulatory control programs and the fuel-saving requirements for the new diesel engines for railways applications push worldwide OEMs, suppliers and scientific communities to investigate more advanced and alternative propulsion systems in which the diesel engines could still play an important role. Thus, the design of new power trains becomes more challenging considering the even more strict emission and efficiency targets. In this context, numerical simulation represents an essential tool in the entire development and optimization process of power trains. This study focuses on the numerical assessment of three different models of the same engine, characterized by different model accuracy, in order to evaluate the trade-off between model accuracy and computational time. The evaluation is carried out by performing the new emission standard Non-Road Transient Cycle (NRTC) applying the EU Non-Road Mobile Machinery (NRMM) directive to rail diesel vehicles. This work considers a 560 kW Heavy-Duty (HD) diesel engine. Regarding the models, the second and the third model are derived from the first one through an appropriate numerical procedure. The first, more accurate 1D model, is adequate when a deeper system analysis is required (i.e. wave dynamics, turbo-matching, etc.), while, for the evaluation of the global performance, the simplest model approach is more appropriate for complex systems, such as a hybrid powertrain. Indeed, the simplest model, despite its lower accuracy, shows good predictive results in terms of cumulative fuel consumption and cumulative NOx emissions over a transient homologation cycle. Moreover, for the lowest model accuracy, the real time factor is significantly lower compared to the more detailed one of about 250 times.
ENTRE BABEL Y ETEMENANKI: LA IMAGEN ARQUITECTÓNICA DE LA CIUDAD COMUNITARIA, 1960-1970
Authors: Molina Agudo Inés
Published: March 2020

Configurado en el territorio liminal que se abre entre la piedra y el plano, entre el zigurat Etemenanki y sus representaciones, el mito de Babel se erige como vertebrador de posibles, miríada de prácticas, proyectos y arquitecturas. A partir de la noción de “imagen arquitectónica”, el presente artículo trata de profundizar en las traducciones visuales del  mito babélico y su relación con las experiencias urbanas comunitarias desarrolladas durante las décadas de 1960 y 1970. En último término, se tratará de ensayar un acercamiento a la problemática de la traducción visual que enhebre, en su metodología, imagen y experiencia, ahondando en las tareas de apuntalamiento de la imagen emancipatoria anunciadas por Susan Buck-Morss. Built up in the liminal territory between the stone and the blueprint, between the Etemenanki ziggurat and its representations, the myth of Babel stands as a vertebrator of possibilities, myriad of practices, projects and constructions. Starting from the notion of “architectural image”, the present article tries to deepen into the visual translations of the babelic myth and its relation with the communitarian urban experiences developed during the decades of 1960 and 1970. Ultimately, it will try to rehearse an approach to the problematic of the visual translation that enhebre, in its methodology, image and experience, deepening in the tasks of propping up the emancipatory image announced by Susan Buck-Morss.
Narrow-linewidth distributed feedback moiré-grating laser for high-speed optical communications
Authors: Zhao Yingming , Li Yu , Huang Weiping
Published: March 2020

A time-domain traveling wave model is described to simulate a novel distributed feedback moiré-grating (DFM) laser, which can suppress the longitudinal spatial hole burning (LSHB) effect and improve the spectral linewidth for high-speed optical communications. The longitudinal photon distribution, linewidth, and dynamic modulation characteristics of the DFM lasers are calculated and compared with the state-of-the-art distributed feedback lasers. We found that the DFM laser can also improve the light-current slope efficiency and modulation bandwidth by introducing multiple

π

-phase shifts at the moiré envelope index changes while effectively suppressing the LSHB.
Spectrally broadband electro-optic modulation with nanoelectromechanical string resonators
Authors: Cazier Nicolas , Sadeghi Pedram , Chien Miao-Hsuan , Shawrav Mostafa Moonir , Schmid Silvan
Published: March 2020

In this paper, we present a shutter-based electro-optical modulator made of two parallel nanoelectromechanical silicon nitride string resonators. These strings are covered with electrically connected gold electrodes and actuated either by Lorentz or electrostatic forces. The in-plane string vibrations modulate the width of the gap between the strings. The gold electrodes on both sides of the gap act as a mobile mirror that modulate the laser light that is focused in the middle of this gap. These electro-optical modulators can achieve an optical modulation depth of almost 100% for a driving voltage lower than 1 mV at a frequency of 314 kHz. The frequency range is determined by the string resonance frequency, which can take values of the order of a few hundred kilohertz to several megahertz. The strings are driven in the strongly nonlinear regime, which allows a frequency tuning of several kilohertz without significant effect on the optical modulation depth.
Enhancement of photoacoustic tomography of acoustically inhomogeneous tissue by utilizing a memory effect
Authors: Yin Jie , He Junjun , Tao Chao , Liu Xiaojun
Published: March 2020

One of the major challenges for photoacoustic tomography is the variance of the speed of sound (SOS) in realistic tissue, which could lead to defocusing in image reconstruction and degrade the reconstructed image. In this study, we propose a method to optimize the SOS used for image reconstruction based on a memory effect of photoacoustic signal. We reveal that the photoacoustic signals received by two adjacent transducers have a high degree of similarity in waveform, while a time delay exists between them. The time delay is related to the SOS. Based on this physical phenomenon, an iterative operation is implemented to estimate the SOS used for image reconstruction. Both simulations and experiments confirm that the method significantly enhances the reconstructed image in inhomogeneous tissue. This study may have potential value in improving the performance of photoacoustic tomography in biomedical applications.
Simultaneous multi-point measurement of strain and temperature utilizing Fabry-Perot interferometric sensors composed of low reflective fiber Bragg gratings in a polarization-maintaining fiber
Authors: Bui Quoc Hung , Wada Atsushi , Fukushima Koken , Nakaya Koki , Soares Manuel Guterres , Tanaka Satoshi
Published: March 2020

A fiber Bragg grating (FBG)-based multi-point sensing system for the simultaneous measurement of strain and temperature is proposed, with a Fabry-Perot interferometer (FPI) consisting of low reflective FBGs inscribed inside a polarization-maintaining (PM) fiber is introduced as a sensor head. A multi-point sensing method with high dynamic range and short measurement time can be realized by analyzing the reflection spectrum of low reflective FBG-FPIs, and a simultaneous measurement of strain and temperature using two orthogonal polarization modes is enabled by the high birefringence of a PM fiber. An experimental demonstration of multi-point measurement utilizing the proposed system is reported.
Tailored disorder: a self-organized photonic contact for light trapping in silicon-based tandem solar cells
Authors: Hauser Hubert , Mühlbach Kai , Höhn Oliver , Müller Ralph , Seitz Sonja , Rühe Jürgen , Glunz Stefan W. , Bläsi Benedikt
Published: March 2020

We present a process development leading to efficient rear side light trapping structures with the purpose of enhancing the infrared response of a silicon-based tandem solar cell. To this end, we make use of phase separation effects of two immiscible polymers, polystyrene and poly(methyl methacrylate), resulting in a non-periodic polystyrene structure on silicon with a well-defined size distribution. Onto this pattern, we evaporate silver as a scattering rear side mirror and contact layer. Average feature sizes and periods can be tuned by varying material properties (e.g. molar weights or ratios of the polymers) as well as processing conditions during the spin coating. This way a favorable pseudo period of approx. 1 µm for these disordered structure features was realized and successfully implemented into a silicon solar cell. The structure shows a ring-shaped scattering distribution which is beneficial for light trapping in solar cells. External quantum efficiency measurements show that a gain in short circuit current density of 1.1 mA/cm2 compared to a planar reference can be achieved, which is in the same range as we achieved using nanoimprint lithography in a record triple-junction III/V on a silicon device.
Generation of resonant geometric modes from off-axis pumped degenerate cavity Nd:YVO4 lasers with external mode converters
Authors: Liang Hsing-Chih , Lin Han-Yu
Published: March 2020

We propose a theoretical model to generate the resonant geometric modes localized on ray periodic trajectories with orbital angular momentum. Based on the numerical analysis, we realize resonant geometric modes in the off-axis pumped degenerate cavity

N
d

:

Y
V
O

4

lasers with an external mode converter. The experimental results reveal that laser output modes display the planar geometric modes when the off-axis displacement is sufficiently large, and the cavity length is set to satisfy the degenerate conditions. To generate the vortex beams, the planar geometric modes are transformed into circular geometric modes. Finally, the resonant geometric modes with large orbital angular momentum (OAM) can be generated from converting the circular geometric modes with an axicon lens. The experimental results are performed to approve the theoretical analyses.
Tracktivism: Eco-activist walking art as expanded choreography in rural landscape
Authors: Allen Jess
Published: March 2020

This article offers a reflexive account of my journey from dance into walking art through a methodological examination of tracktivism: the rural, eco-activist, pedestrian performance practice I have developed over the past eight years. My dancer's perception of walking art in the sculptural tradition had always been as choreography on an expanded scale: bringing attention to spatial patterns in landscape through the 'stylus' of the walking body. Here I examine the ways in which the growing oeuvre of tracktivist works have employed this choreographic device to (re)frame walking art as eco-activist performance. I consider how an art walk may be shaped in such a way as to foreground the spatial nature of ecological dis/connection in working agricultural landscapes, giving examples from my practice. I also propose that as patterns or routes expressly designed tobe walked, the performer's material body becomes a 'measurant' to calibrate human scale against planetary scale. Thus the practice might be perceived to function as emancipated eco-activist choreography that offers a means of revealing and embracing our ecological enmeshment with/in complex more-than-human flows.
On auditory choreography: How walking anticipates sound and movement resonates
Authors: Persyn Leonie
Published: March 2020

Benjamin Vandewalle and Yoann Durant label their performance as an auditory choreography. Starting from an elaboration on the etymology of choreography I research what the auditory dimension adds and changes to choreography. Choreographing based on auditory decisions inverses sound and movement. This inversion has consequences from the process to the end result. Based on the sonic quality as main decision principle I unravel the creation process of Hear in seven main action: to stand, to walk, to breathe, to look, to move, to disappear and to sound. This division reveals how the actual choreographing doesn't stop at the end of the creation process. In the second half of the paper, I turn to the experience of an auditory choreography, where the body of the audience functions as a resonance box. The discomfort of a blindfold during the experience, leads to the installation of a delicate intimacy and reveals the close connection between sound, touch and movement. The precariousness of the installed intimacy triggers and enforces the audience imagination. Through my own experience of Hear I discover how the audience in an auditory choreography becomes a co-creator.
Dwelling in-between
Authors: Giddens Sara , Judge Tony , Law John
Published: March 2020

Choreographer Sara Giddens reflects upon how making a series of ambulant performance works, The Dream-Walks, invited her to dwell in space–times in-between, and how a resulting stepping aside heralded the opening up of a fundamental change in her relationship to audiences. Drawing upon a range of philosophers, including Bachelard, Heidegger and Rancière, Giddens reflects upon the impact that dwelling in those in-between space-times has had on her professional and pedagogic practice.

16 short video clips, taken from the Eight Dream-Walks can be viewed at (https://www.bodiesinflight.co.uk/events/dwelling-in-between-choreographic-practices-102/).
Naples for urban voy(ag)eurs: Tourism and the representation of space in Gomorrah and My Brilliant Friend
Authors: Leotta Alfio
Published: March 2020

The production and release of the critically acclaimed TV drama series and has been characterized by extensive debates about the impact of the two shows on national and international perceptions of the city of Naples. While some local authorities openly criticized Gomorrah and denied shooting permits to the producers, the TV adaptation of Elena Ferrante's best seller, My Brilliant Friend, has garnered unanimously positive responses from local stakeholders. This article aims to analyse the representation of place and space in both Gomorrah and My Brilliant Friend. More specifically, it will analyse the stylistic and narrative strategies deployed by the series' producers to construct a tourist gaze over an urban space that plays a crucial role within the narrative economy of both shows. It will argue that Gomorrah and My Brilliant Friend articulate a consistent aesthetic treatment of Naples that in the two shows is simultaneously depicted as a site of poverty, violence and abuse and a potentially appealing and exotic urban destination.
LGBTQ+ female protagonists in horror cinema today: The Italian case
Authors: Camilla Lauren De
Published: March 2020

This article examines representations of LGBTQ+ female protagonists in three recent Italian horror films: La terza madre (The Mother of Tears) by , A Pezzi: Undead Men by and The Antithesis by Mirabelli (2017). As homosexuality traditionally falls within the realm of the abject (that which is expelled) in horror films, the genre serves as a medium through which we may assess national and global sensibilities about LGBTQ+ identities. Filmic textual analysis and a consideration of horror and melodrama conventions reveal how these protagonists expose cultural anxieties about non-normative sexual orientations in Italy today. While these films include minority protagonists and offer some resistance to discrimination, they ultimately represent homosexuality as a threat to mainstream Italian culture.
‘I thought it was a very punk rock thing to say’: NOFX’s (sort-of) public apology and (in)civility in defining contemporary punk rock in online spaces
Authors: Bernhard Ellen M.
Published: March 2020

As a music genre built on the foundations of questioning the status quo, punk rock has a long history of generating controversy. While many of punk rock’s offensive moments have been accepted and applauded by fans around the world, NOFX’s comments at the 2018 Punk Rock Bowling and Music Festival about the 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting were met with immediate consequences for the band, who lost several sponsorships and the ability to play their own Camp Punk in Drublic music festival one week following the incident. After footage of the band’s comments circulated, they were met with a mixed, yet heated, response from fans, with much of the conversation arguing whether or not what was said could be considered ‘punk’. Some argued these comments further solidified the band’s reputation as a punk band and are therefore imbued with an inherent right to offend, while others believed these comments were unethical, poorly timed, and pushed the boundaries of appropriateness. Through the analysis of 381 comments in response to the band’s 31 May 2018 post on their official Facebook page, this article investigates the uncivil and civil discussions of the incident and the subsequent aftermath, while also addressing the broader conversation surrounding the current ethos of punk rock within the scene in the United States today.
In defence of safer spaces: Punk, privilege and safer spaces policies
Authors: Lucy Hill Rosemary , Megson Molly
Published: March 2020

Increasing attention to the prevalence of sexual harassment at live music events has led to the adoption of safer spaces policies by venues and promoters. Punk’s politics of inclusion and equality suggest that such policies would be welcome as a means to promote access for marginalized groups. However, safer spaces policies are sometimes controversial and their content and implementation patchy. Such policies therefore bear closer examination in order to understand their value and meaning for punk politics. Here we examine the use of safer spaces policies in punk and DIY music spaces asking, how is safety conceptualized, for what purpose, and who benefits from them? We draw on a discourse analysis of safer spaces policies and interviews with punks about sexual violence at gigs. We argue that safer spaces policies can be a valuable tool for promoting access to pleasurable experiences whilst lessening the fear of discrimination, harassment and violence. However, safer spaces can also continue to privilege already privileged punks. We conclude that when safer spaces policies are implemented they must go hand in hand with practical measures to enable inclusion. In doing so the needs of marginalized groups must be prioritized.
Acute Liver Failure due to Miliary Liver Metastasis
Authors: Lavender Charles A. , Stout Jessica , Chung Hui-Yong , Johnson Michael , Thandassery Ragesh B.
Published: March 2020

Acute liver failure (ALF) is a medical emergency with high mortality. Accurate etiological diagnosis, intensive liver support, and liver transplantation are critical for the management of these patients. Malignant infiltration of the liver uncommonly results in ALF. Diffuse infiltration can be missed by imaging, particularly in early stages, and biopsy is often required to clinch the diagnosis. We report a case of ALF due to diffuse liver metastasis.
Adult-Onset Immunoglobulin A Vasculitis
Authors: Chadwick Matthew , Shamban Leonid , Macksood John
Published: March 2020

Immunoglobulin A vasculitis (IgAV), formerly Henoch–Schönlein purpura vasculitis, is a vasculitis commonly seen in children and only rarely described in adult patients. IgAV can present as arthralgia, rash, discolored urine, acute kidney injury, and gastrointestinal symptoms. We present a case of a 56-year-old man who presented with 1 month of worsening abdominal pain followed by a bilateral lower extremity rash. Laboratory evaluation indicated an acute kidney injury. Computed tomography and colonoscopy revealed terminal ileitis while kidney biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of IgAV.
High-Resolution Esophageal Manometry in Myasthenia Gravis
Authors: Torres-Barrera Gustavo , Herrera-Quiñones Gilberto , Scharrer Susana Isabel , Benavides-Salgado Daniel Eduardo , Maldonado-Garza Hector Jesus , Achem Sami Rene
Published: March 2020

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease that affects the postsynaptic membrane at the neuromuscular junction. In MG, antibodies bind to acetylcholine receptors inducing muscle weakness. The weakness typically increases with exercise and repetitive muscle use. Improvement of muscular weakness after rest and/or administration of anticholinesterase drugs (edrophonium) are characteristic of MG. We report a patient with unexplained dysphagia, dysphonia, and dysarthria, whose diagnosis was suggested by high-resolution esophageal motility and edrophonium infusion. We highlight the importance of dysphagia as presenting or dominant symptom in MG and review the esophageal motility findings in this rare, but treatable disorder.
Successful Treatment of a Reinfected Liver Graft Because of Receipt of a HCV-Positive Kidney
Authors: Azhari Hassan , Tibbles Lee Anne , Burak Kelly W. , Congly Stephen E.
Published: March 2020

Transplantation of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-positive organs has undergone a paradigm shift because of the advent of direct-acting antivirals. We present the case of a 57-year-old man successfully treated initially with pegylated interferon and ribavirin after HCV recurrence postliver transplantation. He subsequently developed end-stage renal disease and received a genotype 1a HCV-positive kidney transplant. A 12-week course of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir and low-dose ribavirin was initiated and sustained virologic response was achieved. This constitutes the first reported case of a patient successfully treated for HCV a second time after receiving an HCV-positive organ.
Idiopathic Adulthood Ductopenia Causing Cirrhosis
Authors: Douglass Kevin M. , Willner Ira R. , Glenn Douglas J. , Jones Ryan M.
Published: March 2020

Idiopathic adulthood ductopenia (IAD) is a chronic small duct cholestatic biliary disease that is characterized by the loss of interlobular bile ducts. It is diagnosed when there is biochemical evidence of cholestatic liver disease, ductopenia on liver biopsy, and no other identifiable cause of cholestasis. We present a patient with 10 days of progressive abdominal pain, jaundice, and worsening liver function tests who advanced to fulminant liver failure with no apparent underlying cause. He was found to have cirrhosis, with biopsy demonstrative of ductopenia, consistent with idiopathic adulthood ductopenia, which is a rare etiology of cirrhosis but should be considered when the typical workup yields no answer.
Gradient estimates for the fundamental solution of Lévy type operator
Authors: Liu Wei , Song Renming , Xie Longjie
Published: March 2020

We prove a gradient estimate and the Hölder continuity of the gradient for the fundamental solution of a class ofα-stable type operators withα∈ (0, 1), which improve known results in the literature where the conditionα> 1/2 is commonly assumed.
Ready for Combat, Psychophysiological Modifications in a Close-Quarter Combat Intervention After an Experimental Operative High-Intensity Interval Training
Authors: Tornero-Aguilera Jose F. , Fernandez-Elias Valentin E. , Clemente-Suárez Vicente J.
Published: March 2020

Tornero-Aguilera, JF, Fernandez-Elias, VE, and Clemente-Suárez, VJ. Ready for combat, psychophysiological modifications in a close-quarter combat intervention after an experimental operative HIIT. J Strength Cond Res 36(3): 732–737, 2022—This study aimed to analyze the effect of an experimental operative high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program on the psychophysiological response of soldiers in a close-quarter combat (CQC) intervention. The psychophysiological response of 22 professional soldiers in a CQC before and after an experimental 2-week operative HIIT was analyzed. Training intervention produced a significant increase in blood lactate, isometric hand-grip strength, perceived stress, rates of perceived exertion, anxiety response, heart rate, and autonomic sympathetic modulation and a significant decrease in cortical arousal requirements. An experimental operative high-intensity interval training produced an increase on the psychophysiological operativity for CQC scenarios, increasing the sympathetic and physiological response and decreasing the cortical arousal requirement of soldiers.
The Effect of Warm-up Running Technique on Sprint Performance
Authors: Gil Maria H. , Neiva Henrique P. , Alves Ana R. , Sousa António C. , Ferraz Ricardo , Marques Mário C. , Marinho Daniel A.
Published: March 2020

Gil, MH, Neiva, HP, Alves, AR, Sousa, AC, Ferraz, R, Marques, MC, and Marinho, DA. The effect of warm-up running technique on sprint performance. J Strength Cond Res 35(12): 3341–3347, 2021—The purpose of the current study was to analyze the effect of changing the running technique during warm-up on sprint performances, running biomechanics, physiological, and psychophysiological responses. Thirty-one physically active men aged 18–23 years (mean ± SD: 19.35 ± 1.08 years of age; 1.77 ± 0.07 m of height; 71.90 ± 10.37 kg of body mass) volunteered to participate and randomly performed 2 maximal 30-m sprints, 5 minutes after completing a warm-up focused on increased stride length-SL (WUL) or a warm-up focused on increased stride frequency-SF (WUF). The results showed that there were no differences between the 30-m sprint performances and in running biomechanics. However, WUF showed increased performances in the first 15 m of the race (WUF: 2.59 ± 0.11 seconds vs. WUL: 2.63 ± 0.15 seconds; p = 0.03), and WUL resulted in higher performances in the last 15 m (1.94 ± 0.19 seconds vs. 1.88 ± 0.09 seconds; p = 0.05). In the second 30-m time trial, WUF also resulted in faster starting 15 m of the race (2.58 ± 0.12 seconds vs. 2.63 ± 0.16 seconds; p = 0.04). Interestingly, the WUF was the warm-up that revealed more stability in performances and running biomechanics between both trials. These results showed that there were no significant differences between warm-ups comprising exercises focusing in higher SL or higher SF in 30-m sprint biomechanics and performance. Nevertheless, different running strategies were caused by those 2 warm-ups and a more stabilized running pattern, and performance values were found when warm-up focused on higher SF.
Effect of Protective Equipment on Firefighters' External and Internal Workloads During a Simulated Rescue Intervention
Authors: Marcel-Millet Philémon , Ravier Gilles , Groslambert Alain
Published: March 2020

Marcel-Millet, P, Ravier, G, and Groslambert, A. Effect of protective equipment on firefighters' external and internal workloads during a simulated rescue intervention. J Strength Cond Res 36(8): 2291–2297, 2022—Firefighter's protective equipment is one of the main factors increasing psychophysiological demand during rescue intervention. Workload quantification defines the amount of stress placed on an individual. This study aimed to test the relationships and compare different workload methods to discriminate 3 protective equipment conditions based on simulated rescue intervention. The protective equipment was (a) personal protective clothing (PPC); (b) PPC and a self‐contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), including a cylinder, a full‐face piece, and a breathing regulator; and (c) PPC and only the cylinder of the SCBA (SCBAc). Workload was determined using methods based on heart rate (HR), perceived exertion (sRPE), acceleration, and an indirect method based on postexercise HR variability. Differences between conditions were analyzed with repeated-measures analyses of variance. Relationships between workload methods were determined using Pearson's correlations. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. The HR-based and sRPE methods showed higher values in the SCBA and SCBAc conditions than the PPC condition (p < 0.0001); only the sRPE method had a higher workload for the SCBA condition than the SCBAc condition (p < 0.0001). Acceleration-based workloads were lower in the SCBA and SCBAc conditions than the PPC condition (p < 0.0001). The indirect method revealed no difference between the 3 conditions. Significant relationships were observed between the HR-based and sRPE methods (r = 0.544–0.738). Inverse significant correlations were observed between the HR-based and sRPE methods and the acceleration workload methods (r = −0.319 to −0.762). Although HR-based and sRPE methods might quantify the workloads, the sRPE method was more sensitive to discriminate between the SCBAc and SCBA conditions.
Synaptic Actions of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis-Associated G85R-SOD1 in the Squid Giant Synapse
Authors: Song Yuyu
Published: March 2020

Altered synaptic function is thought to play a role in many neurodegenerative diseases, but little is known about the underlying mechanisms for synaptic dysfunction. The squid giant synapse (SGS) is a classical model for studying synaptic electrophysiology and ultrastructure, as well as molecular mechanisms of neurotransmission. Here, we conduct a multidisciplinary study of synaptic actions of misfolded human G85R-SOD1 causing familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). G85R-SOD1, but not WT-SOD1, inhibited synaptic transmission, altered presynaptic ultrastructure, and reduced both the size of the readily releasable pool (RRP) of synaptic vesicles and mobility from the reserved pool (RP) to the RRP. Unexpectedly, intermittent high-frequency stimulation (iHFS) blocked inhibitory effects of G85R-SOD1 on synaptic transmission, suggesting aberrant Ca2+signaling may underlie G85R-SOD1 toxicity. Ratiometric Ca2+imaging showed significantly increased presynaptic Ca2+induced by G85R-SOD1 that preceded synaptic dysfunction. Chelating Ca2+using EGTA prevented synaptic inhibition by G85R-SOD1, confirming the role of aberrant Ca2+in mediating G85R-SOD1 toxicity. These results extended earlier findings in mammalian motor neurons and advanced our understanding by providing possible molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets for synaptic dysfunctions in ALS as well as a unique model for further studies.
Overnight/first-morning urine free metanephrines and methoxytyramine for diagnosis of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma: is this an option?
Authors: Peitzsch Mirko , Kaden Denise , Pamporaki Christina , Langton Katharina , Constantinescu Georgiana , Conrad Catleen , Fliedner Stephanie , Sinnott Richard O , Prejbisz Aleksander , Därr Roland , Lenders Jacques W M , Bursztyn Michael , Eisenhofer Graeme
Published: March 2020

Objective

Sympathoadrenal activity is decreased during overnight rest. This study assessed whether urinary-free normetanephrine, metanephrine and methoxytyramine in overnight/first-morning urine collections might offer an alternative to measurements in 24-h collections or plasma for diagnosis of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL).

Design and methods

Prospective multicenter cross-sectional diagnostic study involving 706 patients tested for PPGL, in whom tumors were confirmed in 79 and excluded in 627 after follow-up. Another 335 age- and sex-matched volunteers were included for reference purposes. Catecholamines and their free O-methylated metabolites were measured in 24-h collections divided according to waking and sleeping hours and normalized to creatinine. Plasma metabolites from blood sampled after supine rest were measured for comparison.

Results

Urinary outputs of norepinephrine, normetanephrine, epinephrine and metanephrine in the reference population were respectively 50 (48–52)%, 35 (32–37)%, 76 (74–78)% and 15 (12–17)% lower following overnight than daytime collections. Patients in whom PPGLs were excluded showed 28 (26–30)% and 6 (3–9)% day-to-night falls in normetanephrine and metanephrine, while patients with PPGLs showed no significant day-to-night falls in metabolites. Urinary methoxytyramine was consistently unchanged from day to night. According to receiver-operating characteristic curves, diagnostic accuracy of metabolite measurements in overnight/first-morning urine samples did not differ from measurements in 24-h urine collections, but was lower for both than for plasma. Using optimized reference intervals, diagnostic specificity was higher for overnight than daytime collections at similar sensitivities.

Conclusions

Measurements of urinary-free catecholamine metabolites in first-morning/overnight urine collections offer an alternative for diagnosis of PPGL to 24-h collections but remain less accurate than plasma measurements.
Genetic Adaptations of an Island Pit-Viper to a Unique Sedentary Life with Extreme Seasonal Food Availability
Authors: Lu Bin , Wang Xiaoping , Fu Jinzhong , Shi Jingsong , Wu Yayong , Qi Yin
Published: March 2020

The Shedao pit-viper (Gloydius shedaoensis) exhibits an extreme sedentary lifestyle. The island species exclusively feeds on migratory birds during migratory seasons and experiences prolonged hibernation and aestivation period each year (up to eight months). The sedentary strategy reduces energy expenditure, but may trigger a series of adverse effects and the snakes have likely evolved genetic modifications to alleviate these effects. To investigate the genetic adaptations, we sequenced and compared the transcriptomes of the Shedao pit-viper and its closest mainland relative, the black eyebrow pit-viper (G. intermedius). The Shedao pit-viper revealed a low rate of molecular evolution compared to its mainland relative, which is possibly associated with metabolic suppression. Signals of positive selection were detected in two genes related to antithrombin (SERPINC1) and muscle atrophy (AARS). Those genes exert significant functions in thrombosis, inhibiting oxidation and prolonged fasting. Convergent and parallel substitutions of amino acid with two other sedentary vertebrates, which often suggest adaptation, were found in a fatty acid beta-oxidation related gene (ACATA1) and a circadian link gene (KLF10), which regulate lipogenesis, gluconeogenesis, and glycolysis. Furthermore, a circadian clock gene (CRY2) exhibited two amino acid substitutions specific to the Shedao pit-viper and one variant was predicted to affect protein function. Modifications of these genes and their related functions may have contributed to the survival of this island snake species with a sedentary lifestyle and extreme seasonal food availability. Our study demonstrated several important clues for future research on physiological and other phenotypic adaptation.
Philosophical problems of transformation of media space under the influence of digital technologies
Authors: Dovgal Sergey , Buturlina Oksana
Published: March 2020

The article analyzes the main socio-philosophical problems of the transformation of modern global media in the development of information and communication technologies, which involves the active emergence of new generation communication channels. The main factors substantiating the process of intensive structural and functional transformation of the entire media system are disclosed. Various approaches to the definition of the concept of "media space" are analyzed. The main features of modern media space as such and media space in its connection with social space are determined. It is proved that the development and transformation of media is carried out under the influence of new technological trends, which determine the main vector of development of society as a whole. Analyzing the main technological trends of the near future, a forecast is provided on how the media space and society are being transformed, in particular, attention is focused on the emergence of cyberspace with elements of virtual and augmented reality, as well as artificial intelligence as new interactive types of media.Particular attention in this publication is given to the problem of the creation and functioning of artificial intelligence. It is considered that the problem of artificial intelligence in modern science has embraced a wide range of studies. Modern philosophical reflections on artificial intelligence represent a wide problem field that is constantly changing and refined, and in the context of artificial intelligence, not only problems such as the prospects of self-organizing computer systems are studied, but also the ethical aspects of the application of artificial intelligence technologies. It is noted that an understanding of the concept of artificial intelligence does not exist today, and therefore further reflections on it can not only specify these areas of research, but also radically change the currently prevailing idea of the possibility and potential of artificial intelligence.
Predicting Students’ Academic Achievement Based on the Classroom Climate, Mediating Role of Teacher-Student Interaction and Academic Motivation
Authors: Jafari Sakineh , Asgari Ali
Published: March 2020

Introduction. The present study aims to predict students’ academic achievements based on the classroom climate, the mediating role of teacher-student interaction and academic motivation among Semnan University students.
Materials and Methods. This study relied on correlation-and-description method of data collection. The sample population consisted of all undergraduate and postgraduate students at the Faculty of Engineering of Semnan University in the academic year of 2017–2018. Using a random stratified method, 200 subjects were selected as the sample (135 undergraduate and 65 master). Questionnaires of Patrick, Kaplan and Ryan’s classroom climate, Hernandez-Lopez’ teacher-student scale, Vallerand’s academic motivation questionnaire and Pace and Kuh’s student academic achievement scale were used. Reliability of the questionnaires was confirmed using Cronbach’s alpha test.
Results. There is significant positive relationship between academic achievement and classroom climate, teacher-student interaction and academic motivation. Classroom climate has a direct and meaningful effect on students’ academic achievements. Also, the climate of the classroom by mediating the teacher-student interaction has indirect and significant effects on students’ academic achievements. Classroom climate by mediating educational motivation has an indirect and significant effect on students’ academic achievement.
Discussion and Conclusion. The results of this study suggest the importance of openness to the classroom climate, interaction between teacher-student and academic motivation is to increase students’ academic achievements.