bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prospects of regenerative current breaking in DC circuit breaker topology
Authors: Lumen S. M. Sanzad , Kannan Ramani , Yahaya Nor Zaihar
Published: August 2021

Due to the stunning advancement of power electronics, DC power system is getting immense attention in the field of research. Protection and hereafter the protective devices for the DC power system application are two vital areas that need to be explored and developed further. Designing a protective device such as DC circuit breaker possesses a lot of challenges. The main challenge is to interrupt a current which does not have a natural zero crossing like AC current has. In addition, energy is stored in the network inductances during normal operation. Instantaneous current breaking is opposed by this stored energy during circuit breaker tripping, hence, all the DC circuit breaker topologies proposed in literature use snubber network, nonlinear resistor to dissipate this stored energy as heat during the current breaking operation. However, it is possible to store this energy momentarily and reuse it later by developing an improvised topology. In this paper, the prospects of energy recovery and reuse in a DC circuit breaker was studied and a new topology with regenerative current breaking capability had been proposed. This new topology can feed the stored energy of the network back into the same network after breaking the current and thus can improve the overall system efficiency.
Statistical t-test assessment on performance of power system stabilizer for oscillation damping
Authors: Thu Wai Myat , Lin Kyaw Myo
Published: August 2021

The statistical operation is necessary to validate the analytical procedure since the most important common operation is the comparison of result data to quantify accuracy and precision. In this paper, a statistical process is proposed to ensure the impact of power system stabilizers (PSSs) in 202-bus, 40-machine MEPE test system. The eigenvalue analysis is utilized for detecting the lowest damping modes and evaluating the damping ratio of system oscillation, and these modes are applied as input for statistical analysis. A t-test analysis was performed on the difference of damping performance by proposed designed PSS, tuned PSS, and without PSS to support the hypothesis. The t-test results validated that the MEPE test system with designed PSS is most applicable for the improvement of oscillation damping in the power system.
Phaeoacremonium fusiformostromum sp. nov. and a new record of P. croatiense from China
Authors: SHANG QIU-JU , HYDE KEVIN D. , LIU JIAN-KUI
Published: August 2021

Phaeoacremonium species are important pathogens with a worldwide distribution and diverse host and are commonly associated with brown wood streaking, dieback and Esca disease of plants and phaeohyphomycosis of humans. In this study, three sexual taxa, representing two Phaeoacremonium species, were collected from dead wood from Guangdong and Guizhou Provinces in China. Based on the morphological characters and phylogenetic analyses of a combined ACT and TUB2 sequence data, they are identified as Phaeoacremonium fusiformostromum sp. nov., and P. croatiense, which is a new record from China with its first sexual morph. Detailed descriptions and illustrations of these two species are provided, and an updated phylogenetic tree for all Phaeoacremonium species is also given.
In search of the ‘best’ option: American private secondary education for upper-middle-class Chinese teenagers
Authors: Tu Siqi
Published: August 2021

This article focuses on unpacking the processes of how a rapidly rising group of urban upper-middle-class Chinese families decide to send their only children to the United States on their own for private secondary education. The article analyzes the socio-historical background of such choice and lays out these families’ various paths to opting out of the neoliberal school-choice market in China and eyeing American private secondary education as the ‘best’ option. Based on in-depth interviews with 33 parents in several Chinese mega-cities, the author demonstrates that Chinese urban upper-middle-class families choose such a transnational educational choice as a silent exit from the anxiety-ridden Chinese education system. Situated in the socio-historical transformation of contemporary Chinese society, the reasons for exiting range from dissatisfaction with the political narrative to educational aspiration of a ‘well-rounded’ education and resistance against the test-oriented pedagogical practices at school. This ethnographic research provides a unique perspective to engage with works on elite education in a global context and enriches the theorization of the global middle classes.
Anatomic and Clinical Pathology Characterization of Drug-Induced Sinusoidal Obstruction Syndrome (Veno-Occlusive Disease) in Cynomolgus Macaques
Authors: Kohnken Rebecca , Falahatpisheh Hadi , Janardhan Kyathanahalli S. , Guffroy Magali
Published: August 2021

Sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS) is a unique form of liver injury that occurs after exposure to chemotherapeutic drugs and toxins. The diagnosis of SOS in humans remains a challenge as the clinical criteria have low specificity and there are no reliable noninvasive biomarkers. The mechanism of injury is believed to be damage to liver endothelial cells, primarily sinusoidal endothelial cells (SECs), which leads to sinusoidal dilation, central venous fibrosis, and/or nodular regeneration. Nonclinical data suggest that this uncommon liver toxicity can be recapitulated in cynomolgus monkeys, and it is critical that pathologists are familiar with its characteristic clinicopathologic features. Elevations in liver enzymes, in particular aspartate aminotransferase, associated with isolated thrombocytopenia, should raise the suspicion of SEC injury for specific drug classes. Characterization of liver microscopic findings in monkeys benefits from the use of appropriate stains, such as reticulin stain, and VEGFR2 and CD34 immunohistochemical (IHC) stains. CD41 IHC demonstrates platelet accumulation in injured sinusoids, the likely cause of thrombocytopenia commonly reported in SOS. In conclusion, this report provides a comprehensive characterization of the pathology findings of drug-induced SOS in monkeys with the objectives of ensuring appropriate nonclinical recognition of the liability and informing clinical development strategy and monitoring.
A review of the library and information science profession in the Maldives: Development, challenges and opportunities
Authors: de Alwis Jayasuriya Gina , Riyaz Aminath , Majid Shaheen
Published: August 2021

The Republic of Maldives, a small island developing state in the Indian Ocean, has achieved upper-middle-income and high human development category status, and one of the strongest information and communications technology infrastructures in South Asia. However, the country’s library and information science sector, which saw its inception over seven decades ago, has yet to advance beyond the initial development phase. This article traces the emergence of the library and information science sector in the country and draws attention to the myriad challenges faced by it. The article is also an attempt to draw the attention of government decision-makers and motivate them to understand and resolve the difficulties faced by the library and information science sector through engaging library and information science employers, educational institutions, professional trainers, and library and information science professionals. Some concerns are identified and five key action areas with associated action steps are suggested. These may resonate with other small developing countries that are facing similar scenarios.
Enver Hoxha’s Last Purge: Inside the Ruling Circle of Communist Albania (1981–1983)
Authors: Idrizi Idrit
Published: August 2021

This article examines some unprecedented political events in post-Stalin Europe which have been the subject of much mystery and speculation but no proper scholarly analysis. Based on archive documents, the study explores the purge of several of the highest-ranking political officials in communist Albania from 1981 to 1983, including the ministers of the interior, health, foreign affairs, and defence. Analysing how and under which conditions this happened, the overall aim is to gain a deeper knowledge of the country’s ruler Enver Hoxha and his inner circle. Ultimately, the article contributes to the study of the Stalinist character of Hoxha’s dictatorship during the last years of his life. The analysis shows that, like Stalin, Enver Hoxha was a master of a crisis and a state of emergency. Through a similar rhetoric of alarmism and demolition, he was able to incite his associates to his course of violence while also reducing them to objects of his omnipotence. Under these conditions, cadres were forced to fight for their lives, meetings of leading organs of the communist party resembling battlefields. Ultimately, the bloody purges of 1981 to 1983 represented the final act in Hoxha’s definitive ascent as master over life and death in “his” party.
Navigating Intersectional Stigma: Strategies for Coping Among Cisgender Women of Color
Authors: Azhar Sameena , Gunn Alana J.
Published: August 2021

Intersectionality is a critical tool for understanding how socially constructed categories shape multiple dimensions of lived experience. In this study, we apply an intersectional lens to explore how women of color from two different contexts, Hyderabad, India and Chicago, Illinois, manage gendered forms of stigma and oppression as they converge with other devalued statuses, namely living with HIV or having a history of drug use or incarceration. Applying intersectional stigma as our conceptual framework, and drawing from transnational feminist perspectives, we identified two overarching themes. Women in both contexts combat stigma by employing strategies of concealment within their romantic and familial systems. Moreover, women’s roles as mothers were critical sources for managing their complex illnesses and for accessing support. Using these experiences of stigma against women of color as our analytic lens, we offer an intersectional framework for qualitative health research involving marginalized cisgender women of color in transnational contexts.
Vibration suppression investigation and parametric design of tri-axle straight heavy truck with pitch-resistant hydraulically interconnected suspension
Authors: Ding Fei , Liu Jie , Jiang Chao , Du Haiping , Zhou Jiaxi , Lei Fei
Published: August 2021

The vibration suppression of the proposed pitch-resistant hydraulically interconnected suspension system for the tri-axle straight truck is investigated, and the vibration isolation performances are parametrically designed to achieve smaller body vibration and tire dynamic load using increased pitch stiffness and optimized pressure loss coefficient. For the hydraulic subsystem, the transfer impedance matrix method is applied to derive the impedance matrix. These hydraulic forces are incorporated into the motion equations of mechanical subsystem as external forces according to relationships between boundary flow and mechanical state vectors. In terms of the additional mode stiffness/damping and suspension performance requirements, the cylinder surface area, accumulator pressure, and damper valve’s pressure loss coefficient are comprehensively tuned with parametric design technique and modal analysis method. It is found the isolation capacity is heavily dependent on installation scheme and fluid physical parameters. Especially, the surface area can be designed for the oppositional installation to separately raise pitch stiffness without increasing bounce stiffness. The pressure loss coefficients are tuned with design of experiment approach and evaluated using all conflict indexes with normalized dimensionless evaluation factors. The obtained numerical results indicate that the proposed pitch-resistant hydraulically interconnected suspension system can significantly inhibit both the body and tire vibrations with decreased suspension deformation, and the tire dynamic load distribution among wheel stations is also improved.
Data deprivations, data gaps and digital divides: Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Naudé Wim , Vinuesa Ricardo
Published: August 2021

This paper draws lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic for the relationship between data-driven decision making and global development. The lessons are that (i) users should keep in mind the shifting value of data during a crisis, and the pitfalls its use can create; (ii) predictions carry costs in terms of inertia, overreaction and herding behaviour; (iii) data can be devalued by digital and data deluges; (iv) lack of interoperability and difficulty reusing data will limit value from data; (v) data deprivation, digital gaps and digital divides are not just a by-product of unequal global development, but will magnify the unequal impacts of a global crisis, and will be magnified in turn by global crises; (vi) having more data and even better data analytical techniques, such as artificial intelligence, does not guarantee that development outcomes will improve; (vii) decentralised data gathering and use can help to build trust – particularly important for coordination of behaviour.
Concordance of peripheral blood and bone marrow measurable residual disease in adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Muffly Lori , Sundaram Vandana , Chen Connie , Yurkiewicz Ilana , Kuo Eric , Burnash Sarah , Spiegel Jay Y. , Arai Sally , Frank Matthew J. , Johnston Laura J. , Lowsky Robert , Meyer Everett H. , Negrin Robert S. , Rezvani Andrew R. , Sidana Surbhi , Shiraz Parveen , Shizuru Judith A. , Weng Wen-Kai , Liedtke Michaela , Vempaty Hyma T. , Miklos David B.
Published: August 2021

Monitoring of measurable residual disease (MRD) is essential to the management of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and is typically performed through repeated bone marrow (BM) assessments. Using a next-generation sequencing (NGS) MRD platform, we performed a prospective observational study evaluating the correlation between peripheral blood (PB) and BM MRD in adults with ALL receiving cellular therapies (hematopoietic cell transplantation [HCT] and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell [CAR-T] therapies). Among the study cohort (N = 69 patients; 126 paired PB/BM samples), we found strong correlation between PB and BM MRD (r = 0.87; P < .001), with a sensitivity and specificity of MRD detection in the PB of 87% and 90%, respectively, relative to MRD in the BM. MRD became detectable in the PB in 100% of patients who subsequently relapsed following HCT, with median time from MRD+ to clinical relapse of 90 days, and in 85% of patients who relapsed following CAR T, with median time from MRD+ to clinical relapse of 60 days. In adult patients with ALL undergoing cellular therapies, we demonstrate strong concordance between NGS-based MRD detected in the PB and BM. Monitoring of ALL MRD in the PB appears to be an adequate alternative to frequent invasive BM evaluations in this clinical setting.
Investigation of cell wall proteins of C. sinensis leaves by combining cell wall proteomics and N-glycoproteomics
Authors: Liu Yanli , Ma Linlong , Cao Dan , Gong Ziming , Fan Jing , Hu Hongju , Jin Xiaofang
Published: August 2021

Background

C. sinensis is an important economic crop with fluoride over-accumulation in its leaves, which poses a serious threat to human health due to its leaf consumption as tea. Recently, our study has indicated that cell wall proteins (CWPs) probably play a vital role in fluoride accumulation/detoxification in C. sinensis. However, there has been a lack in CWP identification and characterization up to now. This study is aimed to characterize cell wall proteome of C. sinensis leaves and to develop more CWPs related to stress response. A strategy of combined cell wall proteomics and N-glycoproteomics was employed to investigate CWPs. CWPs were extracted by sequential salt buffers, while N-glycoproteins were enriched by hydrophilic interaction chromatography method using C. sinensis leaves as a material. Afterwards all the proteins were subjected to UPLC-MS/MS analysis.

Results

A total of 501 CWPs and 195 CWPs were identified respectively by cell wall proteomics and N-glycoproteomics profiling with 118 CWPs in common. Notably, N-glycoproteomics is a feasible method for CWP identification, and it can enhance CWP coverage. Among identified CWPs, proteins acting on cell wall polysaccharides constitute the largest functional class, most of which might be involved in cell wall structure remodeling. The second largest functional class mainly encompass various proteases related to CWP turnover and maturation. Oxidoreductases represent the third largest functional class, most of which (especially Class III peroxidases) participate in defense response. As expected, identified CWPs are mainly related to plant cell wall formation and defense response.

Conclusion

This was the first large-scale investigation of CWPs in C. sinensis through cell wall proteomics and N-glycoproteomics. Our results not only provide a database for further research on CWPs, but also an insight into cell wall formation and defense response in C. sinensis.
A pan-genomic approach to genome databases using maize as a model system
Authors: Woodhouse Margaret R. , Cannon Ethalinda K. , Portwood John L. , Harper Lisa C. , Gardiner Jack M. , Schaeffer Mary L. , Andorf Carson M.
Published: August 2021

Research in the past decade has demonstrated that a single reference genome is not representative of a species’ diversity. MaizeGDB introduces a pan-genomic approach to hosting genomic data, leveraging the large number of diverse maize genomes and their associated datasets to quickly and efficiently connect genomes, gene models, expression, epigenome, sequence variation, structural variation, transposable elements, and diversity data across genomes so that researchers can easily track the structural and functional differences of a locus and its orthologs across maize. We believe our framework is unique and provides a template for any genomic database poised to host large-scale pan-genomic data.
Primary neuroendocrine tumor of the pineal gland: a case report
Authors: Cheng Angela , Barron Jane , Holmes Oliver , Bartlett Peter , Jenkins Gregory , Seal Melanie
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Primary intracranial neuroendocrine tumors are exceedingly rare, with few cases in the literature. We present a case of a primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of the pineal gland, which is the second that has ever been reported.

Case presentation

A 53-year-old male patient presented with vomiting, weakness, and headaches. Imaging revealed a lesion in the pineal region, which was surgically resected. This mass was characterized by histology as a neuroendocrine carcinoma, given the presence of neuroendocrine markers and cytokeratin markers with absence of a primary lesion elsewhere on imaging.

Conclusions

There are currently no guidelines on the management of primary intracranial neuroendocrine tumors. In this case, the patient underwent surgical resection and craniospinal radiotherapy. He subsequently received one cycle of chemotherapy with temozolomide, an alkylating agent, but he unfortunately did not tolerate treatment. A multidisciplinary decision was made along with the patient and his family to focus on palliative care. Eighteen months after the initial presentation, disease recurred in the patient’s neck. The patient underwent resection to control the metastases, with a plan to follow with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Unfortunately, the patient became unwell and died at 21 months after initial diagnosis. This demonstrates a need for continued research and reporting on this uncommon disease entity.
SARS-CoV-2 in diabetic pregnancies: a systematic scoping review
Authors: Eberle Claudia , James-Todd Tamarra , Stichling Stefanie
Published: August 2021

Background

Currently, we suffer from an increasing diabetes pandemic and on the other hand from the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Already at the beginning of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, it was quickly assumed that certain groups are at increased risk to suffer from a severe course of COVID-19. There are serious concerns regarding potential adverse effects on maternal, fetal, and neonatal outcomes. Diabetic pregnancies clearly need special care, but clinical implications as well as the complex interplay of diabetes and SARS-CoV-2 are currently unknown. We summarized the evidence on SARS-CoV-2 in diabetic pregnancies, including the identification of novel potential pathophysiological mechanisms and interactions as well as clinical outcomes and features, screening, and management approaches.

Methods

We carried out a systematic scoping review in MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science Core Collection in September 2020.

Results

We found that the prognosis of pregnant women with diabetes mellitus and COVID-19 may be associated with potential underlying mechanisms such as a simplified viral uptake by ACE2, a higher basal value of pro-inflammatory cytokines, being hypoxemic as well as platelet activation, embolism, and preeclampsia. In the context of “trans-generational programming” and COVID-19, life-long consequences may be “programmed” during gestation by pro-inflammation, hypoxia, over- or under-expression of transporters and enzymes, and epigenetic modifications based on changes in the intra-uterine milieu. COVID-19 may cause new onset diabetes mellitus, and that vertical transmission from mother to baby might be possible.

Conclusions

Given the challenges in clinical management, the complex interplay between COVID-19 and diabetic pregnancies, evidence-based recommendations are urgently needed. Digital medicine is a future-oriented and effective approach in the context of clinical diabetes management. We anticipate our review to be a starting point to understand and analyze mechanisms and epidemiology to most effectively treat women with SARS-COV-2 and diabetes in pregnancy.
Exploring attributes of high-quality clinical supervision in general practice through interviews with peer-recognised GP supervisors
Authors: O’Sullivan Belinda , Hickson Helen , Kippen Rebecca , Wallace Glen
Published: August 2021

Background

Clinical supervision in general practice is critical for enabling registrars (GP trainees) to provide safe medical care, develop skills and enjoy primary care careers. However, this largely depends on the quality of supervision provided. There has been limited research describing what encompasses quality within GP clinical supervision, making it difficult to promote best practice. This study aimed to explore the attributes of high-quality clinical supervision for GP registrars.

Methods

In 2019–20, 22 semi-structured interviews were conducted with GP supervisors who were peer-nominated as best practice supervisors, by Regional GP Training Organisations and GP Colleges in Australia. Purposeful sampling sought respondents with diverse characteristics including gender and career stage, practice size, state/territory and rurality. Interviews were conducted by video-consultation and recorded. De-identified transcripts were independently coded using iterative, inductive thematic analyses to derive themes that reflected quality in GP supervision.

Results

Seven themes emerged. Participants understood the meaning of quality supervision based on their experience of being supervised when they were a registrar, and from reflecting and learning from other supervisors and their own supervision experiences. Quality was reflected by actively structuring GP placements to optimise all possible learning opportunities, building a secure and caring relationship with registrars as the basis for handling challenging situations such as registrar mistakes. Quality also encompassed sustaining and enhancing registrar learning by drawing on the input of the whole practice team who had different skills and supervision approaches. Strong learner-centred approaches were used, where supervisors adjusted support and intervention in real-time, as registrar competence emerged in different areas. Quality also involved building the registrar’s professional identity and capabilities for safe and independent decision-making and encouraging registrars to reflect on situations before giving quality feedback, to drive learning.

Conclusions

This study, although exploratory, provides a foundation for understanding the quality of clinical supervision in general practice, from the perspective of peer-recognised GP supervisors. Understanding and adopting quality within GP supervision may be improved by GPs sharing exemplars of best practice and having opportunities for professional reflection. The findings could be used as a point of reference for devising GP supervisor curriculum, resources and professional development activities.
Megabase-scale presence-absence variation with Tripsacum origin was under selection during maize domestication and adaptation
Authors: Huang Yumin , Huang Wei , Meng Zhuang , Braz Guilherme Tomaz , Li Yunfei , Wang Kai , Wang Hai , Lai Jinsheng , Jiang Jiming , Dong Zhaobin , Jin Weiwei
Published: August 2021

Background

Structural variants (SVs) significantly drive genome diversity and environmental adaptation for diverse species. Unlike the prevalent small SVs (< kilobase-scale) in higher eukaryotes, large-size SVs rarely exist in the genome, but they function as one of the key evolutionary forces for speciation and adaptation.

Results

In this study, we discover and characterize several megabase-scale presence-absence variations (PAVs) in the maize genome. Surprisingly, we identify a 3.2 Mb PAV fragment that shows high integrity and is present as complete presence or absence in the natural diversity panel. This PAV is embedded within the nucleolus organizer region (NOR), where the suppressed recombination is found to maintain the PAV against the evolutionary variation. Interestingly, by analyzing the sequence of this PAV, we not only reveal the domestication trace from teosinte to modern maize, but also the footprints of its origin from Tripsacum, shedding light on a previously unknown contribution from Tripsacum to the speciation of Zea species. The functional consequence of the Tripsacum segment migration is also investigated, and environmental fitness conferred by the PAV may explain the whole segment as a selection target during maize domestication and improvement.

Conclusions

These findings provide a novel perspective that Tripsacum contributes to Zea speciation, and also instantiate a strategy for evolutionary and functional analysis of the “fossil” structure variations during genome evolution and speciation.
The performance costs of interruption during visual search are determined by the type of search task
Authors: Alonso David , Lavelle Mark , Drew Trafton
Published: August 2021

Prior research has shown that interruptions lead to a variety of performance costs. However, these costs are heterogenous and poorly understood. Under some circumstances, interruptions lead to large decreases in accuracy on the primary task, whereas in others task duration increases, but task accuracy is unaffected. Presently, the underlying cause of these costs is unclear. The Memory for Goals model suggests that interruptions interfere with the ability to represent the current goal of the primary task. Here, we test the idea that working memory (WM) may play a critical role in representing the current goal and thus may underlie the observed costs associated with interruption. In two experiments, we utilized laboratory-based visual search tasks, which differed in their WM demands, in order to assess how this difference influenced the observed interruption costs. Interruptions led to more severe performance costs when the target of the search changed on each trial. When the search target was consistent across trials, the cost of interruption was greatly reduced. This suggests that the WM demands associated with the primary task play an important role in determining the performance costs of interruption. Our findings suggest that it is important for research to consider the cognitive processes a task engages in order to predict the nature of the adverse effects of interruption in applied settings such as radiology.
COVID-19: an opportunity to re-evaluate the implementation of a One Health approach to tackling emerging infections in Nigeria and other sub-Saharan African countries
Authors: Ayobami Olaniyi , Mark Godwin , Kadri-Alabi Zaharat , Achi Chioma Rita , Jacob Joy Chinwendu
Published: August 2021

Background

One Health (OH) has resurfaced in the light of the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic. It has been accepted by many local and global health authorities as a suitable approach for preventing and responding to infectious disease outbreaks including pandemics.

Main body

One Health (OH) is a multisectoral and interdisciplinary framework for managing the animal, human, and ecosystem determinants of health. Globally, the majority of emerging infections in humans including SARS-Cov2—the causative agent of COVID-19—are transmitted from animals through environmental contacts in the last few decades. Yet, even when the biological and social interactions at the human, animal, and environmental interface that drive spillover of zoonotic diseases have been proven, OH strategies to address associated complex health challenges today are still rudimentary in many national health systems. Despite the disproportionate burden of infectious diseases in sub-Saharan Africa, OH is minimally incorporated into routine disease control and national health security programs. Challenges include poor policy support for OH in sub-Saharan Africa, and where some form of policy framework does exist, there are significant implementation bottlenecks. In this paper, we identified ideological, technical, operational, and economic barriers to OH implementation in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa, and highlighted possible recommendations across these domains. In order to yield sustainable benefits, a relevant OH policy approach in the sub-Saharan African health systems must derive from a buy-in of the critical mass of stakeholders in the society.

Conclusion

The implementation of sustainable OH approaches as a countermeasure to recurring emerging infections is a developmental priority for sub-Saharan African countries. A deep understanding of the local context must be leveraged to develop integrative OH solutions that are bold, rooted in science, and proven to be compatible with the level of development in sub-Saharan Africa.
Novel Formative Approach of the ESAP-ITE Provides Strong Predictive Value for ABIM Certification Outcomes
Authors: Horton William B , Patrie James T , Duhigg Lauren M , Graham Maggie , True Mark W , Pelley Elaine M , Dalkin Alan C
Published: August 2021

Background

The Endocrine Self-Assessment Program In-Training Examination (ESAP-ITE) has the novel formative approach of allowing open access to all questions and answers after secure examination administration is complete, resulting in the creation of an entirely new in-training examination annually.

Objective

To determine whether scores on the novel ESAP-ITE predict pass/fail outcomes on the American Board of Internal Medicine Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism Certification Examination (ABIM-ECE).

Methods

All endocrine fellows-in-training who took the ESAP-ITE between 2016 and 2019 and then subsequently attempted the ABIM-ECE within the same calendar year were included (n = 982). Primary analyses used the ESAP-ITE score from the final year of fellowship training. Covariates included sex, age on date of ABIM-ECE, medical school country, fellowship program region, pass/fail outcomes on the ABIM Internal Medicine Certification Examination, and ESAP-ITE score. All variables were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression.

Results

ESAP-ITE score (P < 0.001), ABIM Internal Medicine Certification Examination outcome (P < 0.001), and age (P = 0.005) were each significant predictors of passing the ABIM-ECE on the first attempt. ESAP-ITE score was the strongest predictor of passing the ABIM-ECE, and this relationship was such that a score of 75% correct yielded a 97% probability of passing the ABIM-ECE, whereas a score of 50% correct generated only a 70% probability of doing so. Sex, fellowship program region, and medical school country were not significant predictors of ABIM-ECE outcomes.

Conclusions

In addition to serving as an important learning instrument for endocrine fellowship programs, ESAP-ITE is a robust predictive tool for pass/fail outcomes on the ABIM-ECE.
Shaking hands is a homeodomain transcription factor that controls axon outgrowth of central complex neurons in the insect model Tribolium
Authors: Garcia-Perez Natalia Carolina , Bucher Gregor , Buescher Marita
Published: August 2021

Gene regulatory mechanisms that specify subtype identity of central complex (CX) neurons are the subject of intense investigation. The CX is a compartment within the brain common to all insect species and functions as a ‘command center’ that directs motor actions. It is made up of several thousand neurons, with more than 60 morphologically distinct identities. Accordingly, transcriptional programs must effect the specification of at least as many neuronal subtypes. We demonstrate a role for the transcription factor Shaking hands (Skh) in the specification of embryonic CX neurons in Tribolium. The developmental dynamics of skh expression are characteristic of terminal selectors of subtype identity. In the embryonic brain, skh expression is restricted to a subset of neurons, many of which survive to adulthood and contribute to the mature CX. skh expression is maintained throughout the lifetime in at least some CX neurons. skh knockdown results in axon outgrowth defects, thus preventing the formation of an embryonic CX primordium. The previously unstudied Drosophila skh shows a similar embryonic expression pattern, suggesting that subtype specification of CX neurons may be conserved.
Reelin restricts dendritic growth of interneurons in the neocortex
Authors: Hamad Mohammad I. K. , Petrova Petya , Daoud Solieman , Rabaya Obada , Jbara Abdalrahim , Melliti Nesrine , Leifeld Jennifer , Jakovčevski Igor , Reiss Gebhard , Herz Joachim , Förster Eckart
Published: August 2021

Reelin is a large secreted glycoprotein that regulates neuronal migration, lamination and establishment of dendritic architecture in the embryonic brain. Reelin expression switches postnatally from Cajal-Retzius cells to interneurons. However, reelin function in interneuron development is still poorly understood. Here, we have investigated the role of reelin in interneuron development in the postnatal neocortex. To preclude early cortical migration defects caused by reelin deficiency, we employed a conditional reelin knockout (RelncKO) mouse to induce postnatal reelin deficiency. Induced reelin deficiency caused dendritic hypertrophy in distal dendritic segments of neuropeptide Y-positive (NPY+) and calretinin-positive (Calr+) interneurons, and in proximal dendritic segments of parvalbumin-positive (Parv+) interneurons. Chronic recombinant Reelin treatment rescued dendritic hypertrophy in Relncko interneurons. Moreover, we provide evidence that RelncKO interneuron hypertrophy is due to presynaptic GABABR dysfunction. Thus, GABABRs in RelncKO interneurons were unable to block N-type (Cav2.2) Ca2+ channels that control neurotransmitter release. Consequently, the excessive Ca2+ influx through AMPA receptors, but not NMDA receptors, caused interneuron dendritic hypertrophy. These findings suggest that reelin acts as a ‘stop-growth-signal’ for postnatal interneuron maturation.
In vivo imaging shows continued association of several IFT-A, IFT-B and dynein complexes while IFT trains U-turn at the tip
Authors: Wingfield Jenna L. , Mekonnen Betlehem , Mengoni Ilaria , Liu Peiwei , Jordan Mareike , Diener Dennis , Pigino Gaia , Lechtreck Karl
Published: August 2021

Flagellar assembly depends on intraflagellar transport (IFT), a bidirectional motility of protein carriers, the IFT trains. The trains are periodic assemblies of IFT-A and IFT-B subcomplexes and the motors kinesin-2 and IFT dynein. At the tip, anterograde trains are remodeled for retrograde IFT, a process that in Chlamydomonas involves kinesin-2 release and train fragmentation. However, the degree of train disassembly at the tip remains unknown. Here, we performed two-color imaging of fluorescent protein-tagged IFT components, which indicates that IFT-A and IFT-B proteins from a given anterograde train usually return in the same set of retrograde trains. Similarly, concurrent turnaround was typical for IFT-B proteins and the IFT dynein subunit D1bLIC–GFP but severance was observed as well. Our data support a simple model of IFT turnaround, in which IFT-A, IFT-B and IFT dynein typically remain associated at the tip and segments of the anterograde trains convert directly into retrograde trains. Continuous association of IFT-A, IFT-B and IFT dynein during tip remodeling could balance protein entry and exit, preventing the build-up of IFT material in flagella.
The Hob proteins are novel and conserved lipid-binding proteins at ER–PM contact sites
Authors: Neuman Sarah D. , Jorgensen Jeff R. , Cavanagh Amy T. , Smyth Jeremy T. , Selegue Jane E. , Emr Scott D. , Bashirullah Arash
Published: August 2021

Membrane contact sites are critical junctures for organelle signaling and communication. Endoplasmic reticulum–plasma membrane (ER–PM) contact sites were the first membrane contact sites to be described; however, the protein composition and molecular function of these sites is still emerging. Here, we leverage yeast and Drosophila model systems to uncover a novel role for the Hobbit (Hob) proteins at ER–PM contact sites. We find that Hobbit localizes to ER–PM contact sites in both yeast cells and the Drosophila larval salivary glands, and this localization is mediated by an N-terminal ER membrane anchor and conserved C-terminal sequences. The C-terminus of Hobbit binds to plasma membrane phosphatidylinositols, and the distribution of these lipids is altered in hobbit mutant cells. Notably, the Hobbit protein is essential for viability in Drosophila, providing one of the first examples of a membrane contact site-localized lipid binding protein that is required for development.
Exercise Oncology
Authors: Klika Riggs J. , Stafford L. Hunter
Published: August 2021

Apply It!

• Recommendations for incorporating HIIT for cancer survivors are made.

• Contraindications for exercise training for cancer survivors also are made.
The role of CT, PET-CT, and MRI in ovarian cancer
Authors: Engbersen Maurits Peter , Van Driel Willemien , Lambregts Doenja , Lahaye Max
Published: August 2021

New treatment developments in ovarian cancer have led to a renewed interest in staging advanced ovarian cancer. The treatment of females with ovarian cancer patients has a strong multidisciplinary character with an essential role for the radiologist. This review aims to provide an overview of the current position of CT, positron emission tomography-CT, and MRI in ovarian cancer and how imaging can be used to guide multidisciplinary team discussions.
­­­Discovering research trends of urban geology based on a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Irawan Dasapta Erwin , Ulfa Yuniarti , Prabowo Roishe Miyafto , Kombaitan Benedictus , Puradimaja Deny Juanda
Published: August 2021

Urbanization contributes to the emerging urban areas across the world. The importance of geology to ensure sustainability, has led to many research publications in the urban geology. This paper aims to discover the research trends through a bibliometric analysis of articles indexed within the Scopus database from 1950 to 2018 on topics related to geology and urban. The analysis found a significant increase in publications during 1999-2016, especially after the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami disaster. The next finding of this study is related to research interest clusters: engineering geological hazard investigation and risk assessment in the urban area (EGR); social geology and urban sustainability (SGS); and urban hydrology and water management (HGW). The EGR studies were mostly in underground engineering geology (geotechnics). In contrast, the least attention was given to the interaction between geology and land-use planning, due to the SGS issues (e.g., urban planning and land use suitability assessment). This study may serve as a platform for scholars to understand the current status and future directions of urban geology.
TRAIT2D: a Software for Quantitative Analysis of Single Particle Diffusion Data
Authors: Reina Francesco , Wigg John M.A. , Dmitrieva Mariia , Lefebvre Joël , Rittscher Jens , Eggeling Christian
Published: August 2021

Single particle tracking (SPT) is one of the most widely used tools in optical microscopy to evaluate particle mobility in a variety of situations, including cellular and model membrane dynamics. Recent technological developments, such as Interferometric Scattering microscopy, have allowed recording of long, uninterrupted single particle trajectories at kilohertz framerates. The resulting data, where particles are continuously detected and do not displace much between observations, thereby do not require complex linking algorithms. Moreover, while these measurements offer more details into the short-term diffusion behaviour of the tracked particles, they are also subject to the influence of localisation uncertainties, which are often underestimated by conventional analysis pipelines. we thus developed a Python library, under the name of TRAIT2D (Tracking Analysis Toolbox – 2D version), in order to track particle diffusion at high sampling rates, and analyse the resulting trajectories with an innovative approach. The data analysis pipeline introduced is more localisation-uncertainty aware, and also selects the most appropriate diffusion model for the data provided on a statistical basis. A trajectory simulation platform also allows the user to handily generate trajectories and even synthetic time-lapses to test alternative tracking algorithms and data analysis approaches. A high degree of customisation for the analysis pipeline, for example with the introduction of different diffusion modes, is possible from the source code. Finally, the presence of graphical user interfaces lowers the access barrier for users with little to no programming experience.
Entre Florestas, Loucuras e Profecias: os Merlins medievais, suas adaptações e ressignificações
Authors: Bueno Lunielle De Brito Santos
Published: August 2021

Neste artigo buscamos analisar os usos do personagem Merlin nas obras de Godofredo de Monmouth, do século XII e de Roberto de Boron, do século XIII, bem como as adaptações e ressignificações de uma obra para outra, a partir dos contextos sociais e políticos. A partir de seus contextos, ambos autores usaram da personagem para criticarem ou para exaltarem a situação política do local passada ou presente. Importante salientar que a figura de Merlin, narrativamente e visualmente, se tornou um modelo para os magos modernos e contemporâneos. Todavia, enquanto as características psicológicas e narrativas se assemelham, a imagética é pautada pela medievalidade, ou seja, criações e construções medievais que não necessariamente estavam presentes nas artes e na história medieval.
A Vida de São Pelágio da Legenda aurea e a hierocracia: possibilidades de análise
Authors: Oliveira André Rocha de
Published: August 2021

O artigo tem por objetivo apresentar os fatores que justificam a pertinência de analisar a Vida de São Pelágio, presente na Legenda aurea, a partir da corrente de pensamento denominada hierocracia. Serão pontuadas a questão da transdisciplinaridade no medievo; a composição do relato de Pelágio, bem como as características do legendário, e o seu contexto de produção: a península Itálica na segunda metade do século XIII.
O Favor Divino e a Faculdade de Governar: Sobre D. Afonso Henriques de Portugal (1140-1179)
Authors: Santos Maria Fernanda Ribeiro Tomé Miranda dos
Published: August 2021

Partindo da premissa que o título usual de referência ao rei medieval, a fórmula Rex Per Gratia Dei, vinculava o poder secular ao poder espiritual cristão, pertencendo a uma antiga linha de argumentos de cunho jurídicos pautados na Bíblia, abordaremos a concepção político-religiosa da “Graça Divina” e a legitimação do poder secular medieval através do estudo de caso de D. Afonso Henriques, primeiro monarca português.
O poder monárquico e a saúde do corpo feminino na Castela do século XIII
Authors: Silveira Marta De Carvalho , Batista de Oliveira Cleiton
Published: August 2021

A saúde do corpo feminino é um dos temas presente em algumas das obras produzidas na corte castelhana de Afonso X. Nosso objetivo é refletir sobre como e por que os cuidados em relação à saúde feminina foram considerados relevantes pelo monarca e pelo seu círculo intelectual a ponto de estarem presentes em obras tratadísticas como o Lapidário de Afonso X, que apresenta prescrições para o uso de pedras com fins profiláticos.
A pedagogia nos espaços sociais de formação humana: por uma concepção ampliada de educação
Authors: Silva Jaqueline Luzia da , Santos Clarice Cordeiro dos , Bosco Danielle Portilho Muffareg
Published: August 2021

O presente trabalho tem como objetivo analisar a atuação de pedagogas e pedagogos nos diversos espaços sociais de formação humana, à luz de uma concepção ampliada de educação. Faz-se uma reflexão sobre o papel da escola e uma problematização sobre os limites entre os campos de formação. O estudo parte da reflexão sobre a formação de educadores no curso de Pedagogia e do que se propõe como atuação nos diversos espaços sociais. A princípio, reconhece-se o papel fundamental da educação enquanto formação humana. Pretende-se ampliar as possibilidades de atuação de educadores nestes espaços. As principais conclusões do estudo apontam a relevância de se conceber uma formação de educadores alicerçada tanto no trabalho docente quanto no trabalho em outros espaços de formação, sem que se percam as características da docência na formação, mas compreendendo o planejamento, a coordenação, a gestão e a pesquisa, dentro e fora de instituições escolares.
Estudantes com deficiência intelectual na escola contemporânea: Práticas pedagógicas exitosas
Authors: Mascaro Cristina Angélica , Redig Annie Gomes
Published: August 2021

O artigo insere-se na temática da escolarização do estudante com deficiência intelectual. Apresenta-se, uma investigação de caráter qualitativo por meio de uma análise argumentativa referente às demandas práticas pedagógicas que atendam às especificidades deste alunado para que seu itinerário formativo na escola promova sua inclusão acadêmica, social e laboral. Por meio da análise da literatura especializada sobre o tema, foram apresentadas e discutidas propostas efetivas no sentido de promover o acesso, permanência e construção de conhecimento para estes estudantes. Os resultados apontam a relevância do trabalho pedagógico com enfoque no ensino colaborativo entre docentes do Ensino Comum e da Educação Especial, o planejamento de aulas nas diretrizes do Desenho Universal para Aprendizagem (DUA), assim como o desenvolvimento do Plano Educacional Individualizado (PEI) e o Plano Individualizado de Transição (PIT). As conclusões ressaltam as mudanças necessárias para que a escola contemporânea possa estar em consonância com os pressupostos da educação inclusiva.