bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Lessons From Studies of Children With Specific Language Impairment
Authors: Rice Mabel L.
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This clinical focus article addresses a current debate contrasting the long-standing label of “specific language impairment” (SLI) with a recent alternative, “developmental language disorders” (DLDs); the criteria for SLI yields a subset of children defined as DLD. Recent social media advocacy for DLD asserts that the two categories of children are clinically equivalent, and therefore, DLD can be used as a label for which SLI criteria would hold. Coupled with DLD advocacy is the assumption that research on SLI has not yielded clinically relevant outcomes. This clinical focus article challenges those assumptions. The clinical focus article is framed as parallels between precision medicine and evidence-based practice. The purposes of this clinical focus article are as follows: (a) revisit the legacy of research on SLI; (b) describe language development in children with SLI into adulthood; (c) address widespread but erroneous assumptions about relationships between speech impairments and language impairments, and relationships between nonverbal IQ and language impairments; (d) briefly review evidence for causal pathways; and (e) present clinical lessons from research on children with SLI.

Method

Narrative review is the method used in the study.

Conclusions

The purposes of the clinical focus article were met by reviews, commentary, and supporting arguments in each section. The conclusions are that the research and clinical category of SLI is needed for accurate and precise clinical practice, including diagnosis, prognosis, clinical goals, sequencing of tasks for success, and consideration of language disorders in the context of a broad thicket of related consequences.
Academic Education of the Speech-Language Pathologist: A Comparative Analysis on Graduate Education in Two Low-Incidence Disorder Areas
Authors: Mason Kazlin N. , Sypniewski Hannah , Perry Jamie L.
Published: February 2020

Background/Purpose

When working with a specialized population, it is necessary to have the appropriate clinical and academic training. However, many speech-language pathologists report being ill-prepared regarding best practice when evaluating and treating patients with low-incidence disorders, particularly cleft palate/craniofacial anomalies and fluency disorders. The purpose of this study was to compare differences in graduate speech-language pathology coursework in the United States across two low-incidence disorder areas: cleft/craniofacial anomalies and fluency disorders.

Method

A review of the accredited graduate curricula offerings within these domains was completed. Information whether coursework in these areas was offered, if the course was taught as a full course or embedded within a related course, or whether the content was required or an elective, and if the course was taught by an expert was obtained.

Results

Significant differences were present in the amount, quality, and type of course content offered for cleft/craniofacial anomalies compared to fluency disorders. Only 72.83% of graduate speech-language pathologist programs offered content in cleft/craniofacial anomalies. Approximately one out of every four programs (27.17%) did not provide this content within the graduate curriculum. In contrast, content in fluency disorders was taught in 99.28% of graduate programs.

Conclusion

Results demonstrate that graduate training in topics related to cleft/craniofacial anomalies is significantly limited, particularly in comparison to another low-incidence communication disorder.
Considering the Language Disorder Label Debate From a School Speech-Language Pathology Lens
Authors: Murza Kimberly A. , Ehren Barbara J.
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to situate the recent language disorder label debate within a school's perspective. As described in two recent
The ASHA Leader
articles, there is international momentum to change
specific language impairment
to
developmental language disorder
. Proponents of this change cite increased public awareness and research funding as part of the rationale. However, it is unclear whether this label debate is worthwhile or even practical for the school-based speech-language pathologist (SLP). A discussion of the benefits and challenges to a shift in language disorder labels is provided.

Conclusions

Although there are important arguments for consistency in labeling childhood language disorder, the reality of a label change in U.S. schools is hard to imagine. School-based services are driven by eligibility through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which has its own set of labels. There are myriad reasons why advocating for the
developmental language disorder
label may not be the best use of SLPs' time, perhaps the most important of which is that school SLPs have other urgent priorities.
Developmental Language Disorder: Applications for Advocacy, Research, and Clinical Service
Authors: McGregor Karla K. , Goffman Lisa , Van Horne Amanda Owen , Hogan Tiffany P. , Finestack Lizbeth H.
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The CATALISE group (Bishop, Snowling, Thompson, Greenhalgh, & CATALISE Consortium, 2016; Bishop, Snowling, Thompson, Greenhalgh, & CATALISE-2 Consortium, 2017) recommended that the termdevelopmental language disorder(DLD) be used to refer to neurodevelopmental language deficit. In this tutorial, we explain the appropriate application of the term and present advantages in adhering to the CATALISE recommendations.

Conclusion

Both specific language impairment and DLD refer to a neurodevelopmental condition that impairs spoken language, is long-standing and, is not associated with any known causal condition. The applications of the termsspecific language impairmentandDLDdiffer in breadth and the extent to which identification depends upon functional impact. Use of the termDLDwould link advocacy efforts in the United States to those in other English-speaking countries. The criteria for identifying DLD presented in the CATALISE consensus offer opportunities for scientific progress while aligning well with practice in U.S. public schools.
School-Based Practicum: Exploring the Experiences of Student Clinicians, Supervisors, and New Employees
Authors: Giess SallyAnn , Bland Lauren E. , Farrell C. Colin
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Data collected by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) consistently show that over 50% of ASHA-certified speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are employed in a school-based setting. In such a setting, SLPs address a wide range of disorder areas. Key components of preparation for school-based practice are focused academic coursework, the clinical practicum in a school setting, and practicum supervisors who serve as key figures in training graduate students. This survey focused on the experiences and opinions of three groups: (a) graduate student clinicians who have completed a school-based practicum, (b) supervisors in the schools, and (c) new school-based SLPs.

Method

Convenience sampling was used to survey newly practicing school-based SLPs and school-based supervisors as well as graduate student clinicians at universities in the mid-south who have completed a school-based practicum. Surveys were posted to two ASHA Special Interest Groups and disseminated by selected graduate program directors to graduate student clinicians. Results were analyzed to measure satisfaction with preparation for school-based service. Surveys were completed electronically and analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively for consistent themes and trends in responses.

Results

A total of 252 respondents completed the survey, the majority being school-based supervisors. Graduate clinicians and speech-language pathology supervisors shared similar attitudes regarding graduate clinician preparation for a school-based practicum, with most students indicating they received good or extensive preparation and, similarly, supervisors indicating that graduate students were adequately or well prepared. Differences were found in expectations between groups of what graduate students should know, skills identified as needing better development, and what is important for successful practice in the schools.

Conclusions

Many factors contribute to the success of a clinical practicum. While students, supervisors, and new employees share beliefs in what is important and have similar confidence in preparedness, there are differences in expectations between groups as well. Communication between university training programs, school-based supervisors, and dedicated coursework to school-based practice are key factors in the successful preparation of school-based clinicians.
A more detailed look at Galactic magnetic field models: using free–free absorption in HII regions
Authors: Polderman I. M. , Haverkorn M. , Jaffe T. R.
Published: February 2020

Context. Cosmic rays (CRs) and the Galactic magnetic field (GMF) are fundamental actors in many processes in the Milky Way. The observed interaction product of these actors is Galactic synchrotron emission integrated over the line of sight (LOS). A comparison to simulations can be made with this tracer using existing GMF models and CR density models. This probes the GMF strength and morphology and the CR density.

Aims. Our aim is to provide insight into the Galactic CR density and the distribution and morphology of the GMF strength by exploring and explaining the differences between the simulations and observations of synchrotron intensity.

Methods. At low radio frequencies HII regions become opaque due to free–free absorption. Using these HII regions we can measure the synchrotron intensity over a part of the LOS through the Galaxy. The measured intensity per unit path length, that is, the emissivity, for HII regions at different distances, allows us to probe the variation in synchrotron emission not only across the sky but also in the third dimension of distance. Performing these measurements on a large scale is one of the new applications of the window opened by current low-frequency arrays. Using a number of existing GMF models in conjunction with the Galactic CR modeling code GALPROP, we can simulate these synchrotron emissivities.

Results. We present an updated catalog, compiled from the literature, of low-frequency absorption measurements of HII regions, their distances, and electron temperatures. We report a simulated emissivity that shows a compatible trend for HII regions that are near the observer. However, we observe a systematically increasing synchrotron emissivity for HII regions that are far from the observer, which is not compatible with the values simulated by the GMF models and GALPROP.

Conclusions. Current GMF models plus a GALPROP generated CR density model cannot explain low-frequency absorption measurements. One possibility is that distances to all HII regions catalogued at the kinematic “far” distance are erroneously determined, although this is unlikely since it ignores all evidence for far distances in the literature. However, a detection bias due to the nature of this tracer requires us to keep in mind that certain sources may be missed in an observation. The other possibilities are an enhanced emissivity in the outer Galaxy or a diminished emissivity in the inner Galaxy.
Environmental processing in cluster core galaxies at z = 1.7
Authors: Castignani G. , Combes F. , Salomé P.
Published: February 2020

Today, the brightest cluster galaxies (BCGs) are passive and very massive galaxies at the center of their clusters, and they still accrete mass through swallowing companions and gas from cooling flows. However their formation history is not well known. We report CO(4→3) and continuum map observations of the SpARCS1049+56 BCG at z = 1.709, one of the most distant known BCGs. Our observations yield MH2 <  1.1 × 1010 M⊙ for the BCG; while in CO(4→3), we detect two gas-rich companions at the northeast and southeast of the BCG, within 20 kpc, with LCO(4→3)′ = (5.8±0.6) × 109 K km s−1 pc2 and (7.4 ± 0.7)×109 K km s−1 pc2, respectively. The northern companion is associated with a pair of merging cluster galaxies, while the southern one shows a southern tail in CO(4→3), which was also detected in continuum, and we suggest it to be the most distant jellyfish galaxy for which ram pressure stripping is effectively able to strip off its dense molecular gas. This study probes the presence of rare gas-rich systems in the very central region of a distant cluster core, which will potentially merge into the BCG itself. Currently, we may thus be seeing the reversal of the star formation versus density relation at play in the distant universe. This is the first time the assembly of high-z progenitors of our local BCGs can be studied in such great detail.
Luminosity calculation of meteor entry based on detailed flow simulations in the continuum regime
Authors: Dias B. , Scoggins J. B. , Magin T. E.
Published: February 2020

Context. Composition, mass, and trajectory parameters of meteors can be derived by combining observations with the meteor physics equations. The fidelity of these equations, which rely on heuristic coefficients, significantly affects the accuracy of the properties inferred.

Aims. Our objective is to present a methodology that can be used to compute the luminosity of meteor entry based on detailed flow simulations in the continuum regime.

Methods. The methodology consists in solving the Navier–Stokes equations using state-of-the-art physico-chemical models for hypersonic flows. It includes accurate boundary conditions to simulate the surface evaporation of the molten material and coupled flow-radiation effects. Such detailed simulations allow for the calculation of heat-transfer coefficients and luminous efficiency, which can be incorporated into the meteor physics equations. Finally, we integrate the radiative transfer equation over a line of sight from the ground to the meteor to derive the luminosity magnitude.

Results. We use the developed methodology to simulate the Lost City bolide and to derive the luminosity magnitude, obtaining good agreement between numerical results and observations. The computed color index is more prominent than the observations. This is attributed to a lack of refractory elements such as Ca in the modeled flow that might originate from the vaporization of droplets in the trail, a phenomenon currently not included in the model.
QS ENDO Real – A Study by the German Endometriosis Research Foundation (SEF) on the Reality of Care for Patients with Endometriosis in Germany, Austria and Switzerland
Authors: Zeppernick Felix , Zeppernick Magdalena , Janschek Elisabeth , Wölfler Monika , Bornemann Sebastian , Holtmann Laura , Oehmke Frank , Brandes Iris , Scheible Chi Mi , Salehin Darius , Pethick Sigrid Vingerhagen , Boosz Alexander Stephan , Krämer Bernhard , Sillem Martin , Bühler Klaus , Keckstein Jörg , Schweppe Karl Werner , Meinhold-Heerlein Ivo ,   for the QS Endo Working Group of the Endometriosis Research Foundation (SEF)
Published: February 2020

Endometriosis affects a significant number of young premenopausal women. Quite apart from the medical challenges, endometriosis is a relevant burden for healthcare and social security systems. Standardized quality indicators for the treatment of endometriosis have not previously been systematically verified. The three-stage study QS ENDO was initiated to record and improve the reality and quality of care. One of its aims is to create quality indicators for the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis. For the first stage of QS ENDO Real, letters were sent to all 1014 gynecological departments in the German-speaking area of Europe (the DACH region) which included a questionnaire as a means of surveying the current state of care. A total of 296 (29.2%) of the centers which received the questionnaire participated in the survey. The subsequent evaluation of the completed questionnaires showed that the majority of patients with endometriosis (around 60%, based on estimates from the data) are not treated in hospitals which have been certified by the SEF. The guidelines recommend the use of specific classification systems (rASRM, ENZIAN) but, depending on the level of care offered by the hospital, only around 44.4 to 66.4% of departments used the rASRM score and only 27% of hospitals used the ENZIAN classification system to describe deep-infiltrating endometriosis. When taking patientsʼ medical history, some centers (6.6 – 17.9%) considered questions about leading symptoms such as dyschezia, dysuria and dyspareunia to be unimportant. QS ENDO Real has made it possible, for the first time, to get an overview of the reality of care provided to patients with endometriosis in the German-speaking areas of Europe. The findings indicate that several of the measures recommended in international guidelines as the gold standard of care are only used to treat some of the patients. In this respect, more efforts will be needed to provide more advanced training. The approach used for treatment must be guideline-based, also in not-certified centers, to improve the quality of care in the treatment of patients with endometriosis.
An Economic Analysis of Aneuploidy Screening of Oocytes in Assisted Reproduction in Germany
Authors: Neumann Kay , Griesinger Georg
Published: February 2020

Background The randomized ESTEEM trial reported that preimplantation genetic aneuploidy testing of oocytes by polar body biopsy (PGT-A) with array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) in women aged 36 – 40 years undergoing assisted reproduction treatment reduces the number of embryo transfers and the risk of miscarriage while not impacting the live birth rate.

Method A decision tree model based on data from the ESTEEM trial was created and analyzed, using three cost scenarios for assisted reproduction treatment in Germany (statutory health insurance [GKV] = the deductible is 50% of the standard medical costs; private medical insurance [PKV] = invoicing is based on the German medical fee schedule [GOÄ]; private medical insurance with a simple GOÄ factor [simple GOÄ factor] = invoicing is based on the standard medical fees multiplied by a linear GOÄ factor). The scenarios were compared for cost-effectiveness (cost per live birth), cost per prevented miscarriage and the threshold values for cost and effectiveness.

Results PGT-A increased the costs per live birth in all scenarios (GKV: + 208%; PKV: + 49%; simple GOÄ factor: + 89%). A threshold analysis showed a substantial cost discrepancy between the actual cost of the intervention based on GOÄ (€ 5801) vs. the theoretically tolerable PGT-A cost (GKV: € 561, PKV: € 1037, single GOÄ-factor: € 743). The incremental cost per one prevented miscarriage was approximately € 70 000 – 75 000 for all cost scenarios.

Conclusion The use of PGT-A with aCGH in assisted reproduction cannot be recommended from a cost-effectiveness perspective.
Dynamic heteroscedasticity of time series interpreted as complex networks
Authors: An Sufang , Gao Xiangyun , Jiang Meihui , Feng Sida , Wang Xinya , Wen Shaobo
Published: February 2020

Heteroscedasticity of time series is an important issue addressed in relation to the nonlinearity and complexity of time series. Previous studies have focused on time series heteroscedasticity during a long-term period but have rarely analyzed it from a nonlinear dynamic perspective. This paper proposes a new model for converting a time series into a complex network. Our proposed model can examine not only the heteroscedasticity of a short-term series but also the dynamic evolution process of this heteroscedasticity. Using four typical crude oil time series as sample data, we construct four networks. A network node denotes the types of fluctuation patterns corresponding to the symbolization of the heteroscedastic features of a short-term fluctuation series based on the autoregressive generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity model, and a weighted edge represents the evolution direction and frequency between two patterns. Our findings show that the choice of the length of a short-term period depends on the diversity of these patterns. The identification of the nodes with greater out-strength or greater betweenness centrality can help us to understand the different roles of fluctuation patterns in the evolution process. We propose a method for predicting the most probable target nodes from a source node. The analysis of clustering effects can help in detecting the fluctuation patterns between different clusters. This paper investigates the evolution dynamic mechanism of the heteroscedastic features of a short-term time series, which can help researchers and investors deeply understand the dynamic process of time series.
Additional repulsion reduces the dynamical resilience in the damaged networks
Authors: Bera Bidesh K.
Published: February 2020

In this paper, we investigate the dynamical robustness of diffusively coupled oscillatory networks under the influence of an additional repulsive link. Such a dynamical resilience property is realized through the aging process of the damaged network of active and inactive oscillators. The aging process is one type of phase transition, mainly appearing at a critical threshold of a fraction of the inactive oscillator node where the mean oscillation amplitude of the entire network suddenly vanishes. These critical fractions of the failure nodes in the network are broadly used as a measure of network resilience. Here, we analytically derived the critical fraction of the aging process in the dynamical network. We find that the addition of the repulsive link enhances the critical threshold of the aging transition of diffusively coupled oscillators, which indicated that the dynamical robustness of the coupled network decreases with the presence of the repulsive interaction. Furthermore, we investigate the dynamical robustness of the network against the number of deteriorating repulsive links. We observed that a certain percentage of the repulsive link is enabled to produce the aging process in the entire network. Finally, the effect of symmetry-breaking coupling and the targeted inactivation process on the dynamical robustness property of damaged networks were investigated. The analytically obtained results are verified numerically in the network of coupled Stuart–Landau oscillators. These findings may help us to better understand the role of the coupling mechanism on the phase transition in the damaged network.
Multi-layering of SU-8 exhibits distinct geometrical transitions from circular to planarized profiles
Authors: Sauzade Martin , Li Ling , Bakowski Tomasz , Strey Helmut H. , Brouzes Eric
Published: February 2020

The negative tone photoresist SU-8 permits the creation of micrometer-scale structures by optical lithography. It is also the most used photoresist in soft lithography for the fast-prototyping of microfluidic devices. Despite its importance, the effect of capillary forces on SU-8 multi-layering onto topographical features has not been thoroughly studied. In particular, the profile of the added layer has not been examined in detail. The overlaying process exhibits a set of distinct behaviors, or regimes, depending on the relative thickness of the overlay and the underlying rectangular pattern. We demonstrate how capillary effects control the profile of multi-layer microchannels in a predictable manner. We derive a simple static model to describe the evolution of the overlay as a function of dimensionless geometric parameters. Our study provides a critical understanding of the parameters that govern multi-layer spin coating.
Message-passing theory for cooperative epidemics
Authors: Min Byungjoon , Castellano Claudio
Published: February 2020

The interaction among spreading processes on a complex network is a nontrivial phenomenon of great importance. It has recently been realized that cooperative effects among infective diseases can give rise to qualitative changes in the phenomenology of epidemic spreading, leading, for instance, to abrupt transitions and hysteresis. Here, we consider a simple model for two interacting pathogens on a network and we study it by using the message-passing approach. In this way, we are able to provide detailed predictions for the behavior of the model in the whole phase-diagram for any given network structure. Numerical simulations on synthetic networks (both homogeneous and heterogeneous) confirm the great accuracy of the theoretical results. We finally consider the issue of identifying the nodes where it is better to seed the infection in order to maximize the probability of observing an extensive outbreak. The message-passing approach provides an accurate solution also for this problem.
CUX1 and IκBζ (NFKBIZ) mediate the synergistic inflammatory response to TNF and IL-17A in stromal fibroblasts
Authors: Slowikowski Kamil , Nguyen Hung N. , Noss Erika H. , Simmons Daimon P. , Mizoguchi Fumitaka , Watts Gerald F. M. , Gurish Michael F. , Brenner Michael B. , Raychaudhuri Soumya
Published: February 2020

The role of stromal fibroblasts in chronic inflammation is unfolding. In rheumatoid arthritis, leukocyte-derived cytokines TNF and IL-17A work together, activating fibroblasts to become a dominant source of the hallmark cytokine IL-6. However, IL-17A alone has minimal effect on fibroblasts. To identify key mediators of the synergistic response to TNF and IL-17A in human synovial fibroblasts, we performed time series, dose–response, and gene-silencing transcriptomics experiments. Here we show that in combination with TNF, IL-17A selectively induces a specific set of genes mediated by factors including cut-like homeobox 1 (CUX1) and IκBζ (NFKBIZ). In the promoters of
CXCL1
,
CXCL2
, and
CXCL3
, we found a putative CUX1–NF-κB binding motif not found elsewhere in the genome. CUX1 and NF-κB p65 mediate transcription of these genes independent of LIFR, STAT3, STAT4, and ELF3. Transcription of
NFKBIZ
, encoding the atypical IκB factor IκBζ, is IL-17A dose-dependent, and IκBζ only mediates the transcriptional response to TNF and IL-17A, but not to TNF alone. In fibroblasts, IL-17A response depends on CUX1 and IκBζ to engage the NF-κB complex to produce chemoattractants for neutrophil and monocyte recruitment.
Campaign funding laws and the political economy of money politics in Nigeria
Authors: Okeke G. S. Mmaduabuchi , Nwali Uche
Published: February 2020

Campaign funding laws have failed to stem the phenomenon of money politics in postcolonial Nigeria. The predominant narrative in extant literature attributes this failure to lack of enforcement of the laws. This article rethinks the lack of enforcement narrative and argues that the laws have inbuilt biases that legitimise and perpetuate money politics; hence, any investment in enforcement can only yield meagre returns. But beyond the biased legal regime, mass poverty is largely why attempts to remedy the challenge of money politics via the instrument of law have failed. The article recommends a recalibration of Nigeria’s political economy to usher in a resource allocation and wealth redistribution regime that ensures the citizenry are not so poor that they would be vulnerable to material inducement.
Quantitative measurements of oxygen atom and negative ion densities in a low pressure oxygen plasma by cavity ringdown spectroscopy
Authors: Peverall Robert , Rogers Samuel D A , Ritchie Grant A D
Published: February 2020

In this paper we report measurements of the absolute concentration of ground state oxygen atoms produced in a low pressure (≤100 mTorr) inductively coupled oxygen plasma. These experiments have utilised cavity ringdown spectroscopy, allowing line of sight absorption to be measured on the optically forbidden 1D ← 3P transition around 630 nm. Both the translational temperature and the absolute concentrations of the two most populated spin–orbit levels (J = 1 and 2) have been determined as a function of plasma pressure at a fixed operating power of 300 W, allowing accurate determination of dissociation fraction; in all cases, the dissociation fraction is considerable, ≥10%, maximising at 15% for 20 mTorr. Time-resolved measurements of the rate of loss of the oxygen atoms when the plasma is extinguished have allowed the probability for wall-loss in the plasma chamber, γ, to be determined; in this case, for an aluminium surface, γ is determined to be ca. a few ×10−3, with the exact value depending on pressure. In addition, the O− number density is shown to be an inverse function of pressure, showing a maximum of 1.6 × 1010 cm−3 at 10 mTorr, falling to 2 × 109 cm−3 at 100 mTorr, and characteristic of a discharge operating in the detachment regime. The measured number densities are interpreted using calculated electron energy distribution functions and yield physically reasonable values for the electron number density.
Untangling cryptic diversity in the High Andes: Revision of the Scytalopus [magellanicus] complex (Rhinocryptidae) in Peru reveals three new species
Authors: Krabbe Niels K , Schulenberg Thomas S , Hosner Peter A , Rosenberg Kenneth V , Davis Tristan J , Rosenberg Gary H , Lane Daniel F , Andersen Michael J , Robbins Mark B , Cadena Carlos Daniel , Valqui Thomas , Salter Jessie F , Spencer Andrew J , Angulo Fernando , Fjeldså Jon
Published: February 2020

Tropical mountains feature marked species turnover along elevational gradients and across complex topography, resulting in great concentrations of avian biodiversity. In these landscapes, particularly among morphologically conserved and difficult to observe avian groups, species limits still require clarification. One such lineage is Scytalopus tapaculos, which are among the morphologically most conserved birds. Attention to their distinctive vocal repertoires and phylogenetic relationships has resulted in a proliferation of newly identified species, many of which are restricted range endemics. Here, we present a revised taxonomy and identify species limits among high-elevation populations of Scytalopus tapaculos inhabiting the Peruvian Andes. We employ an integrated framework using a combination of vocal information, mitochondrial DNA sequences, and appearance, gathered from our own fieldwork over the past 40 yr and supplemented with community-shared birdsong archives and museum specimens. We describe 3 new species endemic to Peru. Within all 3 of these species there is genetic differentiation, which in 2 species is mirrored by subtle geographic plumage and vocal variation. In a fourth species, Scytalopus schulenbergi, we document deep genetic divergence and plumage differences despite overall vocal similarity. We further propose that an extralimital taxon, Scytalopus opacus androstictus, be elevated to species rank, based on a diagnostic vocal character. Our results demonstrate that basic exploration and descriptive work using diverse data sources continues to identify new species of birds, particularly in tropical environs.
The role of scratching in the control of ectoparasites on birds
Authors: Goodman Graham B , Klingensmith Margaux C , Bush Sarah E , Clayton Dale H
Published: February 2020

Grooming by birds is thought to serve essential anti-parasite functions. While preening has been well studied, little is known about the function of scratching in birds. We conducted a series of experiments to determine the effectiveness of scratching for controlling feather lice (Columbicola columbae) on Rock Pigeons (Columba livia). First, we used a hobbling technique to impair scratching. After 6 mo, hobbled birds had significantly more lice than controls that could scratch. In addition, lice on hobbled birds were concentrated on the birds’ heads and necks (i.e. the regions that birds scratch). Secondly, we tested the role the claw plays in scratching by declawing nestlings. Once mature, declawed pigeons had significantly more lice than control birds with claws. Moreover, lice on declawed birds were concentrated on the head and neck. Next, we tested whether the flange found on the middle claw of many bird species enhances scratching. We experimentally manipulated the flange; however, the number and location of lice on birds without flanges was not significantly different than that on control birds with intact flanges. Finally, we tested whether scratching removes parasites directly or indirectly by “flushing” them onto body regions where they can be preened. When we impaired scratching (with hobbles) and preening (with “bits”) we found that scratching no longer reduced the number of lice on birds. Our results indicated that scratching and preening work synergistically; scratching reduces parasite load by flushing lice onto regions of the body where they can be eliminated by preening.
Rhapsody: predicting the pathogenicity of human missense variants
Authors: Ponzoni Luca , Peñaherrera Daniel A , Oltvai Zoltán N , Bahar Ivet
Published: February 2020

Motivation

The biological effects of human missense variants have been studied experimentally for decades but predicting their effects in clinical molecular diagnostics remains challenging. Available computational tools are usually based on the analysis of sequence conservation and structural properties of the mutant protein. We recently introduced a new machine learning method that demonstrated for the first time the significance of protein dynamics in determining the pathogenicity of missense variants.

Results

Here, we present a new interface (Rhapsody) that enables fully automated assessment of pathogenicity, incorporating both sequence coevolution data and structure- and dynamics-based features. Benchmarked against a dataset of about 20 000 annotated variants, the methodology is shown to outperform well-established and/or advanced prediction tools. We illustrate the utility of Rhapsody by in silico saturation mutagenesis studies of human H-Ras, phosphatase and tensin homolog and thiopurine S-methyltransferase.

Availability and implementation

The new tool is available both as an online webserver at http://rhapsody.csb.pitt.edu and as an open-source Python package (GitHub repository: https://github.com/prody/rhapsody; PyPI package installation: pip install prody-rhapsody). Links to additional resources, tutorials and package documentation are provided in the 'Python package' section of the website.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
A nonparametric approach to high-dimensional k-sample comparison problems
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Subhadeep , Wang Kaijun
Published: February 2020

High-dimensional $k$-sample comparison is a common task in applications. We construct a class of easy-to-implement distribution-free tests based on new nonparametric tools and unexplored connections with spectral graph theory. The test is shown to have various desirable properties and a characteristic exploratory flavour that has practical consequences for statistical modelling. Numerical examples show that the proposed method works surprisingly well across a broad range of realistic situations.
Basal Takotsubo syndrome with transient severe mitral regurgitation caused by drug use: a case report
Authors: Albenque Grégoire , Bohbot Yohann , Delpierre Quentin , Tribouilloy Christophe
Published: February 2020

Background

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is a reversible cardiomyopathy. Little is known regarding its basal form and possible complications.

Case summary

A 31-year-old woman with no medical history was hospitalized for attempted suicide by ingestion of cocaine, benzodiazepine, and methadone. Initially, the patient received intensive care for coma and bradypnoea. After naloxone administration, the neurological situation improved, but the patient developed acute pulmonary oedema. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) revealed left ventricular systolic dysfunction with the basal wall’s akinesia associated with moderate to severe restrictive mitral regurgitation. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) was impaired mainly in the basal segments. A coronary computed tomography ruled out coronary artery disease. Symptoms improved quickly under diuretic treatment. Transthoracic echocardiography at Day 6 showed improved basal wall contraction, with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 50% and moderate mitral regurgitation. TTE at Day 30 confirmed the diagnosis of myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries related to a basal TTS after complete recovery of the LVEF, normalization of the wall motion and GLS, and the absence of residual mitral regurgitation.

Discussion

We report a case of acute pulmonary oedema due to basal TTS complicated by severe transient mitral regurgitation associated with moderate left ventricular dysfunction. Measuring strain by speckle-tracking can be useful to diagnose and monitor this entity. The use of coronary computed tomography is informative in young patients to rule-out coronary artery disease.
Rescue aortic balloon valvuloplasty during procedural cardiac arrest while treating critical left main stem stenosis: a case report
Authors: Benenati Stefano , Scarsini Roberto , De Maria Giovanni Luigi , Banning Adrian P
Published: February 2020

Background

Best timing for coronary revascularization in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) who was a candidate for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is still matter of debate.

Case summary

We here report the case of an 87-year-old man with severe AS presenting with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Coronary angiography revealed a highly complex and calcific left main stem (LMS) lesion. Rotablation-assisted percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was attempted but was complicated by post-stenting rapidly evolving haemodynamic impairment. A rescue ‘pacing-free’ balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) was performed to rescue the patients, allowing prompt restoration of cardiac output and coronary perfusion.

Discussion

According to guidelines and preliminary evidence, decision should be performed case by case and based on the degree of severity and complexity of either AS or coronary disease. The strategy of treating coronary lesions first may limit the risk of potential ischaemic complications during TAVI. However, the downside of it is the risk of hemodynamic crash with potential catastrophic evolution in case of PCI complications in presence of severe AS. A ‘bailout BAV’ can be considered as a salvage-strategy in case of complex and complicated LMS-PCI in the context of severe AS and advanced status of haemodynamic impairment. This approach must be seen as very last resort, while appropriate pre-procedural planning is still highly recommended in order to prevent potentially fatal procedural complications in this fragile clinical setting.
Infective endocarditis of an asymptomatic congenital aorta-right atrial tunnel: a case report
Authors: Onorato Eustaquio Maria , Costante Anna Maria , Andreini Daniele , Bartorelli Antonio L
Published: February 2020

Background

Aorta-right atrial tunnel (ARAT) is a rare congenital anomaly whose aetiology and incidence are unknown. It might represent a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge requiring a combination of imaging modalities and an integrated teamwork.

Case summary

We report a case of a 23-year-old man with an asymptomatic ARAT complicated by infective endocarditis, diagnosed with non-invasive multimodality imaging, and successfully treated with a catheter-based approach.

Discussion

Aorta-right atrial tunnel closure in asymptomatic patients is still a matter of debate. Considering the risk of serious complications surgical treatment might be recommended soon after diagnosis. In selected cases, catheter-based closure might represent a safe, effective, and less invasive alternative to traditional surgical approach.
The African Slave Trade and Modern Household Finance
Authors: Levine Ross , Lin Chen , Xie Wensi
Published: February 2020

We evaluate the impact of the African slave trade between 1400 and 1900 on modern household finance. Exploiting cross-country and cross-ethnic group differences in the intensity with which people were enslaved and exported from Africa, we find that slave exports during the 1400–1900 period are negatively associated with current measures of household (a) access to financial services, (b) access to credit, (c) use of mobile finance and (d) trust in financial institutions, suggesting that the slave trade has had an enduring, deleterious effect on household finance.
Seed Adaptive Traits of Fagus sylvatica Populations in Northeastern Greece
Authors: Varsamis Georgios , Merou Theodora , Takos Ioannis , Malesios Chrisovalantis , Manolis Apostolos , Papageorgiou Aristotelis C
Published: February 2020

Fagus sylvatica in Europe is expected to be severely affected by the ongoing climate change. In this article, seed adaptive traits, in terms of morphology and germination, of F. sylvatica populations of different postglacial lineage and intrapopulation genetic diversity were evaluated. Eight plots from two geographical provenances, Evros and Drama, were selected. Provenance shaped both morphology and germination patterns, but the effect was more pronounced on germination. Seeds from Drama were larger and heavier than those from Evros but exhibited a higher degree of dormancy and slower germination. High among-plots variability on morphology and germination was also observed, especially in Evros. This higher variability was consistent with the higher level of genetic diversity observed at genomic and chloroplast DNA markers at small or larger spatial scales from previous published studies on the same plots. Results suggested the existence of different seed adaptation strategies, mainly between provenances, as a result of possible adaptation to different environmental conditions, whereas a possible influence of a generally complex pattern of admixture between different beech subspecies and postglacial lineages could not be excluded.
The Incidence and Prevalence of Human Papilloma Virus–associated Cancers in IBD
Authors: Segal Jonathan P , Askari Alan , Clark Susan K , Hart Ailsa L , Faiz Omar D
Published: February 2020

Aim

The human papilloma virus has been associated with anal, cervical, vaginal, and penile cancers. The primary aim of this population-based study is to determine whether HPV-associated cancers are more commonplace in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Method

The Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) database from 1997 to 2012, linked with officer for age standardized rates (ASR), were calculated using population data, and Cox regression analysis was used to determine whether IBD patients have poorer survival compared with non-IBD patients.

Results

A total of 61,648 patients were included in this study; of these, 837 patients had a preexisting diagnosis of IBD (1.4%). Inflammatory bowel disease patients had a significantly higher ASR of anal cancers than the non-IBD population: 5.5 per 100,000 in the IBD group compared with 1.8 in the non-IBD group. The IBD group was also diagnosed with anal cancers at a younger age (60 years compared with 66 years in the non-IBD group, P < 0.001). The survival of IBD patients with anal cancer was also poorer than the non-IBD group (hazard ratio, 1.32; 95% confidence interval, 1.15–1.52; P < 0.001). On average, survival was significantly shorter in the IBD group with anal cancer (46 months) compared with the non-IBD group (61 months, P < 0.001). Age standardized rates for cervical cancer was significantly higher in the IBD group (5.2 of 100,000) compared with the non-IBD group (4.6 of 100,000 P = 0.042).

Conclusion

Patients with IBD have a higher rate of anal cancer compared with the general population. Survival is also worse for anal cancers in the IBD group.
Prospective Study of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease Virus and Bluetongue Virus Transmission in Captive Ruminants
Authors: Becker Michael E , Roberts Jonathan , Schroeder Megan E , Gentry Glen , Foil Lane D
Published: February 2020

Bluetongue virus (BTV) and epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) cause hemorrhagic disease (HD) in wild ruminants and bluetongue disease (BT) and epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) in livestock. These viruses are transmitted by biting midges in the genus Culicoides (family Ceratopogonidae). Mortality from this disease can reach 90% in certain breeds of sheep and in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). From January until December of 2012, we conducted a prospective study to determine the origin and routes of transmission of BTV and EHDV in captive deer and cattle. The objective was to determine the abundance of Culicoides spp. and BTV/EHDV infection prevalence in midges, cattle, and deer in an area experiencing an outbreak of BT and EHD. Agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) tests to detect for EHDV and BTV antibodies were conducted on serum collected from cattle and deer, quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT–qPCR) was utilized for BTV/EHDV RNA detection in tissues from dead deer, and CDC miniature black light traps baited with dry ice were deployed to capture insects. The AGID results showed 19 out of 29 cattle and 18 out of 58 white-tailed deer seroconverted for these viruses during the vector season. Tradition gel-based reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was utilized to determine serotype. Sixteen cows were positive for EHDV-2, EHDV-6, or BTV-12 and 15 deer positive for EHDV-1, EHDV-6, or BTV-12. Specimens from 14 species of Culicoides (Dptera: Ceratopogonidae) (Culicoides arboricola Root and Hoffman, Culicoides biguttatus Coquillett, Culicoides crepuscularis Malloch, Culicoides debilipalpis Lutz, Culicoides furens Poey, Culicoides haematopotus Malloch, Culicoides hinmani Khalaf, Culicoides nanus Root and Hoffman, Culicoides neopulicaris Wirth, Culicoides paraensis Goeldi, Culicoides stellifer Coquillet, Culicoides variipennis Coquillet, Culicoides villosipennis Root and Hoffman, and Culicoides venustus Hoffman) were captured and tested for BTV and EHDV using RT-qPCR assays. BTV viral nucleic acid was detected in three pools from three different species of midges: C. crepuscularis, C. debilipalpis, and C. stellifer.
Parapharyngeal schwannoma—a challenging case report
Authors: Ferreira Ângela , Dionísio Sílvia , Ventura Eduardo , Saleiro Rute , Monteiro Carlos
Published: February 2020

Parapharyngeal space primary neoplasias are infrequent findings in clinics, and schwannoma derived from a peripheral nerve is even rarer in this anatomic area [1]. The presented case is a patient who was referred to our department with a 3 months progressive soft palate enlargement without related symptoms. The challenge, in these cases, due to the anatomic complex area, is to catch a suitable approach to remove the tumor, according to dimension and surrounding structures. Prognosis and follow-up will depend on histopathologic evaluation.
Case Comment: Re D (A Child) [2019] UKSC 42
Authors: Keene Alex Ruck , Xu Xinyu
Published: February 2020

How (if at all) can the right to liberty of a child under Article 5 European Convention on Human Rights (‘ECHR’) be balanced against the rights of parents, enshrined both at common law and under Article 8 ECHR? Is there a limit to the extent to which parents can themselves, or via others, seek to impose restrictions upon their disabled child’s liberty so as to secure their child’s interests? This case considers the answers to these questions given by and the implications of the decision of the Supreme Court in September 2019 in Re D (A Child) [2019] UKSC 42.