bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High molecular weight DNA isolation method from diverse plant species for use with Oxford Nanopore sequencing
Authors: Vaillancourt Brieanne , Buell C. Robin
Published: September 2019

The ability to generate long reads on the Oxford Nanopore Technologies sequencing platform is dependent on the isolation of high molecular weight DNA free of impurities. For some taxa, this is relatively straightforward; however, for plants, the presence of cell walls and a diverse set of specialized metabolites such as lignin, phenolics, alkaloids, terpenes, and flavonoids present significant challenges in the generation of DNA suitable for production of long reads. Success in generating long read lengths and genome assemblies of plants has been reported using diverse DNA isolation methods, some of which were tailored to the target species and/or required extensive labor. To avoid the need to optimize DNA isolation for each species, we developed a taxa-independent DNA isolation method that is relatively simple and efficient. This method expands on the Oxford Nanopore Technologies high molecular weight genomic DNA protocol from plant leaves and utilizes a conventional cetyl trimethylammonium bromide extraction followed by removal of impurities and short DNA fragments using commercially available kits that yielded robust N50 read lengths and yield on Oxford Nanopore Technologies flow cells.
Neurodevelopmental wiring deficits in the Ts65Dn mouse model of Down syndrome
Authors: Jain Shruti , Watts Christina A. , Chung Wilson C.J. , Welshhans Kristy
Published: September 2019

Down syndrome is the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability and occurs due to the trisomy of human chromosome 21. Adolescent and adult brains from humans with Down syndrome exhibit various neurological phenotypes including a reduction in the size of the corpus callosum, hippocampal commissure and anterior commissure. However, it is unclear when and how these interhemispheric connectivity defects arise. Using the Ts65Dn mouse model of Down syndrome, we examined interhemispheric connectivity in postnatal day 0 (P0) Ts65Dn mouse brains. We find that there is no change in the volume of the corpus callosum or anterior commissure in P0 Ts65Dn mice. However, the volume of the hippocampal commissure is significantly reduced in P0 Ts65Dn mice, and this may contribute to the impaired learning and memory phenotype of this disorder. Interhemispheric connectivity defects that arise during development may be due to disrupted axon growth. In line with this, we find that developing hippocampal neurons display reduced axon length in vitro, as compared to neurons from their euploid littermates. This study is the first to report the presence of defective interhemispheric connectivity at the time of birth in Ts65Dn mice, providing evidence that early therapeutic intervention may be an effective time window for the treatment of Down syndrome.
Robotic hand-arm system for on-orbit servicing missions in Tiangong-2 Space Laboratory
Authors: Liu Yiwei , Cui Shipeng , Liu Hong , Jin Minghe , Ni Fenglei , Li Zhiqi , Li Chongyang
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop a robotic hand–arm system for on-orbit servicing missions at the Tiangong-2 (TG-2) Space Laboratory.

Design/methodology/approach

The hand–arm system is mainly composed of a lightweight arm, a dexterous hand, an electrical cabinet, a global camera, a hand–eye camera and some human–machine interfaces. The 6-DOF lightweight arm and the 15-DOF dexterous hand adopt the modular design philosophy that greatly reduces the design cycle and cost. To reduce the computational burden on the central controller and simplify system maintenance, an electrical system which has a hierarchical structure is introduced.

Findings

The prototypical operating experiments completed in TG-2 space laboratory demonstrate the performance of the hand–arm system and lay foundations for the future applications of space manipulators.

Originality/value

The main contributions of this paper are as follows a robotic hand–arm system which can perform on-orbit servicing missions such as grasping the electric drill, screwing the bolt, unscrewing J599 electrical connector has been developed; a variable time step motion plan method is proposed to adjust the trajectories of the lightweight arm to reduce or eliminate the collision force; and a dexterous hand uses the coordinated grasp control based on the object Cartesian stiffness to realize stable grasp. To solve the kinematic mapping from the cyber glove commands to the dexterous hand, a fingertip-position-based method is proposed to acquire precise solutions.
Design and human–machine compatibility analysis of Co-Exos II for upper-limb rehabilitation
Authors: Zhang Leiyu , Li Jianfeng , Ji Shuting , Su Peng , Tao Chunjing , Ji Run
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Upper-limb joint kinematics are highly complex and the kinematics of rehabilitation exoskeletons fail to reproduce them, resulting in hyperstaticity and human–machine incompatibility. The purpose of this paper is to design and develop a compatible exoskeleton robot (Co-Exos II) to address these problems.

Design/methodology/approach

The configuration synthesis of Co-Exos II is completed using advanced mechanism theory. A compatible configuration is selected and four passive joints are introduced into the connecting interfaces based on optimal configuration principles. A Co-Exos II prototype with nine degrees of freedom (DOFs) is developed and still owns a compact structure and volume. A new approach is presented to compensate the vertical glenohumeral (GH) movements. Co-Exos II and the upper arm are simplified as a guide-bar mechanism at the elevating plane. The theoretical displacements of passive joints are calculated by the kinematic model of the shoulder loop. The compatible experiments are completed to measure the kinematics of passive joints.

Findings

The compatible configuration of the passive joints can effectively reduce the gravity influences of the exoskeleton device and the upper extremities. The passive joints exhibit excellent compensation effect for the GH joint movements by comparing the theoretical and measured results. Passive joints can compensate for most GH movements, especially vertical movements.

Originality/value

Co-Exos II possesses good human–machine compatibility and wearable comfort for the affected upper limbs. The proposed compensation method is convenient to therapists and stroke patients during the rehabilitation trainings.
Housing neighborhoods as an interaction of enclosure and disclosure
Authors: Mangut Burak , Ozsoy Fatma Ahsen
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on the interaction of enclosure and disclosure, and analyze the dynamics of this bond. It also investigates the interaction between open spaces and closed spaces in housing areas as fundamental public and private realms of the neighbourhoods to understand the relation between physical and social environments.

Design/methodology/approach

The research aims to grasp the effects of open spaces on the development of the physical and social structures in a community at the intersection of enclosure and disclosure. To display potentials of the relation between these two notions, the behavioural treatments at the intersection of open space and housing units as the basic modules of the pattern, and the effects of spatial organization forms on them are explored. The methodology of the study is formed through the clarification of tangible and intangible facts simultaneously, conducted by spatial and behavioural analysis.

Findings

The intersection of enclosure and disclosure in neighbourhoods receives both practical and academic attention. The zone not only creates appropriate conditions for a vital urban life, but also helps to generate social structure in the neighbourhood. Furthermore, although the modernist settlements are criticized because of urban monotony and lifelessness since the last two and three decades of the twentieth century, it is seen that the situations in which “the spatial organization of housing units” and “the formation of urban pattern of the settlement” were dealt synchronously generate vividness and achievement in an urban context.

Originality/value

The study aims to grasp how the intersection zone is affected by the differences of “urban activities in open spaces as one of the main indicators of vividness” and “spatial organization of dwelling units with a perspective from the other side of the border”. Moreover, to understand the capacity of the intersection zone in physical reality, the research aims to evaluate theoretical data through the actual dynamics of daily life. The combination of various research methods that constituted mostly spatial and behavioural analysis is one of the most robust sides of the research.
Challenges and key factors in planning legacies of mega sporting events
Authors: Azzali Simona
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Since the 1960s, the impact of mega sporting events on the built environment has become increasingly important, and the relationship between hosting cities and events increasingly complex and controversial. The outcomes of these mega-events, however, are very discouraging, especially in terms of the state of sports venues and event sites. In many cases, Olympic parks and event sites stand abandoned once the event is over, and sports facilities are often either closed or underutilized. The purpose of this paper is to identify replicable best practices and successful examples used in mega-events to transform events sites and venues into livable public open spaces (POS), enjoyed by the local communities.

Design/methodology/approach

Three cities were selected for this investigation: London, Sochi and Rio de Janeiro. London hosted the 2012 Summer Olympics, and this study focused particularly on its Olympic park, Queen Elizabeth Park. Sochi hosted the 2014 Winter Olympics but also some of the matches of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Rio de Janeiro hosted the 2016 Summer Olympics and also a part of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Each case was investigated according to a methodology composed of interviews with experts, site visits, and analysis of the bidding book and post-event reports to check the consistency between promises and legacies.

Findings

The research identified a framework of six major elements that determine, or contrast, the long-term use of events sites and sport facilities, and highlighted some main attributes to consider in order to transform sporting event sites into livable and enjoyable open spaces. It is expected that this framework can be used as a guidance to deliver sustainable events and long-term legacies and to define a strategy for optimization of planning mega sport events.

Practical implications

Mega events provide near-unique, fast track opportunities for urban transformation. This research can be used as guidance for the overall mega sporting events stakeholders, such as the IOC, FIFA, and local organizing committees, to identify replicable best practices and successful examples in the leverage of mega events to transform events sites and venues into livable POS.

Originality/value

Why is it so difficult to transform event sites and sport venues into livable areas of cities? What are the recurrent mistakes, issues, and challenges that hosting cities have to face? This research is unique as it aims at answering these questions by defining a framework of relevant factors for hosting cities to help them in the planning of mega sporting events. The research also highlighted some recurrent mistakes, such as the exorbitant costs of a mega event, the inability to keep the initial budget unchanged and the difficulty to adjust plans to local needs.
Comments on “heat transfer in a square porous cavity in presence of square solid block”
Authors: Rees D.A.S.
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the need to attend correctly to the accuracy and the manner in which the value of the streamfunction is determined when two or more impermeable boundaries are present. This is discussed within the context of the paper by Nandalur et al. (2019), which concerns the effect of a centrally located conducting square block on convection in a square sidewall-heated porous cavity. Detailed solutions are also presented which allow the streamfunction to take the natural value on the surface of the internal block.

Design/methodology/approach

Steady solutions are obtained using finite difference methods. Three different ways in which insulating boundary conditions are implemented are compared. Detailed attention is paid to the iterative convergence of the numerical scheme and to its overall accuracy. Error testing and Richardson’s extrapolation have been used to obtain very precise values of the Nusselt number.

Findings

The assumption that the streamfunction takes a zero value on the boundaries of both the cavity and the embedded block is shown to be incorrect. Application of the continuity-of-pressure requirement shows that the block and the outer boundary take different constant values.

Research limitations/implications

The Darcy–Rayleigh number is restricted to values at or below 200; larger values require a finer grid.

Originality/value

This paper serves as a warning that one cannot assume that the streamfunction will always take a zero value on all impermeable surfaces when two or more are present. A systematic approach to accuracy is described and recommended.
A comparative study of Al2O3 and TiO2 nanofluid flow over a wedge with non-linear thermal radiation
Authors: Sreedevi Paluru , Reddy P. Sudarsana , Sheremet Mikhail
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze the impact of chemical reaction and thermal radiation on mixed convection flow, heat and mass transfer characteristics of nanofluid through a wedge occupied with water–TiO2 and water–Al2O3 made nanofluid by considering velocity, temperature and concentration slip conditions in present investigation.

Design/methodology/approach

Using acceptable similarity transformations, the prevailing partial differential equations have been altered into non-linear ordinary differential equations and are demonstrated by the diverse thermophysical parameters. The mathematical model is solved numerically by implementing Galarkin finite element method and the outcomes are shown in tables and graphs.

Findings

The temperature and concentration fields impede as magnetic field parameter improves in both water–Al2O3 and water–TiO2 nanofluid. While there is contradiction in the velocity field as the values of magnetic field parameter rises in both nanofluids. The non-dimensional velocity rate, rate of temperature and rate of concentration rise with improved values of Weissenberg number.

Originality/value

Nanofluid flows past wedge-shaped geometries have gained much consideration because of their extensive range of applications in engineering and science, such as, magnetohydrodynamics, crude oil extraction, heat exchangers, aerodynamics and geothermal systems. Virtually, these types of nanofluid flows happen in ground water pollution, aerodynamics, retrieval of oil, packed bed reactors and geothermal industries.
Numerical study of liquid jet impingement flow and heat transfer of a cone heat sink
Authors: Tang Zhiguo , Li Hai , Zhang Feng , Min Xiaoteng , Cheng Jianping
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the flow and heat transfer characteristics of the jet impingement onto a conical heat sink and evaluate the ability of heat transfer enhancement.

Design/methodology/approach

A numerical study of the flow and heat transfer of liquid impingement on cone heat sinks was conducted, and transition SST turbulence model was validated and adopted. The flow and thermal performances were investigated with the Reynolds number that ranges from 5,000 to 23,000 and cone angle that ranges from 0° to 70° in four regions.

Findings

Local Nusselt numbers are large, and pressure coefficients drop rapidly near the stagnation point. In the conical bottom edge, a secondary inclined jet was observed, thereby introducing a horseshoe vortex that causes drastic fluctuations in the curves of the flow and heat transfer. The average Nusselt numbers are higher in a conical protuberance than in flat plates in most cases, thus indicating that the heat transfer performance of jet impingement can be improved by a cone heat sink. The maximum increase is 13.6 per cent when the cone angle is 60°, and the Reynolds number is 23,000.

Originality/value

The flow and heat transfer behavior at the bottom edge of the cone heat sink is supplemented. The average heat transfer capacity of different heat transfer radii was evaluated, which provided a basis for the study of cone arrays.
Could curiosity save lives? An exploration into the value of employing professional curiosity and partnership work in safeguarding adults under the Care Act 2014
Authors: Thacker Helen , Anka Ann , Penhale Bridget
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider the importance of professional curiosity and partnership work in safeguarding adults from serious harm, abuse and neglect.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on a range of materials including: review of published materials in relation to professional curiosity, reports from adult serious case reviews (SCRs) and safeguarding adult reviews (SARs); relevant materials drawn from the SAR Library, thematic reviews of SARs and Google searches; observations from practice and experience. It also refers to the relevant academic literature.

Findings

Lessons from SCRs and SARs show that a lack of professional curiosity and poor coordination of support can lead to poor assessments and intervention measures that can fail to support those at risk of harm and abuse. There are a number of barriers to professionals practicing with curiosity. Working in partnership enhances the likelihood that professional curiosity will flourish.

Practical implications

There are clear implications for improving practice by increasing professional curiosity amongst professionals. The authors argue that there is a scope to improve professional curiosity by utilising and developing existing partnerships, and ultimately to help reduce the number of deaths and incidents of serious harm.

Originality/value

The paper considers the importance of employing professional curiosity and partnership work in safeguarding adults’ practice, so enabling practitioners to better safeguard adults at risk of abuse and neglect.
Explaining the premium to NAV in publicly traded Australian REITs, 2008–2018
Authors: Erol Isil , Tyvimaa Tanja
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the levels and determinants of net asset value (NAV) premiums/discounts for publicly traded Australian Real Estate Investment Trust (A-REIT) market during the last decade. A-REITs were severely affected by the global financial crisis as S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT index-listed property stocks experienced 47 per cent discount to NAV, on average, in 2008–2009 crisis. Since 2013, A-REIT sector has exhibited a strong recovery from the financial crisis and traded at high premiums to date. Understanding the relationship between pricing in the public and private real estate markets has taken on great importance as A-REITs continue to trade at significant premium to NAV unlike their counterparts in the USA and Europe.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper follows a rational approach to explain variations in NAV premiums and explores the company-specific factors such as liquidity, financial leverage, size, stock price volatility and portfolio diversification behind the A-REIT NAV premiums/discounts. The study specifies and estimates a model of cross-sectional and time variation in premiums/discounts to NAV using semi-annual data for a sample of 40 A-REITs over the 2008–2018 period.

Findings

The results reveal that A-REIT premiums to NAV can be explained not only by the liquidity benefit of listed property stocks but also positive financial leverage effect. During the past decade, A-REITs have followed an aggressive approach in financing their growth by using borrowed funds to purchase assets as the income from the property offsets the cost of borrowing and the risk that accompanies it. Debt-to-equity ratio has to be considered as an important source of NAV premiums as highly geared A-REITs that favoured debt financing over equity financing traded at significant premiums to NAV of their underlying real estate assets.

Practical implications

The paper includes implications for the REIT market investors. The regression analysis shows that specialty A-REITs with a focus on creative market niches traded at higher premiums compared with other property stocks, especially in the post-GFC recovery period. Specialty REITs are more highly valued by the market than their traditional specialised counterparts (e.g. office and retail REITs), and those pursuing a diversified strategy.

Originality/value

This paper presents an Australian case study as the A-REIT market provides a suitable environment for testing the effect of financial gearing on the REIT premium to NAV. The study provides empirical evidence supporting the importance of debt-to-equity ratio in explaining the variation in A-REIT NAV premiums.
Influence of service-entry waiting on customer’s first impression and satisfaction
Authors: Zhang Yu , Shao Bing-Jia
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence mechanism of waiting time on customer satisfaction based on first impression bias, which explains how customers’ perceived service-entry waiting time (PSWT) influences their first impression of service staff and satisfaction in the context of online service. Furthermore, the moderating effect of three information formats (formal, informal and hybrid) of opening remark on the relationship between PSWT and first impression, and the moderating effect of perceived in-service waiting time (PIWT) on the relationship between first impression and customer satisfaction are investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

Two studies were used to verify the research model. First, an experiment on prepurchase consulting services for cruise tourism products was designed, and 810 Chinese individuals have participated. Second, 20 interviews with e-commerce practitioners in China were conducted.

Findings

The results show that, first, PSWT negatively influences customers’ first impression of service staff. Second, customers prefer the hybrid format to present opening remarks, which not only conveys the respect of the staff but also fosters a relationship. Third, in-service waits are equally as important as service-entry waits in online service. When PIWT is longer, the positive influence of first impression on customer satisfaction is weakening, resulting in lower customer satisfaction.

Practical implications

This study provides suggestions for online service enterprises to minimize the negative impact of waiting time and improve customer satisfaction through waiting time management.

Originality/value

This study provides a new perspective for exploring the mechanism of waiting time on customer satisfaction in online service context, and extends previous research related to waiting time by exploring the influence of waiting time in multiple service stages and expression modes of service staff.
Relationship between the efficacy of biologics and clinical plaque psoriasis subtypes in Japanese patients: A single‐center pilot study
Authors: Ito Kotaro , Bayaraa Bolortuya , Imafuku Shinichi
Published: September 2019

Although biologics for plaque psoriasis brought epoch‐making efficacy, not all patients achieve treatment success with all reagents. The aim of this study was to clarify the correlation between clinical plaque psoriasis subtypes, age at onset, and the efficacy of biologics. Clinical records for patients with plaque psoriasis at Fukuoka University Hospital were reviewed retrospectively. The efficacy of biologics was compared using the survival of the first biologics administered in treatment‐naïve patients. The survival of infliximab, adalimumab, and ustekinumab were followed until December 2016. The patients were clinically classified into three subtypes: small, large, or gigantic plaques using the size of the plaques on the back; early onset psoriasis (EOP, onset <40 years); or late‐onset psoriasis (LOP, ≥40 years). Eighty‐seven patients were enrolled. The survival of biologics was significantly better in large plaques compared with small or gigantic plaques (P = 0.0007). In patients treated with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors, large plaques had significantly better survival than did the other types (P = 0.0122), while ustekinumab showed good survival in all three subtypes. The survival of biologics was numerically better in EOP than in LOP, but this was not significant. The efficacy of TNF inhibitors was different among clinical subtypes. Psoriatic patients with small plaques may be less responsive to TNF inhibitors. Further studies are needed.
Ant diversity in Neotropical savannas: Hierarchical processes acting at multiple spatial scales
Authors: Maravalhas Jonas B. , Vasconcelos Heraldo L.
Published: September 2019

Understanding what creates and maintains macroscale biodiversity gradients is a central focus of ecological and evolutionary research. Spatial patterns in diversity are driven by a hierarchy of factors operating at multiple scales. Historical and climatic factors drive large‐scale patterns of diversity by affecting the size of regional species pools, while habitat heterogeneity or microhabitat characteristics further influence species coexistence at small scales.

We tested the degree to which the species–energy, historical factors, habitat heterogeneity and local environment hypotheses explain observed patterns of ant diversity across hierarchical spatial scales.

We sampled ground‐dwelling ants at 29 sites within a Neotropical savanna region, the Brazilian Cerrado. We measured species density – an abundance‐dependent diversity metric – and rarefied species richness – an abundance‐independent metric – at spatial scales with varying grain sizes. For each hypothesis, two correlates were used to predict ant diversity patterns: (a) species–energy: rainfall and productivity; (b) historical factors: historical variation in rainfall and refugial areas; (c) habitat heterogeneity: heterogeneity in greenness and diversity of land cover; and (d) local factors: contents of sand and coarse fragments in the soil.

Ant diversity patterns correlated to net primary productivity and to the proportion of coarse fragments in the soil, corroborating the species–energy and local environment hypotheses, respectively. Soil negatively influenced species density, but not rarefied species richness, which was positively influenced by productivity. We found scale dependencies in the effects of soil/productivity on species density; productivity best predicted species density patterns at large scales, since sampling completeness offset the abundance‐driven effects of soil.

Considering abundance differences may help to discern the mechanisms underlying the relationship between macroscale diversity patterns and its ecological drivers. Plant productivity affected ant diversity independently of abundance, possibly by limiting the size of regional species pools. On the other hand, soil properties had an abundance‐dependent effect on ant diversity, indicating a sampling mechanism. Our findings are consistent with predictions of the hierarchical theory of diversity. Large‐scale patterns of productivity limit regional diversity, an effect that cascades down to finer spatial scales, where soil properties influence the number of coexisting species.
Evolution alters post‐invasion temporal dynamics in experimental communities
Authors: Faillace Cara A. , Morin Peter J.
Published: September 2019

The causes and consequences of temporal variation in the abundance of organisms constitute central themes in ecological inquiry. Rapid evolution can occur over ecological time‐scales, potentially resulting in altered temporal variation in abundance and complicating inferences about the consequences of temporal variation.

We assessed whether evolution altered the temporal variability in species' abundances in simple assemblages of species. We then compared experimental results to predictions from two‐species models to better understand our results in the context of competitive and predator–prey interactions.

We compared founder populations and their evolved descendants in experimental communities of ciliates and rotifers. Using a series of orthogonal contrasts, we then evaluated whether: (a) evolutionary history of invaders or (b) residents, (c) co‐evolution among invaders and residents, and (d) invasion itself altered temporal variability in species abundances following invasion by a novel species. Using two‐species competition and predator–prey models, we also generated predictions to better understand the effects of evolution on temporal variation in the abundances of interacting species. Finally, we compared experimental and modelling results to aid in the interpretation of which interspecific interactions might be affected by ongoing evolution in our communities.

In experimental populations, differing evolutionary histories resulted in significant differences among treatments in abundances and temporal variation in abundances of both resident and invading species. For the contrasts, we found evidence that evolutionary history of the invader and residents, co‐evolution among invaders and residents, and invasion itself affected temporal variability in abundance, but the importance of each differed for the two communities and the species within those communities. When comparing experimental results to model predictions, the increased abundance and decreased temporal variation in one invader,Euplotes daidaleos, are potentially consistent with evolution resulting in reduced attack rates in the novel community.

Evolutionary history alone can affect temporal variation in the abundances of species, generating important consequences for interspecific interactions among species and complicating inferences about the consequences of temporal variability in biological communities.
Levosimendan or milrinone for right ventricular inotropic treatment?—A secondary analysis of a randomized trial
Authors: Fredholm Martin , Jörgensen Kirsten , Houltz Erik , Ricksten Sven‐Erik
Published: September 2019

Background

The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of milrinone and levosimendan on right ventricular (RV) inotropy and lusitropy in patients after aortic valve replacement (AVR) for aortic stenosis, a procedure in which an abnormal postoperative RV function may be seen.

Methods

In a prospective, blinded trial, 31 patients were randomized to receive either milrinone (0.4 and 0.8 µg/kg/min, n = 16) or levosimendan (0.1 and 0.2 µg/kg/min, n = 15) after AVR for aortic stenosis. RV performance, afterload (pulmonary arterial elastance), RV strain, systolic (SR‐S) and early diastolic (SR‐E) strain rate were measured by pulmonary artery thermodilution catheterization and transoesophageal two‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography. To circumvent the indirect effects of inodilator‐induced hemodynamic changes on RV systolic and diastolic deformation, pulmonary arterial elastance, central venous pressure and heart rate were maintained constant by atrial pacing, plasma volume expansion with colloids and phenylephrine‐induced vasoconstriction during treatment with the inotropes.

Results

A dose‐dependent increase in stroke volume index and cardiac index by approximately 20% were seen with both agents at the highest doses, with no difference between groups (P = .792 and 0.744, respectively). In both groups, RV strain and SR‐S dose‐dependently increased by 20% and 15%‐19%, respectively, at the highest doses (P = .742 and 0.259, respectively) with no difference between groups. SR‐E improved by both agents 20%‐24% at the highest dose with no difference between groups (P = .714).

Conclusions

The direct RV inotropic and lusitropic effects of levosimendan and milrinone were comparable at clinically relevant infusion rates.
Neoadjuvant radiotherapy in rectal cancer – less is more?
Authors: Jootun N. , Sengupta S. , Cunningham C. , Charlton P. , Betts M. , Weaver A. , Jacobs C. , Hompes R. , Muirhead R.
Published: September 2019

Aim

There is significant international variation in the use of neoadjuvant radiation prior to total mesorectal excision. The MERCURY group advocate selective neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT). We have performed a retrospective, single‐centre study of patients treated with CRT, where only the circumferential resection margin is threatened, with the aim of identifying whether a more selective approach to CRT provides acceptable local relapse rates (LRRs).

Method

All consecutive patients who underwent radical surgery for rectal adenocarcinoma over a 5‐year period (2007–2012) in the Oxford University Trust were considered. Electronic hospital systems were reviewed to obtain patient and tumour demographics, treatment and follow‐up information. All patients were classified into risk categories according to National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance. Data were analysed using Microsoft Excel and R.

Results

Two hundred and seventy‐two patients were identified: 123, 89 and 60 in the high‐, intermediate‐ and low‐risk categories, respectively. Seventy‐nine per cent of those in the high‐risk group, 6% in the intermediate and 5% in the low‐risk group underwent CRT. The overall 5‐year LRR and distant recurrence rate (DRR) were 5.2% and 17.8%, respectively. The 5‐year LRR for those who went straight to surgery was 2.0% and for those who had neoadjuvant CRT it was 7.4%. The DRR for these two groups was 8.5% and 18.9%, respectively.

Conclusion

Our series demonstrates that the use of CRT only in margin‐threatening tumours, results in an exceptionally low LRR for those without margin‐threatening disease. In routine clinical care, this strategy can minimize the significant morbidity of multimodal treatment and allow earlier introduction of systemic therapy to minimize distant recurrence.
Outcomes following bioprosthetic valve replacement in prior non‐cardiac transplant recipients
Authors: Bozso Sabin J. , Kang Jimmy J. H. , Al‐Adra David , Hong Yongzhe , Moon Michael C. , Freed Darren H. , Nagendran Jayan , Nagendran Jeevan
Published: September 2019

Background

We report on overall survival and valve‐related outcomes after bioprosthetic valve replacement in prior transplant recipients.

Methods

From January 2004 to December 2018, 20 consecutive patients (mean age 65.7‐years, 90% male) with prior non‐cardiac transplantation underwent bioprosthetic aortic (n = 18) or combined aortic and mitral (n = 2) valve replacement. Patients consisted of kidney (n = 14), lung (n = 2), liver (n = 3), and bone‐marrow (n = 2) transplants with the most common indication for valve replacement being calcific degeneration (n = 12). Outcomes were measured over a 12‐year span, with a median follow‐up duration of 3.9 years.

Results

Overall survival at 30 days was 100% and at median follow‐up was 60%. Acute kidney injury occurred in 50% (n = 10) with temporary dialysis required in 5% (n = 1) and 15% (n = 3) suffered respiratory failure. No patients experienced major bleeding, heart failure, or sternal wound infection. No patients required redo valve replacement during the study period.

Conclusions

Our results provide contemporary data demonstrating that patients with prior transplant can undergo bioprosthetic valve replacement with acceptable inhospital mortality rates and long‐term survival, with a low rate of major morbidity. Furthermore, bioprosthetic valve replacement is a viable option in this group of patients with no redo valve replacement and acceptable long‐term hemodynamic valvular function.
Using spray‐dried sugar beet molasses in ice cream as a novel bulking agent
Authors: Acan Betul Gizem , Toker Omer Said , Aktar Tugba , Tamturk Faruk , Palabiyik Ibrahim , Konar Nevzat
Published: September 2019

In this study, it is aimed to investigate and evaluate the use of molasses which is a by‐product of sugar production as a novel bulking agent in ice cream as a sugar replacer. Sugar beet molasses (75%) and 12 DE maltodextrin (25%) were converted into powder form by spray drying. Spray‐dried sugar beet molasses (SDSM) was then used as a substitute of sugar in different ratios (0:100, 25:75, 50:50, 75:25 and 100:0) in the ice cream products. The increased amount of SDSM decreased the overrun, L*, whiteness index (WI) and melting behaviours and increased a*, b*, total phenolic content, consistency and viscosity. Meanwhile, thermal properties have not been affected by the use of SDSM (P < 0.05). The sensory findings have been particularly interesting especially when replacing above 50% sugar with SDSM, aroma, flavour and general acceptability decrease. According to the results of this study, substituting 25% of total sugar with SDSM as a bulking agent can decrease cost of the product and improve total phenolic content and some quality parameters without compromising sensorial properties.
Complement in malaria immunity and vaccines
Authors: Kurtovic Liriye , Boyle Michelle J. , Opi D. Herbert , Kennedy Alexander T. , Tham Wai‐Hong , Reiling Linda , Chan Jo‐Anne , Beeson James G.
Published: September 2019

Developing efficacious vaccines for human malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum is a major global health priority, although this has proven to be immensely challenging over the decades. One major hindrance is the incomplete understanding of specific immune responses that confer protection against disease and/or infection. While antibodies to play a crucial role in malaria immunity, the functional mechanisms of these antibodies remain unclear as most research has primarily focused on the direct inhibitory or neutralizing activity of antibodies. Recently, there is a growing body of evidence that antibodies can also mediate effector functions through activating the complement system against multiple developmental stages of the parasite life cycle. These antibody‐complement interactions can have detrimental consequences to parasite function and viability, and have been significantly associated with protection against clinical malaria in naturally acquired immunity, and emerging findings suggest these mechanisms could contribute to vaccine‐induced immunity. In order to develop highly efficacious vaccines, strategies are needed that prioritize the induction of antibodies with enhanced functional activity, including the ability to activate complement. Here we review the role of complement in acquired immunity to malaria, and provide insights into how this knowledge could be used to harness complement in malaria vaccine development.
Down‐regulation of miRNA 145 and up‐regulation of miRNA 4516 may be associated with primary hypertension
Authors: Özkan Gülsüm , Ulusoy Şükrü , Geyik Elif , Erdem Yunus
Published: September 2019

Complex mechanisms including genetic factors have been proposed in the pathogenesis of primary hypertension (HT). Micro RNAs (miRNAs) are single‐stranded RNA molecules that are not converted into protein products. However, it has been established that genes regulate conversion into protein products. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the roles of miRNA 4516, miRNA 145, miRNA 24, and miRNA 181a in the pathogenesis of HT. The secondary aim was to investigate the relation between these miRNAs and renin, aldosterone, norepinephrine, renalase, and NOS. Fifty‐two hypertensive and 51 control normotensive individuals under observation in the Cappadocia cohort were included in the study. miRNA 4516, miRNA 181a, miRNA 24, and miRNA 145 levels were measured using the ddPCR method. miRNA 4516 and norepinephrine levels were significantly higher in the HT group (P < .005 for both), while miRNA 145 levels were significantly lower (<.05). miRNA 4516 up‐regulation (P < .05) and miRNA 145 down‐regulation (P < .05) were identified as independent predictors of HT. Renalase exhibited negative correlation with miRNA 4516 and positive correlation with miRNA 145 in the patient and control group. In addition, negative correlation was present between miRNA 24 and NE and NOS and between miRNA 181a and NOS in the patient group. Our study identified, for the first time in the literature, miRNA 4516 up‐regulation and miRNA 145 down‐regulation as independent determinants of HT. Further studies performed in the light of our findings may lead to a better understanding of the pathogenesis and new therapeutic possibilities.
A novel case of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma at the site of previous sporotrichosis
Authors: Ji Yong‐Zhi , Ma Zhi‐Ming , Chang Li , Liu Shi‐Rui
Published: September 2019

Background

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is a malignant tumor of epithelial keratinocytes, with a relatively reduced frequency of lymph node metastasis. Despite the fact that this tumor type is largely preventable, the incidence of cSCC is rising every year. Ultraviolet exposure is a major cause of cSCC and directly contributes to cSCC. Other known environmental risk factors include ionizing radiation, cigarette smoking, and certain chemical exposures.

Aims

In this study, we report a clinical case of cSCC with a novel causative factor.

Patient/Methods

The report describes a 72‐year‐old male who was seen for a dermatosis condition initially. Later, epidermal hyperplasia and granulomatous inflammation of the dermis was diagnosed based on skin biopsy. Fungal culture revealed the presence of Sporothrix schenckii which led to the diagnosis of fixed‐type sporotrichosis.

Results

Four months of oral terbinafine (250 mg once a day) administration partially resolved the lesions. Patient was subsequently diagnosed with cSCC, and surgical resection with wider margins was performed.

Conclusion

After a careful and rigorous exclusion of known risk factors, we confirmed that this incidence of cSCC was caused by chronic inflammation which followed fixed‐type sporotricosis.
A prospective comparison between skin cooling and skin vibration in reducing the pain of local anesthetic infiltration
Authors: Alshahwan Mohammed
Published: September 2019

Background

Growing evidence supports skin cooling (cryoanalgesia) or skin vibration (vibroanalgesia) as potential techniques for pain alleviation.

Aims

To compare the effect of skin vibration using the Buzzy® vibration device with that of skin cooling for 2 minutes, as methods to reduce the pain of 1% lidocaine‐epinephrine infiltration.

Methods & Materials

Sixty healthy volunteers were recruited for this prospective study. Each subject received an intradermal injection of the anesthetic solution after application of the Buzzy® vibration device in one arm and another injection after ice application in the other arm. After each injection, the subjects rated pain of infiltration on a 100‐mm visual analog scale. Pain scores were compared using a paired t test.

Results

Twenty‐seven of sixty subjects (45%) reported that the 1% lidocaine‐epinephrine infiltration after skin cooling was more painful than after skin vibration. Eleven subjects (18.3%) gave the same pain score for both techniques. The mean pain score ± SD was 30 ± 23.14 after skin cooling and 25.5 ± 24.1 after skin vibration. The difference between mean values was not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Skin vibration may be more effective than skin cooling in alleviating the pain caused by local anesthetic infiltration, although the difference was not statistically significant.
Divided we stand: How contestation can facilitate institutionalization
Authors: Song Eun Young
Published: September 2019

Existing literature on institutionalization highlights that regulatory institutions emerge from resolving disputes, paying little attention to the key behavioral aspect of disputes: contestation. In this paper, I aim to advance the literature by developing a model of contestation‐based institutionalization; contestation facilitates the adoption of new regulatory institutions, laws. Drawing on socio‐legal and network perspectives on the way people argue in a dispute, I focus ona behavioral code of contestation– the shared understanding and expectation about how to argue rather than what to argue. Contestation makes it easier for lawmakers to adopt a new regulatory institution when the lawmakers argue in conformity with the code. Network and event history analyses of animal lawsuits and laws in the United States from 1865 to 2010 confirm this model. This paper highlights the value of looking into the behavioral dimension of disputes and advances our understanding of institutionalization without emphasizing dispute resolution.
Effects of supplementing freeze‐dried Mitsuokella jalaludinii phytase on the growth performance and gut microbial diversity of broiler chickens
Authors: Tang Hooi Chia , Sieo Chin Chin , Abdullah Norhani , Chong Chun Wie , Gan Han Ming , Mohd Asrore Mohd Shaufi , Yong Chean Yeah , Omar Abdul Rahman , Ho Yin Wan
Published: September 2019

Inclusion of phytase in animal feedstuff is a common practice to enhance nutrients availability. However, little is known about the effects of phytase supplementation on the microbial ecology of the gastrointestinal tract. In this study, freeze‐dried Mitsuokella jalaludinii phytase (MJ) was evaluated in a feeding trial with broilers fed a low available phosphorus (aP) diet. A total of 180 male broiler chicks (day‐old Cobb) were assigned into three dietary treatments: Control fed with 0.4% (w/w) of available phosphorus (aP); Group T1 fed low aP [0.2% (w/w)] supplemented with MJ; and T2 fed low aP and deactivated MJ. The source of readily available P, dicalcium phosphate (DCP), was removed from low aP diet, whereby additional limestone was provided to replace the amount of Ca normally found in DCP. For each treatment, 4 replicate pens were used, where each pen consisted of 15 animals. The animals' energy intake and caecal bacterial community were monitored weekly for up to 3 weeks. The apparent metabolizable energy (AME) and apparent digestibility of dry matter (ADDM) of broilers fed with different diets were determined. In addition, the caecal microbial diversities of broilers were assessed using high‐throughput next‐generation sequencing targeting the V3‐V4 region of bacterial 16S rRNA. The results showed that broilers fed with T1 diet have better feed conversion ratio (FCR) when compared to the Control (p < .05) and T2 diets (p < .05), demonstrating the efficiency of MJ as a supplement to low aP diet. Nevertheless, MJ did not significantly affect the microbial population and diversity in broilers' caeca, which mainly consists of members from Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria. Regardless, significant variations in the caecal bacterial composition were observed over time, probably due to succession as the broilers aged. This is the first reported study on the effect of MJ on the microbial diversity of broiler's caeca.