bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An efficient genetic test flow for multiple congenital anomalies and intellectual disability
Authors: Yokoi Takayuki , Enomoto Yumi , Tsurusaki Yoshinori , Harada Noriaki , Saito Toshiyuki , Nagai Jun‐ichi , Naruto Takuya , Kurosawa Kenji
Published: January 2020

Background

Genetic testing has enabled the diagnosis of multiple congenital anomalies and/or intellectual disabilities. However, because of the phenotypic variability in these disorders, selection of an appropriate genetic test can be difficult and complex. For clinical examination, particularly in clinical facilities, a simple and standardized system is needed.

Methods

We compared microarray comparative genomic hybridization and clinical exome sequencing with regard to diagnostic yield, cost, and time required to reach a definitive diagnosis. After first performing G‐banding for 200 patients with multiple congenital anomalies and/or intellectual disability, as a subsequent genetic test, microarray and clinical exome sequencing were compared with regard to diagnostic yield, cost, and time required.

Results

There was no obvious difference in the diagnostic rate between the two methods; however, clinical exome sequencing was superior in terms of cost and time. In addition, clinical exome sequencing could sufficiently identify copy number variants, and even smaller copy number variants could be identified.

Conclusions

Clinical exome sequencing should be implemented earlier as a genetic test for undiagnosed patients with multiple congenital anomalies and/or intellectual disabilities. Our results can be used to establish inspection methods in clinical facilities.
Performance Incentives and Competition in Health Care Markets
Authors: Jiang Houyuan , Pang Zhan , Savin Sergei
Published: January 2020

Our study investigates the effects of introducing performance‐based incentives in a competitive health care market. We consider a market in which a payer applies a performance‐based compensation contract to two competing hospitals. We use G/ G/ m queuing dynamics to describe the patient care process and include information asymmetry between the payer and the hospitals regarding the hospital operating costs. Our paper is the first to study the performance‐based contracting problem in a health care market in the presence of competition on both the quality of and the access to care and the cost information asymmetry between the payer and care providers. We analyze the socially optimal and Nash equilibrium outcomes under bonus compensation where each of the competing hospitals is rewarded based on patient benefits delivered at that hospital. We show that both the stronger competition among hospitals and the introduction of bonus incentives can enhance patient benefits. Furthermore, we demonstrate that, in the presence of information asymmetry between the payer and the hospitals regarding hospitals' operating costs, the social welfare loss generated by the fee‐for‐service compensation as well as by the optimal bonus contract can be partially mitigated by increasing the degree of competition for patients. Such mitigation effect is amplified when the potential cost differential between the hospitals is sufficiently high and, simultaneously, the correlation between their cost parameters is not too negative.
Labor Unionization and Supply‐Chain Partners’ Performance
Authors: Leung Woon Sau , Li Jing , Sun Jiong
Published: January 2020

We investigate whether labor unionization of customer firms affects the operating performance of their dependent suppliers. Using a sample of U.S. union elections, our regression discontinuity tests show that passing a union election leads to a 6.9 percentage‐point decline in supplier operating margin in the following year. Such negative effects are more pronounced for customers with stronger bargaining power vis‐à‐vis dependent suppliers. Additional tests show that the reduced supplier operating margins are due to weakened top lines and, more specifically, to squeezed selling prices. Finally, consistent with increased labor costs, unionization is shown to significantly increase cost of goods sold and slow labor‐force downsizing among customer firms. Overall, our evidence suggests that increased labor costs and financial inflexibility due to unionization induce customers to price‐squeeze their dependent suppliers.
Wheat diseases on the prairies: A Canadian story
Authors: Aboukhaddour Reem , Fetch Thomas , McCallum Brent D. , Harding Michael W. , Beres Brian L. , Graf Robert J.
Published: January 2020

Canada is one of the largest wheat producers in the world, and wheat is grown over an area spanning most of the southern latitudes, with the prairie region (provinces of Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Manitoba) being the main producer. Several pathogens and pests attack wheat, but at present fusarium head blight (FHB), stripe rust, and leaf spots are the most damaging diseases to wheat production in Canada. Historically, smuts, stem rust, and leaf rust caused major crop losses in Canada and can still pose serious threat if management practices are relaxed. Cropping practices used by Canadian farmers to grow and harvest wheat over the last century have influenced disease development and pathogen biology, affecting the severity, incidence, and prevalence of crop diseases over time. Changes such as reduced tillage coincide with emergence of residue‐borne diseases, such as FHB and leaf spots, while the deployment of resistant cultivars and increased fungicide use has resulted in the reduction of common bunt, stem, and leaf rust. This review will discuss the influence of long‐term cropping practices, alone or in combination, on the biology, emergence, and prevalence of wheat diseases in Canada over the last century.
A new standard area diagram set for assessment of severity of soybean rust improves accuracy of estimates and optimizes resource use
Authors: Franceschi Vinicius T. , Alves Kaique S. , Mazaro Sergio M. , Godoy Cláudia V. , Duarte Henrique S. S. , Del Ponte Emerson M.
Published: January 2020

Soybean rust (SBR), caused by Phakopsora pachyrhizi, is the most important yield‐damaging fungal disease of soybean due to severe reduction in healthy leaf area and acceleration of leaf fall. In experimental research, SBR severity is estimated visually aided/trained by a standard area diagram (SAD) developed and validated during the mid‐2000s (Old SAD). In this study, we propose a new SAD set for SBR with six true‐colour diagrams following linear increments (c. 15% increments) amended with four additional diagrams at low (<10%) severities, totalling 10 diagrams (0.2%, 1%, 3%, 5%, 10%, 25%, 40%, 55%, 70%, and 84%). For evaluation, 37 raters were split into two groups. Each assessed severity in a 50‐image sample (0.25%–84%), first unaided and then using either the Old SAD or the New SAD. Accuracy, precision, and reliability of estimates improved significantly relative to unaided estimates only when aided by the New SAD (accuracy >0.95). Low precision (<0.78) and a trend of underestimation with an increase in severity were the main issues with the Old SAD, which did not differ from unaided estimates. Simulation to evaluate the impact of the errors by different methods on hypothesis tests, showed that the new SAD was more powerful for detecting the smallest difference in mean control (e.g., 70% vs. 65% disease reduction) than the Old SAD; the latter required a 2‐fold increase in sample size to achieve the same power. There is a need to improve some SADs, taking advantage of new knowledge and technology to increase accuracy of the estimates, and to optimize both resource use efficiency and management decisions.
Spectral quality of monochromatic LED affects photosynthetic acclimation to high‐intensity sunlight of Chrysanthemum and Spathiphyllum
Authors: Zheng Liang , Steppe Kathy , Van Labeke Marie‐Christine
Published: January 2020

Vertical farming using light‐emitting diode offers potential for the early production phase (few weeks) of young ornamental plants. However, once transferred to the greenhouse, the photosynthetic acclimation of these young plants might depend on this initial light regime. To obtain insight about this acclimatization, Chrysanthemum (sun species) and Spathiphyllum (shade species) were preconditioned in growth chambers for 4 weeks under four light qualities: blue (B), red (R), red/blue (RB, 60% R) and white (W) at 100 μmol m−2 s−1. Monochromatic light (R and B) limited leaf development of both species, which resulted in a lower leaf mass per area when compared to multispectral light (RB for Chrysanthemum, RB and W for Spathiphyllum). R‐developed leaves had a lower photosynthetic efficiency in both species. After the light quality pretreatment, plants were transferred to the greenhouse with high‐intensity natural light conditions. On the first day of transfer, R and B preconditioned leaves of both species had an inhibited photosynthesis. After 1 week in natural light condition, rapid light curve parameters of Chrysanthemum leaves that developed under B acclimated to sunlight had a similar level than RB‐developed leaves unlike R‐leaves. Spathiphyllum leaves showed a decrease in maximum electron transport rate and this was most pronounced for the R pretreatment. After 1 month, R‐preconditioned Chrysanthemum had the lowest dry mass, while no effects on the dry weight of Spathiphyllum with respect to the pretreatments were observed. Light quality during preconditioning affected the leaf ability to acclimate to natural high light intensities in greenhouse environment.
The value and opportunity of restoring Australia's lost rock oyster reefs
Authors: McAfee Dominic , McLeod Ian M. , Boström‐Einarsson Lisa , Gillies Chris L.
Published: January 2020

Recognizing the historical loss of habitats and the value and opportunities for their recovery is essential for mobilizing habitat restoration as a solution for managing ecosystem function. Just 200 years ago, Sydney rock oysters (Saccostrea glomerata) formed extensive reef ecosystems along Australia's temperate east coast, but a century of intensive harvest and coastal change now confines S. glomerata to encrusting the hard‐intertidal surfaces of sheltered coastal waters. Despite the lack of natural reef recovery, there appears enormous potential for the restoration of intertidal S. glomerata ecosystems across Australia's east coast, with large anticipated benefits to water quality, shoreline protection, and coastal productivity. Yet, no subtidal reefs remain and the potential for subtidal restoration is a critical knowledge gap. Here, we synthesize historical, ecological, and aquaculture literature to describe a reference system for the traits of S. glomerata reefs to inform restoration targets, and outline the barriers to, and opportunities and methods for, their restoration. These reefs support extremely biodiverse and productive communities and can ameliorate the environmental stress experienced by associated communities. Rock oyster restoration, therefore, provides an ecosystem‐based strategy for assisting the adaptation of marine biodiversity to a changing climate and intensive human encroachment. Though an estimated 92% of S. glomerata ecosystems are lost, there remains great potential to restore these valuable and resilient ecosystems.
Identifying the position of the compacted layer by measuring soil penetration resistance in a dryland farming region in Northeast China
Authors: Zhuo Zhiqing , Xing An , Cao Meng , Li Yong , Zhao Yunze , Guo Xiaoli , Huang Yuanfang
Published: January 2020

Topsoil is disturbed by ploughing, the effects of infiltration, the movement of fine particles from the topsoil to the subsoil, and direct pressure from agriculture machinery, all creating an abrupt delineation in the form of a compacted layer with very low permeability. Spatial variability of soil properties, such as soil structure and penetration resistance (PR), can help identify the compacted layer. However, there are no quantitative methods to describe this layer. In this study,PRwas used to survey different soil types. A Mann–Kendall (M‐K) test ofPRdata was used to identify the presence and position of the compacted layer in a dryland farming region of Northeast China. Our results demonstrated thatPRwas mainly affected by bulk density and soil water content. Compared with the topsoil,PRwas more significantly affected by water content in deeper soil layers. An M‐K test of thePRcurve can provide a more reliable and objective assessment of the thickness of the plough layer and location of the compacted layer than field observation. Our data indicated that there was a compacted layer in the soil profile in the study areas and the spatial variability of the compacted layer was heterogeneous. The plough layer was shallow, and the compacted layer was thicker in areas with frequent use of agricultural machinery. Moreover, frequent use of agricultural machinery resulted in aPRof the plough and compacted layers that was greater than that in other areas. Information on identifying the position and thickness of the compacted layer and the factors influencing their spatial distribution can be used to create effective soil management options and improve conditions for the development of plant roots in dryland farming regions.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐C*01:154 allele by polymerase chain reaction sequencing‐based typing
Authors: You Xuan , Wang Wei , Zhang Wei , He Ji , Zhu Faming
Published: January 2020

HLA‐C*01:154 has a single nucleotide substitution at position 312 C > A when compared with HLA‐C*01:02.
Can combined online and face‐to‐face continuing medical education improve the clinical knowledge and skills of family doctors in Vietnam? A cluster randomised controlled trial
Authors: Thai Thuy T. N. , Nguyen Kien T. , Pham Tam T. , Nguyen Phuong M. , Derese Anselme
Published: January 2020

Objectives

To assess the effectiveness of a combined online and face‐to‐face continuing medical education (CME) programme, for improvement in clinical knowledge and skills of family doctors, in comparison with a control group; and to explore the self‐reported satisfaction, competencies and confidence of those in the intervention group.

Methods

We used a cluster randomised controlled trial, with pre‐ and post‐testing, and a feedback survey at the end of the 18‐month CME programme. The measurements consisted of a multiple‐choice test, an objective structured clinical examination test and an anonymously self‐administered questionnaire.

Results

There were 58 family doctors from four provinces in the intervention group and 32 doctors from three provinces in control group, both in the Mekong Delta region in Vietnam. The mean age of participants was 47.8 years, and the female/male ratio was 1/2.9. After training, the intervention group had significantly higher scores on overall knowledge (mean difference = 1.4, 95% CI 1.0–1.86, P < 0.001; Cohen's d 1.36, Pearson's r 0.53), in four of the five education modules: peptic disorders, diabetes, hypertension and bone–muscle–joint diseases (Pearson's r 0.56, 0.56, 0.34 and 0.4, respectively), and in problem‐solving skills (Pearson's r 0.27). Self‐reports showed a positive learning attitude, strong interest and improved confidence and competency among doctors in the intervention group.

Conclusions

A combined online and face‐to‐face CME programme proved applicable and effective for improving the clinical knowledge and problem‐solving skills of family doctors in Vietnam.
Heating quinoa shoots results in yield loss by inhibiting fruit production and delaying maturity
Authors: Tovar Jose C. , Quillatupa Carlos , Callen Steven T. , Castillo S. Elizabeth , Pearson Paige , Shamin Anastasia , Schuhl Haley , Fahlgren Noah , Gehan Malia A.
Published: January 2020

Increasing global temperatures and a growing world population create the need to develop crop varieties that provide higher yields in warmer climates. There is growing interest in expanding quinoa cultivation, because of the ability of quinoa to produce nutritious grain in poor soils, with little water and at high salinity. The main limitation to expanding quinoa cultivation, however, is the susceptibility of quinoa to temperatures above approximately 32°C. This study investigates the phenotypes, genes and mechanisms that may affect quinoa seed yield at high temperatures. Using a differential heating system where only roots or only shoots were heated, quinoa yield losses were attributed to shoot heating. Plants with heated shoots lost 60–85% yield as compared with control plants. Yield losses were the result of lower fruit production, which lowered the number of seeds produced per plant. Furthermore, plants with heated shoots had delayed maturity and greater non‐reproductive shoot biomass, whereas plants with both heated roots and heated shoots produced higher yields from the panicles that had escaped the heat, compared with the control. This suggests that quinoa uses a type of avoidance strategy to survive heat. Gene expression analysis identified transcription factors differentially expressed in plants with heated shoots and low yield that had been previously associated with flower development and flower opening. Interestingly, in plants with heated shoots, flowers stayed closed during the day while the control flowers were open. Although a closed flower may protect the floral structures, this could also cause yield losses by limiting pollen dispersal, which is necessary to produce fruit in the mostly female flowers of quinoa.
The United Kingdom and the stability of the Euro area: From Maastricht to Brexit
Authors: Campos Nauro F , Macchiarelli Corrado
Published: January 2020

The two key events expected to mark the year 2019 were the 20th anniversary of the euro and Brexit. This paper examines the role of the United Kingdom on the stability of the euro area. We study stability from the perspective of synchronisation of economic activity in a core and periphery framework. We show the UK, since 1990, has become significantly more integrated with the EU economy. The UK moved from the periphery before 1990 to the core afterwards. We also find that the level of synchronisation of the UK economy has had the highest variability over time among all countries.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Smith Robert
Published: January 2020

Journal of Education and Training Studies (JETS) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether JETS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 8, Number 2 John Cowan, Edinburgh Napier University, UKMehmet Galip Zorba, Akdeniz University, TurkeyMelike Özüdoğru, Manisa Celal Bayar University, TurkeyNiveen M. Zayed, MENA College of Management, JordanSandro Sehic, Oneida BOCES, USASenem Seda Şahenk Erkan, Marmara University, TurkeyThada Jantakoon, Rajabhat Maha Sarakham University, Thailand Robert SmithEditorial AssistantOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of Journal of Education and Training StudiesRedfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USAURL: http://jets.redfame.com
Teaching Minor Surgical Procedures in Internship in Primary Care: A Necessary Approach
Authors: Yamane Marcelo Tsuyoshi , Rodriguez Fernanda Pombo , Martins Jessica Belei , Machado Vinicius Klettenberg , Teixeira Leonardo Campos , Prado Maria Rosa Machado
Published: January 2020

Skin and subcutaneous lesions (nevus, fibromas, lipomas), lacerations, ingrown toenails, abscesses, musculoskeletal disorders such as arthritis, bursitis, trigger points, neuropathies and tendinitis are the main causes of problems in primary care that can be resolved with minor procedures. Performing these procedures is an important part of the general practitioner's competencies. The National Medical Course Curriculum Guidelines in Brazil show that medical students should be aware of these diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, based on current literature. In addition to the financial benefits, performing minor procedures in primary care also reduce patient anxiety, has greater convenience due to the proximity and familiarity with the health facility, requires less waiting for treatment, and allows for complete patient care. This paper is an experience report, with the objective of reporting the teaching-learning process during the internship of Family and Community Medicine of the Faculdades Pequeno Príncipe, regarding the performance of outpatient procedures in the primary health care. During the internship, it was possible to perform small procedures such as skin lesion excision, Intrauterine Device (IUD) insertion and trigger point needling. Thus, it is concluded that the teaching of small procedures is an essential part of the medical curriculum and helps to form a physician who addresses the most common complaints of patients in primary care.
Rickettsial survey and ticks infesting small mammals from the Amazon forest in midwestern Brazil

Authors: Colle Ana Cláudia , Mendonça Ravena Fernanda Braga , Maia Maerle Oliveira , Freitas Leodil Costa , Martins Thiago Fernandes , Muñozleal Sebastián , Aguiar Daniel Moura , Labruna Marcelo Bahia , Rossi Rogério Vieira , Pacheco Richard Campos
Published: January 2020

In the present study, samples of tick, tissue and blood from free-living wild small mammals (rodents and marsupials) captured in two municipalities from the Amazon biome of the Mato Grosso state, were molecularly tested for rickettsial infection. A total of 148 mammal specimens (46 rodents and 102 marsupials) were trapped, and 2,700 Amblyomma ticks (2,000 larvae and 700 nymphs) were collected. Ticks were recognized into four Amblyomma species: Amblyomma cajennense sensu stricto, Amblyomma coelebs, Amblyomma humerale, and Amblyomma scalpturatum, with new data for tick-host associations from small mammals in the Amazon biome. All tissue and blood samples of small mammals tested by PCR for rickettsial detection were negative. However, concerning tick-Rickettsia associations, Rickettsia amblyommatis was detected in all four tick species identified in the present study, being the first record for A. scalpturatum ticks. Furthermore, an uncharacterized species of Rickettsia belonging to the spotted fever group was detected in A. humerale as well.
Patterns of species richness and interaction structure of predatory mites (Acari) in different Brazilian vegetation

Authors: De Araújo Walter Santos , Corgosinho Paulo Henrique Costa , Daud Rodrigo Damasco
Published: January 2020

Predatory mites are inquilines on the surface of leaves where they forage, find shelter and reproduce. Richness of predatory mites and their interactions with the host plants could be dependent on ecological features of the vegetation. We investigate the interaction networks composed by predatory mites and their host plants in xeromorphic and non-xeromorphic habitats in Brazil. Plant-mite interaction networks were described by the following parameters: mite species richness, network connectance, and network nestedness. We have analyzed 41 plant-mite networks composed by 138 predatory mite species, 248 host plant species and 1,099 distinct interactions. Predatory mites were represented by 13 families. Phytoseiidae was the most speciose mite family with 89 species, followed by Cunaxidae (8) and Stigmaeidae (8). Networks from non-xeromorphic habitats presented higher mite species richness in comparison to xeromorphic ones. Similarly, network connectance and nestedness were larger within non-xeromorphic habitats than within xeromorphic habitats. Our results revealed that plant-mite networks are richer and more densely connected in non-xeromorphic habitats than in xeromorphic habitats. This could be explained by the less severe ecological and environmental constraints in non-xeromorphic vegetation, which is responsible for a more diverse mite community, allowing the establishment of more complex ecological interactions.
Facts about Plastics and the Environment that Every Physics Teacher
Should Know
Authors: Hull Michael M. , Spitzer Philipp , Hopf Martin
Published: January 2020

Recently, Greta Thunberg has strongly increased environmental awareness with the climate strikes and the resulting Fridays for Future movement. But what does environmentally friendly behavior look like? In today’s society, it is a sort of common sense that one should recycle. From an early age, we are taught in school that recycling conserves resources and energy. However, there are also skeptics of this “common sense.” In 2004, for example, Penn and Teller dedicated an episode of their TV show to recycling. According to them, “[Recycling] increases energy use in transport, sorting, storing, and cleaning …. it takes more energy to recycle a plastic bottle than to make a new one, and that’s not so good …. we’re feeling good for no reason.” We hope that when people start to question the validity of recycling that they will turn to their physical science teachers for help, and we hope that these teachers will be able to give an informed and educated answer. In this article, our goal is to provide physical science teachers with the information they need to defend the position that recycling plastic bottles is worthwhile, and to expose the myth that recycling plastic bottles is just “feeling good for no reason.” Although the primary intention of this paper is to supplement content knowledge of physical science teachers regarding sustainability, it will conclude with some instructional suggestions of how students can be guided through debunking on their own the myth that recycling plastic bottles causes more harm than good.
Optical Simulation of Laue Crystal Diffraction with New Experiments on Diffraction
Authors: Logiurato Fabrizio , Gratton Luigi , Oss Stefano
Published: January 2020

Crystallography is a fascinating subject and an argument of great importance in the study of structure of matter and fundamental physics. Moreover, many characteristics of crystals, as well as other organic and inorganic substances, are analyzed with x-ray diffraction. In order to introduce at a basic level the above mentioned subjects, and also interference and diffraction of wave light, here we present some simple and new inexpensive optical experiments, analogous to the Laue diffraction of x-rays and electrons. We also propose an elementary geometric model to explain the two-dimensional pattern of diffractions by grating.
Studying Ray Optics with a Smartphone
Authors: Girot Antoine , Goy Nicolas-Alexandre , Vilquin Alexandre , Delabre Ulysse
Published: January 2020

Nowadays more than two billion people own smartphones, without necessarily realizing they have a mobile physics lab that can be used to study acoustics, mechanics, astronomy, optics, fluids mechanics, or even serves as an oscilloscope. All smartphones have at least one camera, which is probably the most well-known and used sensor of this device. It allows us to take pictures, videos, to scan QR codes, etc. In this article, we show how to study simple ray optics with smartphones and how to determine the focal length of the smartphone camera, which could be an interesting and interactive way to introduce ray optics concepts.
Improvements in Tennis Skills in Adults With Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities Following an 8-Week Adapted Tennis Program
Authors: Favoretto Loriane , Hutchison Zach , Mowling Claire M. , Pangelinan Melissa M.
Published: January 2020

This study quantified changes in tennis skills and dose of practice in adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities following an 8-week adapted tennis program. Twenty-seven adults with disabilities (mean age 24.7) participated in an 8-week adapted tennis program (1-hour, twice a week). Participants’ racquets were equipped with sensors that measured the number of shots during the program (dose). Pre- and post-test tennis skill assessments (process scores) were conducted for the forehand and backhand. All participants showed significant improvements in forehand and backhand process scores. Level of function, but not age or disability type, was associated with forehand and backhand process scores. The number of forehand shots performed during the adapted tennis program did not change across the program. The number of forehand shots was associated with age and disability type, but not level of function. The number of backhand shots (dose) was not associated with age, disability, or level of function. The number of forehand or backhand shots (dose) was not associated with changes in forehand or backhand process scores, respectively. This study provides evidence of the efficacy of this adapted tennis program to develop fundamental tennis skills in novice players with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Effects of Ankle Angular Position and Standing Surface on Postural Control of Upright Stance
Authors: Alwadani Fawaz A. , Liang Huaqing , Aruin Alexander S.
Published: January 2020

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of ankle angular position and standing surface type on static upright balance. Ten young adults stood on a force platform or on a firm wedge that induced 15° of either dorsiflexion or plantarflexion. In addition, a piece of foam was placed on top of the force platform and on the wedge. The center of pressure distance and velocity in the anteroposterior and mediolateral directions were calculated. Significantly larger magnitudes in most of the investigated variables were seen while standing with ankles in the dorsiflexion when compared with standing with the ankle joints in a natural position (p < .05). Plantarflexion increased the center of pressure anteroposterior velocity by 87% when compared with a natural stance (p < .05). Standing on the foam surfaces resulted in increases in all of the center of pressure measures by an average of 38% in all of the ankle conditions.
Anterograde Viral Tracer Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Strain H129 Transports Primarily as Capsids in Cortical Neuron Axons
Authors: Dong Xiao , Zhou Jing , Qin Hai-Bin , Xin Bo , Huang Zhen-Li , Li Yin-Yun , Xu Xiang-Min , Zhao Fei , Zhao Cong-Jian , Liu Jia-Jia , Luo Min-Hua , Zeng Wen-Bo
Published: January 2020

Anterograde transneuronal tracers derived from herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) strain 129 (H129) are important tools for mapping neural circuit anatomic and functional connections. It is, therefore, critical to elucidate the transport pattern of H129 within neurons and between neurons. We constructed recombinant H129 variants with genetically encoded fluorescence-labeled capsid protein and/or glycoprotein to visualize viral particle movement in neurons. Both electron microscopy and light microscopy data show that H129 capsids and envelopes move separately, and notably, capsids are enveloped at axonal varicosity and terminals, which are the sites forming synapses to connect with other neurons. Superresolution microscopy-based colocalization analysis and inhibition of H129 particle movement by inhibitors of molecular motors support that kinesin-1 contributes to the anterograde transport of capsids. These results shed light into the mechanisms for anterograde transport of H129-derived tracer in axons and transmission between neurons via synapses, explaining the anterograde labeling of neural circuits by H129-derived tracers.
Risk of herpes zoster after exposure to varicella to explore the exogenous boosting hypothesis: self controlled case series study using UK electronic healthcare data
Authors: Forbes Harriet , Douglas Ian , Finn Adam , Breuer Judith , Bhaskaran Krishnan , Smeeth Liam , Packer Simon , Langan Sinéad M , Mansfield Kathryn E , Marlow Robin , Whitaker Heather , Warren-Gash Charlotte
Published: January 2020

Objective

To assess the magnitude and duration of any hypothesised protective effect of household exposure to a child with varicella on the relative incidence of herpes zoster in adults.

Design

Self controlled case series.

Setting

UK general practices contributing to Clinical Practice Research Datalink.

Participants

9604 adults (≥18 years) with a diagnosis of herpes zoster (in primary care or hospital records) between 1997 and 2018, who during their observation period lived with a child (<18 years) with a diagnosis of varicella.

Main outcome measures

Relative incidence of herpes zoster in the 20 years after exposure to a child with varicella in the household compared with baseline time (all other time, excluding the 60 days before exposure).

Results

6584 of the 9604 adults with herpes zoster (68.6%) were women. Median age of exposure to a child with varicella was 38.3 years (interquartile range 32.3-48.8 years) and median observation period was 14.7 (11.1-17.7) years. 4116 adults developed zoster in the baseline period, 433 in the 60 days before exposure and 5055 in the risk period. After adjustment for age, calendar time, and season, strong evidence suggested that in the two years after household exposure to a child with varicella, adults were 33% less likely to develop zoster (incidence ratio 0.67, 95% confidence interval 0.62 to 0.73) compared with baseline time. In the 10-20 years after exposure, adults were 27% less likely to develop herpes zoster (0.73, 0.62 to 0.87) compared with baseline time. A stronger boosting effect was observed among men than among women after exposure to varicella.

Conclusions

The relative incidence of zoster was lower in the periods after exposure to a household contact with varicella, with modest but long lasting protective effects observed. This study suggests that exogenous boosting provides some protection from the risk of herpes zoster, but not complete immunity, as assumed by previous cost effectiveness estimates of varicella immunisation.
Namaste care in the home setting: developing initial realist explanatory theories and uncovering unintended outcomes
Authors: Dalkin Sonia Michelle , Lhussier Monique , Kendall Nicola , Atkinson Joanne , Tolman Sharron
Published: January 2020

Introduction

The End-of-Life Namaste Care Program for People with Dementia, challenges the misconception that people with dementia are a ‘shell’; it provides a holistic approach using the five senses, which can provide positive ways of communicating and emotional responses. It is proposed Namaste Care can improve communication and the relationships families and friends have with the person with dementia. Previously used in care homes, this study is the first to explore the pioneering use of Namaste Care in people’s own homes.

Objective

To develop initial programme theories detailing if, how and under which circumstances Namaste Care works when implemented at home.

Design

A qualitative realist approach following the RAMESES II guidelines was employed to understand not only whether Namaste Care has positive outcomes, but also how these are generated, for whom they happen and in which circumstances.

Setting

A hospice in the North East of England, operating in the community, through volunteers.

Participants

Programme theories were developed from three focus groups with volunteers implementing Namaste Care (n=8; n=8; n=11) and eight interviews with family carers (n=8).

Results

Four refined explanatory theories are presented: increasing engagement, respite for family carers, importance of matched volunteers and increasing social interaction. It was identified that while Namaste Care achieved some of the same goals in the home setting as it does in the care home setting, it could also function in a different way that promoted socialisation.

Conclusions

Namaste Care provides holistic and personalised care to people with both moderate and advanced dementia, improving engagement and reducing social isolation. In the present study carers often chose to use Namaste Care sessions as respite. This was often linked to their frustration of the unavoidable dominance of task-focussed care in daily life. Individualised Namaste Care activities thus led to positive outcomes for both those with dementia and their carers.
Circular pOlyethylene drape in preVEntion of suRgical site infection (COVER trial): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Yoo Ri Na , Kim Hyung Jin , Lee Jae Im , Kang Won-Kyung , Kye Bong-Hyeon , Kim Chang Woo , Bae Sung Uk , Nam Soomin , Kang Byung Mo
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Surgical site infection (SSI) after abdominal surgery remains a significant cause of morbidity and is associated with an increased socioeconomic burden and a reduced quality of life. Circular wound protectors have been expected to reduce the risk of SSI, but previous studies reported conflicting results on their protective effects. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of circular wound protectors in reducing SSI in open abdominal surgery.

Methods and analysis

The circular pOlyethylen drape in preVEntion of suRgical site infection (COVER) trial investigates whether the application of a dual-ring circular plastic wound protector reduces the rate of SSI in patients undergoing elective or emergent open abdominal surgery related to the gastrointestinal tract, regardless of the type of wound classified by the Centers for Disease Control. The COVER trial is a multicentre, randomised controlled clinical trial with two parallel arms—one using a dual-ring wound protector with circular polyethylene drape and the other using conventional surgical dressing gauze. The primary outcome will measure the rate of SSI within 30 days after surgery in two groups. Statistical analysis of the primary end point will be based on the intention-to-treat population. The sample size was determined to achieve a study power of 80% with 95% two-sided confidence limits. Considering a dropout rate of up to 5%, a total of 458 patients, 229 patients in each group, will be enrolled in this study.

Ethics and dissemination

The trial protocol and informed consent document have been reviewed and approved by the institutional review board at each participating centre. Written informed consent will be obtained from each study participant. The clinical outcomes of this trial will be submitted to an international peer-reviewed journal and presented at international conferences.

Trial registration number

NCT 03170843.
Reproductive technologies are not the cure for social problems
Authors: Campo-Engelstein Lisa
Published: January 2020

Giulia Cavaliere disagrees with claims that ectogenesis will increase equality and freedom for women, arguing that they often ignore social context and consequently fail to recognise that ectogenesis may not benefit women or it may only benefit a small subset of already privileged women. In this commentary, I will contextualise her argument within the broader cultural milieu to highlight the pattern of reproductive advancements and technologies, such as egg freezing and birth control, being presented as the panacea for women’s inequality. While these advancements and technologies can benefit women, I argue medicine is not the best tool to ‘cure’ social problems and should not be co-opted as an agent of social change. Systemic social changes, not just technomedical approaches, are needed to address the root of gender inequality, which is social in nature, not medical.
MiR-1180 promotes cardiomyocyte cell cycle re-entry after injury through the NKIRAS2–NFκB pathway
Authors: Ding Yuhui , Bi Liyuan , Wang Jun
Published: January 2020

Heart failure (HF) is associated with a considerable number of symptoms and significantly impaired health for humans, including reduced quality of life and physical functioning. Previous studies have indicated that miRNAs have important roles in regulating the development of HF. MiR-1180 is involved in the proliferation, migration, invasiveness, and chemoresistance of cancer cells; however, the underlying mechanisms and role of miR-1180 in the functioning of cardiomyocytes remains unclear. In this study, we found that miR-1180 promotes cell activity and cell cycle processes by driving energy generation through NKIRAS2, which declines over time during development. The expression of miR-1180 is down-regulated in cells subjected to hypoxia–reoxygenation, and use of an miR-1180 mimic significantly reduced myocardial injury and cell apoptosis. In addition, miR-1180 regulates the NFκB pathway through NKIRAS2 in cardiomyocytes. These findings suggest that miR-1180 maybe a novel therapeutic target for use in getting cardiomyocytes to re-enter the cell cycle as well as for cardiac repair following myocardial injury.
The potential antifeedant activity of lichen-forming fungal extracts against the invasive Spanish slug (Arion vulgaris)
Authors: Zolovs Maksims , Jakubāne Iveta , Kirilova Jelena , Kivleniece Inese , Moisejevs Rolands , Koļesnikova Jelena , Pilāte Digna
Published: January 2020

The protection of horticultural crops from slug feeding can be achieved using slug pellets; however, application of molluscicides is not always safe for the environment. There is a need for alternative methods to reduce the palatability of crop plants. Chemical properties of secondary compounds from lichens influence the feeding behaviour of slugs. Liquid extracts of three lichen species (Cladonia rangiferina (L.) F.H. Wigg., Cladonia stellaris (Opiz) Pouzar & Vězda, and Pseudevernia furfuracea (L.) Zopf) were applied to three different crops and tested for their antifeedant properties against an important agricultural pest, the Spanish slug (Arion vulgaris Moquin-Tandon, 1855). All three extracts had specific activity, showing a decrease in grazing intensity as well as slug mass loss after feeding on treated food. Slugs significantly gained mass after feeding under control condition; however, they did not gain mass when fed on extract-treated food. The most effective extract was from P. furfuracea. We propose to use properties of lichen extracts to develop new environmentally friendly molluscicides.
Does temporal variation in predation risk affect antipredator responses of larval Indian Skipper Frogs (Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis)?
Authors: Supekar S.C. , Gramapurohit N.P.
Published: January 2020

Predation risk varies on a moment-to-moment basis, through day and night, lunar and seasonal cycles, and over evolutionary time. Hence, it is adaptive for prey animals to exhibit environment-specific behaviour, morphology, and (or) life-history traits. Herein, the effects of temporally varying predation risk on growth, behaviour, morphology, and life-history traits of larval Indian Skipper Frogs (Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis (Schneider, 1799)) were studied by exposing them to no risk, continuous, predictable, and unpredictable risks at different time points. Our results show that larval E. cyanophlyctis could learn the temporal pattern of risk leading to weaker behavioural responses under predictable risk and stronger responses to unpredictable risk. Temporally varying predation risk had a significant impact on tadpole morphology. Tadpoles facing continuous risk had narrow tail muscles. Tadpoles facing predictable risk during the day were heavy with wide and deep tail muscles, whereas those facing predictable risk at night had long tails. Tadpoles facing unpredictable risk were heavy with narrow tail muscles. Metamorphic traits of E. cyanophlyctis were also affected by the temporal variation in predation risk. Tadpoles facing predictable risk during the day emerged at the largest size. However, tadpoles facing predictable risk at night and unpredictable risk metamorphosed earlier, whereas those facing continuous risk metamorphosed later.
Country Effects, Industry Effects and the Effectiveness of International Diversification Within the GCC Region
Authors: Al-Jassar Sulaiman , Moosa Imad A.
Published: January 2020

A hedging approach is used to examine the effectiveness of international diversification within the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) region. By using data covering the six GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and UAE) and various sectors, we find that diversification across whole markets is more effective than diversification across sectors, irrespective of whether the constructed portfolios contain two or more assets. The results also reveal that diversification among several markets or sectors is more effective than diversification among two markets or sectors.
Report from the 1st Int. Workshop on Education through Advanced Software Engineering and Artificial Intelligence (EASEAI '19)
Authors: Vanderose Benoît , Frenay Benoît , Henry Julie , Devroey Xavier
Published: January 2020

In the past years, everyday life has been profoundly transformed by the development and widespread of digital technologies. Gen- eral, as well as specialized audiences, have to face an ever-increasing amount of knowledge and learn new abilities. This rst edition of the EASEAI workshop tried to address that challenge by look- ing at software engineering, education, and arti cial intelligence research elds to explore how they can be combined. Speci cally, we brought together researchers, teachers, and practitioners who use advanced software engineering tools and arti cial intelligence techniques in education. And researchers and teachers in edu- cation science who address the problem of improving the aware- ness regarding digital technologies through a transgenerational and transdisciplinary range of students.
Lineshape of Magnetic Resonance and its Effects on Free Induction Decay and Steady-State Free Precession Signal Formation
Authors: Ziener C. H. , Uhrig M. , Kampf T. , Sturm V. J. F. , Kurz F. T. , Heiland S. , Bendszus M. , Pham M. , Jakob P. M. , Schlemmer H.-P. , Buschle L. R.
Published: January 2020

Magnetic resonance imaging based on steady-state free precision (SSFP) sequences is a fast method to acquire T1, T2, and T2∗-weighted images. In inhomogeneous tissues such as lung tissue or blood vessel networks, however, microscopic field inhomogeneities cause a nonexponential free induction decay and a non-Lorentzian lineshape. In this work, the SSFP signal is analyzed for different prominent tissue models. Neglecting the effect of non-Lorentzian lineshapes can easily result in large errors of the determined relaxation times. Moreover, sequence parameters of SSFP measurements can be optimized for the nonexponential signal decay in many tissue structures.
Modeling Repayment Behavior of Consumer Loan in Portfolio across Business Cycle: A Triplet Markov Model Approach
Authors: Chen Shou , Jiang Xiangqian
Published: January 2020

With a view to develop a more realistic model for credit risk analysis in consumer loan, our paper addresses the problem of how to incorporate business cycles into a repayment behavior model of consumer loan in portfolio. A particular Triplet Markov Model (TMM) is presented and introduced to describe the dynamic repayment behavior of consumers. The particular TMM can simultaneously capture the phases of business cycles, transition of systematic credit risk of a loan portfolio, and Markov repayment behavior of consumers. The corresponding Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithms of the particular TMM are also developed for estimating the model parameters. We show how the transition of consumers’ repayment states and systematic credit risk of a loan portfolio are affected by the phases of business cycles through simulations.