bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revisiting “An Exercise in Groundwater Model Calibration and Prediction” After 30 Years: Insights and New Directions
Authors: Hunt Randall J. , Fienen Michael N. , White Jeremy T.
Published: May 2019

In 1988, an important publication moved model calibration and forecasting beyond case studies and theoretical analysis. It reported on a somewhat idyllic graduate student modeling exercise where many of the system properties were known; the primary forecasts of interest were heads in pumping wells after a river was modified. The model was calibrated using manual trial‐and‐error approaches where a model's forecast quality was not related to how well it was calibrated. Here, we investigate whether tools widely available today obviate the shortcomings identified 30 years ago. A reconstructed version of the 1988 true model was tested using increasing parameter estimation sophistication. The parameter estimation demonstrated the inverse problem was non‐unique because only head data were available for calibration. When a flux observation was included, current parameter estimation approaches were able to overcome all calibration and forecast issues noted in 1988. The best forecasts were obtained from a highly parameterized model that used pilot points for hydraulic conductivity and was constrained with soft knowledge. Like the 1988 results, however, the best calibrated model did not produce the best forecasts due to parameter overfitting. Finally, a computationally frugal linear uncertainty analysis demonstrated that the single‐zone model was oversimplified, with only half of the forecasts falling within the calculated uncertainty bounds. Uncertainties from the highly parameterized models had all six forecasts within the calculated uncertainty. The current results outperformed those of the 1988 effort, demonstrating the value of quantitative parameter estimation and uncertainty analysis methods.
Assessing “Urban Karst” Effects from Groundwater–Storm Sewer System Interaction in a Till Aquitard
Authors: Shepley Martin G. , Schmidt Nick , Senior Matt J. , Worthington Stephen R. H. , Scheckenberger Ron B.
Published: May 2019

Storm sewer systems and their associated utility trenches may strongly influence the effects of urbanization on a groundwater system. This study was undertaken to identify the causes of district‐wide basement infiltration in an aquitard system. It comprised widespread continuous monitoring of utility trench wells and dye tracing from storm sewer system exfiltration tests. The results indicate that a major effect of urbanization on shallow groundwater is related to storm sewer system exfiltration, which is marked by a characteristic pattern of head variations in the aquitard unrelated to distributed surface infiltration. The aquitard constrains flow from storm sewer system exfiltration to the utility trench, creating an urban flow path for groundwater discharge. Temporary buildup of water levels in the utility trench drives relatively high‐velocity flow through the permeable sewer bedding material of the utility trench to a separate foundation drainage collector system, ultimately causing a severe “urban karst” effect that produces system surcharging and widespread basement water infiltration. The main conditions causing the “urban karst” are the large hydraulic conductivity ratio between the utility trench material and the aquitard, and the shallow depth and low gradient of the storm sewer system imposed by a very flat drainage basin.
How to discuss gene therapy for haemophilia? A patient and physician perspective
Authors: Miesbach Wolfgang , O’Mahony Brian , Key Nigel S. , Makris Mike
Published: May 2019

Gene therapy has the potential to revolutionise treatment for patients with haemophilia and is close to entering clinical practice. While factor concentrates have improved outcomes, individuals still face a lifetime of injections, pain, progressive joint damage, the potential for inhibitor development and impaired quality of life. Recently published studies in adeno‐associated viral (AAV) vector‐mediated gene therapy have demonstrated improvement in endogenous factor levels over sustained periods, significant reduction in annualised bleed rates, lower exogenous factor usage and thus far a positive safety profile. In making the shared decision to proceed with gene therapy for haemophilia, physicians should make it clear that research is ongoing and that there are remaining evidence gaps, such as long‐term safety profiles and duration of treatment effect. The eligibility criteria for gene therapy trials mean that key patient groups may be excluded, eg children/adolescents, those with liver or kidney dysfunction and those with a prior history of factor inhibitors or pre‐existing neutralising AAV antibodies. Gene therapy offers a life‐changing opportunity for patients to reduce their bleeding risk while also reducing or abrogating the need for exogenous factor administration. Given the expanding evidence base, both physicians and patients will need sources of clear and reliable information to be able to discuss and judge the risks and benefits of treatment.
Women’s health literacy and the complex decision‐making process to use complementary medicine products in pregnancy and lactation
Authors: Barnes Larisa A. J. , Barclay Lesley , McCaffery Kirsten , Aslani Parisa
Published: May 2019

Background

Little is known about women's decision‐making processes regarding using complementary medicine products (CMPs) during pregnancy or lactation.

Objectives

To explore the decision‐making processes of women choosing to use CMPs in pregnancy and lactation; and to investigate how women's health literacy influences their decisions.

Design, setting and participants

In‐depth interviews and focus group discussions were held with twenty‐five pregnant and/or breastfeeding women. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Key to women's decision making was the desire to establish a CMPs safety and to receive information from a trustworthy source, preferably their most trusted health‐care practitioner. Women wanted positive therapeutic relationships with health‐care practitioners and to be highly involved in the decisions they made for the health of themselves and their children. Two overarching components of the decision‐making process were identified: (a) women's information needs and (b) a preference for CMP use. Women collated and assessed information from other health‐care practitioners, other mothers and published research during their decision‐making processes. They showed a strong preference for CMP use to support their pregnancy and breastfeeding health, and that of their unborn and breastfeeding babies.

Discussion and Conclusions

Complex decision‐making processes to use CMPs in pregnancy and lactation were identified. The participants showed high levels of communicative and critical health literacy skills in their decision‐making processes. These skills supported women's complex decision‐making processes.
Thermodynamic investigation and reaction mechanism of B4C synthesis based on carbothermal reduction
Authors: Li Xin , Lei Minjun , Gao Shuaibo , Nie Dan , Liu Kun , Xing Pengfei , Yan Shu
Published: May 2019

The reaction mechanism of B4C synthesis as yet remains unclear due to the lack of sufficient thermodynamic investigation, which limits the large‐scale controllable production of B4C ceramic material. In this paper, thermodynamic investigation of B4C synthesized by carbothermal reduction was calculated at atmospheric pressure over a wide temperature range (1500‐2500 K) coupled with the effects of pressure on B4C synthesis. Besides, predominance diagrams for B–C–O system at different temperatures and pressures were further established. Upon thermodynamic results, reaction mechanism was proposed and then verified by the synthesis experiment of B4C at desired temperatures. The thermodynamic investigation indicates that B4C may be synthesized by the reactions of C with liquid B2O3 (LS mechanism) or gaseous B2O2 (VS mechanism). At low temperature (~1823 K), B4C is polyhedral shape via LS mechanism, while two‐dimensional flake‐like B4C is synthesized by VS mechanism at high temperature (2123 K~). The obtained two types of B4C verify the accuracy of thermodynamic results. This study is instructive for the optimization of temperature, pressure for large‐scale controllable production of B4C ceramic material.
Thermally stable large strain in low‐loss (Na0.2K0.8)NbO3‐BaZrO3for multilayer actuators
Authors: Kim Sun‐Woo , Lee Tae‐Gon , Kim Dae‐Hyeon , Kim Eun‐Ji , Kim Dae Su , Kang Woo‐Seok , Jo Wook , Lee Sang Jin , Han Seung Ho , Kang Hyung‐Won , Hong Youn‐Woo , Nahm Sahn
Published: May 2019

CuO‐doped (1–x)(Na0.2K0.8)NbO3‐xBaZrO3ceramics (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.06) were densified at 960°C. The ceramic with x = 0 exhibited a large sprout‐shaped strain vs electric‐field (S‐E) curve and a double polarization vs electric‐field (P‐E) hysteresis curve, owing to the defect polarization (PD) developed between Cu2+ions at Nb5+sites and oxygen vacancies. The sizes of theS‐EandP‐Eloops decreased with increasing x, owing to the decrease in the number ofPDs. The ceramic with x = 0.04 displayed smallS‐EandP‐Ecurves, indicating its small dielectric loss. It exhibited large strain (0.19% at 8.0 kV/mm) at room temperature, which was maintained at 200°C. A similar strain was observed after applying 106cycles of an electric field (3.0 kV/mm). Hence, this specimen exhibited large strain with excellent thermal and fatigue properties. Moreover, the synthesized multilayer actuator using the ceramic with x = 0.04 showed excellent vibrational properties, making it promising for applications in multilayer piezoelectric actuators.
The unlearning process of senior clinical nurses in rehabilitation wards
Authors: Yamaguchi Tae , Sakai Ikuko
Published: May 2019

Aims

The aim of this study was to create a model and verify its fitness for focusing on unlearning of senior clinical nurses who transferred from acute to rehabilitation wards.

Background

The processes by which nurses with experience in acute wards acquire expertise in rehabilitation wards, the ‘process of unlearning’, have not yet been clarified.

Design

This research used a cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Content analysis of interview data of 23 senior clinical nurses was used to reveal factors constituting nurses’ unlearning and a base model was created. Data were collected between May ‐ September 2016. For its verification, categories extracted through content analysis were used as latent variables and subcategories as observation variables. The model's fit was confirmed through a survey of 5,435 senior clinical nurses from July to September 2017.

Results

We extracted six categories—‘awareness’, ‘conflict’, ‘discard’, ‘acquisition’, ‘acceptance’ and ‘establishment’—and 22 subcategories of the factors constituting unlearning and created a base model. The effective response rate in the survey for verifying the fitness of the base model was 20.2%. The base model generally fulfilled the fitness, but we further studied the model fit with the data and modified it to comprise five categories, excluding ‘acceptance’, with 16 subcategories. The fitness of the modified model further improved. Through revalidation, we confirmed that the modified model satisfies the goodness of fit.

Conclusion

Our findings add to the development of rehabilitation nursing skills of nurses transferred from acute to rehabilitation wards in a Japanese community‐based integrated care system.

Impact

This study revealed the unlearning process of senior clinical nurses. The unlearning process identified in this study contributes to knowledge and skills acquisition specific to nurses specializing in rehabilitation. It will be used for developing a re‐education programme for rehabilitation nurses in the future.
Drawing blood from peripheral intravenous cannula compared with venepuncture: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Coventry Linda L. , Jacob Alycia M. , Davies Hugh T. , Stoneman Laurita , Keogh Samantha , Jacob Elisabeth R.
Published: May 2019

Aims

To synthesize the evidence evaluating if blood samples are similar when obtained from peripheral intravenous cannula compared with venepuncture.

Design

A systematic review and meta‐analysis was undertaken.

Data sources

Searches were conducted in databases for English language studies between January 2000–December 2018.

Review methods

The search adhered to the Meta‐analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines. The methodological quality of studies was assessed using Joanna Briggs critical appraisal instruments. The overall quality of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE.

Results

Sixteen studies were identified. Findings suggest haemolysis rates are higher in blood sampled from peripheral intravenous cannula. However, haemolysis rates may be lower if a peripheral intravenous cannula blood sampling protocol is followed. For equivalence of blood test results, even though some results were outside the laboratory, allowable error and were outside the Bland–Altman Level of Agreement, none of these values would have required clinical intervention. With regard to the contamination rates of blood cultures, the results were equivocal.

Conclusion

Further research is required to inform the evidence for best practice recommendations, including, if a protocol for drawing blood from a peripheral cannula is of benefit for specific patient populations and in other settings.

Impact

Venepuncture can provoke pain, anxiety and cause trauma to patients. Guidelines recommend blood samples from peripheral intravenous cannula be taken only on insertion. Anecdotal evidence suggests drawing blood from existing cannulas may be a common practice. Further research is required to resolve this issue.
Inflammatory mediators of stress exposure and neurodevelopment in very preterm infants: Protocol for the stress neuro‐immune study
Authors: Nist Marliese Dion , Pickler Rita H. , Steward Deborah K. , Harrison Tondi M. , Shoben Abigail B.
Published: May 2019

Aims

(a) Determine relationships among stress exposure, inflammation, and neurodevelopment in very preterm infants and determine the mediated effect of inflammation on the relationship between stress exposure and neurodevelopment; (b) describe cytokine trajectories following birth and determine the effect of stress exposure on these trajectories; and (c) examine relationships between stress exposure and chronic stress responses in very preterm infants.

Design

Non‐experimental, repeated measures.

Methods

Very preterm infants born 28–31 weeks post menstrual age will be enrolled. Cumulative stress exposure over the first 14 days of life will be measured using the Neonatal Infant Stressor Scale. Blood will be collected weekly for the quantification of cytokines. Neurodevelopment will be assessed using the Neurobehavioral Assessment of the Preterm Infant and hair for quantification of hair cortisol will be collected at 35 weeks post menstrual age. Multiple linear regression and conditional process analysis will be used to analyse the relationships among stress exposure, inflammation and neurodevelopment. Linear mixed models will be used to determine inflammatory trajectories over time. IRB approval for the study was received May 2017, and funding from the National Institute of Nursing Research was awarded July 2017.

Discussion

This study will determine the extent to which inflammation mediates the relationship between stress exposure and neurodevelopment. Interventions to attenuate inflammation in preterm infants may improve outcomes.

Impact

Determining the potentially modifiable mediators of stress exposure and neurodevelopment in preterm infants is critical to improving long‐term outcomes.
Diagnosis‐to‐ablation time in atrial fibrillation: A modifiable factor relevant to clinical outcome
Authors: Bisbal Felipe , Alarcón Francisco , Ferrero‐De‐Loma‐Osorio Angel , González‐Ferrer Juan Jose , Alonso‐Martín Concepción , Pachón Marta , Vallés Ermengol , Cabanas‐Grandío Pilar , Sanchez Manuel , Benito Eva , Sarrias Axel , Ruiz‐Granell Ricardo , Pérez‐Villacastín Julián , Viñolas Xavier , Arias Miguel Angel , Martí‐Almor Julio , García‐Campo Enrique , Fernández‐Lozano Ignacio , Villuendas Roger , Mont Lluís
Published: May 2019

Introduction

Recurrences after atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation are still common. Among the reported clinical and imaging predictors of recurrences, diagnosis‐to‐ablation time (DAT) has been defined as a predictor of ablation outcome in single‐center studies. We aimed to validate DAT in a multicenter real‐life cohort.

Methods

This was a multicenter study including consecutive patients undergoing first paroxysmal and persistent AF ablation with radiofrequency or cryoballoon catheters during 2013. Cox proportional hazard regression models were performed to identify predictors of recurrence.

Results

In total, 309 patients were included across nine centers (71% men, 57 ± 10 years old, 46% with hypertension, and 66% with CHA2DS2‐VASc ≤ 1). Most patients had paroxysmal AF (67%) and underwent radiofrequency ablation (68%) with a median DAT of 51 (43) months. Patients with DAT ≤ 1 year (16.6%) were less likely to have repeat procedures (4% vs 18%; P = .017). The adjusted proportional hazards Cox model identified hypertension (P = .005), heart failure (P = .011), nonparoxysmal AF (P = .038), DAT > 1 year (P = .007), and LA diameter (P = .026) as independent predictors for AF recurrence. DAT > 1 year was the only modifiable factor independently associated with recurrence (HR 4.2 [95% CI, 1.5‐11.9])

Conclusion

Diagnosis‐to‐ablation time is a modifiable factor independently associated with recurrent arrhythmia and repeat ablation after first AF ablation. An early intervention strategy during the first year from AF diagnosis might improve outcomes.
Resilience as an Emergent European Project? The EU's Place in the Resilience Turn
Authors: Joseph Jonathan , Juncos Ana E.
Published: May 2019

This article looks at the development of the resilience approach in EU foreign policy. Building state and societal resilience in the EU's neighbourhood has been identified as one of the key priorities in the EU global strategy. Here we critically analyse these developments and seek to provide an account of the complex dynamics within which the EU's approach to resilience is located. We argue that EU resilience‐thinking is influenced by three broad dynamics – the neoliberal and Anglo‐Saxon approaches to resilience in the sphere of global governance; the particular normative discourse of the EU as a certain type of global actor (the EU as a normative/liberal power); and the multilevel character of the EU with its complex institutional structure and path dependencies which results in decoupling. As a consequence, the ‘translation’ of resilience constitutes an emergent project at the EU level, but also brings with it new challenges. The argument will be illustrated through a study of the EU global strategy and the Joint Communication on resilience in the neighbourhood.
Safety and efficacy of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy versus laparoscopic Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhao Kankan , Liu Jie , Wang Mengchuan , Yang Hao , Wu Aiguo
Published: May 2019

Background

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and laparoscopic Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) are widely performed to cure obesity and obesity‐related diseases. Our aim was to compare these two procedures.

Materials and methods

An electronic literature search was performed from inception to December 2018. The clinical outcomes between LSG and LRYGB were pooled using software RevMan5.3.

Results

A total of 1076 patients from 11 studies were analysed. LSG had shorter operation time (mean difference [MD] = −33.81; 95% confidence interval [CI], −46.04 to −21.57; P < .00001) and less early complications rate (risk ratio [RR] = 0.55; 95% CI, 0.36‐0.84; P = .005) compared with LRYGB. There were no significant difference about the readmission rate (RR = 0.57; 95% CI, 0.21‐1.54; P = .27) and re‐operation rate (RR = 0.43; 95% CI, 0.14‐1.27; P = .13) between LSG and LRYGB. The conversion to open rate and mortality rate within 30 days was low in both LSG and LRYGB. Mean hospital stay in LSG group (0.3‐5.2 d) seems shorter than that in the LRYGB group (2.3‐6.6 d). As to the effect of LSG and LRYGB on the percentage of excess weight loss (EWL), there was no significant difference between these two surgeries in EWL (MD = −4.05; 95% CI, −8.89 to 0.80; P = .10). LSG was equal to LRYGB on remission of T2DM (RR = 0.94; 95% CI, 0.84‐1.06; P = .31).

Conclusions

Both LSG and LRYGB can be performed with very low conversion to open rate and mortality rate. The readmission rate and re‐operation rate are comparable between these two surgeries. The efficacy of these two surgeries on EWL and T2DM is equivalent, but LSG has an advantage over LRYGB in operation time and early complications rate.
Integration of wavelet network and image processing for determination of total pigments in bitter orange (Citrus aurantium L.) peel during ripening
Authors: Taghadomi‐Saberi Saeedeh , Masoumi Amin A. , Sadeghi Morteza , Zekri Maryam
Published: May 2019

This article presents a novel computer‐aided prediction system based on integration of fixed‐grid wavelet network (FGWN) and image processing technique for quantification of pigments (chlorophyll and carotenoid contents) in bitter orange peel. The proposed intelligent system captures the fruits image and uses image processing followed by principal component analysis (PCA) in order to extract the effective features. They consisted of 34 color features in the RGB and CIE color spaces, including some statistical parameters of color matrices (R, G, and B) or their differences and ratios as well as three CIE parameters. The first four principal components of the selected features are then fed as the inputs to the FGWN for estimating each pigment. The chlorophyll and carotenoid contents were modeled with the acceptable determination coefficient of 0.96 and 0.87, respectively. To evaluate the performance of the WN, it is compared against two common and powerful artificial intelligence techniques namely artificial neural network (ANN) and adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). The results revealed that the WN could provide almost the same performance with a much lower number of parameters. Therefore, this study develops a novel attempt of strategy to be used for quality control of the bitter orange peel.

Practical applications

A research challenge could be developing a fast, cheap, and nondestructive system that predicts pigments contents of citrus fruits for different applications and/or specifying the necessity of postharvest artificial de‐greening to satisfy market demand. The integration of image processing and fixed‐grid wavelet network (FGWN) is a potential approach to overcome the mentioned challenge. Such an integration showed acceptable results for the determination of chlorophylls and carotenoids content in bitter oranges in the current study. In terms of applicability, the parsimonious models of the FGWN is quite desirable for online uses.
Rapid detection of single viable Escherichia coli O157:H7 cells in milk by flow cytometry
Authors: Liu Siyuan , Sui Zhiwei , Lin Jing , Huo Nairui , Yang Jiayi , Wang Bin , Gu Shaopeng
Published: May 2019

Escherichia coli O157:H7 (E coli O157:H7) is a highly virulent bacterial strain that is present in food, and as few as 10 cells can cause severe diseases. Rapid and sensitive bacterial detection is urgently required. In this study, we report a flow cytometry (FCM)‐based method for detecting E coli O157:H7 at the single‐cell level. Single E coli O157:H7 cells were obtained by a flow cytometric cell sorter and then artificially added to milk. Next, using BHI for 6.5 hr of enrichment, isolation of target cells, and dual staining, this method could be applied to detect single viable E coli O157:H7 cells in 25 mL of milk. The time to results (TTR) of the FCM‐based method was 7 hr.

Practical applications

The plate‐based method is the currently recommended method for detection of single E coli O157:H7 cells in milk because of the ease of operation. However, this method is time‐consuming, requiring enrichment of the target organism to attain quantifiable levels. Accordingly, rapid detection of microorganisms in milk would be of great benefit to public health. Flow cytometry (FCM) is a sensitive technique that can be used to rapidly analyze foodborne pathogens. Unfortunately, little attention has been paid to single‐cell detection in milk. This study provides a rapid method for detection of single viable E coli O157:H7 cells in milk. This method has the potential to provide effective protection against E coli O157:H7 contamination and is required for rapid detection of microorganisms in dairy products.
Comparisons of laboratory results between two blood samplings: Venipuncture versus peripheral venous catheter—A systematic review with meta‐analysis
Authors: Jeong Younhee , Park Hanjong , Jung Mi Jung , Kim Min Sun , Byun Seung , Choi Yoonhee
Published: May 2019

Aims and objectives

To compare the results of haematology, blood chemistry and coagulation tests between two blood sampling methods via venipuncture and peripheral venous catheter.

Background

Laboratory results of the previous studies on blood sampling methods through peripheral venous catheter versus venipuncture are inconsistent. Therefore, it is necessary to better understand the discrepancies between the two blood sampling methods and to provide evidence for practice.

Design

Systematic literature review and meta‐analysis were conducted in accordance with the PRISMA reporting guideline.

Methods

Reviewed articles for this study were searched through database, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, SCOPUS, Web of Science, ProQuest Dissertations & Theses, CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature) and ERIC (Educational Resource Information Centre). Hand‐searching was also conducted.

Results

We finally identified 17 studies for a systematic review, and 10 studies out of them were selected for a meta‐analysis. A total of 678 participants were included in the meta‐analysis. Overall, there was no significant difference in haematology, blood chemistry and coagulation test values between two sampling methods via venipuncture and peripheral venous catheter.

Conclusion

Findings of this study provide substantial evidence that most blood tests via venipuncture and peripheral venous catheter would not be different. Patients will be benefitted by reducing the number of venipuncture if a series of blood tests can be conducted by using peripheral venous catheter. Thus, healthcare providers may refer to more reliable laboratory results on using peripheral venous catheter for without increasing the risk of bleeding events and pain on blood sampling sites due to frequent phlebotomies.

Relevance to clinical practice

The results of this study will be a good evidence to decide blood sampling methods in clinical practice.
Neuroimaging Findings in Tuberculosis: A Single‐Center Experience in 559 Cases
Authors: Azeemuddin Muhammad , Alvi Amna , Sayani Raza , Khan Misha Khalid , Farooq Salman , Beg M. Asim , Awan Safia , Wasay Mohammad
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

There is a paucity of literature related to the neuroimaging of CNS tuberculosis (TB) and largely covers pediatric CNS TB. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of different forms of CNS TB and its associated complications and to study longitudinal disease course using computed tomography (CT) and MRI.

METHODS

Retrospective chart and imaging review of patients diagnosed with CNS TB in a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan over a 10‐year period. A total of 452 initial brain MRI and 209 CT scans were reviewed by an expert radiologist specialized in neuroimaging. This was followed by review of 53 MRI/52 CT and 7 MRI/14 CT first and second follow‐up scans, respectively.

RESULTS

Note that 559 patients, 296 males and 263 females were included in the study. On the initial CT scans, tuberculomas were found in 25 (12%), infarction in 54 (25%), basal meningeal enhancement in 29 (14%), and hydrocephalus in 84 (40%). On initial MRI, tuberculomas were found in 182 (40%), infarction in 120 (27%), basal meningeal enhancement in 184 (41%), and hydrocephalus in 116 (26%). On review of follow‐up CT scans, 13 (25%) showed new or worsening hydrocephalus, 8 (15%) showed new infarcts, 1 exhibited new tuberculoma, and 5 showed worsening cerebral edema. On review of follow‐up MRI scans, new or worsening hydrocephalus was seen in 3 (6%), new infarcts in 3 (6%), new tuberculoma in 10 (19%), worsening cerebral edema in 7 (13%), and TB myelitis in 4 (8%) patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Tuberculoma, hydrocephalus, and cerebral infarcts are the most prominent findings in CNS tuberculosis. Our study showed development of new lesions on subsequent neuroimaging suggesting a dynamic and progressive nature of the disease process in some individuals.
Exploring the plastid genome disparity of liverworts
Authors: Yu Ying , Liu Hong‐Mei , Yang Jun‐Bo , Ma Wen‐Zhang , Pressel Silvia , Wu Yu‐Huan , Schneider Harald
Published: May 2019

Sequencing the plastid genomes of land plants provides crucial improvements to our understanding of the plastome evolution of land plants. Although the number of available complete plastid genome sequences has rapidly increased in the recent years, only a few sequences have been yet released for the three bryophyte lineages, namely hornworts, liverworts, and mosses. Here, we explore the disparity of the plastome structure of liverworts by increasing the number of sequenced liverwort plastomes from five to 18. The expanded sampling included representatives of all major lineages of liverworts including the genus Haplomitrium. The disparity of the liverwort genomes was compared with other 2386 land plant plastomes with emphasis on genome size and GC‐content. We found evidence for structural conservatism of the plastid genomes in liverworts and a trend towards reduced plastome sequence length in liverworts and derived mosses compared to other land plants, including hornworts and basal lineages of mosses. Furthermore, Aneura and Haplomitrium were distinct from other liverworts by an increased GC content, with the one found in Haplomitrium only second to the lycophyte Selaginella. The results suggest the hypothesis that liverworts and other land plants inherited and conserved the plastome structure of their most recent algal ancestors.
Spatiotemporal dynamics of plant diversity and endemism during primary succession on an oceanic‐volcanic island
Authors: Irl Severin D. H. , Schweiger Andreas H. , Hoffmann Samuel , Beierkuhnlein Carl , Hartmann Hanna , Pickel Thomas , Jentsch Anke
Published: May 2019

Questions

How does the diversity of native, endemic and alien plant species, as well as the diversity of plant life forms, change during primary succession on lava flows of an oceanic‐volcanic island? How do environmental factors such as moisture and soil properties alter diversity during primary succession?

Location

La Palma, Canary Islands.

Methods

We recorded vascular plants and bryophytes in 210 plots on a chronosequence of nine lava flows spanning approx. 6,000 years and covering an elevational range of 1,100 m. In a subset (n = 78 plots) we collected and analyzed soil samples for soil nitrogen and plant‐available phosphorus. We used generalized linear models, variance partitioning and structural equation models (SEMs) to analyze the data.

Results

Species richness, endemic richness and alien richness increased with time. Natives dominated during early successional stages, whereas endemics and aliens increased with time. At early successional stages, vascular plants and bryophytes had an equal contribution to the species pool, while vascular plants increased up to an 80% contribution at later stages. In the variance partitioning and SEMs, time was the only consistent factor influencing different aspects of diversity during succession (species richness, endemic richness and percent endemism). Only for percent endemism did soil attributes have a substantial impact.

Conclusion

Primary succession on lava flows on La Palma shows a pattern of increasing overall diversity, endemism and alien richness with time. Time is the only factor consistently explaining diversity and endemism, indicating that environmental influences such as climate and soil properties do not substantially alter them during primary succession. Our study contributes to understanding how different facets of diversity assemble through time by using an understudied, yet important island system, and, for the first time, specifically addresses how endemics contribute to the process of primary succession.
A complex eIF4E locus impacts the durability of va resistance to Potato virus Y in tobacco
Authors: Michel Vincent , Julio Emilie , Candresse Thierry , Cotucheau Julien , Decorps Christophe , Volpatti Roxane , Moury Benoît , Glais Laurent , Jacquot Emmanuel , de Borne François Dorlhac , Decroocq Véronique , Gallois Jean‐Luc , German-Retana Sylvie
Published: May 2019

Many recessive resistances against potyviruses are mediated by eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E). In tobacco, the va resistance gene commonly used to control Potato virus Y (PVY) corresponds to a large deletion affecting the eIF4E‐1 gene on chromosome 21. Here, we compared the resistance durability conferred by various types of mutations affecting eIF4E‐1 (deletions of various sizes, frameshift or nonsense mutations). The ‘large deletion’ genotypes displayed the broadest and most durable resistance, whereas frameshift and nonsense mutants displayed a less durable resistance, with rapid and frequent apparition of resistance‐breaking variants. In addition, genetic and transcriptomic analyses revealed that resistance durability is strongly impacted by a complex genetic locus on chromosome 14, which contains three other eIF4E genes. One of these, eIF4E‐3, is rearranged as a hybrid gene between eIF4E‐2 and eIF4E‐3 (eIF4E‐2‐3) in the genotypes showing the most durable resistance, while eIF4E‐2 is differentially expressed between the tested varieties. RNA‐seq and quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction experiments demonstrated that eIF4E‐2 expression level is positively correlated with resistance durability. These results suggest that besides the nature of the mutation affecting eIF4E‐1, three factors linked with a complex locus may potentially impact va durability: loss of an integral eIF4E‐3, presence of eIF4E‐2‐3 and overexpression of eIF4E‐2. This latter gene might act as a decoy in a non‐productive virus–plant interaction, limiting the ability of PVY to evolve towards resistance breaking. Taken together, these results show that va resistance durability can in large part be explained by complex redundancy effects in the eIF4E gene family.
Autonomically mediated anti‐inflammatory effects of electrical stimulation at acupoints in a rodent model of colonic inflammation
Authors: Jin Haifeng , Guo Jie , Liu Jiemin , Lyu Bin , Foreman Robert D. , Shi Zhaohong , Yin Jieyun , Chen Jiande D. Z.
Published: May 2019

Background

Acupuncture has been widely accepted for treatments of many diseases. This study was performed to determine effects and mechanisms of electroacupuncture (EA) by chronically implanted electrodes at acupoint ST36 on colonic inflammation induced by TNBS in rats.

Methods

After intrarectal administration of TNBS, the rats were treated with sham‐EA, EA1/EA2 (two sets of parameters) for 3 weeks. Disease activity index (DAI), macroscopic and microscopic lesions, plasma levels of TNF‐α, IL‐1β and IL‐6 were observed as evaluation of inflammatory responses. The autonomic function was assessed by analysis of the heart rate variability.

Results

(a) Vagal activity was significantly increased with both acute and chronic EA1/EA2; (b) DAI was significantly decreased with both chronic EA1 and EA2, and EA2 was more potent than EA1 (P < 0.05); (c) The macroscopic score was 6.4 ± 0.6 with sham‐EA and reduced to 4.9 ± 0.1 with EA1 (P < 0.05) and 4.0 ± 0.2 with EA2 (all P < 0.05). The histological score was 4.05 ± 0.58 with sham‐EA and remained unchanged (3.71 ± 0.28) with EA1 (P > 0.05) but reduced to 3.0 ± 0.3 with EA2 (P < 0.01); (d) The plasma levels of TNF‐α, IL‐1β and IL‐6 were significantly decreased with EA2.

Conclusions

Electrical stimulation at ST36 improves colonic inflammation in TNBS‐treated rats by inhibiting pro‐inflammatory cytokines via the autonomic mechanism.
Space and time in models of speech rhythm
Authors: Tilsen Sam
Published: May 2019

How do rhythmic patterns in speech arise? There are many representational frameworks for describing rhythmic patterns, but none of these directly connect representations to articulatory processes, which have physical manifestations in the acoustic signal. Here, a new model of speech rhythm is presented, one in which rhythmic patterns arise from spatial mechanisms that govern the organization of articulatory gestures. The roles of time and space in symbolic representations of the metrical structure are analyzed, and conventional understandings of stress and accent are called into question. One aspect of rhythmic patterns, in particular—the directionality of accentual patterns—is examined closely. A novel dynamical model is developed, which proposes a reinterpretation of directionality and other temporal phenomena in speech.
The vasopressin−memory hypothesis: a citation network analysis of a debate
Authors: Leng Gareth , Leng Rhodri Ivor , Maclean Stewart
Published: May 2019

The 1970s saw a growing interest in the vasopressin−memory hypothesis, proposed by David de Wied and his collaborators in Utrecht. This rose to a peak in the 1980s that saw a flurry of papers published from diverse sources critical of the experimental foundations of this idea. In subsequent years, interest in this hypothesis declined markedly as shortcomings were recognized. Here, we study this debate using citation network analysis to identify the influential papers in this debate and the citation links between them. The issues raised have contemporary relevance to the current controversy about the interpretation of studies using intranasal oxytocin.
Stereotactic body radiation therapy for refractory ventricular tachycardia secondary to cardiac lipoma: A case report
Authors: Zeng Li‐Jun , Huang Li‐Hong , Tan Hong , Zhang Hou‐Cai , Mei Ju , Shi Hai‐Feng , Jiang Chen‐Yang , Tan Chen , Zheng Jian‐Wei , Liu Xing‐Peng
Published: May 2019

We present the case of a 29‐year‐old man who developed ventricular tachycardia (VT) secondary to a cardiac lipoma located adjacent to the interventricular groove, which could not be fully resected. Antiarrhythmic drugs and endocardial and epicardial ablation failed to prevent VT recurrence. Finally, noninvasive stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) targeting the lipoma was performed, with a total dose of 24 Gy delivered in three fractions. The number of VT episodes was reduced from 189/24 h before SBRT to 0 after the procedure. At 4‐month follow‐up, there were no signs of therapy‐related complications. Our experience suggests that SBRT could emerge as a viable treatment option for patients with cardiac tumors who develop refractory ventricular arrhythmias.
High‐efficient and precise base editing of C•G to T•A in the allotetraploid cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) genome using a modified CRISPR/Cas9 system
Authors: Qin Lei , Li Jianying , Wang Qiongqiong , Xu Zhongping , Sun Lin , Alariqi Muna , Manghwar Hakim , Wang Guanyin , Li Bo , Ding Xiao , Rui Hangping , Huang Huimei , Lu Tianliang , Lindsey Keith , Daniell Henry , Zhang Xianlong , Jin Shuangxia
Published: May 2019

The base‐editing technique using CRISPR/nCas9 (Cas9 nickase) or dCas9 (deactivated Cas9) fused with cytidine deaminase is a powerful tool to create point mutations. In this study, a novel G. hirsutum‐Base Editor 3 (GhBE3) base‐editing system has been developed to create single‐base mutations in the allotetraploid genome of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum). A cytidine deaminase sequence (APOBEC) fused with nCas9 and uracil glycosylase inhibitor (UGI) was inserted into our CRISPR/Cas9 plasmid (pRGEB32‐GhU6.7). Three target sites were chosen for two target genes, GhCLA and GhPEBP, to test the efficiency and accuracy of GhBE3. The editing efficiency ranged from 26.67 to 57.78% at the three target sites. Targeted deep sequencing revealed that the C→T substitution efficiency within an ‘editing window’, approximately six‐nucleotide windows of −17 to −12 bp from the PAM sequence, was up to 18.63% of the total sequences. The 27 most likely off‐target sites predicted by CRISPR‐P and Cas‐OFFinder tools were analysed by targeted deep sequencing, and it was found that rare C→T substitutions (average < 0.1%) were detected in the editing windows of these sites. Furthermore, whole‐genome sequencing analyses on two GhCLA‐edited and one wild‐type plants with about 100× depth showed that no bona fide off‐target mutations were detectable from 1500 predicted potential off‐target sites across the genome. In addition, the edited bases were inherited to T1 progeny. These results demonstrate that GhBE3 has high specificity and accuracy for the generation of targeted point mutations in allotetraploid cotton.
Bacteria from four phylogroups of the Pseudomonas syringae complex can cause bacterial canker of apricot
Authors: Parisi L. , Morgaint B. , Blanco‐Garcia J. , Guilbaud C. , Chandeysson C. , Bourgeay J. F. , Moronvalle A. , Brun L. , Brachet M. L. , Morris C. E.
Published: May 2019

Pseudomonas syringae is described as a species complex, containing P. syringae‐related species classified into 13 phylogroups and 23 clades. Pseudomonas syringae is one of the main pathogens of fruit trees, affecting nut trees, hazelnut and kiwi, pome and stone fruits. Bacterial canker of apricots is an important disease in regions of production with cold winters and conducive soils. This work characterizes the bacteria able to induce canker in apricots isolated in different French orchards. Bacteria from four phylogroups were able to induce canker. The pathogenicity to apricot was not linked to the pathogenicity to the three herbaceous species and cherry fruits tested, and was not always related to hypersensitive reaction on tobacco and ice nucleation activity. Bacteria pathogenic to apricot belong to phylogroups 01, 02, 03 and 07. The bacteria of phylogroups 01a and 07a (Pseudomonas viridiflava) characterized in this work have not previously been described as pathogenic to apricot.
Short‐term pre‐operative high‐intensity interval training does not improve fitness of colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Boereboom Catherine L. , Blackwell James E. M. , Williams John P. , Phillips Bethan E. , Lund Jonathan N.
Published: May 2019

Background

Pre‐operative cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients has been shown to affect post‐operative outcomes. The aim of this study was to test the feasibility of high‐intensity interval training (HIIT) for improving fitness in pre‐operative CRC patients within the 31‐day cancer waiting‐time targets imposed in the UK.

Methods

Eighteen CRC patients (13 males, mean age: 67 years (range: 52‐77 years) participated in supervised HIIT on cycle ergometers 3 or 4 times each week prior to surgery. Exercise intensity during 5 × 1‐minute HIIT intervals (interspersed with 90‐second recovery) was 100%‐120% maximum wattage achieved at a baseline cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET). CPET before and after HIIT was used to assess CRF.

Results

Patients completed a mean of eight HIIT sessions (range 6‐14) over 19 days (SD 7). There was no significant increase in VO2 peak (23.9 ± 7.0 vs 24.2 ± 7.8 mL/kg/min (mean ± SD), P = 0.58) or anaerobic threshold (AT: 14.0 ± 3.4 vs 14.5 ± 4.5 mL/kg/min, P = 0.50) after HIIT. There was a significant reduction in resting systolic blood pressure (152 ± 19 vs 142 ± 19 mm Hg, P = 0.0005) and heart rate at submaximal exercise intensities after HIIT.

Conclusions

Our pragmatic HIIT exercise protocol did not improve the pre‐operative fitness of CRC patients within the 31‐day window available in the UK to meet cancer surgical waiting‐time targets.
Relational Strains and Delinquency: Assessing the Gendering of Emotions’ Claims among Chinese Adolescents*
Authors: Liu Ruth X.
Published: May 2019

This study assesses the gendering of emotions’ claims in an understudied population, that is, adolescents in mainland China. Specifically, it examines gender variations in the emotional reactions to relational strains and gendered responses to emotions with types of delinquency. Data drawn from over 500 middle‐school students from an urban city in China yield results in support of general strain theory in most respects, but culture‐specific patterns are noted. In general, Chinese boys and girls respond to different domains of relational strains, and relational strains are more strongly associated with depression than anger. Furthermore, boys respond to relational strains with anger more often than do girls, whereas girls and boys are about equal in responding to strains with depression. Gender differences are observed concerning responses to emotions with delinquency. Boys are more likely than girls to use aggression in response to anger and depression, whereas no gender differences are manifested in the reaction to emotions with non‐aggressive delinquency. Gender patterns are also noted in the assessment of negative emotions as mediators of the strain–delinquency relationship. We address these findings along with other observations in light of general strain theory and sociocultural factors pertinent to mainland China.
The Relationship Between High School Teachers' Perceptions of Organizational Culture and Motivation
Authors: Uçar Rezzan , İpek Cemalettin
Published: May 2019

The purpose of this research was to explore the relationship between school culture and motivation perceptions of teachers in high schools. The study tested whether the participant teachers' organizational culture and motivation perceptions were statistically different according to gender, marital status, school type and professional seniority and also it was attempted to determine whether the motivation perceptions of teachers could be statistically predicted from their organizational culture perceptions. A simple random sampling method was used in the study conducted with the teachers employed in high schools in Diyarbakır city center. The Organizational Culture Scale and the Teacher Motivation Scale were incorporated as data gathering instruments in the study. As a result of the research, it was concluded that the teachers' organizational culture perceptions statistically varied according to gender (in favor of the female teachers) and marital status (in favor of the married teachers) in the power culture dimension and according to professional seniority (in favor of those of 20 years or more teaching experience) in the support culture dimension and that the motivation perceptions of the teachers statistically varied according to gender (in favor of female teachers) in the external motivation dimension. In addition, it was found that the teachers' motivation perceptions could be statistically predicted from their organizational culture perceptions.