bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Workshops increase invasive species records to EDDMapS in the Mid-Atlantic United States
Authors: Wallace Rebekah D. , Bargeron Charles T. , Swearingen Jil , LaForest Joseph H. , Moorhead David J. , Luo Xuelin
Published: April 2019

As the prevalence of smartphones and smartphone applications has penetrated the cellular phone market, and the capabilities of features within smartphones allowed for the replacement of commonly used mapping and identification tools, Bugwood developers began to release smartphone applications for reporting invasive species. To encourage and demonstrate reporting, workshops have been held to walk users through these apps’ features and overall EDDMapS capabilities. To ascertain the effectiveness of workshops in encouraging reporting via smartphone apps and the EDDMapS MAEDN website, a General Linear Model was used to evaluate the number of records received across the 2012-2017 time frame and evaluate if there was a difference in the number of records in the years MAEDN workshops were held at the Mid-Atlantic Invasive Plant Council conferences and workshops and years no MAEDN workshop was held. The model indicated that the workshops and time were significant factors in the number of records submitted. Being able to confidently demonstrate the effect that workshops can positively impact data recruitment can aid in funding for outreach and educational events.
Increased Dynamics of α-Synuclein Fibrils by β-Synuclein Leads to Reduced Seeding and Cytotoxicity
Authors: Yang Xue , Williams Jonathan K. , Yan Run , Mouradian M. Maral , Baum Jean
Published: April 2019

Alpha-synuclein (αS) fibrils are toxic to cells and contribute to the pathogenesis and progression of Parkinson’s disease and other synucleinopathies. β-Synuclein (βS), which co-localizes with αS, has been shown to provide a neuroprotective effect, but the molecular mechanism by which this occurs remains elusive. Here we show that αS fibrils formed in the presence of βS are less cytotoxic, exhibit reduced cell seeding capacity and are more resistant to fibril shedding compared to αS fibrils alone. Using solid-state NMR, we found that the overall structure of the core of αS fibrils when co-incubated with βS is minimally perturbed, however, the dynamics of Lys and Thr residues, located primarily in the imperfect KTKEGV repeats of the αS N-terminus, are increased. Our results suggest that amyloid fibril dynamics may play a key role in modulating toxicity and seeding. Thus, enhancing the dynamics of amyloid fibrils may be a strategy for future therapeutic targeting of neurodegenerative diseases.
The influence of snippet length on user behavior in mobile web search
Authors: Sachse Jacqueline
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Web search is more and more moving into mobile contexts. However, screen size of mobile devices is limited and search engine result pages face a trade-off between offering informative snippets and optimal use of space. One factor clearly influencing this trade-off is snippet length. The purpose of this paper is to find out what snippet size to use in mobile web search.

Design/methodology/approach

For this purpose, an eye-tracking experiment was conducted showing participants search interfaces with snippets of one, three or five lines on a mobile device to analyze 17 dependent variables. In total, 31 participants took part in the study. Each of the participants solved informational and navigational tasks.

Findings

Results indicate a strong influence of page fold on scrolling behavior and attention distribution across search results. Regardless of query type, short snippets seem to provide too little information about the result, so that search performance and subjective measures are negatively affected. Long snippets of five lines lead to better performance than medium snippets for navigational queries, but to worse performance for informational queries.

Originality/value

Although space in mobile search is limited, this study shows that longer snippets improve usability and user experience. It further emphasizes that page fold plays a stronger role in mobile than in desktop search for attention distribution.
When benchmark rates change: the case of Islamic banks
Authors: Archer Simon , Abdel Karim Rifaat Ahmed
Published: April 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the issue that arises in the context of benchmark rate (or interest rate) changes made for reasons of monetary policy in a jurisdiction with a significant presence of Islamic banks. Changes, especially increases, in the prevailing interest rate made by central banks raise issues of asset-liability management for banks, which typically have longer maturities on the asset side than on the liabilities side, resulting in exposure to interest rate risk for conventional banks, and what is known as rate of return (RoR) risk for Islamic banks, which for reasons of compliance with Islamic religious law (Shari’ah) do not use interest in their operations. Islamic banks use various financial instruments which reflect the cost of funds by means of contracts of sale on credit or of leasing or forms of partnership, which allow them to earn returns on their funds and to pay returns to customers who deposit funds with them.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology of this study consisted of a descriptive analysis of the relevant characteristics of Islamic banks and their economic and regulatory environments, illustrated by a case study approach applied to two jurisdictions, namely, Sudan and Malaysia.

Findings

In jurisdictions where Islamic banks represent a significant share of the market for financial services, if the contracts used in Islamic financing allow for periodic adjustments of the profit rate or lease rental, this could result in a significant impediment to the full implementation of monetary policy and hence to the maintenance of financial stability.

Originality/value

This study is (to the best of authors’ knowledge) the first thorough analysis in the literature of the issues arising from the exposure of Islamic banks to RoR risk and has clear implications for regulatory and central bank policy.
A system dynamics investigation of project portfolio management evolution in the energy sector
Authors: Hosseini Seyed Hossein , Shakouri G. Hamed , Kazemi Aliyeh , Zareayan Rahman , Mousavian H. Milad
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Project portfolio management (PPM) is a commonly used technique to align projects with strategy and to ensure adequate resourcing for projects. In this paper, to gain a better understanding of PPM dynamics, a system dynamics (SD) model was developed. To do so, an Iranian independent power producer was used as a case study in the energy sector; moreover, policy options were derived and generalized for such a developer company.

Design/methodology/approach

To cope with the complexity of business processes in a power producer company and to formulate an optimum policy, causal relations and loops were derived first and then state-flow diagrams were designed to simulate the problem in the system, as it is usual in the SD methodology.

Findings

The proposed model was applied to a real-world case study to rectify managers’ viewpoint about their business dynamics and to formulate new project portfolio strategies to improve the viability of the company. The model proved how a static portfolio analysis can misguide managers in planning their project portfolio strategies, and how effective feedback can improve PPM in developing companies in the energy sector.

Originality/value

Systems approach, especially SD methodology, has been rarely used to analyze PPM problems in the energy sector. This study highlights the implications of feedback and dynamics in PPM and tries to derive optimal value of portfolios.
Aging effect in dye-sensitized solar cells sealed with thermoplastic films
Authors: Yeoh Mian-En , Jaloman Adrian , Chan Kah-Yoong
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to elucidate the aging effect in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) sealed with thermoplastic film and to compare it with unsealed DSSCs.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents the steps of the fabrication of standard DSSC, as well as the DSSC-sealing processes, by using thermoplastic film. Current-voltage characterization was performed to observe the changes in efficiency, fill factor, short circuit current density and open circuit voltage for both unsealed and sealed DSSCs for aging time up to 336 h.

Findings

The unsealed DSSC showed significant drop in efficiency from 4.26 to 2.42 per cent within the first 5.5 h of aging time because of the leakage and volatilization of the solvent in the electrolyte. On the other hand, the sealed DSSC exhibited a gradual improvement of efficiency from 4.16 to 4.73 per cent after the first 216 h of aging time. The initial efficiency increment can be ascribed to the improved adsorption of electrolyte into the titanium dioxide film because of the gradual desorption of excess dye from TiO2 with increasing aging time.

Originality/value

This paper demonstrates the importance of the proper sealing process for the long-term operation of DSSC.
‘Lipase and protease production of dairy Penicillium sp. on milk‐protein‐based solid substrates’
Authors: Kumura Haruto , Satoh Megumi , Machiya Taiki , Hosono Makoto , Hayakawa Toru , Wakamatsu Jun‐ichi
Published: April 2019

The lipolytic and proteolytic activity of Penicillium camemberti PC TT033 and Penicillium roqueforti PR G3, cultured on the whey solids or simulated cheese media, were compared under several pH reaction conditions. Lipolytic activity was higher when both strains had been cultured on the whey medium than on the simulated cheese medium, whereas proteolytic activity was less influenced by the culture medium. The relationship between the reaction pH and these enzyme activities was dependent on the culture medium, which suggested that the expression level and balance of isozyme rely on the culture substrate.
Made in the U.S.A.? A Study of Firm Responses to Domestic Production Incentives
Authors: LESTER REBECCA
Published: April 2019

How do U.S. companies respond to incentives intended to encourage domestic manufacturing? I study the Domestic Production Activities Deduction (DPAD), which was enacted in the American Jobs Creation Act (AJCA) of 2004 and was the third largest U.S. corporate tax expenditure as of 2017. Using confidential data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, I find greater average domestic investment spending of $95.5–$143.6 million, but only within the sample of domestic‐only firms and not until 2010, when the greatest statutory DPAD benefits were available. Additional evidence suggests that U.S. multinational claimants invest abroad rather than in the United States and that the increased investment by DPAD firms is accompanied by a reduction in the domestic workforce, consistent with a substitution of capital for labor. I also show that the delayed investment response is due to firms engaging in other responses first, such as changing corporate reporting to shift income across time and borders. Quantifying the extent of these effects contributes to the literature that studies this tax deduction and informs policy makers as to the effectiveness of both manufacturing incentives and U.S. corporate income tax rate reductions in stimulating real domestic activity.
Observation of Granulocyte Adsorption in Adacolumn Cellulose Acetate Beads after Granulocytapheresis
Authors: Okuno Toshiyuki , Yoshida Yutaka , Takaki Yuriko , Araki Yasuyuki , Inoue Hironobu , Soejima Kazuaki , Okado Yuki , Yoshida Kenichi , Imamura Haruo , Hagiwara Satoshi , Matsumoto Shigekiyo , Kitano Takaaki
Published: April 2019

Adacolumn is a therapeutic mode for ulcerative colitis that achieves therapeutic efficacy through the adhesion of leukocytes to cellulose acetate beads. We used scanning electron microscopy and observed leukocyte adsorption on Adacolumn beads after granulocytapheresis/granulocyte and monocyte adsorption apheresis. We then compared results between two patients with a low and high C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels to determine whether adhesion is affected by a difference in leukocyte activity depending on the level of inflammation. We found that the surface layers of the beads from both patients were covered by a clay‐like layer, and spherical granulocytes were adsorbed here and there on top of it. In cross‐section the adsorbed granulocytes were visible in the clay‐like layer and the surface layer alike. The clay‐like layer had a maximum thickness of approximately 12 μm in the low CRP patient and approximately 50 μm in the high CRP patient, so in the high CRP patient the clay‐like adsorption layer was thicker. Taken together, adsorption onto beads is considered to involve an immunological mechanism. Our findings suggest that granulocytes contact and adhere to each other at the surface layer after adsorption, and that granulocyte‐granulocyte adhesion is enhanced by a higher inflammatory response.
A narrative review of the evidence regarding the use of telemedicine to deliver video‐interpreting during dementia assessments for older people
Authors: Haralambous Betty , Subramaniam Santini , Hwang Kerry , Dow Briony , LoGiudice Dina
Published: April 2019

Introduction

As Australia's aging population increases and diversifies, there will be a growing need to address the burden of dementia among culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities. Due to a lack of CALD‐appropriate services and bilingual health professionals, older people from CALD backgrounds often receive a delayed diagnosis of dementia. The use of telemedicine (TM) to deliver video‐interpreting services may overcome the barriers of interpreter availability when diagnosing and assessing dementia in older people from CALD backgrounds.

Methods

This paper aims to present a review of the literature on the use of TM to deliver video‐interpreting during dementia assessments. Factors affecting the reliability and agreement, feasibility, and satisfaction and acceptability when using TM or video‐interpreting have been described.

Results

The review found evidence that dementia assessments conducted via TM are as reliable as face‐to‐face (FTF) assessments and that participants are satisfied and find TM acceptable. There was less evidence about the feasibility of TM from the health care perspective, particularly regarding the acceptability and potential financial cost‐savings. Only five studies investigated the use of video‐interpreting during clinical assessments with CALD patients. Although video‐interpreting was found to be satisfactory among CALD patients and clinicians, a common finding was the preference for FTF interpreting.

Discussion

More research is needed to examine the financial feasibility and the health care perspective on the implementation and adoption of TM for dementia assessments. The use of TM to deliver video‐interpreting for dementia assessments has never been investigated and represents a significant gap in the literature.
The Assessment of Bone Deterioration with Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy in a Multidisciplinary Context: The Case of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sedlec, Czechia
Authors: Viani A. , Mácová P. , Machová D. , Čendak T.
Published: April 2019

Human remains from the skeletal collection of the UNESCO world heritage site of Sedlec (Czechia) have been investigated with 1H, 31P and 13C magic‐angle‐spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The quantitative description of the component of the phosphorus signal attributed to the external amorphous hydrated layer of the mineral apatite particles is considered a sensitive index of the bone integrity, in general agreement with indicators of decay derived from other analytical techniques. Differences in proton and phosphorus resonances were related to deterioration effects, allowing for the identification of local conditions posing a threat to bone preservation.
Convergent neural substrates of inattention in bipolar disorder patients and dopamine transporter‐deficient mice using the 5‐choice CPT
Authors: Young Jared W. , Geyer Mark A. , Halberstadt Adam L. , van Enkhuizen Jordy , Minassian Arpi , Khan Asma , Perry William , Eyler Lisa T.
Published: April 2019

Objectives

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a debilitating psychiatric illness affecting 2%‐5% of the population. Although mania is the cardinal feature of BD, inattention and related cognitive dysfunction are observed across all stages. Since cognitive dysfunction confers poor functional outcome in patients, understanding the relevant neural mechanisms remains key to developing novel‐targeted therapeutics.

Methods

The 5‐choice continuous performance test (5C‐CPT) is a mouse and fMRI‐compatible human attentional task, requiring responding to target stimuli while inhibiting responding to nontarget stimuli, as in clinical CPTs. This task was used to delineate systems‐level neural deficits in BD contributing to inattentive performance in human subjects with BD as well as mouse models with either parietal cortex (PC) lesions or reduced dopamine transporter (DAT) expression.

Results

Mania BD participants exhibited severe 5C‐CPT impairment. Euthymic BD patients exhibited modestly impaired 5C‐CPT. High impulsivity BD subjects exhibited reduced PC activation during target and nontarget responding compared with healthy participants. In mice, bilateral PC lesions impaired both target and nontarget responding. In the DAT knockdown mouse model of BD mania, knockdown mice exhibited severely impaired 5C‐CPT performance versus wildtype littermates.

Conclusions

These data support the role of the PC in inattention in BD—specifically regarding identifying the appropriate response to target vs nontarget stimuli. Moreover, the findings indicate that severely reduced DAT function/hyperdopaminergia recreates the attentional deficits observed in BD mania patients. Determining the contribution of DAT in the PC to attention may provide a future target for treatment development.
Loss of PTPN4 activates STAT3 to promote the tumor growth in rectal cancer
Authors: Zhang Bing‐Dong , Li Yue‐Rui , Ding Li‐Dan , Wang Yin‐Yin , Liu Hong‐Yi , Jia Bao‐Qing
Published: April 2019

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common types of malignant tumor. Many genetic factors have been proved to show high association with the occurrence and development of CRC and many mutations are detected in CRC. PTPN4/PTP‐MEG1 is a widely expressed non–receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase. Over the past three decades, PTPN4 has been demonstrated in the literature to participate in many biological processes. In this study, we identified a nonsense mutation of PTPN4 with a mutation ratio of 90.90% from 1 case of rectal cancer, leading to loss of function in PTPN4 gene. Several somatic mutations occurred in 5/137 rectal cancer samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas Rectum Adenocarcinoma (TCGA READ) database. Interestingly, we found that PTPN4 negative cytoplasm staining was more prone to lymphatic metastasis (N = 50, P = 0.0153) and low expression of PTPN4 in rectal cancer was highly associated with poor prognosis. Overexpression of PTPN4 suppressed the cell growth, and moreover, the loss of PTPN4 accelerated cell growth and boosted clonogenicity of CRC cells. Furthermore, we revealed that the deletion of PTPN4 promoted the tumor formation of NCM460 cells in vivo. In terms of the molecular mechanism, we demonstrated that PTPN4 dephosphorylates pSTAT3 at the Tyr705 residue with a direct interaction and suppresses the transcriptional activity of STAT3. In summary, our study revealed a novel mechanism that the tumorigenesis of colorectal cancer might be caused by the loss of PTPN4 through activating STAT3, which will broaden the therapy strategy for anti–rectal cancer in the future.
Species‐specific and temporal scale‐dependent responses of birds to drought
Authors: Cady Samantha M. , O'Connell Timothy J. , Loss Scott R. , Jaffe Nick E. , Davis Craig A.
Published: April 2019

Global climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of weather extremes, including severe droughts in many regions. Drought can impact organisms by inhibiting reproduction, reducing survival and abundance, and forcing range shifts. For birds, considering temporal scale by averaging drought‐related variables over different time lengths (i.e., temporal grains) captures different hydrologic attributes which may uniquely influence food supplies, vegetation greenness/structure, and other factors affecting populations. However, studies examining drought impacts on birds often assess a single temporal grain without considering that different species have different life histories that likely determine the temporal grain of their drought response. Furthermore, while drought is known to influence bird abundance and drive between‐year range shifts, less understood is whether it causes within‐range changes in species distributions. Our objectives were to (a) determine which temporal grain of drought (if any) is most related to bird presence/absence and whether this response is species specific; and (b) assess whether drought alters bird distributions by quantifying probability of local colonization and extinction as a function of drought intensity. We used North American Breeding Bird Survey data collected over 16 years, generalized linear mixed models, and dynamic occupancy models to meet these objectives. Different bird species responded to drought at different temporal grains, with most showing the strongest signal at annual or near‐annual grains. For all drought‐responsive species, increased drought intensity at any temporal grain always correlated with decreased occupancy. Additionally, colonization/extinction analyses indicated that one species, the dickcissel (Spiza americana), is more likely to colonize novel areas within the southern/core portion of its range during drought. Considering drought at different temporal grains, along with hydrologic attributes captured by each grain, may better reveal mechanisms behind drought impacts on birds and other organisms, and therefore improve understanding of how global climate change impacts species and the landscapes they inhabit.
Poetry, Painting, Patchwork: Peter Handke's Intermedial Writing of Die Lehre der Sainte‐Victoire
Authors: Haubenreich Jacob
Published: April 2019

A turning point in Peter Handke's career following a deep crisis of writing, the text Die Lehre der Sainte‐Victoire () represents a fundamental transformation of the writer's poetological project and material practice of writing. The poetry of Friedrich Hölderlin, the paintings of Paul Cézanne, and the patchwork method of clothing designer Domenika Kaesdorf emerge as key influences within this transformation. Hölderlin's idealization of the poet's task and Cézanne's and Kaesdorf's physical methods, however, are no mere metaphors for Handke's process of writing; rather, Handke takes up and translates these modes into his material practice. This essay thus models a particular kind of reception history, one in which textual thematics are actualized in physical practice and semantic content is entangled in the material and visual dimensions of texts. Such an approach exemplifies the potential of incorporating materiality and meaning to expand the field of textual interpretation.
The furcation tunnel preparation—A prospective 5‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Rüdiger Stefan G. , Dahlén Gunnar , Emilson Claes‐Göran
Published: April 2019

Aim

The aim of this study was to prospectively follow furcation tunnelled molars over a 5‐year period of supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) and to identify factors associated with tooth loss.

Materials and Methods

A total of 32 patients with 42 furcation tunnelled molars (all class III prior tunnelling) were recruited upon commencing SPT following active periodontal therapy. Clinical registrations, bacterial samples and standardised radiographs were taken at baseline, year 1 (no radiographs), 2 and 5. Total viable counts, total streptococci, Streptococcus sanguinis and mutans streptococci (MS) were identified through culture, a panel of periodontal pathogens through the checkerboard technique.

Results

After 5 years, 29 molars (69%) were still in function. Of the lost molars, eight were upper and five lower molars. Recurrent periodontal disease and caries were reasons for tooth loss. A multilevel regression analysis showed that a smoking habit, bleeding on probing and the presence of MS in furcations were associated with an increased risk of tooth loss.

Conclusions

Furcation tunnelled molars can in most cases be kept over a period of 5 years of SPT. A smoking habit, baseline bleeding scores and the presence of MS in the furcation were risk indicators for loss.
The influence of consumer behavior on energy, greenhouse gas, and water footprints of showering
Authors: Shahmohammadi Sadegh , Steinmann Zoran , King Henry , Hendrickx Hilde , Huijbregts Mark A.J.
Published: April 2019

Understanding variability in consumer behavior can provide further insights into how to effectively reduce environmental footprints related to household activities. Here, we developed a stochastic model to quantify the energy, greenhouse gas (GHG), and water consumption footprints of showering in four different countries (Australia, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America). We assessed the influence of two broadly distinct categories of behavior on the footprints of showering: habitual behaviors and one‐off reasoned actions. We also investigated whether changing showering behavior has a substantial impact on the associated energy, GHG, and water footprints. Our results show that the variation in environmental footprints within the countries due to differences in consumer behavior is a factor of 6–17 (95th percentile/5th percentile) depending on the country and the indicator selected. Both consumers’ reasoned actions (especially the choice of a specific heater and shower type) and habitual behaviors (length of showering in particular, are the dominant sources of footprint variability. Significant savings are achievable by making better one‐off decisions such as buying an efficient water heater and by taking shorter showers.
Single Mothers' New Partners: Partnership and Household Formation in Germany
Authors: Bastin Sonja
Published: April 2019

Objective: This article investigates single mothers' repartnering by analyzing two distinct transitions: the formation of a partnership with separate households and the subsequent formation of a household with a partner.

Background: Previous research found impacts of repartnering on the well‐being of single‐mother families. However, detailed investigations of single mothers' repartnering have been rare and have mostly failed to differentiate the process of finding a partner from the process of forming a household with him.

Method: Using pairfam data (
www.pairfam.de; Waves 1–3, 2008–2009, 2009–2010, 2010–2011), the study provides event history analyses of a sample of 786 single mothers. It investigates the durations between (a) becoming a single‐mother family and finding a new partner and (b) finding a new partner and forming a household or, alternatively, dissolving.

Results: Although a large proportion of the women were living alone with their children for several years, many maintained a relationship in separate households. Neither education nor employment status is found to affect the likelihood of repartnering, which suggests that socioeconomically disadvantaged mothers are not able to use repartnering as a strategy for quickly addressing their economic needs. The mother's age, the children's ages, and the partnership context at the time of entry into single motherhood are shown to affect partnership formation and household formation differently.

Conclusion: The results illustrate that when investigating repartnering among single mothers, it is necessary to separate the analysis of partnership formation from the analysis of household formation.
Effects of dietary inclusion levels of palm oil on growth performance, antioxidative status and serum cytokines of broiler chickens
Authors: Long Guang‐Lian , Hao Wen‐Xue , Bao Long‐Fei , Li Jun‐Hui , Zhang Yu , Li Guan‐Hong
Published: April 2019

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary palm oil inclusion levels on growth performance, serum antioxidative status and cytokines in Sanhuang broiler chickens. A total of 208 one‐day‐old female Sanhuang chickens were randomly allocated to four treatment groups with four replicates per group and of 13 birds each for a 42‐day feeding trial. Dietary treatments were basal diet without palm oil (control) and diets containing 2%, 4% or 6% palm oil. During days 22 to 42 and the overall experimental period, chickens fed diets supplemented with 4% and 6% palm oil had a lower average daily feed intake (ADFI) (p = 0.019) and feed to gain ratio (F/G) (p = 0.031). Average daily gain (ADG) tended to be higher (p = 0.089) for palm oil inclusion treatments compared with the control treatment from days 1 to 42. Dietary 2% and 4% palm oil treatments significantly lowed serum malondialdehyde concentration on day 21 when compared to the control and 6% palm oil treatments (p = 0.027). Dietary 6% palm oil treatment significantly reduced the catalase (CAT) activity (p = 0.018) and total antioxidant capacity (T‐AOC) (p = 0.027) in serum in comparison with the control treatment on day 21. No significant differences were observed in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) activities in serum among dietary treatments on day 21. There were no significant differences in T‐AOC, CAT, SOD and GSH‐Px activities among dietary treatments on day 42. Dietary inclusion of 4% and 6% palm oil significantly increased (p = 0.01) serum interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) content, but improved transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) content in serum on both days 21 and 42 (p = 0.032 and 0.022 respectively) as well as IL‐10 content on day 42 (p = 0.022) when compared with the control treatment. Furthermore, dietary inclusion of 6% palm oil significantly reduced tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) content on days 21 and 42 (p = 0.021 and 0.001 respectively) compared with the control treatment. These results suggest that dietary inclusion of 4% and 6% palm oil could improve the growth performance, modulate the balance between pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines, and show limited effect on antioxidative status in Sanhuang broiler chickens.
Desert cyanobacteria prepare in advance for dehydration and rewetting: The role of light and temperature sensing
Authors: Oren Nadav , Raanan Hagai , Kedem Isaac , Turjeman Adi , Bronstein Michal , Kaplan Aaron , Murik Omer
Published: April 2019

Cyanobacteria inhabiting desert biological soil crusts must prepare towards dehydration, or their revival after rewetting is severely impaired. The mechanisms involved are unknown but signalling of forthcoming dehydration by dawn illumination was demonstrated. Accurate and reproducible simulation of desert conditions enabled examination of physiological activities and transcript profiles in a model organism, Leptolyngbya ohadii, in response to specific conditions. Exposure to far red light or lack of ground warming during dawn severely reduced revival after rewetting and altered the network of gene expression. The data implicated phytochromes in light and temperature sensing. Many genes were up‐ or down‐regulated before water content decline, while others were strongly affected by the progression of dehydration and desiccation. Transcription continues during the desiccated phase but only barely during early rewetting, although photosynthetic activity was regained. Application of rifampicin with or without a preceding dehydration phase demonstrated that RNA is stabilized/protected during desiccation, possibly by intrinsically disordered proteins. We conclude that increasing light and temperature at dawn activates a network of genes that prepare the cells towards dehydration. Quick resumption of photosynthesis upon rewetting in contrast to the slow change in the transcript profile suggested that in addition to preparing towards dehydration the cells also prepare for forthcoming rewetting, during dehydration. Unravelling the presently unknown function of many responding genes will help to clarify the networks involved.
High prevalence of chronic kidney disease among patients with diabetic foot: A cross‐sectional study at a tertiary hospital in China
Authors: Zhang Zhenzhen , Cui Tianyuan , Cui Meiyu , Kong Xianglei
Published: April 2019

Objective

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a severe complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). However, the prevalence of CKD among DM patients with diabetic foot (DF) is unknown. Accordingly, we conducted a cross‐sectional study at a tertiary hospital to explore the prevalence of CKD among DF patients.

Methods

A total of 42 132 inpatients with DM were enrolled from May 2015 to October 2018. Four hundred and forty‐seven DF patients were selected, and 116 patients with incomplete data were excluded. CKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min per 1.73 m2 or presence of proteinuria (urine protein ≥1). We compared the CKD prevalence of DF patients with non‐DF patients and general CKD patients hospitalized in China. Multivariable regression analysis was performed to explore the relationship between different variables in DF patients and CKD.

Results

A total of 361 DF patients aged 67.9 ± 12.2 years were analyzed. Of these patients, 63.7% of were males. The prevalence of CKD was 49.0% (n = 177), which was higher than that observed for the general inpatients (4.5%, n = 871 742). However, 59.9% of CKD patients were not diagnosed during their hospitalizations. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, after adjusting for potential confounders, the following variables were correlated with CKD: uric acid (odds ratio (OR) = 1.49, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.22–1.82), homocysteine (OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.00–1.10), and HBA1C (OR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.04–1.47).

Conclusion

This study revealed that the prevalence of CKD among DF patients was high, and special attention should be paid to these patients.
Case of metastatic glioblastoma with primitive neuronal component to the lung
Authors: Tamai Sho , Kinoshita Masashi , Sabit Hemragul , Furuta Takuya , Miyashita Katsuyoshi , Yoshimura Kaori , Homma Taku , Harada Kenichi , Nakada Mitsutoshi
Published: April 2019

Glioblastoma (GBM) with primitive neuronal component (GBM‐PNC) is a rare GBM subtype recently categorized by the World Health Organization in the revised classification system of 2016. Extracranial metastases originating from GBM‐PNC are rare and metastasis to solid organs has never been reported. Herein, we present the first case of metastasis of GBM‐PNC to the lung. A 49‐year‐old man presenting with headache was diagnosed with multiple tumors adhering to the dura matter in the right temporal lobe. Despite surgery and chemoradiotherapy, 2 months after the initial therapy, the patient presented with CSF dissemination and lung metastases. The patient succumbed to the disease 12 months after the first surgery. We discuss the possibility that GBM‐PNC may constitute a subtype of glioma with particularly poor prognosis, tending to dissemination and metastasis. Our results suggest that a complementary regular inspection of the whole body via CT may be recommended for the follow‐up of patients with GBM‐ PNC.
Comparison of changes in rectal area and volume during MR evacuation proctography in healthy and constipated adults
Authors: Puthanmadhom Narayanan Susrutha , Sharma Mayank , Fletcher Joel G. , Karwoski Ronald A. , Holmes David R. , Bharucha Adil E.
Published: April 2019

Background

During proctography, rectal emptying is visually estimated by the reduction in rectal area. The correlation between changes in rectal area, which is a surrogate measure of volume, is unclear. Our aims were to compare the change in rectal area and volume during magnetic resonance (MR) proctography and to compare these parameters with rectal balloon expulsion time (BET).

Methods

In 49 healthy and 46 constipated participants, we measured BET and rectal area and volume with a software program before and after participants expelled rectal gel during proctography.

Key Results

All participants completed both tests; six healthy and 17 constipated patients had a prolonged (>60 seconds) BET. During evacuation, the reduction in rectal area and volume was lower in participants with an abnormal than a normal BET (P < 0.01). The reduction in rectal area and volume were strongly correlated (r = 0.93, P < 0.001) and equivalent for identifying participants with abnormal BET. Among participants with less evacuation, the reduction in rectal area underestimated the reduction in rectal volume. A rectocele larger than 2 cm was observed in eight of 18 (44%) participants in whom the difference between change in volume and area was ˃10% but only 14 of 77 (18%) participants in whom the difference was ≤10% (P = 0.03).

Conclusions

Measured with MR proctography, the rectal area is reasonably accurate for quantifying rectal emptying and equivalent to rectal volume for distinguishing between normal and abnormal BET. When evacuation is reduced, the change in rectal area may underestimate the change in rectal volume.
Differences in Bone Mineral Density and Hip Geometry in Trochanteric and Cervical Hip Fractures in Elderly Chinese Patients
Authors: Li Ming , Lv Hou‐chen , Liu Jian‐heng , Cui Xiang , Sun Guo‐fei , Hu Jian‐wei , Zhang Li‐cheng , Tang Pei‐fu
Published: April 2019

Objective

To assess the differences in bone mineral density (BMD) and hip geometry in trochanteric and cervical hip fractures in elderly Chinese patients.

Methods

A consecutive series of 196 hip fracture patients aged over 50 years was recruited from November 2013 to October 2015, including 109 cases of cervical fractures (36 males and 73 females) and 87 cases of trochanteric fractures (34 males and 53 females). All patients were evaluated through dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry, and baseline characteristics, BMD and structural parameters were collected and reviewed.

Results

There were statistically significant differences in age, height, and body mass index between patients with each type of fracture, and patients with trochanteric fractures were older than those with cervical fractures, especially in women. The BMD in trochanteric fractures was markedly lower than in cervical fractures in all five sites of the hip by an approximate reduction of 10%, in both men and women. The cross‐sectional area, cross‐sectional moment of inertia, and the cortical thickness in the cervical fracture group were significantly higher than in the trochanteric fracture group. However, the buckling ratio of both the femoral neck and trochanteric region were significantly lower in the cervical fracture group. Age (/10 years), cross‐sectional moment of inertia in femoral neck and buckling ratio in trochanteric region were significant risk factors for trochanteric fractures compared with cervical fractures.

Conclusions

Compared with cervical hip fractures, patients with trochanteric fractures were older, had a lower BMD, and had less bone mechanical strength, especially in female patients. Age, femoral neck cross‐sectional moment of inertia (FNCSMI), and trochanteric region buckling ratio (ITBR) were stronger risk factors for trochanteric hip fractures than for cervical fractures.
Variation of cultured skin microbiota in mothers and their infants during the first year postpartum
Authors: Gaitanis Georgios , Tsiouri Georgia , Spyridonos Panagiota , Stefos Τheodoros , Stamatas Georgios N. , Velegraki Aristea , Bassukas Ioannis D.
Published: April 2019

Background/Objectives

The establishment of newborn skin flora depends on the ongoing skin maturation and the existence of potential microbial colonizers within the environment of the infant during a period of intense mother‐infant physical interaction. This longitudinal study assessed culturable skin bacteria in the mother‐infant dyad during the first year of life.

Methods

A total of 17 mother‐infant dyads were swabbed within 24 hours postpartum and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Skin swabbing was performed on two anatomical areas per individual (mothers: chest‐abdomen; infants: forehead‐buttocks) and were incubated in five different solid culture media to optimize yield. Isolated bacterial species were identified to genus or species level using the API system (BioMeriéux, Marcy l'Etoile, France).

Results

A total of 444 microbial strains were isolated belonging to 22 genera: 6 “frequent” (isolated from > 5% samples: S aureus, Proteus, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, Enterobacter, and Enterococcus) and 16 “infrequent.” Isolated genera per individual peaked at 6 months postpartum for mothers and infants (P < 0.05). Enterobacter, Enterococcus, Klebsiella, and Pseudomonas isolation rates varied significantly as a function of sampling time contrary to the rather constant isolation rates of Proteus and S aureus. The rates of concordant isolation of the same microbial species within the mother‐infant dyad tended to drop from birth to the end of the first year postpartum.

Conclusions

Distinct variations in the isolation rates of skin commensals from specific anatomical sites of the mother‐infant dyad indicate bidirectional microbial transmission. Increasing skin flora individuality of the growing infant was recorded, manifested by declining rates of concordant isolation of the same microbial species from mother and her infant.
Association of RBP‐4 gene polymorphisms with follicular cysts in large white sows
Authors: Wang Fengge , Chen Lu , Chen Shuxiong , Deng Liang , Tian Meng , Zheng Biaobiao , Li Chunjin , Zhou Xu
Published: April 2019

Follicular cysts, which is a common infertility disease, can cause financial losses in pig breeding programmes. The pathogenesis and mechanisms of the formation of follicular cysts are not understood clearly. In our previous study, the concentration of retinol‐binding protein 4 (RBP‐4) in the follicular fluid (FF) of the ovary with follicular cysts was found to be significantly higher than that of normal ovary, thereby suggesting that RBP‐4 may be a candidate biomarker for porcine follicular cysts. To study the association of RBP‐4 and follicular cysts further, we detected the polymorphisms of the RBP‐4 gene and the presence of follicular cysts by PCR‐Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) assay. In this study, we screened the mutations of RBP‐4 gene in 79 sows with follicular cysts and 100 normal sows without cysts. Results showed that +249‐63G>C polymorphisms were significantly associated with follicular cysts, and sows with CC genotype in RBP‐4 gene had a high risk of developing follicular cysts. Hence, our findings further proved that RBP‐4 may be a novel biomarker for follicular cysts, which may be valuable for the diagnosis of follicular cysts and molecular breeding of pigs.
Territorios comunes:los lazos intrincados de la literatura y el cine contemporáneo argentino
Authors: Zangrandi Marcos
Published: April 2019

Este texto estudia las relaciones múltiples entre el cine y la literatura argentinos contemporáneos desde un enfoque sociocultural y desde las estéticas que se desprenden, en un sentido amplio, entre ambos espacios. El artículo advierte que las acciones en el campo tienden a constituir un territorio común, en el que, progresivamente, se desarma la idea del pasaje, de la presencia del escritor en la instancia de escritura y la dirección obligada literatura/ cine. En el plano estético, el lazo entre ambos es más complejo y paradójico, en tanto se afirma que la literatura y el cine trabajan complementándose, cruzándose e incorporando procedimientos impropios.
A Robust Computational Algorithm of Homotopy Asymptotic Method for Solving Systems of Fractional Differential Equations
Authors: Odibat Zaid , Kumar Sunil
Published: April 2019

In this paper, we present new ideas for the implementation of homotopy asymptotic method (HAM) to solve systems of nonlinear fractional differential equations (FDEs). An effective computational algorithm, which is based on Taylor series approximations of the nonlinear equations, is introduced to accelerate the convergence of series solutions. The proposed algorithm suggests a new optimal construction of the homotopy that reduces the computational complexity and improves the performance of the method. Some numerical examples are tested to validate and illustrate the efficiency of the proposed algorithm. The obtained results demonstrate the improvement of the accuracy by the new algorithm.
A Rigid Multibody Model to Study the Translational Motion of Guidewires Based on Their Mechanical Properties
Authors: Sharei Hoda , Kieft Jeroen , Takashima Kazuto , Hayashida Norihiro , van den Dobbelsteen John J. , Dankelman Jenny
Published: April 2019

During percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI), a guidewire is used as an initial way of accessing a specific vasculature. There are varieties of guidewires on the market and choosing an appropriate one for each case is critical for a safe and successful intervention. The main objective of this study is to predict the behavior of the guidewire and its performance in a vasculature prior to the procedure. Therefore, we evaluate the effectiveness of different mechanical properties of the guidewire on its behavior. A two-dimensional (2D) model has been developed in which a guidewire is considered as a set of small rigid segments connected to each other by revolute joints. These joints have two degrees-of-freedom to allow rotation. Linear torsional springs and dampers are applied in each joint to account for the elastic properties of the guidewire; the elastic properties have been measured for two commercially available guidewires (Hi-Torque Balance Middleweight Universal II—Abbot and Amplatz Super Stiff—Boston Scientific) and these are used in the model. Only translational motion has been applied to the guidewires and the effect of bending stiffness of the guidewire and also friction between guidewire and vasculature on its behavior are investigated. The results are validated with actual movement of the guidewires in a simple phantom model. Behavior of a guidewire in a vasculature was predicted using the developed model. The results of both simulation and experiment show that the behavior of a guidewire is influenced by its mechanical properties and by the friction between the guidewire and vasculature. This study is the first step to develop a complete model, which can predict the behavior of a guidewire inside the vasculature. We compared the tip trajectory for two commercial guidewires in one vasculature geometry. In future, this kind of knowledge might support not only the interventionist in choosing the best suitable guidewire for a procedure but also the designer to optimize new instrument to have the desired behavior.
Gridiron University: Should Football Be Reinstated?
Authors: Lawrence Heather J. , Fodor Andy J. , Ullrich Chris L. , Kopka Nick R. , Titlebaum Peter J.
Published: April 2019

While exciting and energizing, adding sport programs is a major undertaking for any college athletic department. A broad overview of considerations associated with National Collegiate Athletic Association sport offerings is outlined in this case using reinstatement of football as the context. The case is intended to introduce students to the costs, benefits, risks, and complexity of institutional decisions in one area of collegiate athletics. Students are assigned a role and challenged to complete an operating budget, determine the financial viability of football, consider a variety of nonfinancial factors, and make a decision about whether Gridiron University should reinstate football. Although football is the sport in this scenario, the principles identified in the case apply to other sports and vary by degree not type.
WindSTORM: Robust online image processing for high-throughput nanoscopy
Authors: Ma Hongqiang , Xu Jianquan , Liu Yang
Published: April 2019

A non-iterative method enables real-time and artifact-minimized high-density super-resolution localization microscopy.