bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk stratification of acute pulmonary embolism based on the clot volume and right ventricular dysfunction on CT pulmonary angiography
Authors: Shen Cong , Yu Nan , Wen Leitao , Zhou Sheng , Dong Fuwen , Liu Min , Guo Youmin
Published: July 2019

Objective

To test the feasibility of the clot volume and right ventricular dysfunction for risk stratification of acute pulmonary embolism (APE) patients.

Methods

CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) images of 158 APE patients were collected. After excluding 38 (24.1%) patients due to unsatisfactory quality, 120 APE patients (61 males and 59 females) were divided into high‐risk (n = 37) and non‐high‐risk (n = 83) groups. Clot burden was measured by an automated programme (clot volume) and by two semi‐quantitative systems (Qanadli and Mastora scores). The ratios of the right ventricular diameter to left ventricular diameter (RVd/LVd) and area (RVa/LVa) were obtained. The correlations amongst the above parameters were analysed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were calculated to determine the efficacy of high‐risk APE. Multivariate analyses were used to identify the independent predictors.

Results

Strong positive correlations were found between the clot volume and both Qanadli score (r2 = 0.696, P < 0.001) and Mastora score (r2 = 0.728, P < 0.001), and moderate correlations were found between the clot volume and both RVd/LVd (r2 = 0.392, P < 0.001) and RVa/LVa (r2 = 0.389, P < 0.001). The clot volume contributed the highest efficacy (AUC = 0.992) for the identification of high‐risk cases, followed by Mastora score (0.968), Qanadli score (0.952), RVa/LVa (0.900) and RVd/LVd (0.892). The clot volume and RVd/LVd were two independent factors of high‐risk APE.

Conclusions

The clot volume is correlated with semi‐quantitative clot burden scores and CT measured cardiac parameters. The clot volume and RVd/LVd were two independent factors of high‐risk APE patients.
Relation of koniocellular layers of dorsal lateral geniculate to inferior pulvinar nuclei in common marmosets
Authors: Huo Bing‐Xing , Zeater Natalie , Lin Meng Kuan , Takahashi Yeonsook S. , Hanada Mitsutoshi , Nagashima Jaimi , Lee Brian C. , Hata Junichi , Zaheer Afsah , Grünert Ulrike , Miller Michael I. , Rosa Marcello G. P. , Okano Hideyuki , Martin Paul R. , Mitra Partha P.
Published: July 2019

Traditionally, the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) and the inferior pulvinar (IPul) nucleus are considered as anatomically and functionally distinct thalamic nuclei. However, in several primate species it has also been established that the koniocellular (K) layers of LGN and parts of the IPul have a shared pattern of immunoreactivity for the calcium‐binding protein calbindin. These calbindin‐rich cells constitute a thalamic matrix system which is implicated in thalamocortical synchronisation. Further, the K layers and IPul are both involved in visual processing and have similar connections with retina and superior colliculus. Here, we confirmed the continuity between calbindin‐rich cells in LGN K layers and the central lateral division of IPul (IPulCL) in marmoset monkeys. By employing a high‐throughput neuronal tracing method, we found that both the K layers and IPulCL form comparable patterns of connections with striate and extrastriate cortices; these connections are largely different to those of the parvocellular and magnocellular laminae of LGN. Retrograde tracer‐labelled cells and anterograde tracer‐labelled axon terminals merged seamlessly from IPulCL into LGN K layers. These results support continuity between LGN K layers and IPulCL, providing an anatomical basis for functional congruity of this region of the dorsal thalamic matrix and calling into question the traditional segregation between LGN and the inferior pulvinar nucleus.
A Topical and Methodological Systematic Review of Meta‐Analyses Published in the Educational Measurement Literature
Authors: Rios Joseph A. , Ihlenfeldt Samuel D. , Dosedel Michael , Riegelman Amy
Published: July 2019

This systematic review investigated the topics studied and reporting practices of published meta‐analyses in educational measurement. Our findings indicated that meta‐analysis is not a highly utilized methodological tool in educational measurement; on average, less than one meta‐analysis has been published per year over the past 30 years (28 meta‐analyses were published between 1986 and 2016). Within the field, researchers have utilized meta‐analysis to study three primary subject areas: test format effects, test accommodations, and predictive validity of operational testing programs. In regard to reporting practices, authors often failed to provide descriptive details of both their search strategy and sample characteristics limiting reproducibility and generalizability of findings, respectively. Furthermore, diagnostic analyses of outliers, publication bias, and statistical power were not provided for the majority of studies, putting into question the validity of inferences made from the meta‐analyses sampled. The lack of transparent and replicable practices of meta‐analyses in educational measurement is a concern for generating credible research syntheses that can assist the field in improving evidence‐based practices. Recommendations are provided for improving training and editorial standards of meta‐analytic research.
Orthostatic hypotension as a risk factor for longitudinal deterioration of cognitive function in the elderly
Authors: Zimmermann M. , Wurster I. , Lerche S. , Roeben B. , Machetanz G. , Sünkel U. , von Thaler A.‐K. , Eschweiler G. , Fallgatter A. J. , Maetzler W. , Berg D. , Brockmann K.
Published: July 2019

Background and purpose

Orthostatic hypotension is frequent with aging with a prevalence of 20%–30% in people aged 65 or older and is considered to increase the risk for coronary events, strokes and dementia. Our objective was to characterize the association of orthostatic hypotension and cognitive function longitudinally over 6 years in a large cohort of the elderly aged over 50 years.

Methods

In all, 495 participants were assessed longitudinally with the Schellong test and comprehensive cognitive testing using the extended CERAD neuropsychological test battery at baseline and after 6 years. In a subgroup of 92 participants, cerebral magnetic resonance imaging was evaluated for white matter changes using a modified version of the Fazekas score.

Results

The prevalence of orthostatic hypotension increases with aging reaching up to 30% in participants aged >70 years. Participants with orthostatic hypotension presented with a higher vascular burden index (1.03 vs. 0.69, P ≤ 0.001), tended to have a higher prevalence of cerebral white matter hyperintensities (91.7% vs. 68.8%, P = 0.091) and showed a faster deterioration in executive and memory function (Trail Making Test B 95 vs. 87 s, P ≤ 0.001; word list learning sum −0.53 vs. 0.38, P = 0.002) compared to participants without orthostatic hypotension.

Conclusion

Orthostatic hypotension seems to be associated with cognitive decline longitudinally.
Cryptic phenology in plants: Case studies, implications, and recommendations
Authors: Albert Loren P. , Restrepo‐Coupe Natalia , Smith Marielle N. , Wu Jin , Chavana‐Bryant Cecilia , Prohaska Neill , Taylor Tyeen C. , Martins Giordane A. , Ciais Philippe , Mao Jiafu , Arain M. Altaf , Li Wei , Shi Xiaoying , Ricciuto Daniel M. , Huxman Travis E. , McMahon Sean M. , Saleska Scott R.
Published: July 2019

Plant phenology—the timing of cyclic or recurrent biological events in plants—offers insight into the ecology, evolution, and seasonality of plant‐mediated ecosystem processes. Traditionally studied phenologies are readily apparent, such as flowering events, germination timing, and season‐initiating budbreak. However, a broad range of phenologies that are fundamental to the ecology and evolution of plants, and to global biogeochemical cycles and climate change predictions, have been neglected because they are “cryptic”—that is, hidden from view (e.g., root production) or difficult to distinguish and interpret based on common measurements at typical scales of examination (e.g., leaf turnover in evergreen forests). We illustrate how capturing cryptic phenology can advance scientific understanding with two case studies: wood phenology in a deciduous forest of the northeastern USA and leaf phenology in tropical evergreen forests of Amazonia. Drawing on these case studies and other literature, we argue that conceptualizing and characterizing cryptic plant phenology is needed for understanding and accurate prediction at many scales from organisms to ecosystems. We recommend avenues of empirical and modeling research to accelerate discovery of cryptic phenological patterns, to understand their causes and consequences, and to represent these processes in terrestrial biosphere models.
Increased microbial growth, biomass, and turnover drive soil organic carbon accumulation at higher plant diversity
Authors: Prommer Judith , Walker Tom W. N. , Wanek Wolfgang , Braun Judith , Zezula David , Hu Yuntao , Hofhansl Florian , Richter Andreas
Published: July 2019

Species‐rich plant communities have been shown to be more productive and to exhibit increased long‐term soil organic carbon (SOC) storage. Soil microorganisms are central to the conversion of plant organic matter into SOC, yet the relationship between plant diversity, soil microbial growth, turnover as well as carbon use efficiency (CUE) and SOC accumulation is unknown. As heterotrophic soil microbes are primarily carbon limited, it is important to understand how they respond to increased plant‐derived carbon inputs at higher plant species richness (PSR). We used the long‐term grassland biodiversity experiment in Jena, Germany, to examine how microbial physiology responds to changes in plant diversity and how this affects SOC content. The Jena Experiment considers different numbers of species (1–60), functional groups (1–4) as well as functional identity (small herbs, tall herbs, grasses, and legumes). We found that PSR accelerated microbial growth and turnover and increased microbial biomass and necromass. PSR also accelerated microbial respiration, but this effect was less strong than for microbial growth. In contrast, PSR did not affect microbial CUE or biomass‐specific respiration. Structural equation models revealed that PSR had direct positive effects on root biomass, and thereby on microbial growth and microbial biomass carbon. Finally, PSR increased SOC content via its positive influence on microbial biomass carbon. We suggest that PSR favors faster rates of microbial growth and turnover, likely due to greater plant productivity, resulting in higher amounts of microbial biomass and necromass that translate into the observed increase in SOC. We thus identify the microbial mechanism linking species‐rich plant communities to a carbon cycle process of importance to Earth's climate system.
Copigmentation potential of overripe seeds from sun‐dried white grapes on anthocyanins colour and stability by differential colorimetry
Authors: Rivero Francisco J. , González‐Miret Maria Lourdes , Jara‐Palacios María José , García‐Estévez Ignacio , Escribano‐Bailón María Teresa , Heredia Francisco J. , Gordillo Belén
Published: July 2019

Overripe seeds are wine by‐products from grapes submitted to postharvest sun drying, which induce phenolic biosynthesis and polymerisation. Overripe seeds from Pedro Ximénez (PX) and Moscatel (MO) sun‐dried grapes were compared as copigments sources to modulate grape anthocyanin (GA) colour and stability in simulated wine conditions. RRLC/MS analysis proved that overripe seeds contain specific phenolic mixtures capable of inducing positive quantitative and qualitative colour changes in GAs, evidenced by differential colorimetry. Copigmentation effects significantly varied depending on the overripe seed variety, related to their qualitative phenolic composition and content. MO extracts richer in gallic acid, catechin and procyanidin B1 led to the stronger colour intensification and perceptible qualitative changes. PX extracts richer in epicatechin, procyanidins B2, B2‐GAL and B7 behaved as weak copigments. Overripe seed copigments preserved better GAs colour stability during storage leading to the formation of new anthocyanin‐derived pigments, being the stabilising effect stronger with those of MO variety.
Combustion synthesis of MgSiN2 powders and Si3N4‐MgSiN2 composite powders: Effects of processing parameters
Authors: Xu Jingkun , Hu Zunlan , Han Yao , An Di , Xie Zhipeng
Published: July 2019

In the present work, high‐quality MgSiN2 powders were prepared by a combustion synthesis method, based on Mg‐Si3N4‐N2 system. The effects of additive content (NH4Cl or NH4F) and N2 pressure on phase composition and crystal morphology of products were investigated. The results suggested that both NH4Cl and NH4F additives alleviated agglomeration and decreased the grain size of MgSiN2. In addition, NH4Cl did not result in the formation of an extra impurity, while MgF2 residue was found when NH4F was introduced. Therefore, NH4Cl additive was considered as a better choice for the preparation of MgSiN2 powders in comparison with NH4F additive. According to the observation of some MgSiN2 whiskers and notably increased Si content under low N2 pressure, the pressure of N2 over 0.5 MPa was essential to have a complete reaction in the present work. Finally, MgSiN2‐Si3N4 composite powders with quasi‐spherical morphology were prepared by adding excessive Si3N4 and NH4Cl additive in reactant. The formation and growth mechanism of MgSiN2 grains was reasonably speculated based on the experimental results. Because of the remarkable merits, the as‐prepared Si3N4‐MgSiN2 composite powders showed great potential for alternative sintering aid in the sintering of Si3N4‐based ceramics.
High Public Debt in the Euro Area: A Tale of Belgium and Italy
Authors: Sapir André
Published: July 2019

When they joined the euro in 1999 Belgium and Italy were almost identical in two respects: both had public debts equal to 110 per cent of GDP and the same GDP per capita. Today the situation in the two countries is very different. This article looks at the evolution of public debt in Belgium and Italy since 1990 and uses the debt dynamics equation to explain the contrasting evolution in the two countries in the run‐up to the introduction of the euro, during the early years of the euro and since the beginning of the crisis. It argues that Italy's current predicament was not caused by the euro, as some have suggested. Instead, as the experience of Belgium suggests, the euro could have been used also by Italy to make a sufficiently large fiscal adjustment prior to the crisis to avoid the harsh adjustment that the crisis eventually imposed on the country.
Normative Power Europe? The EU's Embrace of the Responsibility to Protect in a Transitional International Order
Authors: Newman Edward , Stefan Cristina G.
Published: July 2019

This article assesses the EU's engagement with the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) norm and considers the scope for its integration into the EU's activities and global strategy. We examine how the EU's engagement with R2P tests its normative leadership in the context of internal and external political challenges to its authority. We expand on previous studies of the EU's failure to live by example over R2P by adding a missing analytical dimension – trends at the global level – and by suggesting an alternative explanation for the apparent ambivalence towards R2P in some parts of the EU. The EU has engaged with R2P – albeit labelling it differently at times – more than many observers recognize and despite bureaucratic resistance and diverging national approaches. Rather, the fundamental constraint on the EU's role in promoting R2P relates to a transitional international order in which the EU's normative traction is in decline and European foreign policy elites are increasingly pragmatic and cautious.
Naked in the eyes of the public: A phenomenological study of the lived experience of suffering from burnout while waiting for recognition to be ill
Authors: Engebretsen Karin Mohn , Bjorbækmo Wenche Schrøder
Published: July 2019

Although there has been a focus on problematic issues related to health care services and complaints made by patients, individuals who suffer from medically unexplained syndromes continue to report being epistemically marginalized or excluded by health professionals. The aim of this article is to uncover a deeper understanding of the what‐ness of experiencing being naked in the eyes of the public while waiting to be recognized as ill. Therefore, a phenomenological approach was chosen to inductively and holistically understand the human experience in this context‐specific setting. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with two men and six women between 25 and 65 years of age, who had been on sick leave for more than 52 weeks. Their symptoms were consistent with Exhaustion Disorder (ICD‐10, F43.8A). The meaning of the interviewees' lived experience was explored using a life‐world approach to phenomenological reflection and writing. The participants described their experience of encountering the general practitioner as taking part in a battle. Feeling distrusted by others seemed to result in disconnection from their habitual lifeworld, which in turn triggered a shame reaction. Additionally, the study showed a possible distrust related to several communication levels within the health care system, which influenced the recovery process negatively. Lack of experienced support can lead to exacerbated feelings of distress. Accordingly, the psychosocial experience of being ill might be as important as its unknown aetiology. Therefore, in the context of these interpersonal relations, both norms, values, and attitudes, and issues of power need to be considered and addressed properly.
Neuromuscular characteristics in trained vs. sedentary male adults with intellectual disability
Authors: Zghal F. , Borji R. , Colson S. S. , Sahli S. , Rebai H.
Published: July 2019

Background

This study aimed to explore muscle strength production and its underlying neuromuscular characteristics in sedentary and trained individuals with intellectual disability (ID) compared with healthy sedentary individuals.

Methods

Three adult groups (age: 25.07 ± 0.70) consisting of sedentary individuals with ID (IDSG), trained individuals with ID (IDTG) and a control group (CONT) participated in the present study. Peak torque (PT) during maximal voluntary isometric contraction, voluntary activation level (VAL), surface electromyography (sEMG) recordings, electrophysiological (Mmax) and potentiated twitch torque (PTT responses) of the knee extensor muscles and thigh muscle volume were assessed.

Results

Compared with CONT and IDTG, respectively, IDSG presented significantly lower PT (−48% and −42%), VAL (−24% and −9%), sEMG (−49% and −29%), Mmax (−41% and −39%) and PTT (−32% and −28%) values. These deficits were reduced between IDTG compared with CONT (i.e. PT: −10%; VAL: −16%; and sEMG: −28%) or did not differ anymore (PTT and Mmax). Normalising PT to thigh muscle volume and/or computing theoretical PT value overwhelm strength production differences between IDTG and CONT. Training background influences the outcomes with IDTG exhibiting greater PT, VAL, sEMG, Mmax and PTT than IDSG.

Conclusions

Strength production deficit in IDSG was related to both muscular and neural characteristics compared with healthy controls whereas this deficit mainly arises from neural characteristics for IDTG.
Exploration of difficulty accessing the mouths of intubated and mechanically ventilated adults for oral care: A video and photographic elicitation study
Authors: Dale Craig M. , Angus Jan E. , Sutherland Susan , Dev Shelly , Rose Louise
Published: July 2019

Aim

To explore descriptors of difficulty accessing the mouths of intubated and mechanically ventilated adults for oral care, consequences, modifiable antecedents and recommendations for improving care delivery.

Background

Nurses report oral access and care delivery difficulty in most mechanically ventilated patients.

Design

A prospective qualitative descriptive design.

Methods

Data were collected using video and photographic elicitation interviews focused on delivery of oral care. Directed content analysis was used to explore descriptive categories. Reporting used the SRQR guidelines.

Setting and participants

A university‐affiliated hospital in Toronto, Canada. Participants included clinicians experienced in accessing the oral space of adults representing nursing, medicine, dentistry and allied health professionals.

Findings

We recruited 18 participants; 9 representing critical care and 9 other specialties frequently accessing the mouth, that is dentistry. Descriptors for observed difficulty accessing the oral cavity were “oral crowding with tubes” and “aversive patient responses”, which were considered to result in insufficient oral care. Participants perceived aversive patient responses (e.g. biting, turning head side to side, gagging, coughing) as a consequence of forced introduction of instruments inside a crowded mouth. A key finding identified by participants was the observation of substantial procedural pain during oral care interventions. Potentially modifiable antecedents to difficult oral care delivery identified were procedural pain, oral health deterioration (e.g. xerostomia) and lack of interprofessional team problem‐solving. Recommendations to address these antecedents included patient preparation for oral care through verbal and nonverbal cueing, pharmacological and nonpharmacological strategies, and ICU interprofessional education.

Conclusions

Oral care in mechanically ventilated adults is complex and painful. Visual research methods offer important advantages for oral care exploration including its ability to reveal less visible aspects of the nurse–patient encounter, thereby enabling novel insights and care.

Relevance for clinical practice

Interprofessional education and training in oral health and care interventions tailored to mechanically ventilated patients are recommended.
Literacies across sponsorscapes: mobilising notions of literacy sponsorship
Authors: Smith Anna , West Autumn J. , McCarthey Sarah J.
Published: July 2019

Building from the concept ‘sponsors of literacy', the authors revisit three empirical studies to argue for mobilising notions of sponsorship beyond fixed conceptions of individual sponsors and literacy to lifewide perspectives that take into account sponsoring relations across the broader learning lives of youth. The authors take up the theoretical heuristic ‘sponsorscapes' as a lens for attending to the dynamically networked, reciprocal and human‐material dimensions of literacy practices. With cases drawn from across settings and research foci, including middle school students in a classroom setting, high school‐aged youth across contexts and a participant‐researcher's interactions with a college student, the authors argue that attending to sponsorscapes can contribute critical insight into the emergent, diverse and valued literacies and sponsorship thriving across lifewide learning pathways, while recognising learners' agentive roles in investing, resisting and sponsoring literacies.
What Characterizes Adolescents Struggling With Educational Decision‐Making?
Authors: van der Aar L. P. E , Crone E. A , Peters S.
Published: July 2019

Educational decision‐making is a complex process where individual factors such as how adolescents think about and evaluate themselves could play an important role. In this study, (N = 84), we combined behavioral and neural correlates of self‐concept and self‐esteem to examine what characterizes adolescents who struggle with educational decision‐making. We included 38 adolescents (16–24 years, M = 18.7 years) from “the Gap‐Year program.” This program focuses on personal development for adolescents who have dropped out of higher education or stay undecided after high school. We compared these adolescents prior to the start of the training with 46 peers (17–21 years, M = 19.4 years) who reported to have successfully chosen a major. The results showed that adolescents struggling with educational decision‐making reported lower levels of self‐esteem and self‐concept clarity. Neurally, higher self‐esteem was associated with more self‐related activity in the medial prefrontal cortex. Together, these results suggest that healthy self‐esteem levels are an important condition for the ability to make a well‐suited educational choice.
Mapping Assessment in Anthropology: Using Team‐Based Qualitative Methodology to Create Learning Objectives and Evaluate Outcomes
Authors: RICKE AUDREY
Published: July 2019

Anthropology departments are increasingly faced with the challenge of developing assessment strategies to document and assess student learning as it relates to university‐ and state‐level learning objectives. This article draws on the work in applied anthropology as it relates to assessment and team‐based qualitative data analysis to develop and test a model for mapping assessment in higher education. It introduces a model for aligning course learning objectives with departmental, university, and state‐level goals and assessing student performance across multiple sections of an introductory anthropology course that contains different assignments, ethnographies, and exams. Based on case study data, this research shows how qualitative methods developed for team‐based research can be applied to sustain instructor creativity in the area of pedagogy while coordinating assessment.
Sortase A‐mediated modification of the Streptococcus mutans transcriptome and virulence traits
Authors: Chen Xuan , Liu Chengcheng , Peng Xian , He Yuanli , Liu Haixia , Song Ying , Xiong Kaixin , Zou Ling
Published: July 2019

Sortase A contributes to adhesion and biofilm formation of Streptococcus mutans by anchoring surface proteins like P1 onto the cell wall, and few other functional characterization has been annotated to this protein and its coding gene srtA. In this study we investigated that whether srtA deletion would affect S. mutans virulence determinants in addition to adhesion and further explored whether these effects were caused due to changes in S. mutans genomic transcription. We used acid‐killing assays, glycolytic rate assessments, and exopolysaccharide (EPS) formation tests to detect whether srtA deletion influenced S. mutans acid tolerance/production and glucan formation. Comparisons between RNA‐sequencing data from both the exponential and stationary phases of UA159 and the srtA‐deleted strain were made to determine the impact of srtA knockout on S. mutans genomic transcription. Results of our assays indicated that S. mutans aciduricity was enhanced in the srtA deleted strain when bacterial cells were directly subjected to pH 2.8, but the enhancement was repressed when the acid tolerance response was induced in advance. The srtA mutation strain exhibited reduced EPS formation in mature biofilms. SrtA deletion led to pleiotropic changes in the S. mutans transcriptome with a growth phase‐dependent pattern. The affected genes mainly included those involved in aciduricity, carbohydrate transport, and EPS formation. It was concluded that S. mutans srtA exhibited multiple effects on the virulence traits of this pathogen, including acid tolerance and glucan formation, and that these alterations could be partially due to transcriptional changes upon loss of srtA.
Leading and lagging natural gas markets between Asia and Europe
Authors: Kim Man‐Keun , Kim Dae‐Wook
Published: July 2019

This study investigates the dynamic relationship between Asian and European natural gas markets. The present study determines whether these markets underwent structural changes following i) the emergence of swing suppliers (Russia and Qatar) who export natural gas to both Asian and European markets, ii) substantial increases in Japan's gas import after the 2011 Great East Japan earthquake and iii) fast‐paced increases in China's gas import from Russia; its import increased significantly in 2011 and thereafter. We attempt to identify changes in the dynamic price process between these two markets and also in the long‐run equilibrium, by applying the price discovery framework (Vector Error Correction model). Main findings are i) Asian and European natural gas markets are cointegrated over the sample period (2000–2017) and ii) Asian market was leading the natural gas market, but after 2011, European market became the leader. Asian market is the major adjuster following the market shock which implies that any changes in European market would be transferred to Asian market. Results have implications for industry and policy analyses, and price risk management in the market.
Barriers to ideal outcomes after pediatric liver transplantation
Authors: Ng Vicky Lee , Mazariegos George V. , Kelly Beau , Horslen Simon , McDiarmid Sue V. , Magee John C. , Loomes Kathleen M. , Fischer Ryan T. , Sundaram Shikha S. , Lai Jennifer C. , Te Helen S. , Bucuvalas John C.
Published: July 2019

Long‐term survival for children who undergo LT is now the rule rather than the exception. However, a focus on the outcome of patient or graft survival rates alone provides an incomplete and limited view of life for patients who undergo LT as an infant, child, or teen. The paradigm has now appropriately shifted to opportunities focused on our overarching goals of “surviving and thriving” with long‐term allograft health, freedom of complications from long‐term immunosuppression, self‐reported well‐being, and global functional health. Experts within the liver transplant community highlight clinical gaps and potential barriers at each of the pretransplant, intra‐operative, early‐, medium‐, and long‐term post‐transplant stages toward these broader mandates. Strategies including clinical research, innovation, and quality improvement targeting both traditional as well as PRO are outlined and, if successfully leveraged and conducted, would improve outcomes for recipients of pediatric LT.
An integrative overview of physiological and proteomic changes of cytokinin‐induced potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) tuber development in vitro
Authors: Cheng Lixiang , Wang Dongxia , Wang Yuping , Xue Hongwei , Zhang Feng
Published: July 2019

Potato tuberization is a complicated biological process regulated by multiple phytohormones, in particular cytokinins (CKs). The information available on the molecular mechanisms regulating tuber development by CKs remains largely unclear. Physiological results initially indicated that low 6‐benzylaminopurine (BAP) concentration (3 mg l−1) advanced the tuberization beginning time and promoted tuber formation. A comparative proteomics approach was applied to investigate the proteome change of tuber development by two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis in vitro, subjected to exogenous BAP treatments (0, 3, 6 and 13 mg l−1). Quantitative image analysis showed a total of 83 protein spots with significantly altered abundance (>2.5‐fold, P < 0.05), and 55 differentially abundant proteins were identified by MALDI‐TOF/TOF MS. Among these proteins, 22 proteins exhibited up‐regulation with the increase of exogenous BAP concentration, and 31 proteins were upregulated at 3 mg l−1 BAP whereas being downregulated at higher BAP concentrations. These proteins were involved in metabolism and bioenergy, storage, redox homeostasis, cell defense and rescue, transcription and translation, chaperones, signaling and transport. The favorable effects of low BAP concentrations on tuber development were found in various cellular processes, mainly including the stimulation of starch and storage protein accumulation, the enhancement of the glycolysis pathway and ATP synthesis, the cellular homeostasis maintenance, the activation of pathogen defense, the higher efficiency of transcription and translation, as well as the enhanced metabolite transport. However, higher BAP concentration, especially 13 mg l−1, showed disadvantageous effects. The proposed hypothetical model would explain the interaction of these proteins associated with CK‐induced tuber development in vitro.
Oral health assessment of independent elders in Texas
Authors: Tapias Perdigon Helena , Schneiderman Emet , Opperman Lynne A.
Published: July 2019

Background

The oral health status of older adults in North Texas is largely unknown.

Methods

This cross‐sectional, pilot study used the Basic Screening Survey for older adults involving a self‐administered questionnaire and oral screening examination of 155 adults aged 65 years and older, in four Dallas, TX settings, stratified socioeconomically. Recruitment occurred from July 2012 through March 2014.

Results

Participants were between 65 and 90 years of age. The sample was predominantly female (64%), reflecting Texas population diversity with 49.7% White, 34.2% Hispanic, 14.2% Black, and 1.8% others. Missing teeth number (P < .019), functional contacts, untreated decay, root decay (P < .05), tooth mobility, root fragments and need for emergency treatment (P < .021) differed significantly regarding site and ethnicity. Participants at the least affluent sites (two) evidenced significant unmet dental needs and suboptimal access to care. In contrast, those at the most affluent sites (also oldest participants) had good oral health and access to care.

Conclusions

There are profound oral health disparities in urban North Texas based on socioeconomic status. These findings suggest that poor oral health is not inevitable in the elderly, as long as there is access to care. Larger‐scale studies are required to broadly address oral health disparities among elderly Texans.
A quick and low‐cost technique to identify layers associated with heavy rainfall in sediment archives during the Anthropocene
Authors: Foucher Anthony , Evrard Olivier , Cerdan Olivier , Chabert Clément , Lecompte François , Lefèvre Irène , Vandromme Rosalie , Salvador‐Blanes Sébastien
Published: July 2019

Long‐term records are needed to investigate the impact of extreme events in the current framework of global change. Sedimentary reconstruction with a high resolution remains difficult without conducting expensive, destructive and/or time‐consuming analyses. In this study, high resolution CT‐scan profiles (0·6 mm resolution) were used to investigate their potential for detecting flood deposits induced by heavy rainfall events. This method was applied to a sediment core dated with fallout radionuclides – covering a 120 year period – collected in a pond draining a small forested catchment (French Massif Central – Central France). Between 1960 and 2017, 28 layers were deposited. Seventy‐six percent of these deposits were correlated to the occurrence of heavy rainfall (>50 mm) recorded during one or two consecutive days. The remainder of the deposits detected with the Computer Tomography (CT) scanner (n = 5) were not correlated to weather events. They mainly occurred in response to landscape management operations (for example, afforestation works as a result of the major 1999 storm). This period was indeed characterized by an increase in the delivery of137Cs‐enriched sediment, demonstrating a greater topsoil contribution to sediment during major forest management operations. The intensity of detrital layers has significantly decreased throughout time after a major land use change that took place in 1948 and land abandonment. The frequency of heavy rainfall and associated detrital deposits has nevertheless increased by 60% and 75%, respectively, between the years 1960 and 2017. These results outline the potential of CT‐scan for reconstructing long‐term flood deposits associated with heavy precipitation.
A porcine xenograft‐derived bone scaffold is a biocompatible bone graft substitute: An assessment of cytocompatibility and the alpha‐Gal epitope
Authors: Bracey Daniel N. , Seyler Thorsten M. , Jinnah Alexander H. , Smith Thomas L. , Ornelles David A. , Deora Rajendar , Parks Griffith D. , Van Dyke Mark E. , Whitlock Patrick W.
Published: July 2019

Background

Xenografts are an attractive alternative to traditional bone grafts because of the large supply from donors with predictable morphology and biology as well as minimal risk of human disease transmission. Clinical series involving xenograft bone transplantation, most commonly from bovine sources, have reported poor results with frequent graft rejection and failure to integrate with host tissue. Failures have been attributed to residual alpha‐Gal epitope in the xenograft which humans produce natural antibody against. To the authors' knowledge, there is currently no xenograft‐derived bone graft substitute that has been adopted by orthopedic surgeons for routine clinical use.

Methods

In the current study, a bone scaffold intended to serve as a bone graft substitute was derived from porcine cancellous bone using a tissue decellularization and chemical oxidation protocol. In vitro cytocompatibility, pathogen clearance, and alpha‐Gal quantification tests were used to assess the safety of the bone scaffold intended for human use.

Results

In vitro studies showed the scaffold was free of processing chemicals and biocompatible with mouse and human cell lines. When bacterial and viral pathogens were purposefully added to porcine donor tissue, processing successfully removed these pathogens to comply with sterility assurance levels established by allograft tissue providers. Critically, 98.5% of the alpha‐Gal epitope was removed from donor tissue after decellularization as shown by ELISA inhibition assay and immunohistochemical staining.

Conclusions

The current investigation supports the biologic safety of bone scaffolds derived from porcine donors using a decellularization protocol that meets current sterility assurance standards. The majority of the highly immunogenic xenograft carbohydrate was removed from donor tissue, and these findings support further in vivo investigation of xenograft‐derived bone tissue for orthopedic clinical application.
Multi‐parameter estimates via operator‐valued shifts
Authors: Hytönen Tuomas , Martikainen Henri , Vuorinen Emil
Published: July 2019

We prove the mixed‐norm ‐boundedness of a general class of singular integral operators having a multi‐parameter singularity and acting on vector‐valued (UMD Banach lattice‐valued) functions. Moreover, families of such operators with uniform assumptions are shown to be not only uniformly bounded but ‐bounded, a genuinely stronger property that is often needed in applications. Previous results of this nature only dealt with convolution‐type or slightly more general paraproduct‐free singular integrals. In contrast, our analysis specifically targets the array of different partial paraproducts that arise in the multi‐parameter setting by interpreting them as paraproduct‐valued one‐parameter operators. This new point‐of‐view provides a conceptual simplification over the existing representation results for multi‐parameter operators, which is a key to the proof of the boundedness of these operators.
Conformable Fractional Order Lotka–Volterra Predator–Prey Model: Discretization, Stability and Bifurcation
Authors: Gürcan Fuat , Kaya Güven , Kartal Senol
Published: July 2019

The purpose of this study is to discuss dynamic behaviors of conformable fractional-order Lotka–Volterra predator–prey system. First of all, the piecewise constant approximation is used to obtain the discretize version of the model then, we investigate stability, existence, and direction of Neimark–Sacker bifurcation of the positive equilibrium point of the discrete system. It is observed that the discrete system shows much richer dynamic behaviors than its fractional-order form such as Neimark–Sacker bifurcation and chaos. Finally, numerical simulations are used to demonstrate the accuracy of analytical results.
Dynamic Analysis of the Deployment for Mesh Reflector Antennas Driven With Variable Length Cables
Authors: Du Xuelin , Du Jingli , Bao Hong , Chen Xiaofeng , Sun Guohui , Wu Xiaobin
Published: July 2019

This paper addresses the deployment dynamic analysis of antennas mainly composing of deployable truss and cable net. The antennas are deployed by retracting driving cables, which pass through pulleys fixed on the deployable truss successively. An analytical model is first proposed for the driving cable system where the nodal position and the transmission lengths of the cable segment between two adjacent pulleys are selected as the generalized coordinates. This model could simulate the dynamics of the driving cables with time-varying length. Then, the flexible multibody dynamic model of the deployable antenna including the flexible deployable truss and cable net is established. The absolute nodal coordinate formulation is employed to model the flexible deformation of the truss and the tension of the cable net. The method is demonstrated by analyzing the deployment of a cylindrical mesh antenna. The deployment experiment of the antenna shows that the proposed method can correctly predict the driving force and length variation of the driving cables, the bending deformation of the flexible truss, and the deployment process.
Irreversibility and Thermo-Diffusion Effects on Unsteady Chemically Reactive Slip Flow Between Two Rotating Disks
Authors: Ijaz Khan M. , Qayyum Sumaira , Hayat T. , Waqas M. , Alsaedi A.
Published: July 2019

This paper aims to investigate the entropy generation in slip flow due to double rotating disks. Heat equation is formulated by considering effects of viscous dissipation, Joule heating and nonlinear thermal radiation. Brownian motion and thermophoresis effects of nanofluid are also discussed. Applied magnetic field is considered to be time dependent. Homogeneous–heterogeneous reactions are also studied. Von Karman transformations are used. Homotopy analysis method is implemented on system of equations for convergent series solutions. Influence of various flow parameters on entropy, Bejan number, velocity, temperature, Nusselt number, and skin friction is discussed through graphs and tables. Axial velocity decays for higher nonlinear mixed convection variable of temperature and velocity slip parameter. Temperature rises for larger thermal slip parameter and thermophoresis parameter. Entropy and Bejan number are increasing for higher estimation of homogeneous reaction parameter and diffusion parameters.
Non-Invasive Optical Blood Glucose Measurement based on Discrete Fourier Transform and Fast Artificial Neural Network: Fasting Normal Glucose Participants Case Study
Authors: Jenie Renan Prasta , Damayanthi Evy , Irzaman Irzaman , Rimbawan Rimbawan , Sukandar Dadang , Nurdin Naufal Muharam , Alatas Husin
Published: July 2019

A prototype non-invasive blood glucose level measurement optical device (NI-BGL-MOD) has been developed. The NI-BGL-MOD uses a discrete Fourier transform (DFT) method and a fast artificial neural network algorithm to optimize device performance. The appropriate light-emitting diode for the sensory module was selected based on near-infrared spectrophotometry of a blood glucose model and human blood. DFT is implemented in an analog-to-digital converter module. An in vitro trial using the blood glucose model along with a clinical trial involving 110 participants were conducted to evaluate the performance of the prototype. The root-mean-square error of the prototype was 10.8 mg/dl in the in vitro trial and 3.64 mg/dl in the clinical trial, which is lower than the ISO-15197:2016 mandated value of 10 mg/dl. In each trial, consensus error grid analysis indicated that the measurement error was within the safe range. The sensitivity and specificity of the prototype were 0.83 (0.36, 1.00) and 0.90 (0.55, 1.00) in the in vitro trial and 0.81 (0.75, 0.85) and 0.83 (0.78, 0.87) in the clinical trial, respectively. In general, the proposed NI-BGL-MOD demonstrated good performance than gold-standard measurement. Key words: Non-invasive blood glucose measurement, optical device, discrete Fourier transform, multi-formulatric regression, fast artificial neural network
GIS for City Gas Distribution Network
Authors: Singh Ravindra Kumar
Published: July 2019

“A Web Based City-GIS system to manage City Gas distribution Network”

CityGas is a web based GIS system capable of handling city gas network by maintaining up-to-date information in centralized enterprise database, providing support for analysis, engineering, O&M, planning activities and acting as a valuable decision support system for planning & emergency response. CityGas is an effective marketing tool for gas distribution companies.
Mite fight
Authors: Stokstad Erik
Published: July 2019

Honey bee breeders are stepping up efforts to create colonies that can resist the deadly
Varroa
parasite.
T cell–mediated regulation of the microbiota protects against obesity
Authors: Petersen Charisse , Bell Rickesha , Klag Kendra A. , Lee Soh-Hyun , Soto Raymond , Ghazaryan Arevik , Buhrke Kaitlin , Ekiz H. Atakan , Ost Kyla S. , Boudina Sihem , O’Connell Ryan M. , Cox James E. , Villanueva Claudio J. , Stephens W. Zac , Round June L.
Published: July 2019

T cells help keep you lean

The gut microbiota is a critical factor regulating mammalian metabolism. The host immune system, in turn, can shape the microbiome, in part via immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies. Petersen
et al.
report that mice defective in T follicular helper cell development and gut IgA production show hallmarks of metabolic syndrome with age (see the Perspective by Wang and Hooper). These mice gain more weight, accumulate more fat, and show greater insulin resistance compared with controls. IgA in these mice inappropriately targets Clostridia species and allows for the outgrowth of
Desulfovibrio.
Clostridia suppress and
Desulfovibrio
enhance host lipid absorption by modulating CD36 expression. A better understanding of the microbial products that modulate lipid absorption may open the door to future therapies for obesity and metabolic disease.

Science
, this issue p.
eaat9351
; see also p.
316
Deadly cats down under
Among the Pigeons
John L. Read
Wakefield Press, 2019. 364 pp.
Cats in Australia
John C. Z. Woinarski, Sarah M. Legge, Chris R. Dickman
CSIRO Publishing, 2019. 343 pp.
Authors: Losos Jonathan B.
Published: July 2019

Science meets the great cat debate
Magnetic modification of electrical resistance
Authors: Hassinger Elena , Meng Tobias
Published: July 2019

A switching mechanism enables finely tuned magnetoresistance for electronic devices
The cells of regeneration
Authors: Reddien Peter W.
Published: July 2019

Single-cell RNA sequencing identifies cell types with central roles in regeneration
Dengue during pregnancy and live birth outcomes: a cohort of linked data from Brazil
Authors: Paixão Enny S , Campbell Oona M , Teixeira Maria Gloria , Costa Maria CN , Harron Katie , Barreto Mauricio L , Leal Maira B , Almeida Marcia F , Rodrigues Laura C
Published: July 2019

Objectives

Dengue is the most common viral mosquito-borne disease, and women of reproductive age who live in or travel to endemic areas are at risk. Little is known about the effects of dengue during pregnancy on birth outcomes. The objective of this study is to examine the effect of maternal dengue severity on live birth outcomes.

Design and setting

We conducted a population-based cohort study using routinely collected Brazilian data from 2006 to 2012.

Participating

We linked birth registration records and dengue registration records to identify women with and without dengue during pregnancy. Using multinomial logistic regression and Firth method, we estimated risk and ORs for preterm birth (<37 weeks’ gestation), low birth weight (<2500 g) and small for gestational age (<10thcentile). We also investigated the effect of time between the onset of the disease and each outcome.

Results

We included 16 738 000 live births. Dengue haemorrhagic fever was associated with preterm birth (OR=2.4; 95% CI 1.3 to 4.4) and low birth weight (OR=2.1; 95% CI 1.1 to 4.0), but there was no evidence of effect for small for gestational age (OR=2.1; 95% CI 0.4 to 12.2). The magnitude of the effects was higher in the acute disease period.

Conclusion

This study showed an increased risk of adverse birth outcomes in women with severe dengue during pregnancy. Medical intervention to mitigate maternal risk during severe acute dengue episodes may improve outcomes for infants born to exposed mothers.