bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fabrication of p-type TiO2 and transparent p-TiO2/n-ITO p-n junctions
Authors: Lin Chia-Hua , Liao Ching-Han , Chen Wei-Hao , Chou Chia-Yuen , Liu Cheng-Yi
Published: April 2019

This study reports a transparent p-type TiO2 thin film by DC reactive magnetron sputtering method with 10% O2 partial pressure. The p-type conduction of TiO2 thin film was also confirmed by Seebeck effect. The lowest resistivity (1.458×10-2 Ω·cm) of the studied TiO2 thin film occurs at the annealing temperature of 500 °C in the under N2 atmosphere ambient. We believe that the p-type conduction mechanism of the as-deposited TiO2 thin films with 10% O2 partial pressure could be caused by the defect reaction mechanism, i.e., the Ti2+-Ti4+ substitution reaction. A transparent p-n junction of p-TiO2/n-ITO was fabricated by photolithography and lift-off processes. The I-V curve of p-TiO2/n-ITO junction shows that p-TiO2/n-ITO p-n junction clearly exhibits a good diode characteristic with a turn-on voltage of about 3.19 V under forward-biased voltage, which corresponds to the band gap of the TiO2. It further proves that the current studied TiO2 thin film prepared with 10% O2 partial pressure is the p-type conduction.
Synergistic effect of nanodiamonds on the adsorption of tricresyl phosphate on iron oxide surfaces
Authors: Khajeh Arash , Krim Jacqueline , Martini Ashlie
Published: April 2019

Nanodiamonds (NDs) have potential uses in many applications, including as additives for liquid lubricants where they may be combined with more traditional chemicals, such as tricresyl phosphate (TCP), to form protective films on sliding surfaces. It has been shown that NDs can function synergistically with TCP to facilitate film formation on air baked iron. Here, reactive molecular dynamics simulations of TCP and NDs on an amorphous iron oxide surface reproduce experimental observations of the temperature at which film formation begins with NDs present and the effect of NDs on film composition. Analysis of chemical bonding in the simulations shows that the film formed in the presence of NDs comprises NDs and TCP that are both directly and indirectly bonded to the surface. Notably, the amount of phosphorus in the film, which is important for surface protection, is increased by TCP molecules that are indirectly bonded to the surface via NDs, which suggests that indirect bonding is one mechanism by which NDs facilitate film growth. The synergy of NDs and TCP has important implications for the development of NDs as emerging lubricant additives which must function with existing additives such as TCP in many applications.
Improved carrier doping strategy of monolayer MoS2 through two-dimensional solid electrolyte of YBr3
Authors: Wu Maokun , Liu Pan , Xin Baojuan , Li Luyan , Dong Hong , Cheng Yahui , Wang Weichao , Lu Feng , Cho Kyeongjae , Wang Wei-Hua , Liu Hui
Published: April 2019

Doping is an effective strategy to modulate the electronic states of a semiconductor and improve its relevant device performance. Here, we propose a realistic monolayer two-dimensional solid electrolyte material of YBr3 to implement the carrier doping on monolayer MoS2. The stabilities, the carrier doping effect, and the electronic structures of Li-, Na-, K-, Ca-, and F-doped monolayer MoS2 through YBr3 based on the MoS2/YBr3 heterostructure have been explored by utilizing first-principles calculations. The insertion of the YBr3 layer improves the stabilities and the carrier doping effect in making monolayer MoS2 as an n-type or p-type semiconductor by looking into the binding energies and the electronic structures. More significantly, no deep impurity energy bands are introduced within the band gap of MoS2. In addition, the work function of MoS2 can be manipulated in the range from 3.59 eV to 6.58 eV due to the charge transfer and the charge redistribution caused by doping. These findings provide an effective and promising route to achieve both n- and p-type doping of monolayer MoS2.
Multicomponent equation-of-motion coupled cluster singles and doubles: Theory and calculation of excitation energies for positronium hydride
Authors: Pavošević Fabijan , Hammes-Schiffer Sharon
Published: April 2019

The calculation of excited states in multicomponent systems, in which more than one type of particle is described quantum mechanically, is important for a wide range of applications in chemistry and physics. The nuclear-electronic orbital (NEO) approach has been used to treat all electrons and key protons, or the positron for positronic systems, quantum mechanically on the same level with density functional theory or wavefunction-based methods. The NEO coupled cluster singles and doubles (NEO-CCSD) method has been shown to provide accurate densities, energies, and optimized geometries for multicomponent systems. Herein, the multicomponent equation-of-motion CCSD (NEO-EOM-CCSD) method is developed for the calculation of excitation energies in multicomponent systems. The working equations are derived and implemented, and the programmable equations are provided to enable others to implement this method. This approach is validated by the comparison of the ground state and first three excited state energies of positronium hydride computed with the NEO-EOM-CCSD method to the values calculated with the NEO full configuration interaction and full coupled cluster methods. The development of the NEO-EOM-CCSD method paves the way for a wide range of applications in excited state multicomponent quantum chemistry.
Channel-controlled Janus membrane fabricated by simultaneous laser ablation and nanoparticles deposition for underwater bubbles manipulation
Authors: Hu Yanlei , Qiu Weixin , Zhang Yiyuan , Zhang Yachao , Li Chuanzong , Li Jiawen , Wu Sizhu , Zhu Wulin , Wu Dong , Chu Jiaru
Published: April 2019

Reliable manipulation of gaseous bubbles in aqueous media has spurred considerable research interest in recent years due to the tremendous potential ranging from water treatment, catalytic reactions to resource exploration and liquid medicine transportation. However, facile and effective manufacture of functional devices for bubble manipulation is still in great demand. Here, a versatile integrated femtosecond laser-assisted ablation and nanoparticles deposition (FLAND) approach is proposed to obtain Janus organic membranes having mesoscale pore arrays for unidirectional transportation of underwater bubbles. Selective silica nanoparticles deposition occurs simultaneously with laser ablation, enabling superaerophilic/superaerophobic Janus membranes without toxic chemical treatment and rigorous bonding. The FLAND method is capable of controlling the wettability of the pore channel, which is revealed to play a crucial role in the bubble penetration behavior. Analogous to an electrical diode, underwater unidirectional penetration of bubbles is demonstrated for gas-related implementations. This fabrication system with an identical femtosecond laser for simultaneous ablation and nanoparticles deposition manifests simplicity and versatility, opening up more possibilities in manufacturing functional surfaces for various applications.
Cellulose-Supported Ionic Liquid Phase Catalyst-Mediated Mannich Reaction
Authors: Khanapure Sharanabasappa , Jagadale Megha , Kale Dolly , Gajare Shivanand , Rashinkar Gajanan
Published: April 2019

Cellulose-supported ionic liquid phase (SILP) catalyst containing a camphor sulfonate anion with a pendant ferrocenyl group was prepared and characterised with different analytical techniques such as Fourier-transform infrared, Fourier-transform Raman, and cross polarization–magic angle spinning (CP-MAS) 13C NMR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The SILP catalyst displayed excellent catalytic activity in the synthesis of β-amino carbonyl compounds by Mannich reaction. Recycling studies revealed that SILP catalyst could be reused six times without significant decrease in catalytic activity.
Changes in receptor location affect the ability of oxytocin to stimulate proliferative growth in prostate epithelial cells
Authors: Gould M. L. , Nicholson H. D.
Published: April 2019

In normal prostate cells, cell membrane receptors are located within signalling microdomains called caveolae. During cancer progression, caveolae are lost and sequestered receptors move out onto lipid rafts. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a change in the localisation of receptors out of caveolae and onto the cell membrane increased cell proliferation invitro, and to determine whether this is related to changes in the cell signalling pathways. Normal human prostate epithelial cells (PrEC) and androgen-independent (PC3) cancer cells were cultured with 10nM dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The effects of oxytocin (OT) and gonadal steroids on proliferation were assessed using the MTS assay. Androgen receptor (AR) and oxytocin receptor (OTR) expression was identified by immunofluorescence and quantified by western blot. OTR and lipid raft staining was determined using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Protein–protein interactions were detected and the cell signalling pathways identified. Treatment with OT did not affect the proliferation of PrEC. In PC3 cells, OT or androgen alone increased cell proliferation, but together had no effect. In normal cells, OTR localised to the membrane and AR localised to the nucleus, whereas in malignant cells both OTR and AR were identified in the cell membrane. Colocalisation of OTR and AR increased following treatment with androgens. Significantly fewer OTR/AR protein–protein interactions were seen in PrEC. With OT treatment, several cell signalling pathways were activated. Movement of OTR out of caveolae onto lipid rafts is accompanied by activation of alternative signal transduction pathways involved in stimulating increased cell proliferation.
Ovary of the southern hairy-nosed wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons): its divergent structural organisation
Authors: Breed William G. , Peirce Eleanor J. , Leigh Chris M.
Published: April 2019

The organisation of the ovarian interstitial tissue in the southern hairy-nosed wombat Lasiorhinus latifrons was investigated. Unlike in most other marsupials, the outer cortical region of the ovary contains abundant luteinised interstitial tissue that largely occurs in discrete lobules, many of which contain a localised area of non-cellular, highly eosinophilic and periodic acid-Schiff-positive material. The findings suggest that the latter arises from the zona pellucida that surrounded the oocyte in growing follicles and that the luteinised interstitial tissue thus developed from transformed theca interna of degenerated atretic follicles. It is hypothesised that this tissue synthesises and secretes progestogens, which may result in the long, and variable, oestrous cycle length that has been found to occur in this species.
Fyn kinase regulates misfolded α-synuclein uptake and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in microglia
Authors: Panicker Nikhil , Sarkar Souvarish , Harischandra Dilshan S. , Neal Matthew , Kam Tae-In , Jin Huajun , Saminathan Hariharan , Langley Monica , Charli Adhithiya , Samidurai Manikandan , Rokad Dharmin , Ghaisas Shivani , Pletnikova Olga , Dawson Valina L. , Dawson Ted M. , Anantharam Vellareddy , Kanthasamy Anumantha G. , Kanthasamy Arthi
Published: April 2019

Persistent microglia-mediated neuroinflammation is a major pathophysiological contributor to the progression of Parkinson’s disease (PD), but the cell-signaling mechanisms governing chronic neuroinflammation are not well understood. Here, we show that Fyn kinase, in conjunction with the class B scavenger receptor CD36, regulates the microglial uptake of aggregated human α-synuclein (αSyn), which is the major component of PD-associated Lewy bodies. αSyn can effectively mediate LPS-independent priming and activation of the microglial NLRP3 inflammasome. Fyn kinase regulates both of these processes; it mediates PKCδ-dependent NF-κB–p65 nuclear translocation, leading to inflammasome priming, and facilitates αSyn import into microglia, contributing to the generation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and consequently to inflammasome activation. In vivo experiments using A53T and viral-αSyn overexpression mouse models as well as human PD neuropathological results further confirm the role of Fyn in NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Collectively, our study identifies a novel Fyn-mediated signaling mechanism that amplifies neuroinflammation in PD.
Integrating concentrated solar power with seawater desalination technologies: a multi-regional environmental assessment
Authors: Alhaj Mohamed , Al-Ghamdi Sami G
Published: April 2019

Using renewable energy to power seawater desalination technologies can reduce the environmental impacts of a process which is essential for global water security. However, the uneven geospatial distribution of renewable energy resources and regions of water scarcity results in unequal environmental benefits which creates uncertainty for global policy making. Hence, this study explores the relation between renewable energy resources, freshwater demand, and associated environmental impacts of desalination plants driven by renewable energy at a global scale using a comparative life-cycle assessment approach. We focus on an optimized solar-driven thermal desalination plant that we developed which can be used in seawater and brackish water treatment. By examining the life-cycle impact of the proposed plant in seven water-stressed cities, we found that the mean value for CO2 emissions is 4.32 kg CO2 eq./m3 of desalted water which is 47% lower than conventional thermal desalination. There is a variation by as much as 80% and 95% in the climate change and water depletion, categories respectively across the selected cities. The multi-city analysis provides energy and water utilities, CSP project developers, and environmental authorities a global assessment of the environmental impact of solar desalination and sheds light on the correlation between solar intensity and seawater conditions on the overall environmental impact of this technology.
Comparison of resource assessment methods with numerical reservoir model between heat stored and experimental design: case study Ciwidey-Patuha geothermal field
Authors: Ashat Ali , Pratama Heru Berian , Itoi Ryuichi
Published: April 2019

A successful geothermal field size assessment requires integrative data analysis of all aspects to determine the optimum capacity to be installed. Nowadays, numerical simulation becomes a powerful tool in a geothermal resource assessment process. However, this method involves significant uncertainty of subsurface information as an input. Then a study of resource assessment methods, such as heat stored and experimental design, needs inputs coming from the result/output of reservoir numerical. The calculation of both methods based on a range of reservoir parameter values can be carried out using stochastic methods (Monte Carlo Simulation). It applies a probabilistic method of resource assessment to capture uncertainties. A sophisticated numerical reservoir model of Ciwidey-Patuha Geothermal Field, West Java-Indonesia in the natural state condition was used as a case study to determine the generating potential of the reservoir.
Histiocytic Sarcoma Following B-Lymphoblastic Leukemia/Lymphoma
Authors: Geyer Julia T , Yigit Nuri , Miyaguchi Ayako , Cheng Shuhua , Casano Joseph , Mathew Susan , Desai Pinkal , Gergis Usama , Tam Wayne
Published: April 2019

Objectives

Rare cases of clonally related histiocytic sarcoma (HS) following B-lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma (B-ALL/LBL) have been reported to date.

Methods

We present a patient with HS, which appeared as a breast mass 12 months after the initial diagnosis of B-ALL.

Results

Both HS and the B-ALL shared IGH-MYC and IGK gene rearrangements. Next-generation sequencing and whole-exome sequencing (WES) studies detected 35 common mutations, as well as mutations unique to B-ALL (16) and HS (15), including BRAF D594G. The patient achieved complete remission of B-ALL, but HS failed to respond to many cycles of intensive chemotherapy regimens. A partial response was achieved with sorafenib, a BRAF-targeted therapy.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate by WES that clonally related B-ALL and HS arise through divergent evolution from a common precursor. We present our findings together with a discussion of the previously reported cases of HS in patients with B-ALL.
The Impact of 3 Years of Targeted Indoor Residual Spraying With Pirimiphos-Methyl on Malaria Parasite Prevalence in a High-Transmission Area of Northern Zambia
Authors: Hast Marisa A , Chaponda Mike , Muleba Mbanga , Kabuya Jean-Bertin , Lupiya James , Kobayashi Tamaki , Shields Timothy , Lessler Justin , Mulenga Modest , Stevenson Jennifer C , Norris Douglas E , Moss William J
Published: April 2019

Malaria transmission in northern Zambia has increased in the past decade, despite malaria control activities. Evidence-based intervention strategies are needed to effectively reduce malaria transmission. Zambia’s National Malaria Control Centre conducted targeted indoor residual spraying (IRS) in Nchelenge District, Luapula Province, from 2014 to 2016 using the organophosphate insecticide pirimiphos-methyl. An evaluation of the IRS campaign was conducted by the Southern Africa International Centers of Excellence for Malaria Research using actively detected malaria cases in bimonthly household surveys carried out from April 2012 to July 2017. Changes in malaria parasite prevalence after IRS were assessed by season using Poisson regression models with robust standard errors, controlling for clustering of participants in households and demographic, geographical, and climatological covariates. In targeted areas, parasite prevalence declined approximately 25% during the rainy season following IRS with pirimiphos-methyl but did not decline during the dry season or in the overall study area. Within targeted areas, parasite prevalence declined in unsprayed households, suggesting both direct and indirect effects of IRS. The moderate decrease in parasite prevalence within sprayed areas indicates that IRS with pirimiphos-methyl is an effective malaria control measure, but a more comprehensive package of interventions is needed to effectively reduce the malaria burden in this setting.
Interpretation of the Individual Effect Under Treatment Spillover
Authors: Crawford Forrest W , Morozova Olga , Buchanan Ashley L , Spiegelman Donna
Published: April 2019

Some interventions are intended to benefit both individuals and the groups to which they belong. When a treatment given to one person exerts a causal effect on others, the treatment is said to exhibit spillover, dissemination, or interference. However, defining meaningful causal effects under spillover can be challenging. In this commentary, we discuss the meaning of the “individual effect,” a quantity proposed to summarize the effect of treatment on the person who receives it, when spillover may be present.
Predictive Value of Ov16 Antibody Prevalence in Different Subpopulations for Elimination of African Onchocerciasis
Authors: Coffeng Luc E , Stolk Wilma A , Golden Allison , de los Santos Tala , Domingo Gonzalo J , de Vlas Sake J
Published: April 2019

The World Health Organization currently recommends assessing elimination of onchocerciasis by testing whether Ov16 antibody prevalence in children aged 0–9 years is below 0.1%. However, the certainty of evidence for this recommendation is considered to be low. We used the established ONCHOSIM model to investigate the predictive value of different Ov16-antibody prevalence thresholds in various age groups for elimination of onchocerciasis in a variety of endemic settings and for various mass drug administration scenarios. According to our simulations, the predictive value of Ov16 antibody prevalence for elimination depends highly on the precontrol epidemiologic situation, history of mass drug administration, the age group that is sampled, and the chosen Ov16-antibody prevalence threshold. The Ov16 antibody prevalence in children aged 5–14 years performs best in predicting elimination. Appropriate threshold values for this age group start at 2.0% for very highly endemic areas; for lower-endemic areas, even higher threshold values are safe to use. Guidelines can be improved by sampling school-aged children, which also is operationally more feasible than targeting children under age 10 years. The use of higher threshold values allows sampling of substantially fewer children. Further improvement can be achieved by taking a differentiated sampling approach based on precontrol endemicity.
Retired National Football League Players are Not at Greater Risk for Suicide
Authors: Iverson Grant L
Published: April 2019

Objective

Some researchers have claimed that former National Football League (NFL) players are at increased risk for suicide as a clinical feature of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). This review examines the literature on risk for suicide in former professional football players, and the association between suicide and CTE.

Method

A narrative review of the literature published between 1928 and 2018.

Results

Between 1928 and 2009, suicide was not considered to be a clinical feature of CTE in the literature. The best available evidence from epidemiological studies suggests that former NFL football players are at lesser risk for suicide, not greater risk, compared to men in the general population. However, surveys have revealed that a substantial minority of former NFL players have depression and other mental health problems, chronic pain and opioid use is relatively common, and those with depression and chronic pain also have greater life stress and financial difficulties. That minority would be at increased risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Conclusions

Researchers and clinicians are encouraged to be cautious and circumspect when considering the clinical presentation of former athletes, and to not assume that depression and suicidality are caused by specific types of neuropathology. This represents a reductionistic and Procrustean view. Some former football players have mental health problems, but it should not be assumed uncritically that the underlying cause is an inexorably progressive neurodegenerative disease. Providing evidence-informed and evidence-supported treatments for depression and suicidality might reduce suffering and improve their functioning.
Clustering and classification methods for single-cell RNA-sequencing data
Authors: Qi Ren , Ma Anjun , Ma Qin , Zou Quan
Published: April 2019

Appropriate ways to measure the similarity between single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) data are ubiquitous in bioinformatics, but using single clustering or classification methods to process scRNA-seq data is generally difficult. This has led to the emergence of integrated methods and tools that aim to automatically process specific problems associated with scRNA-seq data. These approaches have attracted a lot of interest in bioinformatics and related fields. In this paper, we systematically review the integrated methods and tools, highlighting the pros and cons of each approach. We not only pay particular attention to clustering and classification methods but also discuss methods that have emerged recently as powerful alternatives, including nonlinear and linear methods and descending dimension methods. Finally, we focus on clustering and classification methods for scRNA-seq data, in particular, integrated methods, and provide a comprehensive description of scRNA-seq data and download URLs.
Prospective Clinical and Molecular Evaluation of Potential Plasmodium ovale curtisi and wallikeri Relapses in a High-transmission Setting
Authors: Groger Mirjam , Veletzky Luzia , Lalremruata Albert , Cattaneo Chiara , Mischlinger Johannes , Manego Zoleko Rella , Kim Johanna , Klicpera Anna , Meyer Elias L , Blessborn Daniel , Winterberg Markus , Adegnika Ayola A , Agnandji Selidji T , Kremsner Peter G , Mordmüller Benjamin , Mombo-Ngoma Ghyslain , Fuehrer Hans-Peter , Ramharter Michael
Published: April 2019

Background

Plasmodium ovale curtisi and wallikeri are perceived as relapsing malarial parasites. Contrary to Plasmodium vivax, direct evidence for this hypothesis is scarce. The aim of this prospective study was to characterize the reappearance patterns of ovale parasites.

Methods

P. ovale spp. infected patients were treated with artemether-lumefantrine and followed biweekly for up to 1 year for the detection of reappearing parasitemia. Molecular analysis of reappearing isolates was performed to identify homologous isolates by genotyping and to define cases of relapse following predefined criteria.

Results

At inclusion, 26 participants were positive for P. ovale curtisi and/or P. ovale wallikeri. The median duration of follow-up was 35 weeks. Reappearance of the same P. ovale species was observed in 46% of participants; 61% of P. ovale curtisi and 19% of P. ovale wallikeri infection-free intervals were estimated to end with reappearance by week 32. Based on the predefined criteria, 23% of participants were identified with 1 or 2 relapses, all induced by P. ovale curtisi.

Conclusion

These findings are in line with the currently accepted relapse theory inasmuch as the reappearance of P. ovale curtisi strains following initial blood clearance was conclusively demonstrated. Interestingly, no relapse of P. ovale wallikeri was observed.
Synergistic effect of immunomodulatoryS100A8/A9and ciprofloxacin againstPseudomonas aeruginosabiofilm in a murine chronic wound model
Authors: Laulund Anne Sofie Boe , Trøstrup Hannah , Lerche Christian Johann , Thomsen Kim , Christophersen Lars , Calum Henrik , Høiby Niels , Moser Claus
Published: April 2019

The majority of chronic wounds are associated with bacterial biofilms recalcitrant to antibiotics and host responses. Immunomodulatory S100A8/A9 is suppressed in Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm infected wounds. We aimed at investigating a possible additive effect between S100A8/A9 and ciprofloxacin against biofilms. Materials/methods: Thirty-two mice were injected with alginate-embedded P. aeruginosa following a third-degree burn. The mice were randomized into four groups receiving combination ciprofloxacin and S100A8/A9 or monotherapy ciprofloxacin, S100A8/A9 or a placebo and evaluated by host responses and quantitative bacteriology in wounds. In addition, in vitro checkerboard analysis was performed, with P. aeruginosa and ascending S100A8/A9 and ciprofloxacin concentrations. Results: S100A8/A9 augmented the effect of ciprofloxacin in vivo by lowering the bacterial quantity compared to the placebo arm and the two monointervention groups (P < 0.0001). S100A8 and 100A9 were increased in the double-treated group as compared to the monointervention groups (P = 0.032, P = 0.0023). Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 and keratinocyte\chemokine chemoattractant-1 were increased in the double-intervention group compared to the S100A8/A9 group (P = 0.050, P = 0.050). No in vitro synergism was detected. Conclusion: The observed ciprofloxacin-augmenting effect of S100A8/A9 in vivo was not confirmed by checkerboard analysis, indicating dependence on host cells for the S100A8/A9 effect. S100A8/A9 and ciprofloxacin is a promising therapy for optimizing chronic wound treatment.
Health-related Work Limitations Among Older Workers—the Role of Flexible Work Arrangements and Organizational Climate
Authors: Vanajan Anushiya , Bültmann Ute , Henkens Kène
Published: April 2019

Background and Objectives

Given their increasing prevalence with age, chronic health conditions (CHCs) are substantially affecting older workers and organizations. An important question is whether and how flexible work arrangements and organizational climates may help to reduce the work limitations experienced by older workers. Grounded on the Job Demand–Resource model, we hypothesize that access to flexible work arrangements (working-time flexibility, workplace flexibility, phased retirement) and supportive organizational climates (healthy ageing climate, psychological safety climate) are vital job resources that are associated with fewer health-related work limitations among older workers experiencing CHCs.

Research Design and Methods

Multilevel data were collected among 5,419 older workers (60–65 years) in 624 organizations in the Netherlands. Perceived health-related work limitations of older workers diagnosed with arthritis (N = 2,330), cardiovascular disease (N = 720), and sleep disorders (N = 816) were analyzed.

Results

Multilevel ordered logistic regression analyses revealed that perceived access to flexible working hours and a psychologically safe organizational climate was associated with fewer health-related work limitations among older workers with CHCs.

Discussion and Implications

Facilitating longer working lives is a key policy challenge within organizations, in particular if older workers are constraint by CHCs. This study shows that offering flexible working hours and ensuring a psychologically safe climate, where older workers with health issues are inclined to share their work needs and preferences, are likely to contribute to healthy ageing in the workplace.
Exploring the determinants of distress health financing in Cambodia
Authors: Ir Por , Jacobs Bart , Asante Augustine D , Liverani Marco , Jan Stephen , Chhim Srean , Wiseman Virginia
Published: April 2019

Borrowing is a common coping strategy for households to meet healthcare costs in countries where social health protection is limited or non-existent. Borrowing with interest, hereinafter termed distress health financing or distress financing, can push households into heavy indebtedness and exacerbate the financial consequences of healthcare costs. We investigated distress health financing practices and associated factors among Cambodian households, using primary data from a nationally representative household survey of 5000 households. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with distress health financing. Results showed that 28.1% of households consuming healthcare borrowed to pay for that healthcare with 55% of these subjected to distress financing. The median loan was US$125 (US$200 for loans with interest and US$75 for loans without interest). Approximately 50.6% of healthcare-related loans were to pay for the costs of outpatient care in the past month, 45.8% for inpatient care and 3.6% for preventive care in the past 12 months. While the average period to pay off the loan was 8 months, 78% of households were still indebted from loans taken over 12 months before the survey. Distress financing is strongly associated with household poverty—the poorer the household the more likely it is to borrow, fall into debt and unable to pay off the debt—even for members of the health equity funds, a national scheme designed to improve financial access to health services for the poor. Other determinants of distress financing were household size, use of inpatient care and outpatient consultations with private providers or with both private and public providers. In order to ensure effective financial risk protection, Cambodia should establish a more comprehensive and effective social health protection scheme that provides maximum population coverage and prioritizes services for populations at risk of distress financing, especially poorer and larger households.
Toward a clinical text encoder: pretraining for clinical natural language processing with applications to substance misuse
Authors: Dligach Dmitriy , Afshar Majid , Miller Timothy
Published: April 2019

Objective

Our objective is to develop algorithms for encoding clinical text into representations that can be used for a variety of phenotyping tasks.

Materials and Methods

Obtaining large datasets to take advantage of highly expressive deep learning methods is difficult in clinical natural language processing (NLP). We address this difficulty by pretraining a clinical text encoder on billing code data, which is typically available in abundance. We explore several neural encoder architectures and deploy the text representations obtained from these encoders in the context of clinical text classification tasks. While our ultimate goal is learning a universal clinical text encoder, we also experiment with training a phenotype-specific encoder. A universal encoder would be more practical, but a phenotype-specific encoder could perform better for a specific task.

Results

We successfully train several clinical text encoders, establish a new state-of-the-art on comorbidity data, and observe good performance gains on substance misuse data.

Discussion

We find that pretraining using billing codes is a promising research direction. The representations generated by this type of pretraining have universal properties, as they are highly beneficial for many phenotyping tasks. Phenotype-specific pretraining is a viable route for trading the generality of the pretrained encoder for better performance on a specific phenotyping task.

Conclusions

We successfully applied our approach to many phenotyping tasks. We conclude by discussing potential limitations of our approach.
Reconstruction of the Distal Leg and Foot Using Free Anterolateral Thigh Flaps in Patients With High-Voltage Electrical Burns
Authors: Uslu Asım
Published: April 2019

In a patient with a high-voltage electrical burns, the extent of burning is greatest at the entrance and exit points of the electric current. As the exit point is usually the ankle and/or foot, these areas may be the most severely damaged. As local tissue is limited in this region, free tissue transfer is usually required for reconstruction. Eleven anterolateral thigh free flaps were placed for the reconstruction of foot and ankle defects caused by electrical burns. When the defects were large, we placed the flaps with two or three perforators. In six patients, recipient vessels were prepared in the trauma region or immediately adjacent thereto. Reconstructions were performed at an average of 23.18 days after the burns, and the average hospitalization time was 42.27 days. Patients with burns on the dorsum of the foot often required toe amputations. In patients who underwent direct reconstruction (without debridement), re-operations were required because of graft loss in other burnt areas. The foot and ankle are the regions most damaged by electrical burns. Vessels in the trauma zone or immediately proximal thereto can serve as recipient vessels. Even when the defect is sizeable, a large anterolateral thigh flap with multiple perforators can be harvested. No vascular problem was encountered during early or late reconstruction. The free flap is very reliable when used to reconstruct foot tissue defects caused by electrical burns.
Endogenous Market Formation and Monetary Trade: An Experiment
Authors: Camera Gabriele , Goldberg Dror , Weiss Avi
Published: April 2019

The theory of money assumes decentralized bilateral exchange and excludes centralized multilateral exchange. However, endogenizing the exchange process is critical for understanding the conditions that support the use of money. We develop a “traveling game” to study the emergence of decentralized and centralized exchange, theoretically and experimentally. Players located on separate islands can either trade locally, or pay a cost to trade elsewhere, so decentralized and centralized markets can both emerge in equilibrium. The former minimize trade costs through monetary exchange; the latter maximizes overall surplus through nonmonetary exchange. Monetary trade emerges when coordination is problematic, whereas centralized trade emerges otherwise. This shows that to understand the emergence of money it is important to amend standard theory such that the market structure is endogenized.
Summer rest site selection by Appalachian eastern spotted skunks
Authors: Eng Robin Y Y , Jachowski David S
Published: April 2019

Eastern spotted skunks (Spilogale putorius) have suffered a dramatic range-wide decline leading to concern that the species is likely vulnerable to extinction, but were recently discovered to persist in a portion of the southern Appalachian Mountains (United States). For 2 years we investigated habitat selection by eastern spotted skunks to develop an understanding of their habitat and conservation needs in northwestern South Carolina. We used a discrete choice modeling framework to evaluate vegetative and topographic features that we predicted would influence rest site selection by male and female spotted skunks. Using VHF telemetry, we tracked 15 spotted skunks (10 males and 5 females) to 215 day-time rest sites between the months of April and August. Spotted skunks selected rest sites in close proximity to drainage channels, where the relative probability of selection decreased 18% and 50% with every 20-m increase in distance to a drainage channel for males and females, respectively. Relative probability of selection by female spotted skunks increased 30% for every one-unit increase in coarse woody debris (CWD), and relative probability of selection by male spotted skunks increased 25% for every 10% increase in understory cover. These results are consistent with previous studies that have identified cover as important for protection from predators; however, we additionally identified CWD and drainage channels as important to habitat selection by spotted skunks. These latter attributes are likely selected based on prey availability, but alternate ecological functions of these features warrant further investigation. Preservation of understory vegetation and CWD within drainage networks might benefit conservation of eastern spotted skunks in the southern Appalachians.
Microhabitat use by plateau pikas: living on the edge
Authors: Paruchuri Spurthi , Smith Andrew T , Fan Zhaofei , Dobson F Stephen
Published: April 2019

Mammals rely on habitat resources for survival and reproduction. We studied microhabitats used by plateau pikas (Ochotona curzoniae) of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Microhabitat features used by pikas include sedge meadows that provide forage, burrows that provide safety from predators and cover for nests, degraded open-dirt patches, and edges between sedge meadow and open dirt patches that often have a “lip” between those microhabitats. We investigated the extent to which these edges might serve as a preferred pika microhabitat. GIS techniques were used to overlay individual pika home ranges, determined by focal and scan sampling, on a digitized map containing microhabitat features. Regions that contained multiple coinciding individual home ranges, referred to as overlap polygons, were categorized numerically based on the number of individual home ranges that overlapped each polygon. These overlap polygons were used as relative measures of pika activity. We tested the spatial relationship between pika activity and the microhabitat features of edges, burrows, and proportional area of sedge. There was a significant relationship between the number of pikas in an overlap polygon and the number of pikas in an adjacent polygon. This pattern was controlled statistically to test whether activity was influenced by the presence of potentially favorable microhabitat features. Most of the variation in number of pikas that overlapped a habitat polygon was associated with the relative amount of “edge microhabitat” between sedge meadow and degraded open dirt patches (Cohen’s effect size, f2 = 0.91). Neither burrow openings nor sedge had a strong influence on the number of pika home ranges that overlapped. The importance of microhabitat edges appeared high for plateau pikas.
No cores in dark matter-dominated dwarf galaxies with bursty star formation histories
Authors: Bose Sownak , Frenk Carlos S , Jenkins Adrian , Fattahi Azadeh , Gómez Facundo A , Grand Robert J J , Marinacci Federico , Navarro Julio F , Oman Kyle A , Pakmor Rüdiger , Schaye Joop , Simpson Christine M , Springel Volker
Published: April 2019

Measurements of the rotation curves of dwarf galaxies are often interpreted as requiring a constant density core at the centre, at odds with the ‘cuspy’ inner profiles predicted by N-body simulations of cold dark matter (CDM) haloes. It has been suggested that this conflict could be resolved by fluctuations in the inner gravitational potential caused by the periodic removal of gas following bursts of star formation. Earlier work has suggested that core formation requires a bursty and extended star formation history (SFH). Here we investigate the structure of CDM haloes of dwarf galaxies ($M_{{\rm DM}} \sim 10^9\!-\!5\times 10^{10}\, {\rm M}_\odot$) formed in the apostle (‘A Project of Simulating the Local Environment’) and auriga cosmological hydrodynamic simulations. Our simulations have comparable or better resolution than others that make cores ($M_{{\rm gas}} \sim 10^4\, {\rm M}_\odot$, gravitational softening ∼150 pc). Yet, we do not find evidence of core formation at any mass or any correlation between the inner slope of the DM density profile and temporal variations in the SFH. apostle and auriga dwarfs display a similar diversity in their cumulative SFHs to available data for Local Group dwarfs. Dwarfs in both simulations are DM-dominated on all resolved scales at all times, likely limiting the ability of gas outflows to alter significantly the central density profiles of their haloes. We conclude that recurrent bursts of star formation are not sufficient to cause the formation of cores, and that other conditions must also be met for baryons to be able to modify the central DM cusp.
Peers’ Income and Financial Distress: Evidence from Lottery Winners and Neighboring Bankruptcies
Authors: Agarwal Sumit , Mikhed Vyacheslav , Scholnick Barry
Published: April 2019

We examine whether relative income differences among peers can generate financial distress. Using lottery winnings as plausibly exogenous variations in the relative income of peers, we find that the dollar magnitude of a lottery win of one neighbor increases subsequent borrowing and bankruptcies among other neighbors. We also examine which factors may mitigate lenders’ bankruptcy risk in these neighborhoods. We show that bankruptcy filers obtain more secured, but not unsecured, debt, and lenders provide additional credit to low-risk, but not high-risk, debtors. In addition, we find evidence consistent with local lenders taking advantage of soft information to mitigate credit risk.

Received October 12, 2016; editorial decision January 15, 2019 by Editor Philip Strahan. Authors have furnished an Internet Appendix, which is available on the Oxford University Press Web site next to the link to the final published paper online.
Population Genetic Analysis of Phytophthora parasitica From Tobacco in Chongqing, Southwestern China
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Feng Ruirui , Zheng Qing , Li Jinyang , Liu Zhirou , Zhao Dan , Meng Yuling , Tian Yuee , Li Weiwei , Ma Xiaowei , Wang Shuang , Shan Weixing
Published: April 2019

Tobacco black shank, caused by Phytophthora parasitica, is one of the most notorious tobacco diseases and causes huge economic losses worldwide. Understanding the genetic variation of P. parasitica populations is essential to the development of disease control measures. In this research, 210 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers for P. parasitica were identified, 10 of which were polymorphic among nine reference strains. We further performed population genetic analysis of 245 P. parasitica isolates randomly collected from tobacco fields in Chongqing for mating type, molecular variation at 14 SSR loci (four of which were identified previously), and sensitivity to the fungicide metalaxyl. The results showed that the A2 mating type was dominant and no A1 mating type isolate was discovered. SSR genotyping distinguished 245 P. parasitica isolates into 46 genotypes, four of which were dominant in the population. Low genotypic diversity and excess heterozygosity were common in nearly all of the populations from Chongqing. Population analysis showed that no differentiation existed among different populations. All isolates tested were highly sensitive to metalaxyl. Taken together, our results showed that the P. parasitica populations from tobacco fields in Chongqing belonged to a clonal lineage and were highly sensitive to metalaxyl.
Dealing With Patient Death on International Health Electives: A Qualitative Study of Residents’ Experiences
Authors: Bashir M. Usmaan , Nordhues Hannah C. , Merry Stephen P. , Sawatsky Adam P.
Published: April 2019

Purpose

International health electives (IHEs) provide numerous educational benefits; potential harms are less well understood. One potential harm is trainee distress associated with increased patient death during IHEs. The purpose of this study was to explore residents’ and fellows’ IHE experiences with patient death.

Method

The authors used applied thematic analysis to explore residents’ and fellows’ IHE experiences with patient death. The Mayo International Health Program supports IHEs from all specialties across three Mayo Clinic sites. Data were collected and analyzed in two steps. First the authors collected, coded, and analyzed narrative reflections from 43 postrotation reports gathered in 2001–2017 and identified themes relating to experiences with patient death. Second, in 2016–2017 the authors conducted semistructured interviews with six previous participants to refine thematic analysis.

Results

Participants described impacts of experiencing increased patient death and identified themes in two domains: difficult experiences with patient death and potential interventions to help residents process their experiences. They identified four themes illustrating why these experiences were difficult: lack of preparation for increased exposure to death, lack of closure, consequences of limited resources, and differences in cultural beliefs regarding death. While pretrip preparation for dealing with death was viewed as important, trainees identified support during and debriefing after IHEs as additional important interventions.

Conclusions

Given the popularity of IHEs, residency programs should consider the effect on trainees of increased exposure to patient death. Study findings can inform IHE preparation, support, and debriefing to minimize distress associated with witnessing patient deaths on IHEs.
The Hidden Curriculum of Compassionate Care: Can Assessment Drive Compassion?
Authors: Wright Sarah R. , Boyd Victoria A. , Ginsburg Shiphra
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Medical schools are expected to promote compassionate care among learners. Assessment is a key way to communicate values to learners but can create a hidden curriculum. Assessing compassionate care is challenging; however, not assessing it can communicate to students that such care is not valued. The purpose of this study was to explore how current assessment strategies promote or suppress the idea that caring behaviors are valued learning objectives.

Method

Data sources were third-year course documents; interviews of 9 faculty, conducted between December 2015 and February 2016; and focus groups with 13 third-year medical students and an interview with 1 third-year medical student, conducted between February and June 2016. The stated intentions of third-year assessments were compared with the behaviors rewarded through the assessment process and the messages students received about what is valued in medical school.

Results

Syllabi did not include caring as a learning outcome. Participants recognized assessment as a key influence on student focus. Faculty perspectives varied on the role of medical schools in assessing students’ caring and compassion. Students prioritized studying for assessments but described learning about caring and compassion from interactions such as meaningful patient encounters and both positive and negative role models that were not captured in assessments.

Conclusions

Faculty members expressed concern about not assessing caring and compassion but acknowledged the difficulty in doing so. While students admitted that assessments influenced their studying, their reported experiences revealed that the idea that “assessment drives learning” did not capture the complexity of their learning.