bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of ERA-Interim Air Temperature Data over the Qilian Mountains of China
Authors: Zhao Peng , Gao Lu , Wei Jianhui , Ma Miaomiao , Deng Haijun , Gao Jianyun , Chen Xingwei
Published: April 2020

In this study, 2 m air temperature data from 24 meteorological stations in the Qilian Mountains (QLM) are examined to evaluate ERA-Interim reanalysis temperature data derived from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) for the period of 1979–2017. ERA-Interim generally captures the monthly, seasonal, and annual variation very well. High daily correlations ranging from 0.956 to 0.996 indicate that ERA-Interim captures the daily temperature observations very well. However, an average root-mean-square error (RMSE) of ±2.7°C of all stations reveals that ERA-Interim should not be directly applied at individual sites. The biases are mainly attributed to the altitude differences between ERA-Interim grid points and stations. The positive trend (0.457°C/decade) is significant over the Qilian Mountains based on the 1979–2017 observations. ERA-Interim captures the warming trend very well with an increase rate of 0.384°C/decade. The observations and ERA-Interim both show the largest positive trends in summer with the values of 0.552°C/decade and 0.481°C/decade, respectively. We conclude that in general ERA-Interim captures the trend very well for observed 2 m air temperatures and ERA-Interim is generally reliable for climate change research over the Qilian Mountains.
Assessment of Groundwater Quality in the Talensi District, Northern Ghana
Authors: Chegbeleh Larry Pax , Akurugu Bismark Awinbire , Yidana Sandow Mark
Published: April 2020

A comprehensive chemical quality assessment of groundwater resources in the Talensi District has been conducted using conventional graphical methods and multivariate statistical techniques. The study sought to determine the main controls of groundwater chemistry and its suitability for domestic and irrigation purposes in the district. Silicate and carbonate mineral weathering were identified as the main controls on groundwater chemistry in the district, with reverse ion exchange also playing a role. High nitrate and lead levels observed have been associated with agrochemicals and wastewater from farms and homes. Three main flow regimes have been identified with Q-mode cluster analysis, in which mixed cation water types have been revealed, where areas designated as recharge zones are dominated by Na+ + K+–Mg2+–HCO3− fresh water types characterised by low mineralisation and pH, which evolve into Mg2+– Na+ + K+– HCO3− fresh water type with corresponding increased mineralisation of the groundwater. Based on the water quality index (WQI) technique modified for the district and an interpolation technique using ordinary kriging developed from a well-fitted exponential semivariogram for the estimated WQIs, the groundwater quality has been spatially classified as generally ‘good’ to ‘excellent’ for domestic purposes. Generally, the quality of groundwater for domestic usage deteriorates as one moves towards the north of the district, whereas waters in the east and west present the best quality. Classifications based on the United States Salinity Laboratory (USSL), Wilcox, and Doneen diagrams suggest that groundwater from the unconfined aquifers of the district is of excellent quality for irrigation purposes.
Association Analysis of Driver Gene–Related Genetic Variants Identified Novel Lung Cancer Susceptibility Loci with 20,871 Lung Cancer Cases and 15,971 Controls
Authors: Wang Yuzhuo , Gorlova Olga Y. , Gorlov Ivan P. , Zhu Meng , Dai Juncheng , Albanes Demetrius , Lam Stephen , Tardon Adonina , Chen Chu , Goodman Gary E. , Bojesen Stig E. , Landi Maria Teresa , Johansson Mattias , Risch Angela , Wichmann Heunz-Erich , Bickeboller Heike , Christiani David C. , Rennert Gad , Arnold Susanne M. , Brennan Paul , Field John K. , Shete Sanjay , Le Marchand Loïc , Melander Olle , Brunnstrom Hans , Liu Geoffrey , Hung Rayjean J. , Andrew Angeline S. , Kiemeney Lambertus A. , Zienolddiny Shanbeh , Grankvist Kjell , Johansson Mikael , Caporaso Neil E. , Woll Penella J. , Lazarus Philip , Schabath Matthew B. , Aldrich Melinda C. , Stevens Victoria L. , Ma Hongxia , Jin Guangfu , Hu Zhibin , Amos Christopher I. , Shen Hongbing
Published: April 2020

Background:

A substantial proportion of cancer driver genes (CDG) are also cancer predisposition genes. However, the associations between genetic variants in lung CDGs and the susceptibility to lung cancer have rarely been investigated.

Methods:

We selected expression-related single-nucleotide polymorphisms (eSNP) and nonsynonymous variants of lung CDGs, and tested their associations with lung cancer risk in two large-scale genome-wide association studies (20,871 cases and 15,971 controls of European descent). Conditional and joint association analysis was performed to identify independent risk variants. The associations of independent risk variants with somatic alterations in lung CDGs or recurrently altered pathways were investigated using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) project.

Results:

We identified seven independent SNPs in five lung CDGs that were consistently associated with lung cancer risk in discovery (P < 0.001) and validation (P < 0.05) stages. Among these loci, rs78062588 in TPM3 (1q21.3) was a new lung cancer susceptibility locus (OR = 0.86, P = 1.65 × 10−6). Subgroup analysis by histologic types further identified nine lung CDGs. Analysis of somatic alterations found that in lung adenocarcinomas, rs78062588[C] allele (TPM3 in 1q21.3) was associated with elevated somatic copy number of TPM3 (OR = 1.16, P = 0.02). In lung adenocarcinomas, rs1611182 (HLA-A in 6p22.1) was associated with truncation mutations of the transcriptional misregulation in cancer pathway (OR = 0.66, P = 1.76 × 10−3).

Conclusions:

Genetic variants can regulate functions of lung CDGs and influence lung cancer susceptibility.

Impact:

Our findings might help unravel biological mechanisms underlying lung cancer susceptibility.
Premenopausal Plasma Osteoprotegerin and Breast Cancer Risk: A Case–Control Analysis Nested within the Nurses' Health Study II
Authors: Kotsopoulos Joanne , McGee Emma E. , Lozano-Esparza Susana , Garber Judy E. , Ligibel Jennifer , Collins Laura C. , Polyak Kornelia , Brown Myles , Narod Steven , Tamimi Rulla M. , Eliassen A. Heather
Published: April 2020

Background:

Emerging evidence supports a role of the receptor activator of NF-κB (RANK) pathway in normal mammary gland development and breast carcinogenesis. Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is the endogenous decoy receptor for RANK-ligand (RANKL), which inhibits RANK-signaling. Whether OPG may be a biomarker of breast cancer risk remains unclear.

Methods:

We evaluated the association between plasma OPG and breast cancer risk in a case (n = 297)–control (n = 297) study nested within the Nurses' Health Study II. Cases were women who were cancer-free and premenopausal at blood collection who developed invasive breast cancer. OPG was quantified using an ELISA. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate multivariable odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between OPG levels and breast cancer risk, adjusting for potential confounders. Unconditional logistic regression, additionally adjusting for matching factors, was used for stratified analyses.

Results:

Overall, there was no substantial evidence for an association between plasma OPG levels and breast cancer risk, although the point estimate for the highest (vs. lowest) quartile was below 1 (OR = 0.78; 95% CI, 0.46–1.33; Ptrend = 0.30). There was no evidence of heterogeneity by various reproductive, hormonal, or tumor characteristics, including hormone receptor status and grade (all Pheterogeneity ≥ 0.17).

Conclusions:

Findings from this prospective study do not provide substantial evidence for an association between circulating OPG and breast cancer risk among premenopausal women; however, we were underpowered in stratified analyses.

Impact:

Results do not provide strong evidence for OPG as a potential biomarker of breast cancer risk among premenopausal women.
Baldness and Risk of Prostate Cancer in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study
Authors: Khan Saud , Caldwell Joshua , Wilson Kathryn M. , Gonzalez-Feliciano Amparo G. , Peisch Samuel , Pernar Claire H. , Graff Rebecca E. , Giovannucci Edward L. , Mucci Lorelei A. , Gerke Travis A. , Markt Sarah C.
Published: April 2020

Background:

The association between male pattern baldness and prostate cancer has been inconsistent. We prospectively investigated the association between baldness at age 45 and prostate cancer risk in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (HPFS), focusing on clinical and molecular markers.

Methods:

Baldness was self-reported on the 1992 questionnaire using the modified Norwood–Hamilton scale prior to diagnosis. We estimated HRs between baldness and prostate cancer risk among 36,760 men, with follow-up through 2014. We also investigated whether baldness was associated with prostate cancer defined by tumor protein expression of androgen receptor and the presence of the TMPRSS2:ERG fusion.

Results:

During 22 years, 5,157 prostate cancer cases were identified. Fifty-six percent of the men had either frontal or vertex baldness. No significant associations were found between baldness and prostate cancer risk. Among men younger than 60 years, there was a statistically significant association between frontal and severe vertex baldness and overall prostate cancer (HR: 1.74; 95% confidence interval: 1.23–2.48). Baldness was not significantly associated with expression of molecular subtypes defined by AR and TMPRSS2:ERG IHC of prostate tumors.

Conclusions:

This study showed no association between baldness at age 45 and prostate cancer risk, overall or for clinical or molecular markers. The association between baldness and overall prostate cancer among younger men is intriguing, but caution is warranted when interpreting this finding.

Impact:

The null findings from this large cohort study, together with previous literature's inconclusive findings across baldness patterns, suggest that baldness is not a consistent biomarker for prostate cancer risk or progression.
Evaluating Discrimination of a Lung Cancer Risk Prediction Model Using Partial Risk-Score in a Two-Phase Study
Authors: Pal Choudhury Parichoy , Chaturvedi Anil K. , Chatterjee Nilanjan
Published: April 2020

Background:

Independent validation of risk prediction models in prospective cohorts is required for risk-stratified cancer prevention. Such studies often have a two-phase design, where information on expensive biomarkers are ascertained in a nested substudy of the original cohort.

Methods:

We propose a simple approach for evaluating model discrimination that accounts for incomplete follow-up and gains efficiency by using data from all individuals in the cohort irrespective of whether they were sampled in the substudy. For evaluating the AUC, we estimated probabilities of risk-scores for cases being larger than those in controls conditional on partial risk-scores, computed using partial covariate information. The proposed method was compared with an inverse probability weighted (IPW) approach that used information only from the subjects in the substudy. We evaluated age-stratified AUC of a model including questionnaire-based risk factors and inflammation biomarkers to predict 10-year risk of lung cancer using data from the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer (1993–2009) trial (30,297 ever-smokers, 1,253 patients with lung cancer).

Results:

For estimating age-stratified AUC of the combined lung cancer risk model, the proposed method was 3.8 to 5.3 times more efficient compared with the IPW approach across the different age groups. Extensive simulation studies also demonstrated substantial efficiency gain compared with the IPW approach.

Conclusions:

Incorporating information from all individuals in a two-phase cohort study can substantially improve precision of discrimination measures of lung cancer risk models.

Impact:

Novel, simple, and practically useful methods are proposed for evaluating risk models, a critical step toward risk-stratified cancer prevention.
Epidemiological surveillance of West Nile virus in the world and Brazil
Authors: Costa Erica Azevedo , Bayeux José Joffre Martins , Silva Aila Solimar Gonçalves , De Queiroz Guilherme Alves , Santos Beatriz Senra Álvares da Silva , Rocha Marcele Neves , Rehfeld Izabelle Silva , Franklin Luisa Feliciano de Souza , Valle Livia Braga , Guedes Maria Isabel Maldonado Coelho , Teixeira Raffaella Bertoni Cavalcanti
Published: April 2020

West Nile virus (WNV) is a neurovirulent mosquito-borne Flavivirus that is maintained in nature by a zoonotic transmissioncycle between avian hosts and ornithophilic mosquito vectors, mostly from the Culex genus. Until the 1990s, WNV wasconsidered to be an old-world arbovirus, but in 1999, WNV emerged in the United States (US) and spread rapidly, becoming amajor threat to public health. WNV adapted to the transmission cycle involving American mosquitoes and birds and reachedCentral and South America in subsequent years. In 2003, the National West Nile Fever Surveillance System was created in Brazilbased on serological screening of animals and sentinel vectors, as recommended by the Pan American Health Organization(PAHO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Since 2008, serological evidence of WNV infection in Brazilian horseshas been reported, and the circulation of WNV has been monitored through the regular serological screening of sentinel horsesand reporting of encephalomyelitis cases. Horses are highly susceptible to WNV infection, and outbreaks of neurologicaldisease among horses often precede human cases. In this regard, equine surveillance has been essential in providing earlywarning to public and animal health authorities in several countries, including Brazil. This demonstrates the need for animaland public health intervention programs to allocate resources to make veterinarians aware of the role they can play in thehuman surveillance processes by monitoring horses. This review discusses the importance of equine surveillance and the gapthat veterinarians can fill on the front line in human surveillance, in Brazil and worldwide, in the context of “One Health”
“Queda livre”
Authors: Covaleski Rogério Luiz , Vasconcelos Juliana Kathleen Barbosa de
Published: April 2020

O presente estudo propõe estender uma atenção ao papel social do consumo no que tange à busca da felicidade na sociedade contemporânea. Para tanto, o episódio Nosedive [Queda livre] (2016) da série britânica Black Mirror é posto aqui como uma fonte de inspiração, onde serão observadas as práticas que emulam os mecanismos sociais que buscamos considerar. Veremos que a trama conta com narrativas apresentadas em uma superfície mitológica, mas que, como mostrado no decorrer da análise, denotam caráter factual.
Envisioning Turco-Arab Co-Existence between Empire and Nationalism
Authors: Yenen Alp
Published: April 2020

The idea of a continued Turco-Arab co-existence under the Ottoman Sultanate might appear counterfactual or marginal – if not nostalgic – from the sober vantage of knowing “the end of history”. The Ottoman Empire neither survived the Great War nor made way for a multinational co-existence of Turks and Arabs. For contemporaries, however, different models of federalism and multinationalism offered solutions to save the Ottoman Empire and safeguard Turco-Arab co-existence. While the federalist ideas of Ottoman Arabs are far better known in the academic literature, in regards to Ottoman Turks, the commonplace interpretations follow the teleology of the Turkish nation-state formation. In order to correct this misperception, I will illustrate the existence of corresponding Turkish voices and visions of federalism and multinationalism. Envisioning Turco-Arab co-existence was a serious feature of policy debates, especially in the years of crisis from the Balkan Wars to the settlement of post-Ottoman nation-states in the aftermath of the First World War.
An Icelandic Perspective: Opening the Arctic Ocean
Authors: Baldursson Ragnar
Published: April 2020

This essay provides an Icelandic perspective on the opening of the Arctic Ocean. It provides an overview of the historic evolution of Arctic shipping divided into three distinct stages: The initial stage was driven by search for alternative shipping routes during the expansionist era of modern Europe. The Soviet stage was driven by Soviet strategic interests during the Cold War. The contemporary stage is driven by new technologies, resource development in the Arctic and tourism. A second section focuses on Iceland’s reaction to climate change linking it to Iceland’s role in the Arctic Council, and the need for action and adaptation. The final section connects the two first sections and highlights Iceland’s potential role in future trans-Arctic shipping. It heralds the beginning of the fourth stage of the evolution of Arctic shipping with the imminent opening of the Arctic Ocean for intercontinental shipping, This stage will be driven by the need for increased connectivity in a globalized economy, decreasing sea ice, capacity constraints of current shipping routes and security concerns
Denmark’s Obligations Regarding Mineral Resources in Greenland
Authors: Mortensen Bent Ole Gram , Fleth-Barten Ulrike
Published: April 2020

Greenland has rich deposits of natural resources. Some of them could have the potential to be commercially developed. The exploitation of these resources could provide enormous opportunities for Greenland’s economic development.

Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark and enjoys far reaching rights of self-government. The population of Greenland is overwhelmingly Inuit, a people elsewhere recognized as an Indigenous people. The question concerning the exploitation of the natural resources is thus a complicated legal issue.

International law provides indigenous peoples with special rights concerning the natural resources in their territory as referenced in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and ILO Convention 169. The Kingdom of Denmark thus has international obligations regarding free, prior and informed consent.

At the national level, the Self-Government Act includes provisions concerning natural resources, and this area is under the sole competence of the self-government. The Greenlandic Mineral Resources Act includes provisions on participation and consultation processes of local inhabitants. This article discusses whether the Kingdom of Denmark, through the Self-Government Act, lives up to its obligations under international law regarding the rights of the Inuit people in relation to the natural resources in their territory.
The cambial response of Scots pine trees to girdling and water stress
Authors: Fajstavr Marek , Giagli Kyriaki , Vavrčík Hanuš , Gryc Vladimír , Horáček Petr , Urban Josef
Published: April 2020

We monitored six healthy dominant trees and six girdled Scots pine trees for two successive growing seasons (2014 and 2015) to investigate the seasonal dynamics, cambial activity, and morphology of the new xylem and phloem cells formed under environmental stress when girdling was applied during the dormant period (15 January 2014). Microcore (1.8 mm) samples were collected weekly using a Trephor tool above and below the girdling area, and weather data were measured on site. Drought stress in combination with girdling reduced the total number of differentiation days cell formation. In 2014, no significant differences in tracheid dimensions were observed between the girdled area and the control trees, while in 2015, the control trees showed significantly smaller cell wall thickness and radial dimensions of the latewood tracheids (LW) compared to 2014 and girdled trees had no occurrence of LW. Under stressful heat waves and prolonged periods of no precipitation, the trees tended to reduce the number of tracheids that were formed and exhibited smaller radial dimensions (narrower tree rings) to increase their hydraulic efficiency. Trees responded to limited water availability by forming intra-annual density fluctuations (IADFs L) in the zone of the LW to overcome stressful conditions. Although xylem cell differentiation was affected by stressful conditions, no significant variability in phloem cell dimensions was observed. Thus, the phloem tissue was less sensitive to exogenous factors.
Photography as a Research Method with Learners in Compulsory Education: A Research Review
Authors: HANNA Helen
Published: April 2020

This article offers a review of thirty-one research articles from 2001–2019 on the use of photography as a research method with learners in compulsory education. Understood within the scope of ‘visual’, ‘participatory’ and ‘arts-based’ research methods, many scholars have linked the increased use of the photographic method to greater awareness of the rights of the child and changing understandings of children as full ‘human beings’ with agency rather than simply vulnerable ‘human becomings’. Nevertheless, photography is still a relatively under-utilised approach in research with learners in school-based compulsory education and its use is not widespread globally. Against the background of the history of visual and photographic methods in general and in education in particular, this article highlights two key themes in the empirical research literature: why the photographic method is used (dealing with representation, participation and emancipation); and how the photographic method and the photos themselves are used (pre-generated and participant-generated photographs). It closes with a reflection on what may be holding back its expansion, including key ethical concerns, and a proposal for encouraging its use in education.
Preparation of Highly Stable Oligo(ethylene glycol) Derivatives-Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles and Their Application in LSPR-Based Detection of PSA/ACT Complex
Authors: Cao Cuong , Sim Sang Jun
Published: April 2020

A sandwich immunoassay for PSA/ACT complex detection based on gold nanoparticle aggregation using two probes was developed. The functionalized colloidal gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) showed highly stable not only in the presence of high ionic strength but also in a wide pH range. The functionalized
AuNPs were tagged with PSA/ACT complex monoclonal antibody and goat PSA polyclonal antibody and served as the probes to induce aggregation of the colloidal particles. As a result, PSA/ACT complex was detected at concentrations as low as 1 ng/ml. This is the first time that a new aggregation
sandwich-immunoassay technique using two gold probes has been used, and the results are generally applicable to other LSPR-based immunoassays.
Significantly Improved Adhesion of Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) Nanofilms to Amino-Silane Monolayer Pre-Patterned SiO2 Surfaces
Authors: Pang Ilsun , Kim Sungsoo , Lee Jaegab
Published: April 2020

This study reports a novel patterning method for highly pure poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) nanofilms having a particularly strong adhesion to a SiO2 surface. An oxidized silicon wafer substrate was micro-contact printed with n-octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS) monolayer,
and subsequently its negative pattern was self-assembled with three different amino-functionalized alkylsilanes, (3-aminopropyl)trimethoxysilane (APS), N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltrimethoxy silane (EDAS), and (3-trimethoxysilylpropyl) diethylenetriamine (DETS). Then, PEDOT nanofilms were
selectively grown on the aminosilane pre-patterned areas via the vapor phase polymerization method. To evaluate the adhesion and patterning, the PEDOT nanofilms and SAMs were investigated with a Scotch® tape test, contact angle analyzer, optical and atomic force microscopes.
The evaluation revealed that the newly developed bottom-up process can successfully offer a strongly adhered and selectively patterned PEDOT nanofilm on an oxidized Si wafer surface.
Synthesis and Characterization of Highly Twisted and Bulky Tetraoctyloxybiphenyl-Containing Polyfluorene Copolymers: Toward Efficient Blue Polymer Light Emitting Diodes
Authors: Kang In-Nam , Lim Sung-Hwan , Park Jong-Wook , Kim Kyoung-Soo , Chung Min-Chul , Lee Ji-Hoon
Published: April 2020

We have synthesized new blue light emitting random copolymers, poly(9,9′-n-dioctylfluorene-co-2,2′,6,6′-tetraoctyloxybiphenyl-3,3′-diyl)s (PFTOBPs), via Ni(0)-mediated coupling reactions. The PL emission peaks of the resulting copolymers closely
resembled those of the polyfluorene (PF) homopolymer. The EL devices fabricated using these copolymers exhibited highly pure blue emission with approximate 1931 CIE coordinates of (0.15, 0.15) at 1000 cd/m2. The maximum brightnesses ranged from 2000 to 12000 cd/m2 with
maximum efficiencies from 0.53 to 0.97 cd/A. The efficiencies were found to increase as the fraction of TOBP in the copolymers was increased, which may result the inhibition of exciton quenching that is produced by the introduction of the highly twisted and bulky TOBP moieties into the copolymers.
Fabrication of 3D Functionalized Microstructure via Scanning Probe Lithography and Self-Assembly Methods
Authors: Choi Inhee , Kang Sung Koo , Lee Jeongjin , Kim Younghun , Yi Jongheop
Published: April 2020

A type of 2-dimensional planar pattern with spatial resolution can be easily produced using scanning probe lithography (SPL). However, it has not been used successfully for fabricating 3-dimensional (3D) structures due to the low aspect ratio of the resulting structure. Herein, we describe
a method for fabricating a 3D functionalized structure via a combination of SPL and self-assembly techniques. In this study, a 3D structure was established on a Si surface with a passivated monolayer via SPL. The patterned layer was modified using a ω-functionalized organosilane.
Lateral force microscopy (LFM) was applied to discriminate the chemical functionalities and gold nanoparticles were also used to clearly identify the modified layer.
Influence of Nanocomposite Surface Coating on Biofilm Formation In Situ
Authors: Hannig M. , Kriener L. , Hoth-Hannig W. , Becker-Willinger C. , Schmidt H.
Published: April 2020

Caries and periodontitis, the most wide-spread oral diseases around the world, are caused by bacterial adherence and biofilm formation onto the natural as well as restored tooth surface. One possible way to prevent the pathogenic consequences of intraoral biofilm formation might be
the modification of the tooth surface by application of an anti-adhesive coating that interferes with the bacterial attachment and subsequent bacterial accumulation. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of an experimental, low surface free energy nano-composite coating
material on biofilm formation in situ. For this purpose, an organic/inorganic nano-composite coating (NANOMER®, INM, Saarbrücken, Germany) with a surface free energy of 18–20 mJ/m2 was applied to enamel as well as titanium specimens. The nano-composite
coated specimens and un-coated controls were attached to removable intraoral splints and carried by volunteers over 24 h in the oral cavity. After intraoral exposure, specimens were processed for transmission electron microscopic analysis. On non-coated enamel and titanium control samples
a multi-layer of adherent bacteria was found. In contrast, on nano-composite coated specimens strongly reduced biofilm formation was observed. In most areas of the surface-coated specimens only a 10–20 nm thick electron dense layer of adsorbed salivary proteins with adherent protein
agglomerates of 20–80 nm diameter could be detected. In addition, detachment of the adsorbed biofilm from the nano-composite coated surfaces was evident in electron microscopic micrographs. The present investigation provides ultrastructural evidence that it is possible to cover enamel
as well as titanium with a nano-composite coating revealing easy-to-clean surface properties that cause reduced biofilm formation and accelerated removal of adherent biofilms under oral conditions.
Influences of the East Asian Summer Rainfall on Circumglobal Teleconnection
Authors: Zhou Fuli , Zhang Renhe , Han Jinping
Published: April 2020

In this study, the relationship between circumglobal teleconnection (CGT) and East Asian summer monsoon rainfall was analyzed by data diagnoses and numerical experiments. It is found that the CGT has high spatial and temporal similarities with the teleconnection pattern incurred by the variation of the South Asian high (SAH), which is collaboratively influenced by both Indian and East Asian summer monsoon rainfall. These two teleconnections have similar spatial distributions, and their indices are strongly correlated in temporal variations. Using the partial correlation method, it is revealed that SAH plays a significant role on the propagation of CGT, especially to the east of 90°E. The numerical experiments indicate that the latent heat release from East Asian summer monsoon rainfall stimulates an upper-tropospheric teleconnection, which shows the same spatial structure with CGT. This study demonstrates that the generation of CGT is not only associated with the Indian summer monsoon rainfall, but also closely with the East Asian summer monsoon rainfall. The CGT is maintained by the latent heat released from the rainfall of both monsoons.
Associations between Trauma Exposure and Physical Conditions among Public Safety Personnel: Associations entre l’exposition à un traumatisme et les problèmes physiques chez le personnel de la santé publique
Authors: Sommer Jordana L. , El-Gabalawy Renée , Taillieu Tamara , Afifi Tracie O. , Carleton R. Nicholas
Published: April 2020

Background:

Trauma exposure is associated with adverse health-related correlates, including physical comorbidities, and is highly prevalent among public safety personnel (PSP). The current study (1) examined the association between context of index trauma exposure (part of job vs. other) and physical conditions and (2) established the prevalence of physical conditions according to PSP category (e.g., police, paramedic) and index trauma type (e.g., serious accident, physical assault) in a large Canadian sample of PSP.

Methods:

PSP completed an online survey between September 2016 and January 2017. Multivariable logistic regressions examined associations between context of index trauma exposure (i.e., part of job vs. other) and physical condition categories. Cross-tabulations with chi-square analyses examined whether the prevalence of physical conditions significantly differed according to PSP category and index trauma type.

Results:

There were 5,267 PSP included in the current study. Results from the most stringent model of logistic regressions demonstrated that, compared to PSP who experienced their index trauma in any other context, PSP who experienced it as part of their job had reduced odds of “other” physical conditions (adjusted odds ratio = 0.73, 95% confidence interval, 0.57 to 0.94, P < 0.05). Results also revealed significant differences in the prevalence of physical conditions across all PSP categories and select index trauma types.

Conclusion:

Results highlight the relevance of trauma exposure outside of an occupational context among PSP and may have implications for the positive impact of stress inoculation and resiliency training programs for PSP.
Polymerase chain reaction/electrospray ionization–mass spectrometry (PCR/ESI-MS) is not suitable for rapid bacterial identification in peritoneal dialysis effluent
Authors: Szeto Cheuk Chun , Ng Jack Kit-Chung , Fung Winston Wing-Shing , Lai Ka-Bik , Chow Kai-Ming , Li Philip Kam-Tao , Massiah Arikana , Alcolea-Medina Adela , Wilks Mark , Fan Stanley L
Published: April 2020

Background:

Peritoneal dialysis (PD)-related peritonitis is a serious complication of PD, but routine microbiological culture is slow and could not identify the organism in 15% cases. We examine the accuracy of polymerase chain reaction/electrospray ionization–mass spectrometry (PCR/ESI-MS), a PCR-based method developed for the direct detection of bacteria in blood, for rapid identification of microorganisms from PD effluent.

Methods:

We recruited 73 consecutive patients with PD-related peritonitis. Dialysis effluent was collected for routine bacterial culture, PCR/ESI-MS, and bacterial DNA quantification before initiation of antibiotic therapy.

Results:

By digital PCR with universal bacterial primers, bacterial DNA was detectable in all PD effluent specimens. For the entire cohort, taking standard bacterial culture as the gold standard, the PCR/ESI-MS assay correctly identified 34.3% of the causative organisms, failed to identify any organism in 52.1% cases, and identified a different organism in 8.2% cases. For the 14 episodes of peritonitis that were culture negative by conventional bacterial culture, the PCR/ESI-MS assay identified an organism in only four cases. The detection rate of the IRIDICA BAC BSI assay was not affected by the use of biocompatible PD solution or concomitant exit-site infection.

Conclusions:

The PCR/ESI-MS assay could not identify the causative organism in over 50% of the PD effluent samples in patients with PD-related peritonitis and should be not used for such purpose. The reason for the poor performance needs further investigation.
Influence of Lifestyle and Cultural Traits on the Willingness to Telework: A Case Study in the Aburrá Valley, Medellín, Colombia
Authors: Cortés-Pérez Hernán Darío , Escobar-Sierra Manuela , Galindo-Monsalve Rafael
Published: April 2020

Telework is a decentralized work arrangement. Although it is a widely studied topic, there still is no single definition of ‘telework’. The empirical verification of research in this area remains a pending subject. In this context, our work determines the influence of lifestyle and cultural traits on the preparedness or ‘willingness’ to telework in Medellín, Colombia. Accordingly, we start by reviewing the available literature. We propose a conceptual model, which subsequently is verified at an empirical level, applying a sequential mixed methodology. In a first phase of this empirical verification, several in-depth interviews with teleworkers and their supervisors or superiors are analysed, using a qualitative approach. Then, in a second phase and based on the previous stage, we verify the incidence of two of the emerging categories with respect to the preparedness for telework. These two categories are lifestyle and cultural traits. The verification process is carried out based on structural equations. The obtained results show that cultural traits have a more significant impact than lifestyle when it comes to determining the willingness to telework. Based on these results, we recommend future telework research in the following areas: background analysis, software and hardware requirements and the effects of telework.
Tracing My Roots: An Ethnographic Review of “Sugars” Addiction
Authors: Chetty Yvette Y. , Naidoo Panjasaram , Nadar Anand
Published: April 2020

“Sugars” is an illicit drug cocktail that has gained popularity in Chatsworth, KwaZulu-Natal, which was prehistorically classified as an Indian township. This area has now become interracial but is still predominantly inhabited by South Africans of Indian descent. “Sugars” is a mixture of various ingredients including low-grade heroin, and its cycle of addiction has proven difficult to rehabilitate in affected individuals. This is possibly due to the variation in its composition, which may lead to ineffective treatment. Addiction is thought to be influenced by both genetic and environmental cues; therefore, this review provides an introspective view on how the living conditions in Chatsworth may have played a role in making its community susceptible to drug use. This review is therefore a reflexive ethnography, which uses the first authors’ childhood experiences of growing up in Chatsworth as a foundation to understand the challenges and experiences that the local community has been exposed to over the years. This review also focuses on the marketing tactics used in the illegal drug trade, the scientific background of “Sugars” and addiction, and possible suggestions on ameliorating the drug problem in South Africa. The combination of science and ethnographical viewpoints in this review article provides an interesting and informative perspective of the “Sugars” issue in Chatsworth, Durban, South Africa.
Fluorescence in situ hybridization in species-specific diagnosis of ovine Campylobacter abortions
Authors: Wolf-Jäckel Godelind A. , Boye Mette , Angen Øystein , Müller Matthias , Jensen Tim K.
Published: April 2020

Campylobacter infection is a leading cause of ovine abortion worldwide. Campylobacter fetus and C. jejuni are the major species involved. We report herein on abortion storms in 4 Danish sheep flocks. Initially, no pathogenic bacteria were isolated from placental and fetal tissues on aerobic and selective media despite the presence of severe suppurative and necrotizing placentitis with numerous bacteria located intracellularly in trophoblasts. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was then applied on abortion material from 13 cases; species-specific oligonucleotide probes directed against either C. fetus or C. jejuni were used in combination with a general bacterial probe. C. fetus was detected as the only lesion-associated bacterial species in 4 cases from 2 flocks, and C. jejuni in 6 cases from the other 2 flocks, thereby establishing the likely etiology of the abortion storms in all 4 flocks. FISH is a useful detection tool in culture-negative cases with tissue lesions suggestive of bacterial infection. Furthermore, FISH is a fast and economical method to detect and identify the zoonotic agent Campylobacter within ovine abortion material.
The Dark Side of Entrepreneurs’ Creativity: Investigating How and When Entrepreneurs’ Creativity Increases the Favorability of Potential Opportunities That Harm Nature
Authors: Qin Xin , Shepherd Dean A. , Lin Daomi , Xie Sujuan , Liang Xueji , Lin Shanshan
Published: April 2020

Entrepreneurs’ creativity is the starting point of opportunity identification, exploitation, and innovation, so it is generally lauded by journalists, citizen observers, practitioners, and scholars. However, they may overstate the benefits of creative entrepreneurs while neglecting their potential costs. Building on moral disengagement theory, we theorize that a creative mindset enables entrepreneurs to generate reasons to justify their potentially environment-destroying behaviors (i.e., nature disengagement), which in turn increases their favorability of potential opportunities that harm nature. We first developed and validated a scale for measuring nature disengagement and then conducted two randomized between-subject experiments with active entrepreneurs. The empirical results largely supported our theoretical model of the dark side of creativity in the entrepreneurship context.
Developing Interpersonal Skills of Evaluators: A Service-Learning Approach
Authors: Warner Lora H.
Published: April 2020

The challenge and opportunity for the field of evaluation is to prepare evaluators with sophisticated interpersonal competence alongside technical research skills. This article shows that service-learning, a “real-world” pedagogical model, holds promise as a way to educate students in evaluation while developing their interpersonal skills. While other community-based approaches offer experiential applications of evaluation methods, service-learning adds the important element of reflection to deepen student learning. A course that employed the “client-based” service-learning approach, individual-to-group student assignments, practice with interpersonal skills, and ongoing reflection activities is presented as a pedagogical approach to expand the range of interpersonal skills that can be developed among students. Student surveys showed that the course conveyed many benefits beyond technical knowledge of evaluation: use and awareness of important interpersonal skills, growing insight into their community and its people, growth of professional self-confidence, and kindling an interest in the field of evaluation.
The effect of repeated episodic future thinking on the relative reinforcing value of snack food
Authors: Mansouri Tegan H , Crandall Amanda K , Temple Jennifer L
Published: April 2020

Obesity is related to delay discounting and relative reinforcing value of food. Episodic future thinking reduces delay discounting after one engagement. The effects of repeated engagement in episodic future thinking are unknown. We explored the effects of daily episodic future thinking on delay discounting, energy intake, and relative reinforcing value of food. Participants completed a delay discounting task, ad libitum buffet, and relative reinforcing value task following one engagement in episodic future thinking/episodic recent thinking and again after 1 week. One week of daily episodic future thinking did not reduce delay discounting compared to one engagement or episodic recent thinking. Engaging in episodic future thinking daily does not impact delay discounting, relative reinforcing value of snack food, or ad lib energy intake compared to one engagement in episodic future thinking.
Sepiolite as a nanofiller to improve mechanical and thermal behavior of recycled high-density polyethylene
Authors: Farshchi Negin , Ostad Yalda K
Published: April 2020

Regarding the current demand for controlling plastic pollution, recycling of polymer sounds a promising solution. However, recycling causes mechanical and thermal shortcomings in polymers. Addition of nanoparticles to recycled materials may overcome these shortcomings. Nanocomposites can be achieved either by blending or through polymerization. Sepiolite as a nanoparticle enhances the thermal properties of polymers. In this study, the effect of sepiolite as a nanoparticle has been investigated on the thermal and mechanical behavior of recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Hardness, density, Vicat softening temperature, melt flow rate (MFR), and differential scanning calorimetry has been investigated on recycled HDPE containing different amount of sepiolite. Results showed that both the amount of recycled HDPE and the sepiolite content affect the mechanical and thermal behavior of samples. Increasing the amount of recycled component resulted in increasing of MFR, a slight increase in density, and decrease in Vicat softening point, hardness, melting temperature, and degree of crystallization. As an opposite effect of these to factors on crystallinity of HDPE, sepiolite content has better effects to be considered separately for each recycle content. Sepiolite can be introduced as a low-cost reinforcement filler in recycling industry for tuning new compositions based on process condition, or vice versa.
Rural Child Maltreatment: A Scoping Literature Review
Authors: Maguire-Jack Kathryn , Jespersen Brooke , Korbin Jill E. , Spilsbury James C.
Published: April 2020

Topic of Review:

The current study sought to review the state of existing knowledge on rural maltreatment.

Method of Review:

We conducted a scoping literature review to answer two research questions: (1) Is maltreatment higher in rural areas compared to urban areas? and 2) Are there unique correlates of maltreatment in rural areas?

Number of Research Studies Meeting the Criteria for Review:

This review included studies that compared child maltreatment in rural and urban areas in the United States (9) and predictors of maltreatment in rural areas (7).

Criteria for Inclusion:

Studies that compared child maltreatment in rural and urban areas in the United States were included. For our second research question, related to understanding maltreatment in rural areas, we included those studies that exclusively examined rural areas, when maltreatment was the outcome variable.

How Research Studies Were Identified:

Studies were reviewed from relevant databases ( Annual Reviews, PsychINFO, PubMed, Web of Science) between 1975 and 2019.

Major Findings:

Findings were mixed on whether rates of maltreatment were higher or lower in rural areas. While five studies reported higher rates of maltreatment in rural areas, four reported higher rates in urban areas. Overall, child maltreatment rates tended to be higher in urban areas among people of color and higher in rural areas among White people. One study found that community economic factors were not related to maltreatment in a rural area, in stark contrast to robust findings from urban areas.
Psychiatric Disorders and Future Violent Arrests: A Prospective Study Among Detained Girls
Authors: Colins Olivier F. , Van Damme Lore
Published: April 2020

This study scrutinizes if detained girls with psychiatric disorders were at risk for future violent arrests during adolescence. A structured diagnostic interview was performed to determine the presence of various psychiatric disorders in 313 detained girls. Official juvenile arrest records were collected. With three exceptions that are in need of replication, psychiatric disorders (e.g., post-traumatic stress disorder, subtypes of conduct disorder), psychiatric disorder categories (e.g., anxiety disorders), and psychiatric comorbidity patterns were not prospectively related to future violent arrests. Our findings suggest that detained girls with psychiatric disorders should not be considered more dangerous than their counterparts without disorders, at least not during adolescence.
Comparison of Serenoa repens With Tamsulosin in the Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Cai Tong , Cui Yuanshan , Yu Shaoxia , Li Qian , Zhou Zhongbao , Gao Zhenli
Published: April 2020

Studies reported that Serenoa repens was effective in relieving lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). This article carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare Serenoa repens with tamsulosin in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) after at least 6-month treatment cycle. Four studies involving 1,080 patients (543 in the Serenoa repens group and 537 in the tamsulosin group) were included in the meta-analysis. The results were as follows: compared with tamsulosin, Serenoa repens had a same effect in treating BPH in terms of International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) (mean difference [MD] 0.63, 95% confidence interval [CI] [−0.33, 1.59], p = 0.20), quality of life (QoL) (MD 1.51, 95% CI [−1.51, 4.52], p = 0.33), maximum flow rate (Qmax) (MD 0.27, 95% CI [−0.15, 0.68], p = 0.21), postvoid residual volume (PVR) (MD −4.23, 95% CI [−22.97, 14.44], p = 0.65), prostate-specific antigen (PSA) (MD 0.46, 95% CI [−0.06, 0.97], p = 0.08) with the exception of prostate volume (PV) (MD −0.29, 95% CI [−0.41, −0.17], p < 0.00001). For side effects, Serenoa repens was well tolerated compared with tamsulosin especially in ejaculation disorders (odds ratio [OR] = 12.56, 95% CI [3.83, 41.18], p < 0.0001) and decreased libido (OR = 5.40; 95% CI [1.17, 24.87]; p = 0.03). This study indicated that Serenoa repens had the same effect in treating BPH compared with tamsulosin in terms of IPSS, QoL, and PVR after at least 6-month treatment cycle, however, the latter had a greater improvement in PV compared with the former. And Serenoa repens did not increase the risk of adverse events especially with respect to ejaculation disorders and libido decrease.