bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cu/LaCrO3joining by local melt infiltration through laser cladding
Authors: Wasilewski Eric , Wolf Matthias , Zhang Wei , Ossenbrink Ralf , Michailov Vesselin
Published: May 2018

Direct bonding of copper and porous LaCrO3without an extra filler interlayer was successfully completed using local and fast Cu‐infiltration through laser cladding. This significantly reduced the susceptibility of the ceramic to cracking. A high‐speed camera investigation into the wetting and infiltration behavior of a Cu‐melt into LaCrO3with a porosity of ~63 vol% was performed. By adjusting the focal distance with a constant laser power of 300 W, the Cu‐melt was rapidly infiltrated into the ceramic preform in 10 seconds. This was completed under atmospheric air conditions, without added inert gas. The joining process developed can be used to fabricate ceramic/metal joints with targeted (micro‐) structure properties by adjusting the infiltrated melt and the infiltration depth, which would be suitable for many applications, such as multifunctional devices, solid oxide fuel cells or heating elements.
AGENT‐BASED MACROECONOMICS AND DYNAMIC STOCHASTIC GENERAL EQUILIBRIUM MODELS: WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?
Authors: Dilaver Özge , Calvert Jump Robert , Levine Paul
Published: May 2018

Agent‐based computational economics (ACE) has been used for tackling major research questions in macroeconomics for at least two decades. This growing field positions itself as an alternative to dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) models. In this paper, we provide a much needed review and synthesis of this literature and recent attempts to incorporate insights from ACE into DSGE models. We first review the arguments raised against DSGE in the macroeconomic ACE (macro ACE) literature, and then review existing macro ACE models, their explanatory power and empirical performance. We then turn to the literature on behavioural New Keynesian models that attempts to synthesize these two approaches to macroeconomic modelling by incorporating insights of ACE into DSGE modelling. Finally, we provide a thorough description of the internally rational New Keynesian model, and discuss how this promising line of research can progress.
THE EURO'S TRADE EFFECT: A META‐ANALYSIS
Authors: Polák Petr
Published: May 2018

Many studies have estimated the trade effect of the euro, but their results vary greatly. This meta‐analysis collects 3323 estimates of the euro effect along with 28 characteristics of estimation design from almost 60 studies and quantitatively examines the literature. The results show evidence of publication bias, but they also suggest that the bias decreases over time. After correcting for the bias, the meta‐analysis shows that the literature is consistent with an effect ranging between 2% and 6%. The results from Bayesian model averaging, which takes into account model uncertainty, show that the differences among estimates are systematically driven by data sources, data structure, control variables, and estimation techniques. The mean reported estimate of the euro's trade effect conditional on best‐practice approach is 3%, but is not statistically different from zero.
Capital Commitment and Illiquidity in Corporate Bonds
Authors: BESSEMBINDER HENDRIK , JACOBSEN STACEY , MAXWELL WILLIAM , VENKATARAMAN KUMAR
Published: May 2018

We study trading costs and dealer behavior in U.S. corporate bond markets from 2006 to 2016. Despite a temporary spike during the financial crisis, average trade execution costs have not increased notably over time. However, dealer capital commitment, turnover, block trade frequency, and average trade size decreased during the financial crisis and thereafter. These declines are attributable to bank‐affiliated dealers, as nonbank dealers have increased their market commitment. Our evidence indicates that liquidity provision in the corporate bond markets is evolving away from the commitment of bank‐affiliated dealer capital to absorb customer imbalances, and that postcrisis banking regulations likely contribute.
Do feeding practices during transfusion influence the risk of developing necrotising enterocolitis in preterm infants?
Authors: Hilditch Cathie , Keir Amy
Published: May 2018

Our evidence‐based review set out to answer the clinical question ‘In a preterm infant (patient) with anaemia of prematurity, do feeding practices (intervention) during blood transfusion reduce the risk of developing transfusion‐associated necrotising enterocolitis (outcome)’? We found limited evidence that withholding feeding during red blood cell transfusion in preterm infants may reduce the risk of development of transfusion‐associated necrotising enterocolitis. As clinical equipoise seemingly exists, it seems reasonable for individual units to make their own decisions regarding whether to withhold or continue enteral feeds during red blood cell transfusion until further evidence is available. The UK‐based Withholding Enteral Feeds Around Transfusion (WHEAT) trial, a nation‐wide multi‐centre ‘opt‐out’ randomised controlled study, hopefully will definitively answer our clinical question. Further research in other areas of neonatal care, using this innovative study design, is needed and it is exciting to see such a study underway.
Anticorruption reforms, tax evasion, and the role of harassment
Authors: Banerjee Dyuti S. , Vaidya Samarth
Published: May 2018

We examine the impact of anticorruption reforms on tax evasion when corruption and potentially harassment are endemic among tax auditors. We find that the threat of harassment may counterintuitively boost the impact of such anticorruption reforms on tax evasion and also eliminate corruption. Specifically, a moderate anticorruption policy can discontinuously reduce tax evasion to a level even below that under no corruption. Further strengthening of such policy can nonetheless prove counterproductive and increase tax evasion. On the contrary, in the absence of harassment, a moderate anticorruption reform induces higher tax evasion and sustenance of bribery. In this case, only a large reform can reduce tax evasion and eliminate corruption.
Are sequential round‐robin tournaments discriminatory?
Authors: Sahm Marco
Published: May 2018

I examine sequential round‐robin tournaments with three and four symmetric players. Each player is matched once with each other player and each match is organized as a Tullock contest. A single prize is allocated to the player with the most matches won. I show that, depending on the position of their matches in the sequence of the tournament, the players'ex antewinning probabilities and expected payoffs differ. Compared to tournaments with matches organized as all‐pay auctions, however, discrimination is weaker and partially reversed. Moreover, aggregate effort in tournaments with suitable Tullock contests is larger than in tournaments with all‐pay auctions. The fairness of round‐robin tournaments may be improved by an endogenous sequence of matches or the requirement that players fix their effortex ante.
Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonism prevents obesity‐induced cerebral artery remodeling and reduces white matter injury in rats
Authors: Pires Paulo W. , McClain Jonathon L. , Hayoz Sebastian F. , Dorrance Anne M.
Published: May 2018

Objective

Midlife obesity is a risk factor for dementia development. Obesity has also been linked to hyperaldosteronism, and this can be modeled in rats by high fat (HF) feeding from weaning. Aldosterone, or activation of the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) causes cerebrovascular injury in lean hypertensive rats. We hypothesized that rats fed a HF diet would show inward middle cerebral artery (MCA) remodeling that could be prevented by MR antagonism. We further proposed that the cerebral artery remodeling would be associated with white mater injury.

Methods

Three‐week‐old male Sprague‐Dawley rats were fed a HF diet ± the MR antagonist canrenoic acid (Canr) for 17 weeks. Control rats received normal chow (control NC). MCA structure was assessed by pressure myography.

Results

The MCAs from HF fed rats had smaller lumens and thicker walls when compared to arteries from control NC rats; Canr prevented the MCA remodeling associated with HF feeding. HF feeding increased the mRNA expression of markers of cell proliferation and vascular inflammation in cerebral arteries and Canr treatment prevented this. White mater injury was increased in the rats fed the HF diet and this was reduced by Canr treatment. The expression of doublecortin, a marker of new and immature neurons was reduced in HF fed rats, and MR antagonism normalized this.

Conclusions

These data suggest that HF feeding leads to MR dependent remodeling of the MCA and this is associated with markers of dementia development.
Locking the nontemplate DNA to control transcription
Authors: Nedialkov Yuri , Svetlov Dmitri , Belogurov Georgiy A. , Artsimovitch Irina
Published: May 2018

Universally conserved NusG/Spt5 factors reduce RNA polymerase pausing and arrest. In a widely accepted model, these proteins bridge the RNA polymerase clamp and lobe domains across the DNA channel, inhibiting the clamp opening to promote pause‐free RNA synthesis. However, recent structures of paused transcription elongation complexes show that the clamp does not open and suggest alternative mechanisms of antipausing. Among these mechanisms, direct contacts of NusG/Spt5 proteins with the nontemplate DNA in the transcription bubble have been proposed to prevent unproductive DNA conformations and thus inhibit arrest. We used Escherichia coli RfaH, whose interactions with DNA are best characterized, to test this idea. We report that RfaH stabilizes the upstream edge of the transcription bubble, favoring forward translocation, and protects the upstream duplex DNA from exonuclease cleavage. Modeling suggests that RfaH loops the nontemplate DNA around its surface and restricts the upstream DNA duplex mobility. Strikingly, we show that RfaH‐induced DNA protection and antipausing activity can be mimicked by shortening the nontemplate strand in elongation complexes assembled on synthetic scaffolds. We propose that remodeling of the nontemplate DNA controls recruitment of regulatory factors and R‐loop formation during transcription elongation across all life.
Response to capture stress involves multiple corticosteroids and is associated with serum thyroid hormone concentrations in Guadalupe fur seals (Arctocephalus philippii townsendi)
Authors: DeRango Eugene J. , Greig Denise J. , Gálvez Casandra , Norris Tenaya A. , Barbosa Lorraine , Elorriaga‐Verplancken Fernando R. , Crocker Daniel E.
Published: May 2018

Guadalupe fur seals are a threatened species with few breeding locations, which potentially makes them sensitive to environmental or anthropogenic stressors. We present the first study to quantify adrenal and thyroid function in this species in an effort to measure their stress response to capture. We analyzed a suite of corticosteroid hormones released over time during capture in both adult females (n = 10) and weanling pups (n = 26) during March 2016. Multiple corticosteroids were released during capture, and aldosterone was associated with the response to stress in adults only. These results suggest the regulation of aldosterone secretion in association with the HPA axis in otariids as reported in other marine mammals. Individuals varied markedly in the magnitude of their endocrine response to capture. A lower total integrated stress response to capture for both cortisol and corticosterone was associated with decreased concentrations of thyroid hormone T3 and elevated concentrations of reverse T3 (rT3), suggesting parallel downregulation of adrenal and thyroid endocrine axes in some individuals. A scaled body condition index was negatively associated with T3 and positively associated with rT3 in adults. Together these findings suggest utility in using endocrine responses to capture stress to evaluate individual and population health.
The carboxylate‐releasing phosphorus‐mobilizing strategy can be proxied by foliar manganese concentration in a large set of chickpea germplasm under low phosphorus supply
Authors: Pang Jiayin , Bansal Ruchi , Zhao Hongxia , Bohuon Emilien , Lambers Hans , Ryan Megan H. , Ranathunge Kosala , Siddique Kadambot H. M.
Published: May 2018

Root foraging and root physiology such as exudation of carboxylates into the rhizosphere are important strategies for plant phosphorus (P) acquisition. We used 100 chickpea (Cicer arietinum) genotypes with diverse genetic backgrounds to study the relative roles of root morphology and physiology in P acquisition.

Plants were grown in pots in a low‐P sterilized river sand supplied with 10 μg P g−1 soil as FePO4, a poorly soluble form of P.

There was a large genotypic variation in root morphology (total root length, root surface area, mean root diameter, specific root length and root hair length), and root physiology (rhizosheath pH, carboxylates and acid phosphatase activity). Shoot P content was correlated with total root length, root surface area and total carboxylates per plant, particularly malonate. A positive correlation was found between mature leaf manganese (Mn) concentration and carboxylate amount in rhizosheath relative to root DW.

This is the first study to demonstrate that the mature leaf Mn concentration can be used as an easily measurable proxy for the assessment of belowground carboxylate‐releasing processes in a range of chickpea genotypes grown under low‐P, and therefore offers an important breeding trait, with potential application in other crops.
Image cytometry DNA ploidy analysis: Correlation between two semi‐automated methods
Authors: Ghizoni Janaina S. , Sperandio Marcelo , Lock Claire , Odell Edward W.
Published: May 2018

Background and Objectives

Quantitation of cell DNA content, DNA ploidy, has been established as a research and prognostic technique for decades. A variety of instruments have been used although only a few commercially available systems have established quality assurance and published outcome data. The aim of this study was to compare two automated systems.

Methods

Nuclear monolayers were obtained from 112 oral biopsies by enzyme digestion and Feulgen staining. These were scanned on both the Fairfield and the Ploidy Work Station (PWS) systems. The overall ploidy diagnosis, number of epithelial nuclei, coefficient of variation (CV) and 5c exceeding rate (5CER) were compared by quantile–quantile plots, t test, Wilcoxon and Spearman's tests.

Results

The PWS system identified more nuclei (p < 0.0001) at a lower CV (p < 0.0001). Using the PWS system, fewer samples were classified as indeterminate. No difference between 5CER was found between systems (p > 0.54). There was complete concordance between the two systems in terms of DNA ploidy diagnosis.

Conclusions

The PWS system is comparable to the Fairfield system for determination of DNA ploidy and has advantages that may lead to improved performance.
Climate‐driven hydrological variability determines inter‐annual changes in stream invertebrate community assembly
Authors: Sarremejane Romain , Mykrä Heikki , Huttunen Kaisa‐Leena , Mustonen Kaisa‐Riikka , Marttila Hannu , Paavola Riku , Sippel Kalle , Veijalainen Noora , Muotka Timo
Published: May 2018

Although flow regime is one of the major drivers of riverine communities, not much is known about how inter‐annual variability and extremes of flow influence community assembly mechanisms. We used data on benthic macroinvertebrates and modelled flow regimes in 23 near‐pristine boreal streams to assess how community assembly mechanisms and species occupancy varied in response to inter‐annual variability in flow conditions across 11 successive years encompassing extreme (both low and high) flow events. A null model approach was used to test whether deterministic or stochastic processes dominated community assembly and how much regional (among‐stream) flow variability contributed to community variability (β‐diversity). Mean daily flow and the greatest rate of flow rise were the strongest flow‐related descriptors of invertebrate community composition. Communities were differentially assembled depending on the direction of change in flow magnitude: in high‐flow years, communities were more similar than expected by chance, while at low flows they tended to be more dissimilar than expected. Beta‐diversity of macroinvertebrate communities was related to among‐stream flow variability only at high flows. Common species correlated strongly with flow variability and contributed most to variation in β‐diversity, suggesting that changes in assembly mechanisms are mainly driven by common species. While homogenization of communities in high‐flow years reflected increased species occupancies and environmental sorting, increased turnover during low flows likely resulted from stochastic extinctions and dispersal limitation. Our findings suggest that extreme hydrological events exert a strong control over stream invertebrate community assembly, and their effect may be even more profound in the future as high and low‐flow spells are expected to occur more frequently, not allowing time for communities to recover.
A plant pathogen modulates the effects of secondary metabolites on the performance and immune function of an insect herbivore
Authors: Rosa Elena , Woestmann Luisa , Biere Arjen , Saastamoinen Marjo
Published: May 2018

Host plant chemical composition critically shapes the performance of insect herbivores feeding on them. Some insects have become specialized on plant secondary metabolites, and even use them to their own advantage such as defense against predators. However, infection by plant pathogens can seriously alter the interaction between herbivores and their host plants. We tested whether the effects of the plant secondary metabolites, iridoid glycosides (IGs), on the performance and immune response of an insect herbivore are modulated by a plant pathogen. We used the IG‐specialized Glanville fritillary butterfly Melitaea cinxia, its host plant Plantago lanceolata, and the naturally occurring plant pathogen, powdery mildew Podosphaera plantaginis, as model system. Pre‐diapause larvae were fed on P. lanceolata host plants selected to contain either high or low IGs, in the presence or absence of powdery mildew. Larval performance was measured by growth rate, survival until diapause, and by investment in immunity. We assessed immunity after a bacterial challenge in terms of phenoloxidase (PO) activity and the expression of seven pre‐selected insect immune genes (qPCR). We found that the beneficial effects of constitutive leaf IGs, that improved larval growth, were significantly reduced by mildew infection. Moreover, mildew presence downregulated one component of larval immune response (PO activity), suggesting a physiological cost of investment in immunity under suboptimal conditions. Yet, feeding on mildew‐infected leaves caused an upregulation of two immune genes, lysozyme and prophenoloxidase. Our findings indicate that a plant pathogen can significantly modulate the effects of secondary metabolites on the growth of an insect herbivore. Furthermore, we show that a plant pathogen can induce contrasting effects on insect immune function. We suspect that the activation of the immune system toward a plant pathogen infection may be maladaptive, but the actual infectivity on the larvae should be tested.
Severe tricuspid regurgitation due to interactions with right ventricular permanent pacemaker or defibrillator leads
Authors: Trankle Cory R. , Gertz Zachary M. , Koneru Jayanthi N. , Kasirajan Vigneshwar , Nicolato Patricia , Bhardwaj Hem L. , Ellenbogen Kenneth A. , Kalahasty Gautham
Published: May 2018

Although thought to be a rare event, permanent pacemakers and implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators with right ventricular intracardiac leads have the potential to induce tricuspid valve dysfunction. Adverse lead‐valve interactions can take place through a variety of mechanisms including damage at the time of implantation, leaflet pinning, or long‐term fibrosis encapsulating the leaflet tissue. Clinical manifestations can display a wide range of severity, as well as a highly variable time span between implantation and hemodynamic deterioration. This review aims to describe the potential pathophysiologic effects of intracardiac device leads on the tricuspid valve, with a focus on ideal diagnostic strategies and treatment options once lead‐induced valvular dysfunction is suspected.
Comparative study about the tensile strength and yielding mechanism of pacing lead among major manufacturers
Authors: Chan Chi‐Wo , Chan Lip‐Kiong , Lam Tongny , Tsang Kin‐Keung , Chan Kin‐Wing
Published: May 2018

Background

With extraction of cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIED) increasingly necessitated, various studies have contemplated to investigate clinical predictors for its success and complications. Intrinsic parameters of CIED leads have been studied less extensively and are the foci of this study.

Methods

Three major pacemaker manufacturers accepted invitation. Leads then underwent tensile test in vitro with their composite tensile strength (TS) compared. Mechanism of yielding, under tensile stress, was also observed among them.

Results

All pacing leads, participated in this study, surpassed requirement of European Standard EN 45502‐2‐1. Boston Scientific's FINELINE II STEROX 4456/52 cm (Boston Scientific Corp., St. Paul, MN, USA) and Medtronic's CAPSURE SENSE 4074/52 cm (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN, USA) showed similar composite TS and both were stronger compared with St. Jude Medical's ISOFLEX OPTIM 1948/52 cm (P <0.001; St. Jude Medical, Sylmar, CA, USA). Despite a difference in the exact site, the Medtronic 4074 and St. Jude Medical 1948 yielded similarly in that their distal tip electrode remained connected with a flimsy inner coil to proximal portion of the lead after their composite TS was exceeded. Boston Scientific 4456's insulation tubing and coil wire broke almost simultaneously and separated completely from the tip electrode when it yielded.

Conclusions

FINELINE II STEROX 4456/52 cm and CAPSURE SENSE 4074/52 cm showed stronger composite tensile strength than ISOFLEX OPTIM 1948/52 cm. FINELINE II STEROX 4456 was found more prone to complete severance. Limitations and precautions to translate these differences directly into real‐life scenario are discussed.
Regional vs. General Anesthesia for Total Knee and Hip Replacement: An Analysis of Postoperative Pain Perception from the International PAIN OUT Registry
Authors: Donauer Katharina , Bomberg Hagen , Wagenpfeil Stefan , Volk Thomas , Meissner Winfried , Wolf Alexander
Published: May 2018

Background

Total hip and knee replacements are common surgeries, and an optimal pain treatment is essential for early rehabilitation. Since data from randomized controlled trials on the use of regional anesthesia in joint replacements of the lower extremities are conflicting, we analyzed the international PAIN OUT registry for comparison of regional anesthesia vs. general anesthesia regarding pain and morphine consumption on the first postoperative day.

Methods

International Classification of Diseases‐9 (ICD‐9) codes were used to identify 2,346 cases of knee arthroplasty and 2,315 cases of hip arthroplasty between 2010 and 2016 from the PAIN OUT registry. Those were grouped according to anesthesia provided (general, regional, and a combination of both). On the first day after surgery, pain levels and opioid consumption were compared. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs [and 95% confidence intervals (CIs)]) were calculated with logistic regression, and propensity matching was used as a sensitivity analysis.

Results

After adjustment for confounders, regional anesthesia was associated with reduced opioid consumption (OR 0.20 [95% CI 0.13 to 0.30], P < 0.001) and less pain (OR 0.53 [95% CI 0.36 to 0.78], P = 0.001) than was general anesthesia in knee surgery. In hip surgery, regional anesthesia was only associated with reduced opioid consumption (OR 0.17 [95% CI 0.11 to 0.26], P < 0.001), whereas pain was comparable (OR 1.23 [95% CI 0.94 to 1.61], P = 0.1). Results from a propensity‐matched sensitivity analysis were similar.

Conclusion

In total knee arthroplasty, regional anesthesia was associated with less pain and lower opioid consumption. In total hip arthroplasty, regional anesthesia was associated with lower opioid consumption, but not with reduced pain levels.
Introducing Adaptive Flood Risk Management in England, New Zealand, and the Netherlands: The Impact of Administrative Traditions
Authors: van Buuren Arwin , Lawrence Judy , Potter Karen , Warner Jeroen F.
Published: May 2018

Climate change adaptation creates significant challenges for decision makers in the flood risk‐management policy domain. Given the complex characteristics of climate change, adaptive approaches (which can be adjusted as circumstances evolve) are deemed necessary to deal with a range of uncertainties around flood hazard and its impacts and associated risks. The question whether implementing adaptive approaches is successful highly depends upon how the administrative tradition of a country enable or hinder applying a more adaptive approach. In this article, we discern how the administrative tradition in the Netherlands, England, and New Zealand impact upon the introduction of adaptive flood risk management approaches. Using the concept of administrative traditions, we aim to explain the similarities and/or differences in how adaptive strategies are shaped and implemented in the three different state flood management regimes and furthermore, which aspects related to administrative traditions are enablers or barriers to innovation in these processes.
Low maternal serum concentrations of mannose‐binding lectin are associated with the risk of shorter duration of pregnancy and lower birthweight
Authors: Koucký M. , Malíčková K. , Kopřivová H. , Cindrová‐Davies T. , Hrbáčková H. , Černý A. , Šimják P. , Pařízek A. , Zima T.
Published: May 2018

Chronic inflammation has been implicated as the underlying mechanism responsible for the pathophysiology of preterm labour. Mannose‐binding lectin (MBL) plays a central role in the innate immune response and is thus an important component of the first line of defense. The aim of this study was to investigate whether serum concentrations of MBL correlated with the incidence of preterm birth and low birthweight in a cohort of women with signs of threatened preterm birth. A cohort of 60 patients who presented with regular contractions and/or short cervix (group A) between 24 and 32 weeks of gestation and 20 healthy controls (group B) who had no pregnancy complications and delivered at term were recruited into a prospective study. The following outcomes were recorded: presence of preterm labour and birthweight in all patients. MBL and high sensitivity C‐reactive protein levels were measured in all serum samples. The serum concentrations of MBL were significantly reduced in patients with threatened preterm labour (Group A), compared to the control Group B. Furthermore, infants born to Group A mothers with MBL deficiency (n = 13, MBL ≤100 ng/mL) had significantly lower birthweights, compared to those born to Group A women with normal MBL serum concentrations (P < .0001). Our small cohort study demonstrated a strong association between MBL deficiency and preterm delivery, and associated low birthweight. MBL deficiency could thus be considered an important risk factor for preterm birth.
Neural Correlates of Suicidality in Adolescents with Major Depression: Resting‐State Functional Connectivity of the Precuneus and Posterior Cingulate Cortex
Authors: Schreiner Melinda Westlund , Klimes‐Dougan Bonnie , Cullen Kathryn R.
Published: May 2018

Objective

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with suicidal thoughts and behaviors (“suicidality”). Of the three components of Joiner's interpersonal theory of suicide, two involve negatively valenced, self‐related beliefs: perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness. However, the neurocircuitry underlying self‐processing and suicidality has not been fully explored. This study examined the association between suicidality and the neurocircuitry of regions relevant to self‐referential processing in adolescents with depression.

Method

Fifty‐eight adolescents underwent assessment and a resting‐state fMRI scan. Resting‐state functional connectivity (RSFC) analyses included two brain regions implicated in self‐referential processing: precuneus and posterior cingulate cortex (PCC). Suicidality was measured using the Index of Depression and Anxiety Symptoms. While controlling for depression severity, we conducted whole‐brain correlation analyses between suicidality and left and right precuneus and PCC connectivity maps.

Results

Suicidality was positively associated with RSFC between left precuneus and left primary motor and somatosensory cortices, and middle and superior frontal gyri. Suicidality was negatively associated with RSFC between left PCC and left cerebellum, lateral occipital cortex, and temporal–occipital fusiform gyrus.

Conclusions

Findings of hyperconnectivity stemming from the precuneus and hypoconnectivity from the PCC may reflect maladaptive self‐reflection and mentalization. However, additional investigation is warranted to further clarify these relationships.
Evaluating the Impact of EBP Education: Development of a Modified Fresno Test for Acute Care Nursing
Authors: Halm Margo A.
Published: May 2018

Background

Proficiency in evidence‐based practice (EBP) is essential for relevant research findings to be integrated into clinical care when congruent with patient preferences. Few valid and reliable tools are available to evaluate the effectiveness of educational programs in advancing EBP attitudes, knowledge, skills, or behaviors, and ongoing competency. The Fresno test is one objective method to evaluate EBP knowledge and skills; however, the original and modified versions were validated with family physicians, physical therapists, and speech and language therapists.

Aims

To adapt the Modified Fresno‐Acute Care Nursing test and develop a psychometrically sound tool for use in academic and practice settings.

Methods

In Phase 1, modified Fresno (Tilson, 2010) items were adapted for acute care nursing. In Phase 2, content validity was established with an expert panel. Content validity indices (I‐CVI) ranged from .75 to 1.0. Scale CVI was .95%. A cross‐sectional convenience sample of acute care nurses (n = 90) in novice, master, and expert cohorts completed the Modified Fresno‐Acute Care Nursing test administered electronically via SurveyMonkey.

Findings

Total scores were significantly different between training levels (p < .0001). Novice nurses scored significantly lower than master or expert nurses, but differences were not found between the latter cohorts. Total score reliability was acceptable: (interrater [ICC (2, 1)]) = .88. Cronbach's alpha was 0.70. Psychometric properties of most modified items were satisfactory; however, six require further revision and testing to meet acceptable standards.

Linking Evidence to Action

The Modified Fresno‐Acute Care Nursing test is a 14‐item test for objectively assessing EBP knowledge and skills of acute care nurses. While preliminary psychometric properties for this new EBP knowledge measure for acute care nursing are promising, further validation of some of the items and scoring rubric is needed.
MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT IN AFRICAN CITIES: A CASE STUDY OF LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Chidiebere Ogbonna Alban , Abubakar Mikailu , Shabako Jiya Gideon
Published: May 2018

Lagos State is one of the densely populated and highly industrialised States of Nigeria.Recognizing that the continued pollution of our environment will, if uncontrolled be difficult torectify in the future, the subject of municipal solid waste management is both timely andimportant. This research evaluated the solid waste management strategies in Lagos State,Nigeria. The activities involved with the management of solid wastes from the point of wastegeneration to waste disposal were evaluated. Structured questionnaire and interview wereemployed to collect data within the thirteen Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Lagos State,Nigeria. The results showed that the rate of municipal solid waste generation out weight thepresent management strategies and the number of recycling firms in Lagos State. The studytherefore recommends the need for Lagos State Government to review the municipal solid wastemanagement strategies for sustainable development and job creation.
NUMERICAL STUDY OF TURBULENT FLOW FOR MODERATE-SLOPE STEPPED SPILLWAYS
Authors: Chakib Bentalha
Published: May 2018

Stepped spillway is a power full hydraulic structure for energy dissipation because ofthe large value of the surface roughness. The performance of the stepped spillway is enhancedwith the presence of air that can prevent or reduce the cavitation damage. This work aims tosimulate air entrainment and determine the characteristics of flow at stepped spillways. Withinthis work flow over stepped chute is simulated by using fluent computational fluid dynamics(CFD). The volume of fluid (VOF) model is used as a tool to simulate air-water interaction onthe free surface thereby the turbulence closure is derived in the k −ε turbulence standard model.The found numerical results agree well with experimental results.
THE EFFECTS OF INCLINED SHEAR REINFORCEMENT IN REINFORCED CONCRETE BEAM
Authors: Zamri Nor Fazlin , Mohamed Roslli Noor , A. Khalid NurHafizah , Chiat Kang Yong
Published: May 2018

This paper presents the findings of an experimental data on the effects of inclined shearreinforcement in reinforced concrete (RC) beam. Two types of shear reinforcement of RC beamwere investigated, conventional stirrups (vertical links) and inclined shear reinforcement (45degrees of inclined shear reinforcement). The RC beam with conventional stirrups wasdesignated as a control specimen. The RC beams with different types of shear reinforcementwere tested for shear under four-point loading system. Comparisons were made between bothtypes of RC beam on load-deflection, load-steel strain, load-concrete strain behaviour and modeof failure. The theoretical and experimental were calculated by using conventional formulation inaccordance to EC 2 in order to verify the experimental results. From the results, it was observedthat the RC beam with 45 degree inclined shear reinforcement improved structural performancein shear by approximately 20% and thus prolong the shear failure behaviour as compared to theRC beam with vertical links.
New records of phytoseiid mites of the subfamilies Typhlodrominae and Phytoseiinae (Acari: Phytoseiidae) from Spain, with description of a new species and re-description of four species of Typhlodromus Scheuten
Authors: Ferragut Francisco
Published: May 2018

Thirteen species of phytoseiid mites of the subfamilies Typhlodrominae and Phytoseiinae are reported for the first time from Spain. Typhlodromus (Typhlodromus) baeticus sp. nov. is described and four species poorly known morphologically, Paraseiulus soleiger (Ribaga), Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) ilicis Athias-Henriot, Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) recki Wainstein and Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) sapiens Athias-Henriot are re-described based on new materials collected in Spain. Finally, the unknown male of Typhloseiulus eleonorae Ragusa & Swirski is described and additional morphological information is provided for other seven species.
Prediction of permeable thin absorbers using the finite-difference time-domain method
Authors: Toyoda Masahiro , Motooka Junya
Published: May 2018

Permeable thin materials can play a role similar to porous absorbents, providing high sound absorption at mid- and high-frequencies. In addition, since they can be made from various materials such as cotton, chemical fibers, and metal fibers, they can be hygienic, durable, and easy to recycle. Their absorption characteristics are often discussed with analytical approaches, and a few studies have even applied the boundary element method and the finite element method to predict the practical effects of permeable thin absorbers. However, to the best of the authors' knowledge, the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method has yet to be used. Herein a formulation to deal with a permeable thin absorber as a permeable boundary in the FDTD method is proposed and the stability conditions for a permeable boundary are derived considering the state transition equations. The proposed formulation is validated by comparing the numerical and analytical results, which agree well.
Applying a Low-FODMAP Dietary Intervention to a Female Ultraendurance Runner With Irritable Bowel Syndrome During a Multistage Ultramarathon
Authors: Gaskell Stephanie K. , Costa Ricardo J.S.
Published: May 2018

Malabsorption of fermentable oligo-, di-, mono-saccharides and polyols (FODMAPs) in response to prolonged exercise may increase incidence of upper and lower gastrointestinal symptoms (GIS), which are known to impair exercise performance. This case study aimed to explore the impact of a low-FODMAP diet on exercise-associated GIS in a female ultraendurance runner diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome, competing in a 6-day 186.7-km mountainous multistage ultramarathon (MSUM). Irritable bowel syndrome symptom severity score at diagnosis was 410 and following a low-FODMAP diet (3.9 g FODMAPs/day) it reduced to 70. The diet was applied 6 days before (i.e., lead-in diet), and maintained during (5.1 g FODMAPs/day) the MSUM. Nutrition intake was analyzed through dietary analysis software. A validated 100-mm visual analog scale quantified GIS incidence and severity. GIS were modest during the MSUM (overall mean ± SD: bloating 27 ± 5 mm and flatulence 23 ± 8 mm), except severe nausea (67 ± 14 mm) experienced throughout. Total daily energy (11.7 ± 1.6 MJ/day) intake did not meet estimated energy requirements (range: 13.9–17.9 MJ/day). Total daily protein [1.4 ± 0.3 g·kg body weight (BW)−1·day−1], carbohydrate (9.1 ± 1.3 g·kg BW−1·day−1), fat (1.1 ± 0.2 g·kg BW−1·day−1), and water (78.7 ± 6.4 ml·kg BW−1·day−1) intakes satisfied current consensus guidelines, except for carbohydrates. Carbohydrate intake during running failed to meet recommendations (43 ± 9 g/hr). The runner successfully implemented a low-FODMAP diet and completed the MSUM with minimal GIS. However, suboptimal energy and carbohydrate intake occurred, potentially exacerbated by nausea associated with running at altitude.
In Vitro
and
In Vivo
Activity of Peptidomimetic Compounds That Target the Periodontal Pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Tan Jinlian , Patil Pravin C. , Luzzio Frederick A. , Demuth Donald R.
Published: May 2018

The interaction of the periodontal pathogen
Porphyromonas gingivalis
with oral streptococci is important for initial colonization of the oral cavity by
P. gingivalis
and is mediated by a discrete motif of the streptococcal antigen I/II protein. A synthetic peptide encompassing this motif functions as a potent inhibitor of
P. gingivalis
adherence, but the use of peptides as topically applied therapeutic agents in the oral cavity has limitations arising from the relatively high cost of peptide synthesis and their susceptibility to degradation by proteases expressed by oral organisms. In this study, we demonstrate the
in vitro
and
in vivo
activity of five small-molecule mimetic compounds of the streptococcal peptide. Using a three-species biofilm model, all five compounds were shown to effectively inhibit the incorporation of
P. gingivalis
into
in vitro
biofilms and exhibited 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC
50
s) of 10 to 20 μM. Four of the five compounds also significantly reduced maxillary alveolar bone resorption induced by
P. gingivalis
infection in a mouse model of periodontitis. All of the compounds were nontoxic toward a human telomerase immortalized gingival keratinocyte cell line. Three compounds exhibited slight toxicity against the murine macrophage J774A.1 cell line at the highest concentration tested. Compound PCP-III-201 was nontoxic to both cell lines and the most potent inhibitor of
P. gingivalis
virulence and thus may represent a novel potential therapeutic agent that targets
P. gingivalis
by preventing its colonization of the oral cavity.
Predictable Phenotypes of Antibiotic Resistance Mutations
Authors: Knopp M. , Andersson D. I.
Published: May 2018

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria represent a major threat to our ability to treat bacterial infections. Two factors that determine the evolutionary success of antibiotic resistance mutations are their impact on resistance level and the fitness cost. Recent studies suggest that resistance mutations commonly show epistatic interactions, which would complicate predictions of their stability in bacterial populations. We analyzed 13 different chromosomal resistance mutations and 10 host strains of
Salmonella enterica
and
Escherichia coli
to address two main questions. (i) Are there epistatic interactions between different chromosomal resistance mutations? (ii) How does the strain background and genetic distance influence the effect of chromosomal resistance mutations on resistance and fitness? Our results show that the effects of combined resistance mutations on resistance and fitness are largely predictable and that epistasis remains rare even when up to four mutations were combined. Furthermore, a majority of the mutations, especially target alteration mutations, demonstrate strain-independent phenotypes across different species. This study extends our understanding of epistasis among resistance mutations and shows that interactions between different resistance mutations are often predictable from the characteristics of the individual mutations.

IMPORTANCE
The spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria imposes an urgent threat to public health. The ability to forecast the evolutionary success of resistant mutants would help to combat dissemination of antibiotic resistance. Previous studies have shown that the phenotypic effects (fitness and resistance level) of resistance mutations can vary substantially depending on the genetic context in which they occur. We conducted a broad screen using many different resistance mutations and host strains to identify potential epistatic interactions between various types of resistance mutations and to determine the effect of strain background on resistance phenotypes. Combinations of several different mutations showed a large amount of phenotypic predictability, and the majority of the mutations displayed strain-independent phenotypes. However, we also identified a few outliers from these patterns, illustrating that the choice of host organism can be critically important when studying antibiotic resistance mutations.
Factors associated with pain and osteoarthritis at the hip and knee in Great Britain’s Olympians: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Cooper Dale J , Scammell Brigitte E , Batt Mark E , Palmer Debbie
Published: May 2018

Background

Knowledge of the epidemiology and potentially modifiable factors associated with musculoskeletal disease is an important first step in injury prevention among elite athletes.

Aim

This study investigated the prevalence and factors associated with pain and osteoarthritis (OA) at the hip and knee in Great Britain’s (GB) Olympians aged 40 and older.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study. A survey was distributed to 2742 GB Olympians living in 30 countries. Of the 714 (26.0%) who responded, 605 were eligible for analysis (ie, aged 40 and older).

Results

The prevalence of hip and knee pain was 22.4% and 26.1%, and of hip and knee OA was 11.1% and 14.2%, respectively. Using a multivariable model, injury was associated with OA at the hip (adjusted OR (aOR) 10.85; 95% CI 3.80 to 30.96) and knee (aOR 4.92; 95% CI 2.58 to 9.38), and pain at the hip (aOR 5.55; 95% CI 1.83 to 16.86) and knee (aOR 2.65; 95% CI 1.57 to 4.46). Widespread pain was associated with pain at the hip (aOR 7.63; 95% CI 1.84 to 31.72) and knee (aOR 4.77; 95% CI 1.58 to 14.41). Older age, obesity, knee malalignment, comorbidities, hypermobility and weight-bearing exercise were associated with hip and knee OA and/or pain.

Conclusions

This study detected an association between several factors and hip and knee pain/OA in retired GB Olympic athletes. These associations require further substantiation in retired athletes from other National Olympic Committees, and through comparison with the general population. Longitudinal follow-up is needed to investigate the factors associated with the onset and progression of OA/pain, and to determine if modulation of such factors can reduce the prevalence of pain and OA in this population.
Dysbiosis of maternal and neonatal microbiota associated with gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Wang Jinfeng , Zheng Jiayong , Shi Wenyu , Du Nan , Xu Xiaomin , Zhang Yanming , Ji Peifeng , Zhang Fengyi , Jia Zhen , Wang Yeping , Zheng Zhi , Zhang Hongping , Zhao Fangqing
Published: May 2018

Objective

The initial colonisation of the human microbiota and the impact of maternal health on neonatal microbiota at birth remain largely unknown. The aim of our study is to investigate the possible dysbiosis of maternal and neonatal microbiota associated with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and to estimate the potential risks of the microbial shift to neonates.

Design

Pregnant women and neonates suffering from GDM were enrolled and 581 maternal (oral, intestinal and vaginal) and 248 neonatal (oral, pharyngeal, meconium and amniotic fluid) samples were collected. To avoid vaginal bacteria contaminations, the included neonates were predominantly delivered by C-section, with their samples collected within seconds of delivery.

Results

Numerous and diverse bacterial taxa were identified from the neonatal samples, and the samples from different neonatal body sites were grouped into distinct clusters. The microbiota of pregnant women and neonates was remarkably altered in GDM, with a strong correlation between certain discriminatory bacteria and the oral glucose tolerance test. Microbes varying by the same trend across the maternal and neonatal microbiota were observed, revealing the intergenerational concordance of microbial variation associated with GDM. Furthermore, lower evenness but more depletion of KEGG orthologues and higher abundance of some viruses (eg, herpesvirus and mastadenovirus) were observed in the meconium microbiota of neonates associated with GDM.

Conclusion

GDM can alter the microbiota of both pregnant women and neonates at birth, which sheds light on another form of inheritance and highlights the importance of understanding the formation of early-life microbiome.