bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intradialytic exercise with blood flow restriction: Something to add to hemodialysis adequacy? Findings from a crossover study
Authors: Dias Etiene C. , Orcy Rafael , Antunes Maria F. , Kohn Rodrigo , Rombaldi Airton J. , Ribeiro Larissa , Oses Jean P. , Ferreira Gustavo D. , Araújo Aline M. , Boff Isis F. , Böhlke Maristela
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Hemodialysis (HD) increases the lifespan of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. However, HD is only partially effective in replacing renal function. The aim of this study is to compare HD adequacy between sessions with intradialytic exercise with or without blood flow restriction (BFR) with sessions without exercise.

Methods

A crossover study including 22 adult CKD patients on HD. The patients were assigned to BFR (n = 11) or exercise alone group (n = 11). Each patient was submitted to four HD sessions (two with exercise and two control sessions). HD adequacy was assessed by equilibrated Kt/V‐urea (eKT/V), single‐pool Kt/V‐urea (sp‐Kt/V), urea and phosphorus rebound, urea reduction ratio (URR) and removal of urea and phosphorus in dialysate.

Findings

BFR exercise improved eKt/V and sp‐Kt/V (1.32 ± 0.21 vs. 1.10 ± 0.16 for control, P < 0.001; 1.53 ± 0.26 vs. 1.27 ± 0.19 for control, P < 0.001, respectively) and URR (72.5 ± 5.4% vs. 66.1 ± 7.7% for control, P < 0.001). No difference in eKt/V, sp‐Kt/V or URR could be detected between exercise alone and control HD sessions. Urea rebound was lower in BFR exercise vs. control sessions (−8.9 ± 9.1% vs. 30.7 ± 12.8%, P < 0.01) and exercise alone vs. control sessions (13.3 ± 29.0% vs. 42.4 ± 15.3%, P < 0.01). Phosphorus rebound was marginally lower in exercise vs. control sessions (14.4 ± 19.1% vs. 28.4 ± 22.1%, P = 0.18). Urea and phosphorus mass removal in dialysate were marginally higher in exercise vs. control sessions (42.2 ± 19.4 g vs. 35.7 ± 12.5 g, P = 0.24; 912.1 ± 360.9 mg vs. 778.6 ± 245.1 mg, P = 0.28).

Conclusions

Intradialytic exercise with BFR was more effective than standard exercise in increasing HD adequacy.
DYNAMIC STATUS EFFECTS, SAVINGS, AND INCOME INEQUALITY
Authors: Dioikitopoulos Evangelos V. , Turnovsky Stephen J. , Wendner Ronald
Published: October 2019

This article advances the hypothesis that the intensity of status preferences depends negatively on the average wealth of society (endogenous dynamic status effect), in accordance with empirical evidence. Our theory replicates the contradictory historical facts of an increasing saving rate along with declining returns to capital over time. By affecting the dynamics of the saving rate, the dynamic status effect raises inequality, thereby providing a behavioral mechanism for the observed diverse dynamics of income inequality across countries. In countries in which the dynamic status effect is strong (weak), inequality rises (declines) over time in response to a positive productivity shock.
The effect of acute warming and thermal acclimation on maximum heart rate of the common killifish Fundulus heteroclitus
Authors: Safi Hamid , Zhang Yangfan , Schulte Patricia M. , Farrell Anthony P.
Published: October 2019

Common killifish Fundulus heteroclitus were acclimated to ecologically relevant temperatures (5, 15 and 33°C) and their maximum heart rate (fHmax) was measured at each acclimation temperature during an acute warming protocol. Acclimation to 33°C increased peak fHmax by up to 32% and allowed the heart to beat rhythmically at a temperature 10°C higher when compared with acclimation to 5°C. Independent of acclimation temperature, peak fHmax occurred about 3°C cooler than the temperature that first produced cardiac arrhythmias. Thus, when compared with previously published values for the critical thermal maximum of F. heteroclitus, the temperature for peak fHmax was cooler and the temperature that first produced cardiac arrhythmias was similar to these critical thermal maxima. The considerable thermal plasticity of fHmax demonstrated in the present study is entirely consistent with eurythermal ecology of killifish, as shown previously for another eurythermal fish Gillichthys mirabilis.
Comparison of Attention‐Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Care Between School‐Based Health Centers and a Continuity Clinic
Authors: MacGeorge Claire A. , King Kathryn L. , Simpson Annie N. , Abramson Erika L. , Bundy David G. , McElligott James T.
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

School‐based health centers (SBHC) are in a unique position to provide guideline‐driven attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) care. In this study, we compared adherence to 2 components of ADHD guidelines in SBHC versus a continuity clinic.

METHODS

We compared proportions of ADHD visits that had a structured symptom report available and timely follow‐up in SBHC to a continuity clinic using chart review. We used multiple logistic regression to estimate the association between guideline adherence and clinic type.

RESULTS

Participants who had a medication dose change were 3.9 times more likely (relative risk [RR] = 3.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.0‐5.1) to have a structured report present and 1.7 times more likely (RR = 1.7, 95% CI 1.2‐2.2) to have follow‐up within 30 days if they were seen in SBHC versus continuity clinic. Participants who were stable on their medication dose were 18 times more likely (RR = 18.0, 95% CI 11.3‐29.0) to have a structured report present and 1.4 times more likely (RR = 1.4, 95% CI 1.3‐1.6) to have follow‐up within 100 days if they were seen in SBHC versus continuity clinic.

CONCLUSIONS

Care provided in SBHC was associated with improved adherence to guidelines and has the potential to the improve pediatric ADHD outcomes.
Spotting sporotrichosis skin infection: The first Australian paediatric case series
Authors: Schauer Anna , Campbell Anita J , Arthur Ian , Blyth Chris C , Bowen Asha C
Published: October 2019

Aim

Sporotrichosis is a dermatomycosis caused by the dimorphic fungus, Sporothrix schenckii, with various outbreaks across Australia attributed to mouldy hay. Our objective was to investigate the clinical presentation and management of cutaneous sporotrichosis in a paediatric population of Western Australia.

Methods

A retrospective case review was performed for S. schenckii infections in children below 18 years, between January 2000 and November 2017. Cases were identified from the state‐wide laboratory database and additional clinical data obtained from medical records.

Results

Thirty‐two cases of microbiologically proven S. schenckii infection were identified, mostly from rural areas (n = 20, 63%). Complete clinical data were available for 11 cases (34%). The most common risk factors were exposure to farm animals and hay, arthropod bites and outdoor activities. The median duration from symptom onset to correct diagnosis was 6 weeks (interquartile range: 4–7 weeks). Most cases were initially treated with multiple, broad‐spectrum antibacterial agents (n = 7, 64%). Targeted therapy (itraconazole) was used in all cases once the diagnosis was made, with a median treatment duration of 5 months (interquartile range: 4–6 months). Morbidity included scarring (n = 4, 31%), itraconazole associated diarrhoea (n = 1, 8%) and mild hepatotoxicity (n = 1, 8%).

Conclusion

Summarising the clinical experience of these cases is a useful guide for clinical recognition and may serve to shorten the interval between onset and diagnosis, and avoid the need for antibacterial therapy. These data highlight the importance of recognising Sporotrichosis in children outside an outbreak setting, leading to timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment with antifungal agents.
Paediatric pre‐operative anaesthetic clinic: A survey of consultant‐led caseload and outcomes
Authors: Chin Joel WE , Macrae Jenny L , Sury Michael RJ
Published: October 2019

Aim

The role of pre‐operative anaesthetic clinics (POAC) in adult practice is well‐established and is developing in paediatric hospitals in the UK.

Methods

We carried out a retrospective survey of all patients assessed in our POAC by a consultant, determining the pre‐operative problems and the perioperative anaesthetic interventions and outcomes.

Results

In 2016, 537 patients were seen by a consultant: the median age was 5.5 years (interquartile range 2.2–10.2) and median weight was 18.7 kg (interquartile range 12–28.7). 77% were ASA3 and 4% were ASA4. Seventy‐five percent of patients referred for consultant assessment had a problem with at least one of the following four major body systems: cardiac (37%), respiratory (26%), airway (18%) and neurodevelopment (14%), Fifteen percent of these patients had two of these systems affected, and 3% had three or more. The rate of cancellation due to significant risk was 2.6% (n = 14): nine had significant cardiac risk and five had respiratory reasons. The rate of serious perioperative problems was 2.8% (n = 15): six were cardiac, six were respiratory, two neurological and one coagulation. Cardiac and airway problems occurred during anaesthesia, whereas problems relating to respiratory and neurological disease were post‐operative. Of the 15 patients with three or more body system problems, 5 were cancelled or had a perioperative complication causing deterioration, 5 had a major complication but recovered fully and 5 proceeded to general anaesthesia (GA) without serious event. There were no deaths during GA or within 30 days.

Conclusion

In the POAC, consultants identified a wide range of GA‐related potential problems enabling patients to be investigated, informed and prepared (or cancelled because of excess risk), and for appropriate resources to be allocated to achieve efficient and safe perioperative care.
Surrogates’ end‐of‐life decision‐making process in nursing homes for residents with a neurocognitive disorder: An integrative review
Authors: Daneau Stéphanie , Bourbonnais Anne , Legault Alain
Published: October 2019

Objective

The goal of this review is to analyse articles on the experience of surrogates who find themselves making end‐of‐life decisions for a relative with a major neurocognitive disorder in a nursing home.

Design

An integrative review of the literature based on Whittemore and Knafl's method.

Data sources

This review used the CINAHL, PubMed, PsycInfo, Embase and Web of Science databases. A complementary search was also conducted via citation pearl searching, and the reference lists from the selected articles were manually verified.

Review method

The quality of the selected articles was assessed using the Crow Critical Appraisal Tool, and the data were extracted systematically and were then organised according to Mishel's uncertainty in illness theory. The data that did not correspond to any concept of the theory were excluded at this stage. Analysis was conducted using the method put forward by Miles, Huberman and Saldaña.

Results

A total of 18 articles were selected: 11 qualitative, 5 quantitative and 1 using a mixed method, as well as 1 ethical argument. The subjects arising from the analysis of the articles were the types of decisions made, the support available for the surrogates, the role and involvement of the surrogates in the process and the factors that influence the decisions.

Conclusion

The results of this integrative review stimulate reflection on the needs of family members involved in making decisions, as well as on the nursing practice and research. Published literature is mainly from North America, and thus, more research is needed to better understand the impact of cultural and ethnic differences in the process, which was poorly covered by the existing literature. Also, exploring nurses’ involvement in supporting surrogates may eventually better equip nurses for their interventions with surrogates.

Implications for practice

Describing the illness progression and the signification of palliative care to the resident with a NCD and their surrogate decision makers, as well as discussing end‐of‐life care preferences as early as possible are all nursing interventions that could potentially enhance surrogates’ end‐of‐life decision‐making process.
The Constitution of Abstract Objects
Authors: Trajkovski Miroslava
Published: October 2019

An abstract singular term is a term that is built in a particular way which is given by the principle of abstraction. Given that F and G are variables, N is a term‐forming operator, and E is an equivalence relation, the principle of abstraction is usually stated as: (F)(G)(NF = NG iff E[F,G]). I distinguish between logical and phenomenological principles of abstraction in the sense that the left‐hand side is abstrahendum and the right‐hand side is abstrahens in the former; in the latter it is vice versa. Frege says that we “carve up the content in a way different from the original one [in the abstrahens], and this yields us a new concept [in the abstrahendum].” I shall follow an approach that differs from the Fregean. Instead of taking an object to be defined as the referent of a term constructed as a singular term, I will take it that an object is the referent of a constitutional act which I explain along Husserlian lines. I will argue that the logical principle of abstraction for numbers demands two steps of abstraction (not exactly Cantorian ones), and that the first one was hidden. When made explicit this step reveals its phenomenological character.
Does the evidence support the importance of high transfusion ratios of plasma and platelets to red blood cells in improving outcomes in severely injured patients: a systematic review and meta‐analyses
Authors: da Luz Luis Teodoro , Shah Prakesh S. , Strauss Rachel , Mohammed Ayman Abdelhady , D'Empaire Pablo Perez , Tien Homer , Nathens Avery B. , Nascimento Barto
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Deaths by exsanguination in trauma are preventable with hemorrhage control and resuscitation with allogeneic blood products (ABPs). The ideal transfusion ratio is unknown. We compared efficacy and safety of high transfusion ratios of FFP:RBC and PLT:RBC with low ratios in trauma.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Medline, Embase, Cochrane, and Controlled Clinical Trials Register were searched. Observational and randomized data were included. Risk of bias was assessed using validated tools. Primary outcome was 24‐h and 30‐day mortality. Secondary outcomes were exposure to ABPs and improvement of coagulopathy. Meta‐analysis was conducted using a random‐effects model. Strength and evidence quality were graded using GRADE profile

RESULTS

55 studies were included (2 randomized and 53 observational), with low and moderate risk of bias, respectively, and overall low evidence quality. The two RCTs showed no mortality difference (odds ratio [OR], 1.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.40‐4.59). Observational studies reported lower mortality in high FFP:RBCs ratio (OR, 0.38 [95% CI, 0.22‐0.68] for 1:1 vs. <1:1; OR, 0.42 [95% CI, 0.22‐0.81] for 1:1.5 vs. <1:1.5; and OR, 0.47 [95% CI, 0.31‐0.71] for 1:2 vs. <1:2, respectively). Meta‐analyses in observational studies showed no difference in exposure to ABPs. No data on coagulopathy for meta‐analysis was identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Meta‐analyses in observational studies suggest survival benefit and no difference in exposure to ABPs. No survival benefit in RCTs was identified. These conflicting results should be interpreted with caution. Studies are mostly observational, with relatively small sample sizes, nonrandom treatment allocation, and high potential for confounding. Further research is warranted.
The determinants of international migration: Unbundling the role of economic, political and social institutions
Authors: Arif Imran
Published: October 2019

International migrants may relocate because of economic, political and social factors in their origin or destination countries. Using global bilateral migration flows from 103 countries over the period 1990–2000, we explore whether emigrants self‐select based on economic, political and social institutions. Our study adds social dimension as a potential determinant of migration and separates the pull and push effects of political, economic and social institutions. Our results indicate that economic, political and social institutions are significant pull factors of migration; economic freedom has the most substantial pull effect followed by the political institutions; social institutions have the weakest pull effect on migration. Moreover, economic and social institutions are significant push factors of migration, while political institutions do not show any push effect. Furthermore, educated migrants are more sensitive to the destination economic, political and social institutions than less‐educated migrants, and less‐educated migrants are more sensitive to the social institutions at the origin.
Analyzing Tourism Discourse in the Context of Iranian Promotional Media
Authors: Abd Manan Amerrudin , Goloshejerdi Farideh Moradi
Published: October 2019

The role of tourism discourse through verbal and visual elements in creating tourists’ destination image has great significance. Most tourism discourse researchers focus on the linguistics and visual parts, but rarely have looked at measuring the elements of destination image associated with tourism discourse. Furthermore, destination image research in the context of some Middle East countries with high potential tourism attractions like Iran has been rather limited. This study tries to address this gap by attempting an in-depth understanding of Iran’s image as a tourist destination worldwide, on the basis of data collected from printed and online brochures and travel guides, and by analyzing the images of the tourists who intended to visit Iran through three open-ended structured questions. The findings of this study revealed that the dominant discourse on tourism texts aim to promote the image of Iran as a safe, peaceful, and a rich land in terms of natural scenery, historical relics, gastronomy, museums and architecture; however, the image of the country has been appeared relatively negative and unfamiliar, as this country are usually classified as Arabs and Iranian culture is not distinctive among most respondents. This research further identifies the distinctive features of Iranian tourism discourse which portray various types of destination images of the country. It is concluded that a realistic communication with prospective tourists through the texts has essential influence on the formation of a positive image and consequently, the success of tourism destinations.
Digitally Speaking: Multitasking and the Future of Digital Language for Academic Communication
Authors: Edwards Bosede Iyiade , A. Aris Baharuddin , A. Shukor Nurbiha
Published: October 2019

Technological advancement including the emergence of social media has brought irreversible changes to the 21st century communications landscape. With opportunities for anytime-anywhere connectivity on different kinds of gadgets for real time sharing, there has been a strong and very noticeable effect on language use in social interactions. With the increased need for multitasking, the need for increased speed, especially in written communication, has resulted in the trend towards an emerging digital dialect using abbreviated words, figures as well as a combination of words from many languages. New digital vocabularies emerge daily and one wonders if this may end up on the pages of academic materials soon. This paper examines current trends in communicative languages in digital environments especially written communication in the age of media multitasking. The implication for education is discussed from the standpoint of language development. The need for multitasking is a major reason for the language shift being observed though there appears to be a distinction between structures for formal and social communication in spite of the shift. The possibility of a new language emerging in time still requires further studies as upcoming generations are likely to be more impatient than the current one.
Formality and Informality Dimensions of Language Use by Chinese Speakers in Sarawak
Authors: PUAH Yann-Yann , TING Su-Hie
Published: October 2019

This study examined the influence of formality on language choice by Chinese speakers for the religious, transaction, education and employment domains. A survey was conducted on 300 Chinese speakers in Kuching, Sarawak (150 Foochow, 150 Hokkien). The participants were presented with at least one formal and one informal situation in the four selected domains and asked to indicate the main language used. The results showed that for the religious domain, formality does not influence the language choice, and the Chinese speakers spoke mainly Mandarin, some English and a little of either Hokkien or Foochow for informal discussions on the religious text, talking with the priest or monk, and praying. As for the transactions domain, the use of Bahasa Malaysia transcends the formality of interactions. The Chinese speakers rely on Mandarin and some Chinese vernacular languages when interacting in the market, food court, shops and when using public transport services but Mandarin usage lessens and there is a corresponding increase in English usage, indicating that English is associated with formality. In the education domain, interestingly it is Mandarin which is not influenced by formality dimensions but there is a clear pattern of decreasing use of Bahasa Malaysia and increasing use of English in more formal interactions involving teachers, as contrasted with genera workers and administrative staff. In the employment domain, English is mainly used for meetings but in interactions with colleagues of the same hierarchical status, Mandarin and Bahasa Malaysia are main languages used with colleagues from the same and different ethnic groups. The study shows a functional differentiation of languages for the Chinese speakers on an incline of formality of domains of language use but it is only clear for English which is seen as a formal language. Mandarin and Bahasa Malaysia are unaffected by formality in some domains but in other domains they represent the less formal languages. The underlying factors for this disparity will be discussed.
On the Notion of Psychological Reality of Immediate Constituent Structure and Its Implications in Reading Comprehension for Iranian EFL Students
Authors: Marzban Amir
Published: October 2019

This study is an attempt to investigate the effect of physical arrangement of sentences on the basis of constituent structures of text type passages on Iranian EFL students' reading comprehension with regard to language proficiency. For this purpose, three English text type passages each consisting of six passages in one of three forms (a) texts with breaks at major constituent boundaries -Between constituents- (b) texts with breaks at minor constituent boundaries -within constituents- and (c) intact texts; were given to 90 students, who were divided into three groups at the same level of proficiency. A 30-item multiple-choice test was used to assess comprehension. To test the hypotheses posed in the study, the collected data were analyzed by ANOVA (one way) and scheffe test was utilized in post hoc analyses. The results of the study indicated that physical arrangement of sentences has a significant effect on students reading comprehension. So, what this research suggests is that constituents play an important role in students sentence perception and that EFL enterprise can enhance students' information- processing and perception by techniques of constituency-awareness on the part of EFL students.
Communication Barriers between Students and Lecturers
Authors: Abdul Malek Norazmah Suhailah , Ibrahim Noor Aireen , Wan Adnan Wan Nur Asyura , Abd Rahim Ramona
Published: October 2019

This study focuses on investigating the communication barriers between students and lecturers of UTM Kuala Lumpur campus. The respondents are from the diploma, undergraduates and postgraduates students and lecturers. These students and lecturers come from various backgrounds with different culture, norms and values. The data was gathered through questionnaire and interviews. Findings show that the most common communication barrier that the respondents face is language, followed by perceptual and emotional. Measures to overcome these barriers have also been suggested to ensure effective communication takes place in classrooms.
Kesalahan Tatabahasa Bahasa Melayu dalam Penulisan Karangan Pelajar
Authors: Mohamad Nasir Zaliza
Published: October 2019

This study was conducted to analyse the grammatical mistakes – errors made by Indonesian students when learning Bahasa Malaysia Academic Writing at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. Students essay writing were used/utilised as the primary data in locating to identifies grammatical mistakes made. It was found that Indonesian students made many grammatical mistakes or various aspects such as semantic and morphology. The mistakes on morphology aspects were normally the word choice, preposition and pronouns. Further discovery finding revealed that the reasons for mistakes made were because lack of knowledge in Bahasa Malaysia language and confusion on the meaning of words. Eventhough Malay language originates from the same language as the mother tougue of the students but there are actually many diffrences which lead to uncertainly of the Indonesian students in the use of the language.
Exploring Citations in Chemical Engineering Literature Review
Authors: Zaid Yasmin Hanafi , Shamsudin Sarimah , Habil Hadina
Published: October 2019

Citation is considered as an essential part in any academic writing whereby it is one way for writers to support any claims or arguments made in their study with literature from previous research. Literature review is known as a chapter which provides background for research described in a thesis. However, relatively not many studies are done on literature review chapter of thesis which may be due to the extensive nature of the text. Writing academic texts such as a thesis requires an author to acknowledge other researchers’ work through proper use of citations. Learning the appropriate way to cite is important in any kinds of academic writing especially among research students who are writing their theses. Therefore, the main aim of this study is to investigate the citation practices in doctoral theses of Chemical Engineering. The purpose of this study is two folds; i) to identify the types of citations used in the corpus (using Swale's 1990 categorization) and ii) to examine the functions related to the citations used (using Thompson's 2001 framework). Three literature review chapters were analysed first to identify the types of citations used in the mini corpus and the functions related to the citations. The results of the study show that engineering student writers mostly used Non-integral citations as compared to Integral. The study concludes with a discussion on the skills of citing the literature which should be given more attention to raise the awareness level among students.
Critical Reading Skills at Tertiary Level
Authors: Mee Seng Ngu , Zainal Zaidah
Published: October 2019

This study investigated critical reading skills among tertiary level students. Ten undergraduate students from the Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) participated in this research. They were required to read a text regarding an oil crisis and respond to a question given in a form of a written protocol. A Critical Reading Categorization Scheme, adapted from the strategy profile developed by Sugirin’s (1999) was used to analyse the written protocol data. It was found that a number of sub-skills were used by the students, among them which were consistently used include extracting information from reading text, using examples to support argument, stating opinion regarding the topic discussed, stating personal viewpoint on the issue discussed and providing explanations for opinion stated. Overall, the results showed that the students were able to moderately respond critically to the text they read.
Influence of Realistic Lubricant Density-Pressure Dependence on the Stiffness of Elastohydrodynamic Lubricated Contacts
Authors: Issa J. S. , Habchi W.
Published: October 2019

The analysis of the dynamic response of elastohydrodynamic lubricated contacts has often invoked a universal law for lubricant density–pressure dependence, even though the densities of many lubricants exhibit a substantial deviation from this widely adopted law. The current work investigates the influence of real lubricant density–pressure behavior on the stiffness of elastohydrodynamic lubricated contacts. It is shown that accounting for the real lubricant density–pressure dependence is crucial for an accurate estimation of the oil film stiffness, under steady-state considerations. The influence on the overall stiffness of the contact is found to be negligible though. Finally, an analytical correction procedure is provided, allowing a correction of oil film stiffness predictions that are based on the universal law for lubricant density–pressure dependence (or any other unrealistic law), to account for the real lubricant density–pressure response.
Structure Optimization of Battery Module With a Parallel Multi-Channel Liquid Cooling Plate Based on Orthogonal Test
Authors: Pan Chaofeng , Tang Qiming , He Zhigang , Wang Limei , Chen Long
Published: October 2019

In order to keep the power battery work within an ideal temperature range for the electric vehicle, the liquid cooling plate with parallel multi-channels is designed, and a three-dimensional thermal model of battery module with the liquid cooling plate is established. Subsequently, the effects of the cooling plate thickness and the cooling pipe thickness, channel number and coolant mass flow rate on the cooling performance of battery modules are analyzed. The results show that four parameters of the cooling plate have an important role in the thermal behavior of the liquid-cooled battery system. It is not good to improve the performance of the cooling system by changing only certain parameters. The four factors discussed above are optimized by using orthogonal test according to the univariate analysis. With the use of the orthogonal test, the optimization model obtained is obviously enhanced in the aspect of maximum temperature control and temperature uniformity of liquid-cooled battery module. Results show that the three-dimensional thermal analysis and orthogonal test method are compatible with optimal design of liquid-cooled battery modules.
Science organizations speak out in defense of Uyghur academics
Authors: Matacic Catherine
Published: October 2019

Several internationally known researchers have been swept up in massive detentions in China's Xinjiang province.
Nobel honors pioneers in cosmology and exoplanets
Authors: Cho Adrian , Clery Daniel
Published: October 2019

Researchers found "hot Jupiters" around other stars and predicted universe's chief ingredients.
Bronze Age inequality and family life revealed in powerful study
Authors: Gibbons Ann
Published: October 2019

Combined methods show women married far from home.
Seeing fossils in a new light
Authors: Vogel Gretchen
Published: October 2019

Protein residues reveal physiology and family ties from the age of dinosaurs.
Comment on “Cultural flies: Conformist social learning in fruitflies predicts long-lasting mate-choice traditions”
Authors: Thornquist Stephen C. , Crickmore Michael A.
Published: October 2019

The claims of Danchin
et al
. (Research Articles, 30 November 2018, p. 1025) regarding long-lasting mate preference based on conformity may result from systematic experimental error. Even if mate copying were a genuine phenomenon, it is unlikely to result in persisting culture in the wild.
Double counting and the Paris Agreement rulebook
Authors: Schneider Lambert , Duan Maosheng , Stavins Robert , Kizzier Kelley , Broekhoff Derik , Jotzo Frank , Winkler Harald , Lazarus Michael , Howard Andrew , Hood Christina
Published: October 2019

Poor emissions accounting could undermine carbon markets
Training T cells for tissue residence
Authors: Farber Donna L.
Published: October 2019

Tissue-specific conditioning of naïve T cells improves targeted immunity
Genetic Characterization of Plasmid-Borne
bla
OXA-58
in Distinct Acinetobacter Species
Authors: Matos Adriana P. , Cayô Rodrigo , Almeida Luiz G. P. , Streling Ana Paula , Nodari Carolina S. , Martins Willames M. B. S. , Narciso Ana Clara , Silva Rosa M. , Vasconcelos Ana T. R. , Gales Ana C.
Published: October 2019

Although the
bla
OXA-58
gene has been infrequently described in Brazil, contrasting with other bordering South American countries, we verified the maintenance of this resistance determinant over time among carbapenem-resistant
Acinetobacter
species isolates, not only in nosocomial settings but also in the environment. In addition, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to have used WPS analysis to evaluate the genetic surroundings of
bla
OXA-58
in Brazil. Moreover, the
A. seifertii
and
A. baumannii
clinical strains evaluated in this study were recovered 17 years apart in hospitals located in distinct Brazilian geographic regions.
Functional Characterization of Entamoeba histolytica Argonaute Proteins Reveals a Repetitive DR-Rich Motif Region That Controls Nuclear Localization
Authors: Zhang Hanbang , Tran Vy , Manna Dipak , Ehrenkaufer Gretchen , Singh Upinder
Published: October 2019

The protozoan parasite
Entamoeba histolytica
, which causes amebiasis and affects over 50 million people worldwide, contains an important RNAi pathway for gene silencing. Gene silencing via the RNAi pathway is mediated by the Argonaute (Ago) proteins. However, we lack knowledge on Ago function(s) in this nonmodel system. In this paper, we discovered that three
E. histolytica
Ago proteins (
Eh
Ago2-1,
Eh
Ago2-2, and
Eh
Ago2-3) all bind 27-nt small RNAs and have distinct subcellular localizations, which change in response to stress conditions. The
Eh
Agos bind small RNA populations via their PAZ domains. An unusual repetitive DR-rich motif region is identified in
Eh
Ago2-2 that functions as a nuclear localization signal. Our results show for the first time an active nuclear transport process of the
Eh
Ago2-2 RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) in this parasite. These data add to the novel observations that can be made when studies of the RNAi pathway are extended to nonmodel systems.
Filamentation Is Associated with Reduced Pathogenicity of Multiple Non-
albicans Candida
Species
Authors: Banerjee Mohua , Lazzell Anna L. , Romo Jesus A. , Lopez-Ribot Jose L. , Kadosh David
Published: October 2019

Many immunocompromised individuals, including HIV/AIDS and cancer patients, are susceptible to candidiasis. About half of all cases are caused by the major fungal pathogen
Candida albicans
, whereas the remainder are due to less pathogenic non-
albicans Candida
species (NACS). Generation of filamentous cells represents a major virulence property of
C. albicans
, and the NACS are believed to be less pathogenic, in part, because they do not filament as well as
C. albicans
does. To address this question, we determined the pathogenicity of two NACS strains that have been genetically engineered to promote filamentation during infection. Surprisingly, these strains showed a dramatic reduction in pathogenicity. The host immune response did not appear to be affected. However, unlike
C. albicans
, filamentation of the NACS was associated with downregulation of several genes important for pathogenicity processes. Our results suggest that there are fundamental evolutionary differences in the relationship between filamentation and pathogenesis in NACS compared to
C. albicans
.
A Carotenoid- and Poly-β-Hydroxybutyrate-Free Mutant Strain of
Sphingomonas elodea
ATCC 31461 for the Commercial Production of Gellan
Authors: Li Ang , Hu Tingting , Luo Hangqi , Alam Nafee-Ul , Xin Jiaqi , Li Hongwei , Lin Yinuo , Huang Jingyu , Huang Ke , Meng Yuan , Meng Fenbin , Hu Xiufang , Li Ou
Published: October 2019

A carotenoid- and PHB-free double gene knockout strain mutant was constructed to simplify the purification steps normally involved in gellan production. However, the production of gellan gum was unexpectedly reduced. A mutant with 14.4% higher gellan production than that of the wild-type strain was obtained and isolated after employing UV and EMS combined mutagenesis. Based on this high-yield and low-impurity-producing mutant, a new recovery method requiring less organic solvent and fewer operating steps was developed. This method will effectively reduce the production costs and improve the economic benefits of large-scale gellan production.
A true polar wander trigger for the Great Jurassic East Asian Aridification
Authors: Yi Zhiyu , Liu Yongqing , Meert Joseph G.
Published: October 2019

A drastic environmental change occurred during the Middle to Late Jurassic as much of East Asia transitioned from a wet seasonal to an extremely arid climate. The timing, scope, and especially mechanism for this aridification are contentious. In this study, we report paleomagnetic data and ages from Jurassic volcanic rocks in North China and for the first time reveal a large-scale southward displacement of ∼25° for the Eastern Asian blocks (EABs) sometime between 174 ± 6 Ma and 157 ± 4 Ma. We suggest that the rapid motion documented by our paleomagnetic studies resulted from large-scale true polar wander (TPW). The TPW rotation displaced the EABs from the Northern Hemisphere humid-temperate belt into the subtropical/tropical arid zone. The resultant latitudinal motion coincided with a remarkable environmental change recorded over 10,000,000 km2 in East Asia between ca. 165 Ma and 155 Ma. We call the climate transition the “Great Jurassic East Asian Aridification” and argue that TPW-induced climatic shifts were also responsible for the demise of the Yanliao Biota and subsequent radiation of the Jehol Biota during the Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous.
Mid-Holocene extinction of cold-water corals on the Namibian shelf steered by the Benguela oxygen minimum zone
Authors: Tamborrino Leonardo , Wienberg Claudia , Titschack Jürgen , Wintersteller Paul , Mienis Furu , Schröder-Ritzrau Andrea , Freiwald André , Orejas Covadonga , Dullo Wolf-Christian , Haberkern Julia , Hebbeln Dierk
Published: October 2019

An exceptionally large cold-water coral mound province (CMP) was recently discovered extending over 80 km along the Namibian shelf (offshore southwestern Africa) in water depths of 160–270 m. This hitherto unknown CMP comprises >2000 mounds with heights of up to 20 m and constitutes the largest CMP known from the southeastern Atlantic Ocean. Uranium-series dating revealed a short but intense pulse in mound formation during the early to mid-Holocene. Coral proliferation during this period was potentially supported by slightly enhanced dissolved oxygen concentrations compared to the present Benguela oxygen minimum zone (OMZ). The subsequent mid-Holocene strengthening of the Benguela Upwelling System and a simultaneous northward migration of the Angola-Benguela Front resulted in an intensification of the OMZ that caused the sudden local extinction of the Namibian corals and prevented their reoccurrence until today.
Pre-Columbian lead pollution from Native American galena processing and land use in the midcontinental United States
Authors: Bird Broxton W. , Wilson Jeremy J. , Escobar Jaime , Kamenov George D. , Pollard Harvie J. , Monaghn G. William
Published: October 2019

The presence and sources of pre-Columbian (before 1492 CE) lead (Pb) pollution in the midcontinental United States were investigated using geochemical and Pb isotope analyses on sediment cores recovered from Avery Lake, a floodplain lake located directly adjacent to the Kincaid Mounds archaeological site on the lower Ohio River, Illinois. Geochemical results indicate the presence of Pb pollution during the Baumer (300 BCE to 300 CE) and Mississippian (1150–1450 CE) occupations, and since the 1800s. Pb isotope results link Mississippian Pb pollution to the processing and use of galena primarily from southeastern and/or central Missouri, and to a lesser extent the upper Mississippi River valley, with ∼1.5 t (metric tons) of galena-derived Pb deposited in Avery Lake during this time. Pb pollution during the Baumer phase, equating to ∼0.4 t of Pb, was not accompanied by a Pb isotope excursion and most likely originated from local biomass burning. These results provide new information about the environmental impacts associated with pre-Columbian Native Americans’ interaction with and utilization of their landscape and its resources.
Coeliac trunk dissection causing splenic infarction: a comprehensive review
Authors: Zafar Yousaf , Meidl Laura , Lonney Maddison , Ullah Waqas , Rashid Mamoon Ur
Published: October 2019

We describe the case of a 49-year-old man who presented with a 6-day history of epigastric abdominal pain radiating to his right shoulder which started suddenly after swinging a golf club. A CT angiography of the abdomen was performed which showed dissection of the coeliac trunk extending into the splenic artery and splenic infarct. Anticoagulation was initially started but discontinued due to a small retroperitoneal haemorrhage. The patient remained stable and was discharged on aspirin 325 mg for 1 month followed by aspirin 81 mg. We present this case as well as a review of previously reported cases of splenic infarct due to spontaneous coeliac trunk dissection with the treatments employed as well as the outcomes.
Study protocol for VIdeo assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy versus conventional Open LobEcTomy for lung cancer, a UK multicentre randomised controlled trial with an internal pilot (the VIOLET study)
Authors: Lim Eric , Batchelor Tim , Shackcloth Michael , Dunning Joel , McGonigle Niall , Brush Tim , Dabner Lucy , Harris Rosie , Mckeon Holly E , Paramasivan Sangeetha , Elliott Daisy , Stokes Elizabeth A , Wordsworth Sarah , Blazeby Jane , Rogers Chris A
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide and surgery remains the main treatment for early stage disease. Prior to the introduction of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), lung resection for cancer was undertaken through an open thoracotomy. To date, the evidence base supporting the different surgical approaches is based on non-randomised studies, small randomised trials and is focused mainly on short-term in-hospital outcomes.

Methods and analysis

The VIdeo assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy versus conventional Open LobEcTomy for lung cancer study is a UK multicentre parallel group randomised controlled trial (RCT) with blinding of outcome assessors and participants (to hospital discharge) comparing the effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and acceptability of VATS lobectomy versus open lobectomy for treatment of lung cancer. We will test the hypothesis that VATS lobectomy is superior to open lobectomy with respect to self-reported physical function 5 weeks after randomisation (approximately 1 month after surgery). Secondary outcomes include assessment of efficacy (hospital stay, pain, proportion and time to uptake of chemotherapy), measures of safety (adverse health events), oncological outcomes (proportion of patients upstaged to pathologic N2 (pN2) disease and disease-free survival), overall survival and health related quality of life to 1 year. The QuinteT Recruitment Intervention is integrated into the trial to optimise recruitment.

Ethics and dissemination

This trial has been approved by the UK (Dulwich) National Research Ethics Service Committee London. Findings will be written-up as methodology papers for conference presentation, and publication in peer-reviewed journals. Many aspects of the feasibility work will inform surgical RCTs in general and these will be reported at methodology meetings. We will also link with lung cancer clinical studies groups. The patient and public involvement group that works with the Respiratory Biomedical Research Unit at the Brompton Hospital will help identify how we can best publicise the findings.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN13472721
Standard precaution practice and associated factors among health professionals working in Addis Ababa government hospitals, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study using multilevel analysis
Authors: Angaw Dessie Abebaw , Gezie Lemma Derseh , Dachew Berihun Assefa
Published: October 2019

Objectives

Occupational exposure to blood and body fluids is a major risk factor for the transmission of infections to health professionals in developing countries like Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to assess standard precaution practices (SPPs) and its associated factors among health professionals working at Addis Ababa government hospitals.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 772 health professionals working at eight government hospitals in Addis Ababa, 2015. The multistage sampling technique was used to select study participants. Health professionals who were directly participating in screening, diagnosis, treatment and follow-ups of patients were studied. SPPs by health professionals were determined by a self-rated response to a 30-item Likert scale. A respondent would be graded as ‘good’ compliant for the assessment if they scored at least the mean of the total score, or would be considered as poor compliant if they scored less. To take the hierarchical structure of the data into account during analysis, multilevel binary logistic regressions were used. The intraclass correlation coefficient was calculated to evaluate whether variations in score were primarily within or between hospitals.

Result

Out of the participants, 50.65% had good SPPs. At the individual level, attitude, age and educational status were found to be important factors of SPPs. Controlling individual-level factors, applying regular observations (adjusted OR (AOR) 1.82; 95% CI 1.2 to 2.76), providing sufficient materials (AOR 1.53; 95% CI 1.03 to 2.28) and weak measures on reported incidences (AOR 0.49; 95% CI 0.30 to 0.8) were also hospital-level factors associated with SPPs.

Conclusion

SPPs in the healthcare facilities were found to be so low that both patients and health professionals were at a significant risk for infections. The finding suggests the need for optimising individual-level and hospital-level precautionary practices.
Bio-Fe3O4-MNPs catalyzed green synthesis of pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline derivatives using isoquinolium bromide salts: study of antioxidant activity
Authors: Abbasi Maryam , Zamani Hargalani Fariba , Afrashteh Siavash , Rostamian Rezvaneh
Published: October 2019

In this research, a novel, one-pot, efficient procedure with high yield for the synthesis of pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline derivatives using multi-component reaction of isoquinoline, alkyl bromides, and triphenylphosphine in the presence of Fe3O4-MNPs as catalyst under solvent-free conditions at room temperature is investigated. This study highlights an easy, simple, rapid, and clean method for the preparation of pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline derivatives. The Fe3O4-MNPs in these reactions were produced employing a green procedure by reduction of ferric chloride solution with pomegranate peel water extract. Additionally, antioxidant activity was studied for the some newly synthesized compounds such as 5a–5d using the DPPH radical trapping and reducing potential of ferric ion experiments and comparing the results with the results of synthetic antioxidants (2-tert-butylhydroquinone, TBHQ; butylated hydroxytoluene, BHT). As a result, compounds 5a–5d show trace DPPH radical trapping and excellent reducing power of ferric ion.