bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A constant postpacing interval in response to overdrive pacing with variable number of beats: An aid in the identification of entrainment for a particular pacing train during macroreentrant atrial tachycardias
Authors: Arceluz Martín R. , Barrio Teresa , Castellanos Eduardo , Salgado Ricardo , García Javier , Lázaro Rivera Carla , Ortiz Mercedes , Lucena Pardos Irené , Almendral Jesús
Published: September 2019

Background

When pacing trains with a constant cycle length (CL) but increasing number of beats are introduced during a macroreentrant atrial tachycardia (MAT), the postpacing interval (PPI) is expected to increase if entrainment does not occur but could be stable if entrainment occurs. We tested the ability of PPI analysis to detect entrainment.

Methods

Synchronized pacing trains with increasing number of beats (1‐20) were delivered from the coronary sinus (CS) and lateral right atrium (RA) at a CL 20 ms shorter than the MAT CL. Pacing trains were grouped in pairs differing by one‐paced beat, and the ∆PPI measured.

Results

In an initial prospective cohort of 21 patients (48% had left atrial flutter) the mean ∆PPI was 21.3 ± 5.6 ms for pairs of pacing trains in which neither entrained the MAT and 2.8 ± 1.4 ms for those in which both entrained the MAT (P < .0001). Results were similar for common vs atypical flutter, PPI‐TCL ≤30 ms vs PPI‐TCL >30 ms, presence vs absence of antiarrhythmic drugs and faster vs slower MAT. When an index pacing train was compared to one with two‐paced beats less, a PPI difference of <19 ms identified entrainment with 95% sensitivity and 98% specificity. In a validation cohort of 16 patients, this cut‐off value resulted in sensitivity and specificity of 90% and 94%.

Conclusions

A relatively constant ∆PPI in response to overdrive pacing with identical CL but different number of beats allows accurate discrimination between trains that entrained vs those which did not entrain a MAT.
Influence of the depth of intraradicular dentin on the pushout bond strength of resin materials
Authors: Yumi Umeda Suzuki Thaís , Gomes‐Filho João Eduardo , Fraga Briso André Luiz , Gonçalves Assunção Wirley , dos Santos Paulo Henrique
Published: September 2019

Aim

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the pushout bond strength between glass‐fiber posts to different regions of intraradicular dentin with different materials for adhesive cementation.

Methods

After endodontic filling, 40 teeth were divided into five groups according to adhesive cementation: Adper Single Bond 2 + RelyX ARC, Excite DSC + RelyX ARC (EXC), Adper SE Plus + RelyX ARC (SEP), RelyX Unicem, and Set. After the bonding process, roots were sectioned obtaining slices to be analyzed from each third. The bond strength was measured using the pushout test in a universal testing machine (Emic DL 3000) at a cross‐head speed of .5 mm/minutes in different areas of the post space (cervical, middle, and apical). Data were subjected to analysis of variance and Fisher's test (α = .05).

Results

The highest values for the pushout bond strength were found for the SEP group in all experimental conditions, without a significant difference for the EXC group in the middle and apical regions. There was a decrease in pushout bond strength in the cervical‐apical direction for all groups, except the EXC group, which did not show a difference among the different regions.

Conclusions

The different interactions of the resin materials and the intraradicular depth influenced the bond strength of adhesives materials to dentin substrate.
Lifting the veil on the correction of double counting incidents in hybrid life cycle assessment
Authors: Agez Maxime , Majeau‐Bettez Guillaume , Margni Manuele , Strømman Anders H. , Samson Réjean
Published: September 2019

Life cycle assessment (LCA) and environmentally extended input–output analyses (EEIOA) are two techniques commonly used to assess environmental impacts of an activity/product. Their strengths and weaknesses are complementary, and they are thus regularly combined to obtain hybrid LCAs. A number of approaches in hybrid LCA exist, which leads to different results. One of the differences is the method used to ensure that mixed LCA and EEIOA data do not overlap, which is referred to as correction for double counting. This aspect of hybrid LCA is often ignored in reports of hybrid assessments and no comprehensive study has been carried out on it. This article strives to list, compare, and analyze the different existing methods for the correction of double counting. We first harmonize the definitions of the existing correction methods and express them in a common notation, before introducing a streamlined variant. We then compare their respective assumptions and limitations. We discuss the loss of specific information regarding the studied activity/product and the loss of coherent financial representation caused by some of the correction methods. This analysis clarifies which techniques are most applicable to different tasks, from hybridizing individual LCA processes to integrating complete databases. We finally conclude by giving recommendations for future hybrid analyses.
Ableism Special Issue Introduction
Authors: Bogart Kathleen R. , Dunn Dana S.
Published: September 2019

In this special issue, we define ableism as stereotyping, prejudice, discrimination, and social oppression toward people with disabilities—the largest minority group in the United States. People with disabilities are broadly defined as those who have conditions that are commonly perceived to be disabilities by the general public, including physical, sensory, and intellectual disabilities, in addition to invisible disabilities, chronic health conditions, psychiatric conditions, and others. Foundational work on language, stigma, models of disability, and social and rehabilitation psychology is reviewed. The issue has three areas of focus: social and individual‐level predictors of ableism, experiences and consequences of ableism, and navigating and resisting ableism.
The evolution of crops that do not need us anymore
Authors: Ellstrand Norman C.
Published: September 2019

This article is a Commentary on Jiang et al., 224: 961–973.
Boundaries of Focus and Volume: An Empirical Study in Neonatal Intensive Care
Authors: Miedaner Felix , Sülz Sandra
Published: September 2019

Our study contributes to the scholarly debate whether organizational units should have a narrow focus and admit a homogeneous patient cluster or whether they should admit a pool of patient clusters. We investigate whether the benefits of increased volume through pooling patients outweigh the disadvantages of increased heterogeneity and pursue our analysis in the context of neonatal care. Our empirical studies relies on 4020 patient episodes collected in 18 German neonatal intensive care units and we distinguish between two patient clusters that differ with respect to the inherent medical risk and operational heterogeneity. Cluster 1 consists of very‐low birth weight (VLBW) infants with increased risk of complications but similar service trajectories and lower operational heterogeneity. Cluster 2 contains non‐VLBW infants with lower risk of complications but more diversity in disease patterns and higher operational heterogeneity. Our analysis shows that cluster volume, that is, the unit's absolute patient volume in a cluster, is positively related to process outcomes as indicated by decreasing length of stay. This relationship is found for both clusters. Regarding focus, we do not find any evidence of positive effects. In fact, we even find that cluster focus, that is, the unit's relative volume of the cluster, is detrimentally related to process outcomes for non‐VLBW patients with lower risk of complications and more operational heterogeneity. This indicates that organizational units providing services for complex patients should not have a narrow focus, but should rather provide services for related patient clusters in order to achieve higher volume levels within the unit.
A clinicopathological study of 17 cases of ocular surface xanthogranuloma in dogs
Authors: Harvey Alexandra M. , Teixeira Leandro B. C. , Dubielzig Richard R.
Published: September 2019

Objective

To evaluate the clinical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical features of 17 cases of ocular surface xanthogranuloma (OSX) in dogs.

Methods

Archived records from the Comparative Ocular Pathology Laboratory of Wisconsin (COPLOW) were searched for cases of canine OSX. Cases were evaluated for lipid‐laden macrophages and Touton giant cells. Seventeen cases matching those criteria were identified (1993‐2018). Clinical and epidemiological data were collected from the submission forms and additional follow‐up survey.

Results

Ocular surface xanthogranuloma in dogs presented as small bland nodules. OSX commonly occurred at the limbus (8/17) or cornea (4/17). Three of 17 affected animals were less than 1‐year‐old and the average age was 6.9 years (range 0.7‐14 years). Fourteen of 17 cases did not report any lipid or metabolic abnormalities. Histologically, lesions were composed mainly of dense sheets of vacuolated lipid‐laden macrophages and Touton giant cells with scant additional inflammatory cells and an intact overlying epithelium. No recurrence was noted in cases where complete surgical resection was achieved, and medical treatment either pre or post‐resection led to only partial resolution.

Conclusions

Xanthogranulomas are histiocytic lesions characterized by abundant lipid‐laden macrophages. The authors use the term, ocular surface xanthogranuloma, to describe nodules with rigidly defined cellular characteristics. Although these lesions share characteristics with human limbal xanthogranulomas, further investigation is needed to suggest the different subsets that have been reported in the medical literature. Complete surgical excision is the most effective treatment for OSX in dogs, and intralesional triamcinolone and topical steroids can be useful adjunctive therapies to surgery.
Does Simulation Training for Acute Care Nurses Improve Patient Safety Outcomes: A Systematic Review to Inform Evidence‐Based Practice
Authors: Lewis Kimberly A. , Ricks Tiffany N. , Rowin Antoinette , Ndlovu Chipo , Goldstein Leigh , McElvogue Christina
Published: September 2019

Background

Simulation is increasingly used as a training tool for acute care medical‐surgical nurses to improve patient safety outcomes. A synthesis of the evidence is needed to describe the characteristics of research studies about acute care nurse simulation trainings and patient safety. An additional purpose is to examine the effects of acute care registered nurse (RN) simulation trainings on patient safety outcomes.

Methods

Five Internet databases were searched for articles published on any date through October 2018 examining the effect of RN simulation trainings on patient safety outcomes in the adult acute care setting.

Sample

N = 12 articles represented 844 RNs of varying experience levels and 271 interprofessional participants.

Results

Nine studies (75%) used high‐fidelity scenarios developed locally about high risk but infrequent events. Five studies (42%) incorporated interdisciplinary team members in the scenarios and/or outcome evaluations. Outcome measures were self‐reported, direct observation, or clinical indicators. All studies in this review achieved improved patient safety outcomes. It is unknown how outcomes vary for different groups of RNs because of insufficient gender, ethnicity/race, and age reporting.

Linking Evidence to Action

Findings support the design of simulation training research studies for patient safety outcomes and use of simulation training and research in acute care RNs. Additional high‐quality research is needed to support this field. Future studies should include descriptors that characterize the sample (i.e., age, gender, education level, type of nursing degree, ethnicity or race, or years of experience); incorporate interdisciplinary teams; evaluate a combination of outcome measure types (i.e., self‐report, direct observation, and clinical outcomes) both proximal and distal to the simulation; and that utilize standardized scenarios, validated outcome measure instruments, and standardized debriefing tools.
An Evidence‐Based Approach to Outcome Measurement in Oral and Dental Health Services: Oral Health‐Related Quality of Life and Oral Health Impact
Authors: Top Mehmet , Sönmez Seda , Aslan Hüseyin
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the Oral Health‐Related Quality of Life (OHRQOL) and Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) of oral and dental health patients in terms of gender, educational status, and the reason for coming to the oral health center. Also, we investigated the relationships between OHRQOL and OHIP.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was conducted and planned for dental patients in Turkey. OHRQOL‐United Kingdom (OHRQOL‐UK) and OHIP‐14 were used for data collection. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, student t‐tests, and ANOVA were used for data analyses.

Results

Of 527 respondents, 62.8% were female, and 37.2% were male. One‐hundred‐forty‐one (26.8%) participants were illiterate. Three‐hundred‐fifty‐four (67.20%) dental patients had an elementary school degree. Only 32 (6.10%) participants graduated from college and bachelor programs. For dimensions of the OHIP‐14 and OHRQOL‐UK, we detected statistically significant differences in personal characteristics. We found that gender, marital status, age, education status, and reasons for coming to the hospital have a significant impact on OHRQOL and OHIP.

Linking Evidence to Action

These results are expected to provide important evidence‐based information to health managers and decision‐makers in health planning and reimbursement policies. Clinicians and health managers should use OHIP, quality of life (QOL), and evidence‐based practice to determine individual treatments and approaches to improve oral health. QOL is an outcome indicator in healthcare services and evidence‐based practice. Measurements of evidence‐based health outcomes in national health systems can be made, and global comparisons and policies in oral and dental health can be developed.
Capital Structure and Firm Growth in China
Authors: Zhao Yan , Ye Zhiqiang
Published: September 2019

Using dynamic GMM method with data from 2003 to 2015, we propose a growth hypothesis of capital structure of Chinese firms, that is, higher growth leads to higher financial leverage. The paper further investigates the impact of external financing constraints on the relationship of growth and leverage, and shows that the firm with tighter financing constraints has a stronger relation between growth and leverage. Finally, the robustness test is conducted in the high-tech industries with financial constraints and high growth. The conclusions of this paper have important implications for both the listed firms and the market regulators.
Withstanding the Goading of Temptation or Not? An inter-textual Study of Pride and Envy in Genesis Chapter 3: 1-19 and Shakespeare’s Othello
Authors: Torevell David
Published: September 2019

The tendencies towards pride and envy clearly continue to be key constituents of personal, political and social life, with inevitable harmful consequences. This article is an inter-textual examination of Genesis 3, 1-19 and Shakespeare’s Othello and focusses on these two human failures. My aim is to illuminate how the Biblical Word might inform readings and performances of this tragedy and vice versa, in order to clarify the subtle and devastating nature of such leanings of arrogance. I start by discussing a central idea in Hannah Arendt’s social philosophy: the move during modernity towards the exploration of the self, without a regard to any notion of a soul and then suggest this trajectory lends itself all too easily to amor sui (self-love), a theme St Augustine highlighted with such dexterity. I also argue that religion generally, and the Christian Church Fathers in particular, by their brilliant exegetical insights into the book of Genesis, identify remedies and a healing process for this dangerous narcissistic tendency, which are relevant today.
Studies on Solids Flow in a Cold Model of a Dual Fluidized Bed Reactor for Chemical Looping Combustion of Solid Fuels
Authors: Idziak Kamil , Czakiert Tomasz , Krzywanski Jaroslaw , Zylka Anna , Nowak Wojciech
Published: September 2019

The results of investigations on solids flow in a cold model of the dual fluidized bed reactor designed for chemical looping combustion of solid fuels (DFB-CLC-SF) are presented in this paper. The constructed unit consists of two interconnected reactors. The first one, so-called fuel reactor (FR), is operated under bubbling fluidized bed (BFB) conditions, whereas the second one, so-called air reactor (AR), is structurally divided into two sections. The bottom part of AR works under BFB while the upper part, i.e., the riser, is operated in the fast fluidized bed (FFB) regime. In these studies, the air was used for fluidization process in all parts of the DFB-CLC-SF reactor. The glass beads with similar parameters to oxygen carriers (OCs) used in the CLC process were utilized as an inventory. The fluidization conditions are controlled by using the sets of pressure sensors installed around the circulation loop. The experimental data acquired in the tests are further employed to the analysis of solids behavior in a cold model of the DFB-CLC-SF reactor. The main goal of these studies was to establish the conditions for smooth fluidization, which concurrently provide the required residence time of solids in both reactors that is one of the most crucial factors in the CLC process. It was found that the fluidizing gas velocity in reactors has a significant impact on solids behavior and the investigated parameters. However, what is the most important, it was confirmed that the operation condition of the DFB-CLC-SF reactor can be adjusted to meet the requirements resulting from the properties of OCs.
Frequency-modulated up-chirps produce larger evoked responses than down-chirps in the big brown bat auditory brainstem
Authors: Luo Jinhong , Simmons Andrea Megela , Beck Quincy M. , Macías Silvio , Moss Cynthia F. , Simmons James A.
Published: September 2019

In many mammals, upward-sweeping frequency-modulated (FM) sounds (up-chirps) evoke larger auditory brainstem responses than downward-sweeping sounds (down-chirps). To determine if similar effects occur in FM echolocating bats, auditory evoked responses (AERs) in big brown bats in response to up-chirps and down-chirps at different chirp durations and levels were recorded. Even though down-chirps are the biologically relevant stimulus for big brown bats, up-chirps typically evoked larger peaks in the AER, but with some exceptions at the shortest chirp durations. The up-chirp duration that produced the largest AERs and the greatest differences between up-chirps and down-chirps varied between individual bats and stimulus levels. Cross-covariance analyses using the entire AER waveform confirmed that amplitudes were typically larger to up-chirps than down-chirps at supra-threshold levels, with optimal durations around 0.5–1 ms. Changes in response latencies with stimulus levels were consistent with previous estimates of amplitude-latency trading. Latencies tended to decrease with increasing up-chirp duration and increase with increasing down-chirp duration. The effects of chirp direction on AER waveforms are generally consistent with those seen in other mammals but with small differences in response patterns that may reflect specializations for FM echolocation.
Cost-Effectiveness of Ceftazidime-Avibactam for Treatment of Carbapenem-Resistant
Enterobacteriaceae
Bacteremia and Pneumonia
Authors: Simon Matthew S. , Sfeir Maroun M. , Calfee David P. , Satlin Michael J.
Published: September 2019

Ceftazidime-avibactam (CAZ-AVI) may improve outcomes among patients with carbapenem-resistant
Enterobacteriaceae
(CRE) infections compared to those with conventional therapies. However, CAZ-AVI’s cost-effectiveness is unknown. We used a decision analytic model to estimate the health and economic consequences of CAZ-AVI-based therapy compared to colistin-based therapy (COL) for a hypothetical cohort of patients with CRE pneumonia or bacteremia over a 5-year horizon.
Population Pharmacokinetics of Doxycycline in Children
Authors: Thompson Elizabeth J. , Wu Huali , Melloni Chiara , Balevic Stephen , Sullivan Janice E. , Laughon Matthew , Clark Kira M. , Kalra Rohit , Mendley Susan , Payne Elizabeth H. , Erinjeri Jinson , Gelber Casey E. , Harper Barrie , Cohen-Wolkowiez Michael , Hornik Christoph P. ,   on behalf of the Best Pharmaceuticals for Children Act—Pediatric Trials Network Steering Committee,   on behalf of the Best Pharmaceuticals for Children Act—Pediatric Trials Network Steering Committee, Benjamin Daniel K. , Hornik Christoph , Zimmerman Kanecia , Kennel Phyllis , Beci Rose , Hornik Chi Dang , Kearns Gregory L. , Laughon Matthew , Paul Ian M. , Sullivan Janice , Wade Kelly , Delmore Paula ,   Duke Clinical Research Institute, Melloni Chiara , Harper Barrie , Samson Adam , Day Tammy , Sullivan Janice E. , Thomas Melissa , Rich Carla , Bratton Tressa , Laughon Matthew , Clark Cynthia , Bernhardt Janice , Uzri Amira Al , Clark Kira , Yogev Rami , Muller William , Kalra Rohit , Fearn Laura , Mendley Susan , Hill Tamara , Cannonier Donna , Blackford Martha , Anthony Heather , Neville Kathleen , Weigel Jaylene , Delmore Paula , Hazan Lydia , Covarrubias Angelica , Mourani Peter , Steinbess Matthew , Watt Kevin , Harward Melissa , Poindexter Brenda , Joyce Jeffrey , Atz Andrew , Al Nasiri Hibah , Infinger Patricia , Flynn Joseph T. , Kelton Megan , Tremoulet Adriana , Saurberan Jason , Tang Nancy
Published: September 2019

Doxycycline is a tetracycline-class antimicrobial labeled by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for children >8 years of age for many common childhood infections. Doxycycline is not labeled for children ≤8 years of age, due to the association between tetracycline-class antibiotics and tooth staining, although doxycycline may be used off-label under severe conditions.
Proteases as Secreted Exoproteins in Mycoplasmas from Ruminant Lungs and Their Impact on Surface-Exposed Proteins
Authors: Ganter Sarah , Miotello Guylaine , Manso-Silván Lucía , Armengaud Jean , Tardy Florence , Gaurivaud Patrice , Thiaucourt François
Published: September 2019

Few studies pertaining to proteases in ruminant mycoplasmas have been reported. Here, we focus on proteases that are secreted outside the mycoplasma cell using a mass spectrometry approach. The most striking result is the identification, within the
Mycoplasma mycoides
cluster, of a serine protease that is exclusively detected outside the mycoplasma cells and is responsible for casein digestion. This protease may also be involved in the posttranslational processing of surface proteins, as suggested by analysis of mutants showing a marked reduction in the secretion of extracellular proteins. By analogy, this finding may help increase understanding of the mechanisms underlying this ectodomain shedding in other mycoplasma species. The gene encoding this protease is likely to have been acquired via horizontal gene transfer from Gram-positive bacteria and sortase-associated surface proteases. Whether this protease and the associated ectodomain shedding are related to virulence has yet to be ascertained.
Interaction Differences of the Avian Host-Specific Salmonella enterica Serovar Gallinarum, the Host-Generalist
S
. Typhimurium, and the Cattle Host-Adapted
S
. Dublin with Chicken Primary Macrophage
Authors: Huang Kaisong , Herrero-Fresno Ana , Thøfner Ida , Skov Søren , Olsen John Elmerdahl
Published: September 2019

Most
Salmonella
serovars cause disease in many host species, while a few serovars have evolved to be host specific. Very little is known about the mechanisms that contribute to
Salmonella
host specificity. We compared the interactions between chicken primary macrophages (CDPM) and host-generalist serovar
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium, host-adapted
Salmonella enterica
serovar Dublin, and avian host-specific
Salmonella enterica
serovar Gallinarum.
S
. Gallinarum was taken up in lower numbers by CDPM than
S
.
Bacterial Swarming Reduces Proteus mirabilis and Vibrio parahaemolyticus Cell Stiffness and Increases β-Lactam Susceptibility
Authors: Auer George K. , Oliver Piercen M. , Rajendram Manohary , Lin Ti-Yu , Yao Qing , Jensen Grant J. , Weibel Douglas B.
Published: September 2019

Proteus mirabilis
and
Vibrio parahaemolyticus
are bacteria that infect humans. To adapt to environmental changes, these bacteria alter their cell morphology and move collectively to access new sources of nutrients in a process referred to as “swarming.” We found that changes in the composition and thickness of the peptidoglycan layer of the cell wall make swarmer cells of
P. mirabilis
and
V. parahaemolyticus
more flexible (i.e., reduce cell stiffness) and that they become more sensitive to osmotic pressure and cell wall-targeting antibiotics (e.g., β-lactams). These results highlight the importance of assessing the extracellular environment in determining antibiotic doses and the use of β-lactam antibiotics for treating infections caused by swarmer cells of
P. mirabilis
and
V. parahaemolyticus
.
Bordetella
Adenylate Cyclase Toxin Inhibits Monocyte-to-Macrophage Transition and Dedifferentiates Human Alveolar Macrophages into Monocyte-like Cells
Authors: Ahmad Jawid Nazir , Holubova Jana , Benada Oldrich , Kofronova Olga , Stehlik Ludek , Vasakova Martina , Sebo Peter
Published: September 2019

Macrophages are key sentinel cells of the immune system, and, as such, they are targeted by the toxins produced by the pertussis agent
Bordetella pertussis
. The adenylate cyclase toxin (CyaA) mediates immune evasion of
B. pertussis
by suspending the bactericidal activities of myeloid phagocytes. We reveal a novel mechanism of potential subversion of host immunity, where CyaA at very low (22 pM) concentrations could inhibit maturation of human monocyte precursors into the more phagocytic macrophage cells. Furthermore, exposure to low CyaA amounts has been shown to trigger dedifferentiation of mature primary human alveolar macrophages back into monocyte-like cells. This unprecedented capacity is likely to promote survival of the pathogen in the airways, both by preventing maturation of monocytes attracted to the site of infection into phagocytic macrophages and by dedifferentiation of the already airway-resident sentinel cells.
Porphyromonas gingivalis Tyrosine Phosphatase Php1 Promotes Community Development and Pathogenicity
Authors: Jung Young-Jung , Miller Daniel P. , Perpich John D. , Fitzsimonds Zackary R. , Shen Daonan , Ohshima Jun , Lamont Richard J.
Published: September 2019

Periodontal diseases are among the most common infections of humans and are also associated with systemic inflammatory conditions. Colonization and pathogenicity of
P. gingivalis
are regulated by signal transduction pathways based on protein tyrosine phosphorylation and dephosphorylation. Here, we identify and characterize a novel component of the tyrosine (de)phosphorylation axis: a polymerase and histindinol phosphatase (PHP) family enzyme. This tyrosine phosphatase, designated Php1, was required for
P. gingivalis
community development with other oral bacteria, and in the absence of Php1 activity
P. gingivalis
was unable to cause disease in a mouse model of periodontitis. This work provides significant insights into the protein tyrosine (de)phosphorylation network in
P. gingivalis
, its adaptation to heterotypic communities, and its contribution to colonization and virulence.
Population Genomics of GII.4 Noroviruses Reveal Complex Diversification and New Antigenic Sites Involved in the Emergence of Pandemic Strains
Authors: Tohma Kentaro , Lepore Cara J. , Gao Yamei , Ford-Siltz Lauren A. , Parra Gabriel I.
Published: September 2019

Noroviruses are an important cause of viral gastroenteritis around the world. An obstacle delaying the development of norovirus vaccines is inadequate understanding of the role of norovirus diversity in immunity. Using a population genomics approach, we identified new residues on the viral capsid protein (VP1) from GII.4 noroviruses, the predominant genotype, that appear to be involved in the emergence and antigenic topology of GII.4 variants. Careful monitoring of the substitutions in those residues involved in the diversification and emergence of new viruses could help in the early detection of future novel variants with pandemic potential. Therefore, this novel information on the antigenic diversification could facilitate GII.4 norovirus vaccine design.
Exploring the law of detrital zircon: LA-ICP-MS and CA-TIMS geochronology of Jurassic forearc strata, Cook Inlet, Alaska, USA
Authors: Herriott Trystan M. , Crowley James L. , Schmitz Mark D. , Wartes Marwan A. , Gillis Robert J.
Published: September 2019

Uranium-lead (U-Pb) geochronology studies commonly employ the law of detrital zircon: A sedimentary rock cannot be older than its youngest zircon. This premise permits maximum depositional ages (MDAs) to be applied in chronostratigraphy, but geochronologic dates are complicated by uncertainty. We conducted laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) and chemical abrasion–thermal ionization mass spectrometry (CA-TIMS) of detrital zircon in forearc strata of southern Alaska (USA) to assess the accuracy of several MDA approaches. Six samples from Middle–Upper Jurassic units are generally replete with youthful zircon and underwent three rounds of analysis: (1) LA-ICP-MS of ∼115 grains, with one date per zircon; (2) LA-ICP-MS of the ∼15 youngest grains identified in round 1, acquiring two additional dates per zircon; and (3) CA-TIMS of the ∼5 youngest grains identified by LA-ICP-MS. The youngest single-grain LA-ICP-MS dates are all younger than—and rarely overlap at 2σ uncertainty with—the CA-TIMS MDAs. The youngest kernel density estimation modes are typically several million years older than the CA-TIMS MDAs. Weighted means of round 1 dates that define the youngest statistical populations yield the best coincidence with CA-TIMS MDAs. CA-TIMS dating of the youngest zircon identified by LA-ICP-MS is indispensable for critical MDA applications, eliminating laser-induced matrix effects, mitigating and evaluating Pb loss, and resolving complexities of interpreting lower-precision, normally distributed LA-ICP-MS dates. Finally, numerous CA-TIMS MDAs in this study are younger than Bathonian(?)–Callovian and Oxfordian faunal correlations suggest, highlighting the need for additional radioisotopic constraints—including CA-TIMS MDAs—for the Middle–Late Jurassic geologic time scale.
Surfing in and on microbial mats: Oxygen-related behavior of a terminal Ediacaran bilaterian animal
Authors: Xiao Shuhai , Chen Zhe , Zhou Chuanming , Yuan Xunlai
Published: September 2019

Geochemical evidence suggests that terminal Ediacaran (ca. 551–539 Ma) oceans experienced expansive anoxia and dynamic redox conditions, which are expected to have impacted animal distribution and behaviors. However, fossil evidence for oxygen-related behaviors of terminal Ediacaran animals is poorly documented. Here, we report a terminal Ediacaran trace fossil that records redox-regulated behaviors. This trace fossil, Yichnus levis new ichnogenus and new ichnospecies, consists of short and uniserially aligned segments of horizontal burrows that are closely associated with microbial mats. Thin-section analysis shows that the trace-making animal moved repeatedly in and out of microbial mats, with mat-burrowing intervals interspersed by epibenthic intermissions. This animal is hypothesized to have been a bilaterian exploring an oxygen oasis in microbial mats. Such intermittent burrowing behavior reflects challenging and dynamic redox conditions in both the water column and microbial mats, highlighting the close relationship between terminal Ediacaran animals and redox dynamics.
Streamlining workflows and redesigning job roles in the theatre sterile surgical unit
Authors: Lum Brandon , Png Hong Muay , Yap Hock Lan , Tan Cindy , Sun Bixian , Law Yen Hoon
Published: September 2019

The theatre sterile surgical unit (TSSU) is an essential core to support the operating theatres in National University Hospital. Surgical instruments and supplies are processed, packaged and sterilised safe for surgical procedures. A rapid improvement event adopting lean methodology was conducted with the TSSU team to streamline the workflows in this area.

The project aimed to identify TSSU work processes that can be streamlined or automated, improving timeliness while identifying potential for role redesign and maximising human resource.

The team successfully implemented initiatives to eliminate unnecessary workflows and achieve workload levelling. This reduced instrument processing time by 5%, while replenishment times of surgical supplies to the operating theatres decreased by 29%. The team successfully redesigned the TSSU job roles, converting several nursing staff to non-nursing roles. Long-term initiatives such as the use of disposables and an improved theatre instrument management system were planned for as well.

Initiatives derived from this project can be spread to other sterile supply units within the hospital, further optimising the use of resources at a hospital level. The concept of role redesign was found to be applicable to healthcare, highlighting its potential in other areas of the hospital.
Tracking and tracing the tobacco industry: potential tobacco industry influence over the EU’s system for tobacco traceability and security features
Authors: Gallagher Allen William Andrew , Gilmore Anna B , Eads Michael
Published: September 2019

Background

Subsequent to the transnational tobacco companies’ (TTC) history of involvement in tobacco smuggling, the Illicit Trade Protocol (ITP) requires that tobacco tracking and tracing (T&T) systems be established independent of the industry. In response, TTCs developed a T&T system, originally called Codentify, promoting it via an elaborate set of front groups to create a false impression of independence. The European Union (EU) is one of the first and largest jurisdictions to operationalise T&T. We explore how industry efforts to influence T&T have evolved.

Methods

Analysis of tobacco industry documents, policy documents, submissions to a relevant consultation and relationships between the tobacco industry and organisations proposed by it and approved by the European Commission to provide a data repository function within the EU’s T&T system.

Findings

17 months after TTCs sold Codentify to Inexto and Philip Morris International claimed Inexto was independent, leaked documents suggest TTCs and Inexto continued to have a financial and operational relationship. Inexto’s meetings with TTCs, engagement with EU Member States and promotion of industry-favoured technical standards suggest TTCs influenced Inexto’s activities, using the company to undermine EU T&T. The EU’s T&T system appears to be inconsistent with the ITP due to its ‘mixed’ governance and seven of eight organisations approved as data repository providers having pre-existing industry business links.

Conclusions

TTC’s efforts to maximise their control and minimise external scrutiny of T&T systems seriously limit attempts to address tobacco smuggling. Countries implementing T&T should be alert to such efforts and should not replicate the EU system.
Vitamin D alleviates oxidative stress in adipose tissue and mesenteric vessels from obese patients with subclinical inflammation
Authors: Ionica Mihaela , Aburel Oana M. , Vaduva Adrian , Petrus Alexandra , Rațiu Sonia , Olariu Sorin , Sturza Adrian , Muntean Danina M.
Published: September 2019

Obesity is an age-independent, lifestyle-triggered, pandemic disease associated with both endothelial and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) dysfunction leading to cardiometabolic complications mediated via increased oxidative stress and persistent chronic inflammation. The purpose of the present study was to assess the oxidative stress in VAT and vascular samples and the effect of in vitro administration of vitamin D. VAT and mesenteric artery branches were harvested during abdominal surgery performed on patients referred for general surgery (n = 30) that were randomized into two subgroups: nonobese and obese. Serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and vitamin D were measured. Tissue samples were treated or not with the active form of vitamin D: 1,25(OH)2D3 (100 nmol/L, 12 h). The main findings are that in obese patients, (i) a low vitamin D status was associated with increased inflammatory markers and reactive oxygen species generation in VAT and vascular samples and (ii) in vitro incubation with vitamin D alleviated oxidative stress in VAT and vascular preparations and also improved the vascular function. We report here that the serum level of vitamin D is inversely correlated with the magnitude of oxidative stress in the adipose tissue. Ex vivo treatment with active vitamin D mitigated obesity-related oxidative stress.
Morphological, physical, and clay mineralogy of calcareous and gypsiferous soils in North of Lorestan, Iran
Authors: Salari Kolsum Rahman , Delavar Mohammad Amir , Esfandiari Mehrdad , Pazira Ebrahim
Published: September 2019

There is limited information about the genesis, classification, and properties of calcareous and gypsiferous soils of western Iran. This study investigated the morphological, physical, and mineralogical characteristics of soils on different physiographic units, including plateau, colluvial fans, and piedmont plain in the Aleshtar region. The results indicated that the parent materials (calcareous and gypsiferous) as well as topographic conditions had the most influence on the soil profile development, pedogenic processes, and clay mineralogy. Illite, chlorite, smectite, palygorskite, and kaolinite clay minerals were identified using X-ray powder diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Illite, chlorite, and kaolinite have genetically been inherited from parent rocks. Neoformation of smectite and palygorskite other than genetic inheritance was formed as a result of calcite and gypsum precipitation and poor drainage. Calcareous soils with the petrocalcic horizon and gypsiferous soils contained more pedogenic palygorskite. In conclusion, we suggest adding a new great group of Gypsixerepts to the soil taxonomy to reflect the presence of pedogenic gypsum in Inceptisols.
Rates and intensity of freeze–thaw cycles affect nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide emissions from agricultural soils
Authors: Pelster David E. , Chantigny Martin H. , Rochette Philippe , Bertrand Normand , Angers Denis A. , Zebarth Bernie J. , Goyer Claudia
Published: September 2019

In cool temperate regions, large emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O), an important greenhouse and ozone-depleting gas, have been observed during freeze–thaw (FT) cycles. However, it is unclear how freezing and thawing rates, freezing intensity, and freezing duration influence N2O emissions. We used a laboratory incubation to measure N2O emissions from two soils (sandy loam, silty clay) undergoing a single FT cycle of various freezing and thawing rates [rapid (0.5 °C h−1) vs. slow (0.017 °C h−1)], freezing intensity (−1 vs. −3 °C), and freezing duration (24 vs. 48 freezing degree-days). In general, soil carbon dioxide fluxes during freezing were highest when soils were frozen slowly at −1 °C, whereas fluxes after thawing were highest from the soils frozen and thawed rapidly at −3 °C. Soil N2O emissions during both the freezing and thawing periods were greatest in the soils exposed to rapid freezing to −3 °C, intermediate under rapid freezing to −1 °C and slow freezing to −3 °C, and smallest under slow freezing to −1 °C and the control treatment (constant +1 °C). The similar N2O emissions between the unfrozen control and the slowly frozen −1 °C treatment was unexpected as previous field studies with similar freezing rates and temperatures still experienced high N2O emissions during thaw. This suggests that the physical disruptions caused by freezing and thawing of the surface soil are not the primary driver of FT-induced N2O emissions under field conditions.
Accelerating phytoremediation of degraded agricultural soils utilizing rhizobacteria and endophytes: a review
Authors: Song Chun , Sarpong Clement Kyei , He Jinsong , Shen Fei , Zhang Jing , Yang Gang , Long Lulu , Tian Dong , Zhu Ying , Deng Shihuai
Published: September 2019

Agricultural activities and agro-inputs, particularly chemical fertilizers, farmyard manure, pesticide, sewage sludge, plastic mulch, irrigation, etc., are the primary source of pollutants in farmlands. Agricultural land degradation has become a major concern as it poses a threat to crop productivity. In recent years, microbial-assisted phytoremediation has gained much attention as a promising in situ remediation technology for cleaning polluted soils. Several beneficial rhizobacteria and endophytes facilitate phytoremediation by stimulating innate plant growth-promoting traits such as the production of siderophores, phytohormones, and chelators in addition to their ability to biodegrade contaminants and enhance their removal. Current studies on microbial mediated phytoremediation are demonstrating significant remediation potential. However, there are several challenges in the field that restrict the remediation process. Here we highlight the specific traits, mechanisms, roles, advantages, and problems associated with microbial-assisted phytoremediation.
Erratum to: Correspondence between dark energy quantum cosmology and Maxwell equations
Authors: Asenjo Felipe A. , Hojman Sergio A.
Published: September 2019

The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake.
Electron affinity and ionization potential of 2D octagon-structure nitrogen under strain
Authors: He Chunshan , Wang Weiliang
Published: September 2019

We studied the electron affinity (EA) and ionization potential (IP) of 2D octagon-structure nitrogen with density functional theory (DFT). The monolayer, bilayer, trilayer and tetralayer configurations of this material are investigated. We discussed the effect of strain and the effect on number of layers. The variation of EA and IP is found to be larger than 0.6 eV under strain less than 10%. The IPs decrease with number of layers while EAs are almost independent on number of layers. The difference of IP is larger than 0.4 eV between monolayer and tetralayer structures.
Measuring Motivations of Crowdworkers
Authors: Posch Lisa , Bleier Arnim , Lechner Clemens M. , Danner Daniel , Flöck Fabian , Strohmaier Markus
Published: September 2019

Crowd employment is a new form of short-term and flexible employment that has emerged during the past decade. To understand this new form of employment, it is crucial to illuminate the underlying motivations of the workforce involved in it. This article introduces the Multidimensional Crowdworker Motivation Scale (MCMS), a scale for measuring the motivation of crowdworkers on microtask platforms. The MCMS is theoretically grounded in self-determination theory and tailored specifically to the context of paid crowdsourced microlabor. The scale measures the motivation of crowdworkers along six motivational dimensions, ranging from amotivation to intrinsic motivation. We validated the MCMS on data collected in ten countries and three income groups. Factor analyses demonstrated that the MCMS’s six dimensions showed good model fit, validity, and reliability. Furthermore, our measurement invariance tests showed that motivations measured with the MCMS are comparable across countries and income groups, and we present a first cross-country comparison of crowdworker motivations. This work constitutes an important first step toward understanding the motivations of the international crowd workforce.
Scalable Kernelization for Maximum Independent Sets
Authors: Hespe Demian , Schulz Christian , Strash Darren
Published: September 2019

The most efficient algorithms for finding maximum independent sets in both theory and practice use reduction rules to obtain a much smaller problem instance called a
kernel
. The kernel can then be solved quickly using exact or heuristic algorithms—or by repeatedly kernelizing recursively in the branch-and-reduce paradigm. Current algorithms are either slow but produce a small kernel or fast and give a large kernel. Yet it is of critical importance for these algorithms that kernelization is fast and returns a small kernel. We attempt to accomplish both of these goals simultaneously by giving an efficient parallel kernelization algorithm based on graph partitioning and parallel bipartite maximum matching.

We combine our parallelization techniques with two techniques to accelerate kernelization further: dependency checking that prunes reductions that cannot be applied, and reduction tracking that allows us to stop kernelization when reductions become less fruitful. Our algorithm produces kernels that are orders of magnitude smaller than the fastest kernelization methods while having a similar execution time. Furthermore, our algorithm is able to compute kernels with size comparable to the smallest known kernels but up to two orders of magnitude faster than possible previously. Finally, we show that our kernelization algorithm can be used to accelerate existing state-of-the-art heuristic algorithms, allowing us to find larger independent sets faster on large real-world networks and synthetic instances.
Competition of Pairing and Nematicity in the Two-Dimensional Electron Gas
Authors: Schreiber Katherine A. , Csáthy Gábor A.
Published: September 2019

Due to its extremely rich phase diagram, the two-dimensional electron gas exposed to perpendicular magnetic fields has been the subject of intense and sustained study. One particularly interesting problem in this system is that of the half-filled Landau level, where the Fermi sea of composite fermions, a fractional quantum Hall state arising from a pairing instability of the composite fermions, and the quantum Hall nematic were observed in the half-filled N = 0, N = 1, and N ≥ 2 Landau levels, respectively. Thus, different ground states developed in different half-filled Landau levels. This situation has recently changed, when evidence for both the paired fractional quantum Hall state and the quantum Hall nematic was reported in the half-filled N = 1 Landau level. Furthermore, a direct quantum phase transition between these two ordered states was found. These results highlight an intimate connection between pairing and nematicity, which is a topic of current interest in several strongly correlated systems, in a well-understood and low-disorder environment.
Ecology of Terrestrial Arthropods in Freshwater Wetlands
Authors: Batzer Darold P. , Wu Haitao
Published: September 2019

The terrestrial arthropod fauna of wetlands has been largely ignored by scientists compared to other ecological elements, yet these organisms are among the most important influences on the ecology of these systems, with the vast majority of the biodiversity in wetlands found among the terrestrial arthropods. Wetlands present a range of habitat for terrestrial arthropods, with unique faunas being associated with soils and ground litter, living-plant substrates, and peatlands. Myriapoda, Araneae, Collembola, Carabidae, Formicidae, and assorted herbivorous Coleoptera and Lepidoptera are the terrestrial arthropod groups that most influence the ecology of wetlands. Despite their success, most terrestrial arthropods possess fairly rudimentary adaptations for life in wetlands, with most simply moving to higher ground or up vegetation during floods, although some species can tolerate immersion. Many terrestrial arthropods are environmentally sensitive and show considerable promise as bioindicators of wetland ecological conditions.