bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Darcy-Bénard convection of Newtonian liquids and Newtonian nanoliquids in cylindrical enclosures and cylindrical annuli
Authors: Siddheshwar P. G. , Lakshmi K. M.
Published: August 2019

An analytical study of linear and nonlinear Darcy-Bénard convection of Newtonian liquids and Newtonian nanoliquids confined in a cylindrical porous enclosure is made. The effect of concentric insertion of a solid cylinder into the hollow circular cylinder on onset and heat transport is also investigated. An axisymmetric mode is considered, and the Bessel functions are the eigenfunctions for the problem. The two-phase model is used in the case of nanoliquids. Weakly nonlinear stability analysis is performed by considering the double Fourier-Bessel series expansion for velocity, temperature, and nanoparticle concentration fields. Water well-dispersed with copper nanoparticles of very high thermal conductivity, and one of the five different shapes is chosen as the working medium. The thermophysical properties of nanoliquids are calculated using the phenomenological laws and the mixture theory. It is found that the effect of concentric insertion of a solid cylinder into the hollow cylinder is to enhance the heat transport. The results of rectangular enclosures are obtained as limiting cases of the present study. In general, curvature enhances the heat transport and hence the heat transport is maximum in the case of a cylindrical annulus followed by that in cylindrical and rectangular enclosures. Among the five different shapes of nanoparticles, blade-shaped nanoparticles help transport maximum heat. An analytical expression is obtained for the Hopf bifurcation point in the cases of the fifth-order and the third-order Lorenz models. Regular, chaotic, mildly chaotic, and periodic behaviors of the Lorenz system are discussed using plots of the maximum Lyapunov exponent and the bifurcation diagram.
Single diffusive magnetohydrodynamic pressure driven miscible displacement flows in a channel
Authors: Sarkar Sandip , Ganguly Suvankar , Mishra Manoranjan
Published: August 2019

We investigate the influence of a magnetic field on the single diffusive pressure driven miscible displacement of a low viscous fluid by a high viscous one in a channel using the streamline upwind Petrov-Galerkin based finite element method. We perform transient numerical simulations of the governing continuity and Navier–Stokes equations with magnetohydrodynamic effects coupled with the convection–diffusion solute concentration equation. We have assumed concentration-dependent viscosity and neglected the density contrast. Our computational results are found to match quite well with the other results from the literature. We report that the presence of a magnetic field can suppress the interface instabilities characterized by intense convective mixing and roll-up phenomena for the classical situation of a less viscous fluid displacing a more viscous one. We have found various new types of instability patterns with the combined influences of the Hartmann number, Reynolds number, and Schmidt number. We show that the mushroomlike structure at the tip of the leading finger grows in volume with enhancing magnetic field strength, whereas follows the reverse trend as the Reynolds number is increased. Finally, to examine the effect of magnetic field on the global stability characteristics, we have performed a dynamic mode decomposition analysis. Our analysis demonstrates that by effectively maneuvering the dimensionless parameters, the displacement rate can be enhanced, and this is attributed to the acceleration in fluid mixing. Apart from the fundamental importance, we trust that the results obtained from this study may help in improving the operating efficiency of the modern generation process industries.
New scalable Direct Simulation Monte Carlo code available for modeling gas flows
Authors: Patrick Chris
Published: August 2019

A new, scalable, open-source code for simulating gas flow can compute larger-than-ever models using the Direct Simulation Monte Carlo method.
Radio emission confirms that a magnetic field spans intergalactic space
Authors: Lopatka Alex
Published: August 2019

The Low Frequency Array telescope detected previously unobserved synchrotron radiation between two merging galaxy clusters.
A big step for nanoporous graphene provides a small step for desalination
Authors: Berkowitz Rachel
Published: August 2019

Carbon-nanotube reinforcement and template-based etching help scale up membranes.
Fifth-generation broadband wireless threatens weather forecasting
Authors: Lopatka Alex
Published: August 2019

Radio-frequency interference from upcoming 5G networks may make it more difficult to collect critical water-vapor data.
The North American eclipse of 1869
Authors: Kent Deborah
Published: August 2019

A coast-to-coast eclipse on 7 August 1869 gave US astronomers a chance to make their mark on 19th-century astronomy.
Landscape management of the mahogany glider (Petaurus gracilis) across its distribution: subpopulations and corridor priorities
Authors: Jackson Stephen M. , Parsons Mark , Baseler Marcus , Stanton David
Published: August 2019

Key threatening processes to biodiversity include habitat loss and fragmentation, with populations restricted to small fragments of habitat being more prone to extinction. The mahogany glider (Petaurus gracilis) is endemic to sclerophyll woodland forests between Tully and Ingham in north Queensland and is one of Australia’s most endangered arboreal mammals due to these processes. The aim of this study was to identify the degree of habitat fragmentation of the remaining remnant vegetation of the mahogany glider, identify subpopulations within its distribution and identify key wildlife corridors for restoration to facilitate the movement of this species within and between subpopulations. Ten glider subpopulations, spread over 998 habitat fragments, were identified, of which only five subpopulations may currently be considered to be viable. To assist in providing habitat connectivity between and within the subpopulations, 55 corridors were identified for restoration that had an average length of 8.25 km. The average number of gaps greater than 30 m was 3.4 per corridor, with the average length of these gaps being 523 m. This study confirmed a high degree of habitat fragmentation across the distribution of the mahogany glider and highlighted the need to strengthen the remaining subpopulations by restoring habitat connectivity between the remaining habitat fragments.
The Prevalence of Unhealthy Alcohol and Drug use among Inpatients in a General Hospital
Authors: Wakeman Sarah E. , Herman Grace , Wilens Timothy E. , Regan Susan
Published: August 2019

Background: Unhealthy substance use is a growing public health issue. Intersections with the health care system offer an opportunity for intervention; however, recent estimates of prevalence for unhealthy substance use among all types of hospital inpatients are unknown.

Methods: Universal screening for unhealthy alcohol or drug use was implemented across a 999-bed general hospital between January 1 and December 31, 2015. Nurses completed alcohol screening using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test alcohol consumption questions (AUDIT-C) with a cutoff of ≥5 for moderate risk and ≥8 for high risk and drug screening using the single-item screening question with ≥1 episode of use considered positive.

Results: Out of 35,288 unique inpatients, screens were completed on 21,519. There were 3,451 positive screens (16% of all completed screens), including 1,291 (6%) moderate risk and 1,111 (5%) high risk screens for alcohol and 1,657 (8%) positive screens for drug use. Among screens that were positive for moderate- or high-risk alcohol use, 221 (17%) and 297 (27%), respectively, were concurrently positive for drug use. The majority (61%) of patients with unhealthy alcohol use was on the medical services. Men, those who were white or Hispanic, middle-aged, single, unemployed, or screened positive for drug use were more likely to screen positive for high-risk alcohol use. Those who were younger, single, worked less than full time, or screened high risk for alcohol were more likely to screen positive for drug use. Discordance between diagnosis coding and screening results was noted: 29% of high-risk alcohol use screens had no alcohol diagnosis coding associated with that admission, and 51% of patients with a DSM-IV ( Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition) diagnosis code of alcohol dependence had AUDIT-C scores of <8.

Conclusions: Across a general hospital, 16% of patients screened positive for unhealthy substance use, with the highest volume on medical floors. Nursing-led screening may offer an opportunity to identify and engage patients with unhealthy substance use during hospitalization.
CD97 is a critical regulator of acute myeloid leukemia stem cell function
Authors: Martin Gaëlle H. , Roy Nainita , Chakraborty Sohini , Desrichard Alexis , Chung Stephen S. , Woolthuis Carolien M. , Hu Wenhuo , Berezniuk Iryna , Garrett-Bakelman Francine E. , Hamann Jörg , Devlin Sean M. , Chan Timothy A. , Park Christopher Y.
Published: August 2019

Despite significant efforts to improve therapies for acute myeloid leukemia (AML), clinical outcomes remain poor. Understanding the mechanisms that regulate the development and maintenance of leukemic stem cells (LSCs) is important to reveal new therapeutic opportunities. We have identified CD97, a member of the adhesion class of G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs), as a frequently up-regulated antigen on AML blasts that is a critical regulator of blast function. High levels of CD97 correlate with poor prognosis, and silencing of CD97 reduces disease aggressiveness in vivo. These phenotypes are due to CD97’s ability to promote proliferation, survival, and the maintenance of the undifferentiated state in leukemic blasts. Collectively, our data credential CD97 as a promising therapeutic target on LSCs in AML.
Aufwuch Community on Association to Aquatic Plant in Lake Tempe, South Sulawesi
Authors: Pratiwi Niken TM , Wardiatno Yusli , WahyuAzizi  , Iswantari Aliati
Published: August 2019

Lake Tempe was mostly covered by water hyacinth (Eichhorniacrassipes). Aufwuch community which live surround the aquatic plant has an important role in the food chain, as intermediate component between primary producerand higher secondary producer. This study was conducted in Lake Tempe, in order to analyse the association of aufwuch community towards aquatic plants and water quality. Sampling was carried out at five observation stations with three inundation zones. There were found 38 genera of from five classes, Cyanophyceae (5), Chlorophyceae (11), Bacillarophyceae (8), Euglenophyceae (2), and Chrysophyceae (1) as microphyto-aufwuch with density ranged from 16 544 840-203139505 ind/m3; 33 genera from four groups, Crustacea (10), Protozoa (8), Rotifer (14), Insect (1) of microzoo-aufwuch with density ranged from 138 969-351 834 ind/m3; and 15 genera from four groups, Gastropod (4), Insect (5), Crustacea (5), Larvae (1) as microzoo-aufwuch. The temperature of waters was ranged as 30,4-36 °C, depth 40-145 cm, Secchi depth 15.0-60.7 cm, pH 5.2-9.2, DO 2.9-16.9 mg/L, ammonium 0.005-0.013 mg/L, ammonia 0.0002-0.2912 mg/L, nitrate 0.5828-0.9113 mg/L, nitrite 0.004-0.0127 mg/L, and orthophosphate 0.0429-0.1325 mg/L.There were three groups of aufwuch in Lake Tempe, the microphyto-aufwuch, microzoo-aufwuch, and macrozoo-aufwuch, with appropriate water quality conditions for aufwuch life.
Preparation of natural rubber elastomeric bridge bearing pad compound formula on various curing systems
Authors: Puspitasari S , Andriani W , Cifriadi A
Published: August 2019

Commercial elastomeric bridge bearing (EBB) pad is dominated by the laminated type. Laminated EBB pad comprises of rubber composite layers which are arranged intermittently among the thin steel plates. The rubber composite uses natural rubber or chloroprene synthetic rubber as the base elastomer. Local EBB pad industries mostly produce natural rubber bridge bearing pad type due to the enormous availability of natural rubber in Indonesia. However, the quality of natural rubber bridge bearing pad product often cannot fulfil the standard requirement in compression set and accelerated aging parameters. The research studied the design of EBB pad compound formula based on natural rubber type. The EBB compound formulas were prepared by varring the curing system such as sulphur (efficient and semi-efficient) and peroxide curing system. Designing the compound formula was in accordance to the methods required in improving the compression set and accelerating aging quality of natural rubber bridge bearing pad. The result of curing characteristic of the natural rubber bridge bearing pad compound showed that peroxide curing system gave the longest optimum curing time. Further, sulphur curing system produced high crosslink density followed with good mechanical properties of natural rubber bridge bearing pad vulcanizate. The compression set value of natural rubber bridge bearing pad vulcanizates which were obtained by efficient and semi-efficient curing systems as 14.09% and 24.81%, respectively were regarded to be below the maximum requirement (25%). The peroxide curing system was not recommended due to the high compression set value of 40.68%. Meanwhile, maximum percent changes of tensile properties and retention values which indicated accelerated aging parameter of natural rubber bridge bearing pads were formed either by sulphur and peroxide curing system could fulfilled the standard requirement of EBB Duro 70 refered to SNI 3967:2013.
Effect of concomitant vancomycin and piperacillin–tazobactam on frequency of acute kidney injury in pediatric patients
Authors: Buhlinger Kaitlyn M , Fuller Kathryn A , Faircloth Cassidy B , Wallace Jessica R
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Results of a study of rates of acute kidney injury (AKI) in pediatric patients treated with vancomycin plus piperacillin–tazobactam or vancomycin plus alternative antipseudomonal β-lactams (APBLs) are reported.

Methods

A retrospective, single-center cohort study was performed. Pediatric patients were included in the study cohort if they received combination therapy for at least 48 hours, had documented baseline and follow-up serum creatinine levels, and had a documented serum vancomycin trough concentration. The primary outcome was the frequency of AKI, defined as a 50% or greater increase in serum creatinine concentration from baseline or an increase of at least 0.5 mg/dL from baseline. The secondary outcome was time to AKI onset.

Results

A total of 474 patients were included. Among 100 patients who received vancomycin plus piperacillin–tazobactam, the rate of AKI was higher than the rate in the group treated with vancomycin plus alternative APBLs (27% versus 7%, p < 0.0001). The median time to AKI onset was shorter in the piperacillin–tazobactam group versus the alternative APBL group (3.8 versus 7.9 days, p = 0.0065). Patients who were administered piperacillin–tazobactam were almost 6 times as likely to develop AKI (odds ratio [OR], 5.955; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.774–12.784), and patients who had a maximum vancomycin trough concentration greater than 20 mg/L were 7.5 times as likely to develop AKI (OR, 7.552; 95% CI, 3.625–15.734).

Conclusion

Pediatric patients treated with concomitant vancomycin and piperacillin–tazobactam had a higher rate of AKI, with faster AKI onset, than those who received vancomycin in combination with other APBLs.
HuR regulates phospholamban expression in isoproterenol-induced cardiac remodelling
Authors: Hu Han , Jiang Mingyang , Cao Yangpo , Zhang Zhuojun , Jiang Bin , Tian Feng , Feng Juan , Dou Yali , Gorospe Myriam , Zheng Ming , Zheng Lemin , Yang Zhongzhou , Wang Wengong
Published: August 2019

Aims

The elevated expression of phospholamban (PLB) has been observed in heart failure and cardiac remodelling, inhibiting the affinity of Ca2+ pump to Ca2+ thereby impairing heart relaxation. However, the mechanisms underlying the regulation of PLB remains to be further studied. The present study aims to test the role of RNA-binding protein HuR in the regulation of PLB and the impact of this regulatory process in cardiac remodelling.

Methods and results

A mouse model specifically deleted HuR in cardiomyocytes were used for testing the role of HuR in regulating PLB during isoproterenol (ISO)-induced cardiac remodelling. HuR deficiency did not significantly influence the phenotype and function of mouse heart under static status. However, deletion of HuR in cardiomyocytes mitigated the effect of ISO in inducing PLB expression and reducing β1-AR expression, in turn aggravating ISO-induced myocardial hypertrophy and cardiac fibrosis. In H9C2 cells, association of HuR with PLB and β1-AR mRNAs stabilized PLB mRNA and destabilized β1-AR mRNA, respectively.

Conclusion

HuR stabilizes PLB mRNA and destabilizes β1-AR mRNA. The HuR-PLB and HuR-β1-AR regulatory processes impact on ISO-induced cardiac remodelling.
Avian Binocularity and Adaptation to Nocturnal Environments: Genomic Insights from a Highly Derived Visual Phenotype
Authors: Borges Rui , Fonseca João , Gomes Cidália , Johnson Warren E , O’Brien Stephen J , Zhang Guojie , Gilbert M Thomas P , Jarvis Erich D , Antunes Agostinho
Published: August 2019

Typical avian eyes are phenotypically engineered for photopic vision (daylight). In contrast, the highly derived eyes of the barn owl (Tyto alba) are adapted for scotopic vision (dim light). The dramatic modifications distinguishing barn owl eyes from other birds include: 1) shifts in frontal orientation to improve binocularity, 2) rod-dominated retina, and 3) enlarged corneas and lenses. Some of these features parallel mammalian eye patterns, which are hypothesized to have initially evolved in nocturnal environments. Here, we used an integrative approach combining phylogenomics and functional phenotypes of 211 eye-development genes across 48 avian genomes representing most avian orders, including the stem lineage of the scotopic-adapted barn owl. Overall, we identified 25 eye-development genes that coevolved under intensified or relaxed selection in the retina, lens, cornea, and optic nerves of the barn owl. The agtpbp1 gene, which is associated with the survival of photoreceptor populations, was pseudogenized in the barn owl genome. Our results further revealed that barn owl retinal genes responsible for the maintenance, proliferation, and differentiation of photoreceptors experienced an evolutionary relaxation. Signatures of relaxed selection were also observed in the lens and cornea morphology-associated genes, suggesting that adaptive evolution in these structures was essentially structural. Four eye-development genes (ephb1, phactr4, prph2, and rs1) evolved in positive association with the orbit convergence in birds and under relaxed selection in the barn owl lineage, likely contributing to an increased reliance on binocular vision in the barn owl. Moreover, we found evidence of coevolutionary interactions among genes that are expressed in the retina, lens, and optic nerve, suggesting synergetic adaptive events. Our study disentangles the genomic changes governing the binocularity and low-light perception adaptations of barn owls to nocturnal environments while revealing the molecular mechanisms contributing to the shift from the typical avian photopic vision to the more-novel scotopic-adapted eye.
Heat stress during the luteal phase decreases luteal size but does not affect circulating progesterone in gilts1
Authors: Bidne Katie L , Romoser Matthew R , Ross Jason W , Baumgard Lance H , Keating Aileen F
Published: August 2019

Heat stress (HS) occurs when heat dissipation mechanisms are insufficient to maintain euthermia, and it is associated with seasonal infertility (SI), which manifests as smaller litters, longer wean-to-estrus interval, increased abortions, and reduced conception rates. To understand HS-induced mechanisms underlying SI, crossbred post-pubertal gilts (167 ± 10 kg; n = 14) experienced either thermal neutral (TN, 20 ± 1 °C, n = 7) or cyclical HS (35 ± 1 °C for 12 h and 31.6 °C for 12 h, n = 7) conditions from 2 to 12 d post-estrus (dpe). Estrous cycles were synchronized via altrenogest administration for 14 d, phenotypic manifestation of estrus was observed and gilts were assigned to experimental treatment. Gilts were limit fed 2.7 kg daily with ad libitum water access. Blood was collected at 0, 4, 8, and 12 dpe via jugular venipuncture and animals were humanely euthanized at 12 dpe. The corpora lutea (CL) width were measured via digital calipers on both ovaries, and CL from one ovary were excised, weighed, and protein and steroid abundance analyzed via western blotting and ELISA, respectively. Relative to TN, HS increased (P < 0.01) rectal temperature and respiration rates and reduced (P < 0.01) feed intake. The CL from HS ovaries were reduced in diameter (P < 0.05) and weight (P < 0.01) relative to those from TN animals. No difference (P = 0.38) in CL or serum progesterone concentrations between groups was observed at any time point, though at 12 dpe the serum progesterone:CL weight was increased (P < 0.10) by HS. No treatment differences (P = 0.84) in circulating insulin were observed. Luteal protein abundance of steroid acute regulatory protein, 3 beta-hydroxysteroid, or prostaglandin F2α receptor were not different between treatments (P = 0.73). Taken together, these data demonstrate that the CL mass is HS sensitive, but this phenotype does not appear to be explained by the metrics evaluated herein. Regardless, HS-induced decreased CL size may have important implications to pig SI and warrants additional attention.
Reported County-Level Distribution of the American Dog Tick (Acari: Ixodidae) in the Contiguous United States
Authors: Lehane Aine , Parise Christina , Evans Colleen , Beati Lorenza , Nicholson William L , Eisen Rebecca J
Published: August 2019

In the United States, tick-borne diseases are increasing in incidence and cases are reported over an expanding geographical area. Avoiding tick bites is a key strategy in tick-borne disease prevention, and this requires current and accurate information on where humans are at risk for exposure to ticks. Based on a review of published literature and records in the U.S. National Tick Collection and National Ecological Observatory Network databases, we compiled an updated county-level map showing the reported distribution of the American dog tick, Dermacentor variabilis (Say). We show that this vector of the bacterial agents causing Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia is widely distributed, with records derived from 45 states across the contiguous United States. However, within these states, county-level records of established tick populations are limited. Relative to the range of suitable habitat for this tick, our data imply that D. variabilis is currently underreported in the peer-reviewed literature, highlighting a need for improved surveillance and documentation of existing tick records.
Autonomy and Aesthetic Engagement
Authors: Nguyen C Thi
Published: August 2019

There seems to be a deep tension between two aspects of aesthetic appreciation. On the one hand, we care about getting things right. Our attempts at aesthetic judgments aim at correctness. On the other hand, we demand autonomy. We want appreciators to arrive at their aesthetic judgments through their own cognitive efforts, rather than through deferring to experts. These two demands seem to be in tension; after all, if we want to get the right judgments, we should defer to the judgments of experts. How can we resolve this tension? The best explanation, I suggest, is that aesthetic appreciation is something like a game. When we play a game, we try to win. But often, winning isn’t the point; playing is. Aesthetic appreciation involves the same flipped motivational structure: we aim at the goal of correctness, but having correct judgments isn’t the point. The point is the engaged process of interpreting, investigating, and exploring the aesthetic object. When one defers to aesthetic testimony, then, one makes the same mistake as when one looks up the answer to a puzzle, rather than solving it for oneself. The shortcut defeats the whole point. This suggests a new account of aesthetic value: the engagement account. The primary value of the activity of aesthetic appreciation lies in the process of trying to generate correct judgments, and not in having correct judgments.
The unique case of the AGN core of M87: a misaligned low power blazar?
Authors: Lucchini M , Krauß F , Markoff S
Published: August 2019

M87 hosts one of the closest jetted active galactic nucleus (AGN) to Earth. Thanks to its vicinity and to the large mass of is central black hole, M87 is the only source in which the jet can be directly imaged down to near-event horizon scales with radio very large baseline interferometry (VLBI). This property makes M87 a unique source to isolate and study jet launching, acceleration and collimation. In this paper we employ a multi-zone model designed as a parametrisation of general relativistic magneto-hydrodynamics (GRMHD); for the first time we reproduce the jet’s observed shape and multi-wavelength spectral energy distribution (SED) simultaneously. We find strong constraints on key physical parameters of the jet, such as the location of particle acceleration and the kinetic power. However, we under-predict the (unresolved) γ-ray flux of the source, implying that the high-energy emission does not originate in the magnetically-dominated inner jet regions. Our results have important implications both for comparisons of GRMHD simulations with observations, and for unified models of AGN classes.
Achievements of Hinode in the first eleven years
Authors:   Hinode Review Team, Al-Janabi Khalid , Antolin Patrick , Baker Deborah , Bellot Rubio Luis R , Bradley Louisa , Brooks David H , Centeno Rebecca , Culhane J Leonard , Del Zanna Giulio , Doschek George A , Fletcher Lyndsay , Hara Hirohisa , Harra Louise K , Hillier Andrew S , Imada Shinsuke , Klimchuk James A , Mariska John T , Pereira Tiago M D , Reeves Katharine K , Sakao Taro , Sakurai Takashi , Shimizu Toshifumi , Shimojo Masumi , Shiota Daikou , Solanki Sami K , Sterling Alphonse C , Su Yingna , Suematsu Yoshinori , Tarbell Theodore D , Tiwari Sanjiv K , Toriumi Shin , Ugarte-Urra Ignacio , Warren Harry P , Watanabe Tetsuya , Young Peter R
Published: August 2019

Hinode is Japan’s third solar mission following Hinotori (1981–1982) and Yohkoh (1991–2001): it was launched on 2006 September 22 and is in operation currently. Hinode carries three instruments: the Solar Optical Telescope, the X-Ray Telescope, and the EUV Imaging Spectrometer. These instruments were built under international collaboration with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the UK Science and Technology Facilities Council, and its operation has been contributed to by the European Space Agency and the Norwegian Space Center. After describing the satellite operations and giving a performance evaluation of the three instruments, reviews are presented on major scientific discoveries by Hinode in the first eleven years (one solar cycle long) of its operation. This review article concludes with future prospects for solar physics research based on the achievements of Hinode.
The Effect of Rotating Apple Rootstock Genotypes on Apple Replant Disease and Rhizosphere Microbiome
Authors: Deakin Greg , Fernández-Fernández Felicidad , Bennett Julie , Passey Tom , Harrison Nicola , Tilston Emma L. , Xu Xiangming
Published: August 2019

Continuous plantation of apple trees (Malus pumila) at the same sites where the same or a closely related species were grown previously leads to poor establishment, reduced growth vigor, and subsequent crop losses; this phenomenon is termed apple replant disease (ARD). Management of ARD is a continual challenge due to (i) restrictions on the use of broad-spectrum soil fumigants, (ii) putative causal agents of ARD can be site-specific, and (iii) more than one causal agent can be present at a site. We conducted an experimental study at two orchard sites to investigate the succession effect of rootstock genotypes on apple tree establishment with three specific objectives: (i) whether ARD in newly planted apple trees is more severe if the same rootstock as the previous one is replanted, (ii) whether trees develop better in the aisle than in original tree stations, and (iii) the extent of association of rootstock genotypes with rhizosphere microbiome in relation to ARD. Tree growth and rhizosphere microbiome were assessed within 30 months of replanting. In one orchard, replanting trees with a rootstock genotype different from the previous one can be effective in reducing ARD development, susceptibility to ARD is likely to be genetically controlled, and replanting trees in the previous grass aisle can reduce ARD development. However, the opposite results were obtained in the other orchard, possibly due to the lack of weed management in the grass aisle affecting tree establishment in the grass aisle. Rhizosphere microbiota associated with specific rootstock genotypes reached a stable state within 7 months of replanting. An arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi operational taxonomic unit (OTU) had reduced abundance with ARD trees; however many other OTUs associated with ARD cannot be identified to low taxonomic ranks and hence their roles cannot be easily interpreted. In conclusion, replanting trees with rootstocks that are genetically differently from the previous one can reduce ARD development. However, in adopting this strategy, the extent of genetic relationships among rootstock genotypes needs to be considered.
Influence of Environment and Host Plant Genotype on the Structure and Diversity of the Brassica napus Seed Microbiota
Authors: Rochefort Aude , Briand Martial , Marais Coralie , Wagner Marie-Hélène , Laperche Anne , Vallée Patrick , Barret Matthieu , Sarniguet Alain
Published: August 2019

Seeds are involved in the transmission of microorganisms from one plant generation to the next and consequently act as reservoirs for the plant microbiota. The driving processes influencing seed microbiota assemblage have not been yet deciphered because of confounding factors related to environmental location, agricultural practices, and host genotype selection. Nine genotypes were chosen among a large panel of genetically diverse Brassica napus accessions. The taxonomic structure of the seed microbiota was monitored by amplification and subsequent high-throughput sequencing of gyrB and internal transcribed spacer 1 markers for two successive years on seed lots collected from self-pollinated plants. Seed germination capacities were compared between all seed lots. Although harvesting year was the main driver of seed microbiota composition, the host genotype also significantly altered the structure of seed microbial assemblages. The core microbiota of B. napus included nine fungal taxa shared between all the genotypes and years, while no bacterial taxa were conserved across all genotypes and years. The harvesting year had the major effect on seed germination but with some differences between genotypes. The study demonstrated the relative contribution of host- and environmental-filtering on the assemblage of the seed microbiota. It suggested some influence of these assemblages on seed germination.
Measurements of Aerial Spore Load by qPCR Facilitates Lettuce Downy Mildew Risk Advisement
Authors: Dhar Nikhilesh , Mamo Bullo Erena , Subbarao Krishna V. , Koike Steven T. , Fox Alan , Anchieta Amy , Klosterman Steven J.
Published: August 2019

The lettuce downy mildew pathogen, Bremia lactucae, is an obligate oomycete that causes extensive produce losses. Initial chlorotic symptoms that severely reduce the market value of the produce are followed by the appearance of white, downy sporulation on the abaxial side of the leaves. These spores become airborne and disseminate the pathogen. Controlling lettuce downy mildew has relied on repeated fungicide applications to prevent outbreaks. However, in addition to direct economic costs, heterogeneity and rapid adaptation of this pathogen to repeatedly applied fungicides has led to the development of fungicide-insensitivity in the pathogen. We deployed a quantitative PCR assay-based detection method using a species-specific DNA target for B. lactucae coupled with a spore trap system to measure airborne B. lactucae spore loads within three commercial fields that each contained experimental plots, designated EXP1 to EXP3. Based upon these measurements, when the spore load in the air reached a critical level (8.548 sporangia per m3 air), we advised whether or not to apply fungicides on a weekly basis within EXP1 to EXP3. This approach saved three sprays in EXP1, and one spray each in EXP2 and EXP3 without a significant increase in disease incidence. The reduction in fungicide applications to manage downy mildew can decrease lettuce production costs while slowing the development of fungicide resistance in B. lactucae by eliminating unnecessary fungicide applications.
Independent Association of Glucose Variability With Hospital Mortality in Adult Intensive Care Patients: Results From the Australia and New Zealand Intensive Care Society Centre for Outcome and Resource Evaluation Binational Registry
Authors: Kulkarni Hemant , Bihari Shailesh , Prakash Shivesh , Huckson Sue , Chavan Shaila , Mamtani Manju , Pilcher David
Published: August 2019

Objectives:

Wide variations in blood glucose excursions in critically ill patients may influence adverse outcomes such as hospital mortality. However, whether blood glucose variability is independently associated with mortality or merely captures the excess risk attributable to hyperglycemic and hypoglycemic episodes is not established. We investigated whether blood glucose variability independently predicted hospital mortality in nonhyperglycemic critical care patients.

Design:

Retrospective, registry data analyses of outcomes.

Setting:

Large, binational registry (Australia and New Zealand Intensive Care Society Centre for Outcome and Resource Evaluation Adult Patient Database repository) of 176 ICUs across Australia and New Zealand.

Patients:

We used 10-year data on nonhyperglycemic patients registered in the Australia and New Zealand Intensive Care Society Centre for Outcome and Resource Evaluation Adult Patient Database repository (n = 290,966).

Interventions:

None.

Measurements and Main Results:

Glucose variability was captured using glucose width defined as the difference between highest and lowest blood glucose concentration within first 24 hours of ICU admission. We used hierarchical, mixed effects logistic regression models that accounted for ICU variation and several fixed-effects covariates. Glucose width was specifically and independently associated with hospital mortality. The association of blood glucose variability with mortality remained significant (odds ratio for highest vs lowest quartile of glucose, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.32–1.55; p < 0.001) even after adjusting for the baseline risk of mortality, midpoint blood glucose level, occurrence of hypoglycemia and inter-ICU variation. Mixed effects modeling showed that there was a statistically significant variation in this association across ICUs.

Conclusions:

Our study demonstrates that glucose variability is independently associated with hospital mortality in critically ill adult patients. Inclusion of correction for glucose variability in glycemic control protocols needs to be investigated in future studies.
Physician Judgment and Circulating Biomarkers Predict 28-Day Mortality in Emergency Department Patients*
Authors: Henning Daniel J. , Bhatraju Pavan K. , Johnson Nicholas J. , Kosamo Susanna , Shapiro Nathan I. , Zelnick Leila R. , Liles W. Conrad , Wurfel Mark M.
Published: August 2019

Objectives:

To determine whether biomarkers of endothelial activation and inflammation provide added value for prediction of in-hospital mortality within 28 days when combined with physician judgment in critically ill emergency department patients.

Design:

Prospective, observational study.

Setting:

Two urban, academic emergency departments, with ≈80,000 combined annual visits, between June 2016 and December 2017.

Patients:

Admitted patients, greater than 17 years old, with two systemic inflammatory response syndrome criteria and organ dysfunction, systolic blood pressure less than 90 mm Hg, or lactate greater than 4.0 mmol/L. Patients with trauma, intracranial hemorrhage known prior to arrival, or without available blood samples were excluded.

Interventions:

Emergency department physicians reported likelihood of in-hospital mortality (0–100%) by survey at hospital admission. Remnant EDTA blood samples, drawn during the emergency department stay, were used to measure angiopoietin-1, angiopoietin-2, tumor necrosis factor receptor-1, interleukin-6, and interleukin-8.

Measurements and Main Results:

We screened 421 patients and enrolled 314. The primary outcome of in-hospital mortality within 28 days occurred in 31 (9.9%). When predicting the primary outcome, the best biomarker model included angiopoietin-2 and interleukin-6 and performed moderately well (area under the curve, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.69–0.75), as did physician judgment (area under the curve, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.74–0.82). Combining physician judgment and biomarker models improved performance (area under the curve, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.82–0.87), with area under the curve change of 0.06 (95% CI, 0.04–0.09; p < 0.01) compared with physician judgment alone.

Conclusions:

Predicting in-hospital mortality within 28 days among critically ill emergency department patients may be improved by including biomarkers of endothelial activation and inflammation in combination with emergency department physician judgment.
Low-cost thoracentesis simulation for nurse practitioner students
Authors: Talley Michele H. , Watts Penni
Published: August 2019

The fast-paced hospital setting is not routinely a conducive environment for practicing procedural skills. Simulation learning can provide an opportunity for learners to achieve accuracy, confidence, and competence when performing the thoracentesis procedure. The cost associated with many commercial-brand manikins and the additional supplies needed to teach thoracentesis is expensive. However, thoracentesis is a skill many nurse practitioners (NPs) need to learn. The use of a whole, unstuffed turkey purchased at a supermarket to simulate a thoracentesis is a way in which NP students can safely practice this skill. Nurse practitioner students perform assessment skills on another student, whereas students perform the thoracentesis procedure on this turkey carcass. Nurse educators can teach NP students to safely, accurately, and efficiently perform a thoracentesis procedure using a low-cost simulator. Nurse educators can teach NP students how to perform a thoracentesis using a turkey carcass at a relatively low cost with a high yield.
Reducing chest radiography utilization in the medical intensive care unit
Authors: Wu Yu , Rose Mariah Q. , Freeman Michelle L. , Richard-Lany Nancy P. , Spaulding Aaron C. , Booth Sandra C. , Kelly Debra Lynch , Franco Pablo Moreno
Published: August 2019

Background and purpose:

Daily chest radiographs (CXRs) have long been a routine part of care. However, evidence as well as changing technology has promoted on-demand CXRs as beneficial to patient care. We found that a substantial number of routine daily CXRs were being ordered, with some of the orders staying active even after extubation.

Methods:

Within a 19-bed adult medical ICU, we prospectively utilized 3 intervention phases from October 1, 2014, to February 28, 2018, to reduce routine CXRs. Nurse Practitioners (NP) initiated this quality improvement (QI) project, aiming to reduce the number of unnecessary of CXRs. Interventions included staff survey, routine CXR order removal, duplicate alerts, visual reminders, and an electronic clinical decision support tool. Monthly education of appropriate CXRs and bedside ultrasound were facilitated by NPs. The outcome measures of interest include: the number of CXRs per patient-day, the number of routine and on-demand CXRs, mortality rate, ICU length of stay, and ventilator days, radiation and cost.

Conclusions:

Total number of CXRs per patient-day decreased by 36.1%. The proportion of routine CXRs decreased from 55.37% to 13.18%; on-demand orders increased, from 44.63% to 86.82%; and calculated radiation-exposure per census decreased, from 0.011 to 0.008 mSv. In addition, charges to patients for CXRs decreased by $7,750/month. ICU mortality and ventilator days per census remained stable.

Implications for practice:

By an orchestrated process that included creating awareness and desire to change CXR ordering practices, we were able to decrease routine CXRs and increase on-demand utilization while maintaining counterbalance measures.
Sleep and Parasympathetic Activity During Rest and Stress in Healthy Adolescents and Adolescents With Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Casement Melynda D. , Goldstein Tina R. , Merranko John , Gratzmiller Sarah M. , Franzen Peter L.
Published: August 2019

Objective

Sleep disruption contributes to the pathophysiology of mental disorders, particularly bipolar illness, but the biobehavioral mechanisms of this relationship are insufficiently understood. This study evaluated sleep duration, timing, and variability as prospective predictors of parasympathetic nervous system activity during rest and social stress in adolescents with bipolar disorder, reflecting sleep-related interference in stress regulatory systems that may confer vulnerability to mood episodes.

Method

Participants were adolescents with bipolar disorder (n= 22) and healthy adolescents (n= 27). Sleep duration and timing were measured by actigraphy for 1 week before a laboratory social stress task, during which high-frequency heart rate variability (HF-HRV) was indexed using electrocardiography. Multilevel models were used to evaluate group, sleep characteristics, and their interactions as predictors of initial HF-HRV and change in HF-HRV during rest and stress.

Results

Associations between group and changes in HF-HRV during stress were moderated by sleep duration mean (z= 2.24,p= .025) and variability (z= −2.78,p= .006). There were also main effects of mean sleep duration on initial HF-HRV during rest (z= −5.37,p< .001) and stress (z= −2.69,p= .007). Follow-up analyses indicated that, in bipolar adolescents during stress, shorter and longer sleep durations were associated with lower initial HF-HRV (z= −5.44,p< .001), and greater variability in sleep duration was associated with less change in HF-HRV (z= −2.18,p= .029).

Conclusions

Sleep durations that are relatively short or long, which are characteristic of mood episodes, are associated with parasympathetic vulnerability to social stress in adolescents with bipolar disorder. Obtaining regular sleep of moderate duration may favorably affect responses to stress in bipolar youth.
Prevention and treatment of recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection
Authors: Shin Jae Hyun , Warren Cirle A.
Published: August 2019

Purpose of review

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is a significant burden on the health system, especially due to high recurrence rates. Since the beginning of the CDI epidemic in early 2000s, many strategies for combatting recurrence have been explored, with moderate success so far. This review will focus on the most recent developments in recurrent CDI prevention and treatment.

Recent findings

There are two main mechanisms of CDI recurrence: alteration in microbiome and poor antibody response. Development of new antibiotics aims to minimize damage to the microbiome. Fecal transplant or other microbiome replacement therapies seek to replenish the missing elements in the microbiome. Fecal microbiota transplant is the most effective treatment for prevention of CDI recurrenceso far, but is difficult to standardize and regulate, leading to efforts to develop microbiome-derived therapeutics. A deficiency in developing antibodies to C. difficile toxins is another mechanism of recurrence. Active immunization using toxoid vaccines or passive immunization using mAbs address this aspect.

There are promising new treatments for recurrent CDI in development. Fecal microbiota transplant remains the most effective therapy for multiply recurrent CDI. New antibiotics, microbiome-derived therapeutics, and immunologic therapies are in development.
Analysis of Dental Arch in Children With Oral Cleft Before and After the Primary Surgeries
Authors: Mello Bianca Zeponi Fernandes , Ambrosio Eloá Cristina Passucci , Jorge Paula Karine , de Menezes Márcio , Carrara Cleide Felício Carvalho , Soares Simone , Valarelli Fabrício Pinelli , Moreira Machado Maria Aparecida Andrade , Oliveira Thais Marchini
Published: August 2019

This study aimed to evaluate longitudinally the alteration of the dental arch dimensions of children with different oral cleft types, before and after the primary surgeries. Three-dimensional images of the maxillary dental casts of children with unilateral complete cleft lip (G1), unilateral complete cleft lip and palate (G2), and cleft palate (G3). The children were evaluated at pre-cheiloplasty (T1), pre-palatoplasty (T2), and 1 year after palatoplasty (T3). The measurements obtained: intercanine (C-C’) and intertuberosity (T-T’) distances, anterior (I-CC’) and total (I-TT’) arch lengths. To analyze the intraexaminer error, paired t-test was applied and Dahlbergh formula. The intragroups comparisons were applied: paired t-test, ANOVA followed by Tukey, Wilcoxon test, and Kruskal–Wallis test followed by Dunn test. The intergroup comparisons were performed by independent t-test and Mann–Whitney test. In G1, the C-C’, T-T’, and the I-TT’ distances revealed a significant increase of the maxilla. In G2, the C-C’ distance statistically decreased from T1 to T3, T-T’ distance showed statistical increase from T1 to T3. The I-TT’ length increased with statistically significant differences between T1 and T3, T2 and T3. In G3, the C-C’, T-T’, and I-TT’ distance increased was statistically significant. The longitudinal evaluation of the changes occurred in the dental arches with different oral cleft types showed that cheiloplasty and palatoplasty caused the most alterations in the development of the maxillary dimensions of children with complete cleft lip and palate.
Morphometric Features of the Latissimus Dorsi Muscle in Fetal Cadavers With Meningomyelocele for Prenatal Surgery
Authors: Beger Orhan , Beger Burhan , Dinç Uğur , Hamzaoğlu Vural , Erdemoğlu Ece , Özalp Hakan
Published: August 2019

Purpose:

Latissimus dorsi (LD) flaps are frequently used in the prenatal meningomyelocele (MMC) repairs; on that basis, this study aims to reveal the morphometric features of LD, thoracodorsal artery (TDA) and nerve (TDN) in fetal cadavers with MMC defects, with an anatomical perspective.

Methods:

The study was conducted on 7 formalin-fixed human fetal cadavers (4 males and 3 females) with MMC defects, aged from 18 to 27 weeks of gestation. The size of LD, TDA, and TDN including their area, length, and width were measured by a digital caliper and digital image analysis software. Our direct measurements were compared with the corresponding estimations of a previous study in the literature which provides regression formulae based on gestational age.

Results:

The fetal cadavers with MMC had bilateral LD. No significant differences were found in the numerical data of anatomical structures between the sides or the sexes. LD size (ie, area, length and width) was approximately 3% to 10% smaller in the fetuses with MMC defects than that of the normal fetuses. Unilateral LD flap in a 22-week-old fetus with a large MMC was evaluated as insufficient to close the defects.

Conclusion:

Ten percent shrinkage in the area of LD might be too critical to be disregarded by surgeons during the closure of MMC defects. The dimensional findings about LD (area, length, and width) may be helpful in planning of LD flap harvesting for the repairs of MMC.