bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Responses of Thai recommended rice cultivars to high temperature in PSII efficiency at panicle initiation stage
Authors: Sumthonglang N , Jongdee B , Dongsansuk A
Published: October 2019

Photosynthesis is a major process for determining plant growth and development. The temperature plays important roles in plant photosynthesis. Thus, this research aimed to study the temperature response of PSII efficiency in different Thai recommended rice cultivars at panicle initiation (PI) stage. Youngest fully expanded leaves of fifteen rice cultivars namely, N22 (heat tolerance), IR64 (heat sensitive), CN1, Dular, PSL2, PTT1, Riceberry, RD29, RD31, RD41, RD49, RD57, RD61, RD63 and SPT1 at PI stage were exposed to temperature ranged from 25-55°C. During the exposure experiment to the temperature, coinciding measurements on the effective quantum yield of PSII efficiency (ΔF/Fm
') and maximum quantum yield of PSII efficiency (Fv/Fm
) were carried out. The experiment was designed in CRD with 4 replications. Temperature response to ΔF/Fm' and Fv/Fm
showed a parabolic curve in all rice cultivars but Fv/Fm
showed a wider parabolic curve than ΔF/Fm'. Optimum temperature of ΔF/Fm' and Fv/Fm
was 31.83-35.64°C and 31.82-34.10°C, respectively. The ranges of supraoptimal temperature of ΔF/Fm' and Fv/Fm
were 47.15-50.60°C and 46.93-48.65°C, respectively. On the other hand, the high temperature stress of ΔF/Fm' and Fv/Fm
was 50.80-54.70°C and 50.93-52.50°C, respectively. Optimum temperature of ΔF/Fm' showed high correlation with supraoptimal temperature especially in cv. PTT1. Broad sense heritability of ΔF/Fm' under high temperature stress was the highest which could be used as selection criteria for heat tolerance in rice breeding programme.
The border between species with and without feelings
Authors: van Rooijen J
Published: October 2019

Animal protection makes only sense when animal suffering and welfare exist. Suffering and welfare require the existence of feelings in a species. The question “Which species possess feelings?” is, therefore, important. Scientists draw the line between species with and without feelings at different places in the animal kingdom. Reasons for laymen to assume or discard the existence of feelings in different species are considered. It is mentioned that science is fundamentally unable to draw this line. (A view often attacked under the influence of psychology that belongs to the humanities). It is also mentioned that science is able to make the presence of feelings in an animal species more, or less, convincing. The views of the different scientists are discussed. It is argued why, in my opinion, all animal species possess feelings. Although not all scientists share this view, many scientists are of opinion that at least farm animals possess feelings. Laypeople who are not influenced by economic or other interests mostly do not question this opinion. The protection of farm animals is justified to avoid suffering in case these farm animals possess feelings.
Physiological and ethylene accumulation responses of cassava under drought stress
Authors: Ogaddee P , Girdthai T
Published: October 2019

Drought is a major production constraint of cassava worldwide. The objective of this study was to evaluate the chemo-physiological and phytohormone responses of cassava under water stress conditions. Five cassava (Manihot esculenta) varieties were grown in greenhouse conditions under different water regimes (field capacity (FC), 2/3 and 1/3 available water (AW)). The physiological responses to drought were monitored. Plant height, relative water content (RWC) and SPAD Chlorophyll meter reading (SCMR) were recorded at 3, 4 and 5 months after planting. Ethylene accumulate were recorded at 1, 2 and 3 weeks after withholding water at 2 months after planting. The result revealed that plant height and RWC decreased significant difference under water deficit. Plant height and RWC under 1/3 AW had lowest followed by 2/3 AW and FC conditions. Under 1/3 AW, ethylene and SCMR increased significant difference followed by 2/3 AW and FC conditions. Thus, plant height, RWC, SCMR and ethylene accumulation could be used as a criterion in breeding programs to improve drought tolerance in cassava.
A study on low-energy light absorption of SWNTs
Authors: Li H , Wu S Y , Zhou M Y , Liang X R
Published: October 2019

By using semi-empirical method, an approximately one-dimensional model on the basis of tight-binding theory is set up to calculate state density of different sorts of single-walled carbon nanotubes so as to explain the reason for three absorption peaks in the low energy level of light absorption spectrum.
Development of a geotextile coated with latex and used as a protection element on heated surfaces
Authors: souza C S , Mendes J U L
Published: October 2019

A lot has been researched today about new energy resources and sustainable materials aiming to decrease the impacts caused on the environment. Materials waste that were previously destined for the trash, are now seen in a different way. This present paper had as purpose the confection of a geotextile using banana tree leaves, in particular, fibers extracted from the stem of the banana tree leaves, which presently, are recognized as one of the strongest cellulosic fibers. As a natural geotextile matrix, latex was used and, subsequently, possible applications for the geotextile were analysed through previous material characterization based on literature. The samples were weaved and covered by latex, thereafter, analysis and verification were conducted on the main physical-chemical properties and also mechanical and thermal properties. Such results were obtained through tests, as: tensile properties, flammability, thermogravimetric analysis, water and humidity absorption, moisture resistance, friction, density, weight, biodegradation under environmental conditions. and thermal conductivity. Based on the obtained results, it was possbible to conclude that geotextile can be used as surfaces coating, because beside its high tensile strength, even when heated, the goetextile presentes a low thermal conductivity (0.214 W/mK). That fact means that the material has good thermal characteristics, quality of an isulator. Also, it was conclude that the natural composite has combined properties from banana tree fibers (as thermal properties and mechanical strength) and from thermoplastic elastomer latex. Such result did not compromise the hygroscopicity of the banana fiber. Finally, it could be concluded that the material is sustainable, does not damage the environment and fulfil the coating function, as expected.
Vibration analysis of fiber reinforced composite hydrofoils using finite element method
Authors: Joe B-J , Hong S-Y , Song J-H , Kwon H-W
Published: October 2019

In this study, the natural responses of fiber reinforced composite hydrofoils are obtained using FEM. It is of great importance to estimate the vibrational responses of fiber reinforced composite hydrofoils correctly due to the flexible characteristics of the material. Modal analysis is performed on a cantilevered hydrofoil which has a cross-section of a modified NACA0009 profile using FEM software Abaqus 2019. Newly developed structured mesh modeling method is used, and the results are compared with the conventional modeling methods and experiment. In the developed mesh model, boundaries of the layers are modified in order to apply a structured mesh. By investigating the stress distribution of the hydrofoil for the bending mode case, it is evident that the developed mesh model results in the most accurate and physical result compared to existing modeling method.
Carbonization performance of pre-oxidized PAN fibers prepared by microwave heating
Authors: Elagib T H H , Hassan E A M , Liu B H , Yu M H , Han K Q
Published: October 2019

We have carbonized the modified PAN fibers which coated with a hybrid microwave absorbent and pre-oxidized by microwave heating for 50 min. The carbonization process of pre-oxidized CB/S-PAN fibers process was performed under nitrogen atmosphere at different temperatures. The carbonized fibers were characterized by mean of Raman spectroscopy, elemental analyzer, X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA), mechanical tester, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicated that more ordered crystal structure and highly graphitic content was obtained at 950ºC, arise from the formation of aromatic structures. The fibers’ surface appeared roughly without defects suggesting a strong graphitic structure. This rough nature which results from the deposition of nanoparticles at an earlier stage before the pre-oxidation and the microwave penetration can strongly improve the interlocking between the fibers and matrix in the carbon fibers’ composites.
Study on preparation and properties of graphene reinforced epoxy resin composites
Authors: Fan Y H , Yu S W , Wang H M , Yao Y H , Wang Y , Wang C H
Published: October 2019

In order to study the preparation methods of graphene reinforced epoxy resin composites and analyze the influence of graphene content on the viscosity and mechanical properties of the resin, the surface of graphene oxide was modified to make graphene oxide disperse uniformly in the matrix resin, and then composite the modified graphite oxide and resin. Three groups of graphene oxide reinforced epoxy resin composites with graphene oxide content of 0.3wt%, 0.5wt% and 0.8wt% were prepared. The results show that the modified graphene oxide keeps good dispersion uniformity in the resin matrix. With the increase of graphene oxide content, the viscosity of the composite decreases gradually. The strength of the composite is better than that of the pure resin after adding graphene oxide. When the graphene content is 0.3%, the tensile strength is the highest, which is about 16% higher than that of pure resin. With the increase of graphene content, the tensile strength decreases.
New Zealand pulls out of the Square Kilometre Array
Authors: Cartlidge Edwin
Published: October 2019

The New Zealand government concludes that the benefits of being part of giant radio telescope project do not outweigh the costs, as Edwin Cartlidge reports
Cash to extend UK quantum technology hub network
Authors: Allen Michael
Published: October 2019

The UK government is investing £94m in four quantum-technology research hubs to let them continue running for a further five years.
Exclusion problems at Max Planck labs
Authors: Stafford Ned
Published: October 2019

A high proportion of foreign scientific personnel at institutes belonging to the Max Planck Society (MPS) in Germany feel that they are being ignored or excluded.
Comet mission given green light by European Space Agency
Authors: Gater Will
Published: October 2019

The European Space Agency (ESA) is to launch a probe to visit a comet originating from the outer solar system. The € 150m Comet Interceptor spacecraft, proposed by a team led by UK-based researchers, will launch in 2028.
Green and keen
Authors: Shepherd Ben , Bainbridge Alex , Clarke Jim , Huber Michael
Published: October 2019

In reply to Benjamin Skuse’s feature article “Leading by example: going green in the lab” (June pp27—30) and Matin Durrani’s related editorial “Making physics greener” (June p15), which both discuss how science labs can become greener and cut waste.
Interactive images
Authors: Abbott Paul
Published: October 2019

In reply to the Forum article “Learning through interacting” (May p21), in which Nikola Šibalic discussed the benefits of interactive figures, such as those in his recent Physics World Discovery ebook.
Chernobyl: a drama out of a crisis
Authors: Johnston Hamish
Published: October 2019

In the opening scene of the five-part TV mini-series Chernobyl, we meet Valery Legasov (played by Jared Harris) who is recording for posterity his account of how the infamous nuclear disaster unfolded on 26 April 1986.
Behind the scenes at the printer
Authors: Gardner Kate
Published: October 2019

In the small country town of Bourne, Lincolnshire, just a minute’s walk from the high street, a steady stream of people are entering and leaving an attractive redbrick building that was originally a malthouse. It's shift change at Warners Printers, which has printed every issue of Physics World for the past 31 years.
Metallic hydrogen: here at last?
Authors: Cartlidge Edwin
Published: October 2019

Many physicists over the years have claimed they can turn hydrogen into a metal by squeezing it hard – but none has ever managed to persuade sceptical rivals.
'Scandal' over site for battery institute
Authors: Stafford Ned
Published: October 2019

Münster beats off competition from five other German cities to host the institute, with some warning the choice is a “grave mistake”, as Ned Stafford reports
Land use is critical for tackling climate change, says report
Authors: Banks Michael
Published: October 2019

Climate change is putting an increased pressure on land resources and hampering its ability to sustain growing human populations.
TMT forges ahead with Canary Islands
Authors: Banks Michael
Published: October 2019

Officials at the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) have indicated they will seek a building permit to construct the giant telescope on the island of La Palma in Spain’s Canary Islands.
Superconductivity pioneer Robert Schrieffer dies at 88
Authors: Banks Michael
Published: October 2019

The condensed-matter physicist Robert Schrieffer, who shared the 1972 Nobel Prize for Physics with John Bardeen and Leon Cooper, died on 27 July at the age of 88.
Prize matters
Authors: Durrani Matin
Published: October 2019

Should awards be given for scientific work that has not been experimentally verified?
Radiation reasoning
Authors: Brown Kate
Published: October 2019

In reply to an interview with epidemiologist Richard Wakeford entitled “Measuring Chernobyl’s radiation legacy” (August pp12–13, longer version published online at ow.ly/h9bR50uWoXu).
Antarctic snow found to contain stardust
Authors: Cartlidge Edwin
Published: October 2019

A rare radioactive iron isotope produced by exploding stars has been detected in Antarctic snow.
Advanced Photon Source set for upgrade
Authors: Banks Michael
Published: October 2019

A major upgrade of the Advanced Photon Source at the Argonne National Laboratory has been approved by the US Department of Energy (DOE).
Betwixt and Between Colony and Nation-State: Liminality, Decolonization, and the South West Africa Mandate
Authors: McCullers Molly
Published: October 2019

A century after the victorious Allied powers distributed their spoils of victory in 1919, the world still lives with the geopolitical consequences of the mandates system established by the League of Nations. The Covenant article authorizing the new imperial dispensation came cloaked in the old civilizationist discourse, entrusting sovereignty over “peoples not yet able to stand by themselves under the strenuous conditions of the modern world” to the “advanced nations” of Belgium, England, France, Japan, and South Africa. In this series of “reflections” on the mandates, ten scholars of Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and the international order consider the consequences of the new geopolitical order birthed by World War I. How did the reshuffling of imperial power in the immediate postwar period configure long-term struggles over minority rights, decolonization, and the shape of nation-states when the colonial era finally came to a close? How did the alleged beneficiaries—more often the victims—of this “sacred trust” grasp their own fates in a world that simultaneously promised and denied them the possibility of self-determination? From Palestine, to Namibia, to Kurdistan, and beyond, the legacies of the mandatory moment remain pressing questions today.
Streptococcus pyogenes pbp2x Mutation Confers Reduced Susceptibility to β-Lactam Antibiotics
Authors: Vannice Kirsten S , Ricaldi Jessica , Nanduri Srinivas , Fang Ferric C , Lynch John B , Bryson-Cahn Chloe , Wright Theodore , Duchin Jeff , Kay Meagan , Chochua Sopio , Van Beneden Chris A , Beall Bernard
Published: October 2019

Two near-identical clinical Streptococcus pyogenes isolates of emm subtype emm43.4 with a pbp2x missense mutation (T553K) were detected. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for ampicillin and amoxicillin were 8-fold higher, and the MIC for cefotaxime was 3-fold higher than for near-isogenic control isolates, consistent with a first step in developing β-lactam resistance.
The Heirs of Bishop Wilfrid: Succession and Presumption in Early Anglo-Saxon England
Authors: Sowerby Richard
Published: October 2019

The biography of the Anglo-Saxon bishop Wilfrid (d. 710) has always been prized as a rare window onto the ‘real world’ of the seventh- and eighth-century Church. It offers us stories of bishops arranging bribes in monastic treasuries, describes factional infighting among churchmen, and imagines ecclesiastical leaders as rulers of ‘kingdoms of churches’. Its tone is so unlike that of other contemporary writings that its testimony, partisan though it may be, has always seemed a valuable corrective to the more idealised character of our other major sources. This article argues that in our enthusiasm to use the Life of St Wilfrid in this way, we have misunderstood the uses for which the text was originally written. Through a re-examination of the Life’s account of Wilfrid’s final years, it reconsiders the motives of the text’s patrons: Tatberht, abbot of Ripon, and Acca, bishop of Hexham. The two men played an active role in the text’s creation, and a great deal of the Life rests on the acceptance of secretive events to which only they could testify. Those events, in turn, underpinned their own claims to be the designated heirs of the recently deceased Bishop Wilfrid. The Life’s defensively partisan tone has typically been understood as the product of a beleaguered ‘Wilfridian’ faction anticipating criticism from outside opponents. This article argues instead that it reflects a moment of profound disunity within the ‘Wilfridians’ themselves, and reveals the strategies by which ambitious ecclesiastics might sometimes seek to gain and secure their positions.
Contrasting the Effects of Mortality Salience and Future Time Limitation on Goal Prioritization in Older and Younger Adults
Authors: Fung Helene H , Chu Steven Tsun-Wai , Jiang Da , Chen Amber Xuqian , Ng Carson Chuen
Published: October 2019

Objectives

This study aims at contrasting the effects of limited future time perspective and mortality salience on goal prioritization across adulthood. Socioemotional selectivity theory (SST) argues that people increasingly prioritize emotionally meaningful goals when they perceive future time as more limited. Terror management theory (TMT) suggests that mortality salience (i.e., the awareness of one’s mortality) drives people to prioritize the goal of perpetuating own existence through affirming cultural worldview.

Method

In this study, participants (N = 438) were randomly assigned to six conditions that primed (a) limited future time, (b) mortality salience, (c) death reflection, (d) both limited future time and mortality salience, (e) both limited future time, and death reflection, or (f) none.

Results

Results showed that older adults allocated significantly more resources to emotionally close recipients who supported their cultural worldviews in conditions involving future time limitation and death reflection. They also allocated less resources to emotionally not close recipients who did not support their cultural worldviews in conditions involving future time limitation. Younger adults did not show these differences. Nor did mortality salience have any effect.

Discussion

These results suggest that future time perspective and death reflection shift age-related goals more than mortality salience.
Dominion status and the origins of authoritarian constitutionalism in Pakistan
Authors: Malagodi Mara
Published: October 2019

The legal legacy of Dominion status in Pakistan (1947–1956) explains the rise, configuration, and normalization of authoritarian constitutionalism in the country. First, the article analyzes Pakistan’s Dominion constitution as both the constitutional framework to manage a difficult political transition and the juridical basis to frame the country’s new permanent constitution. It is argued that the adoption of an instrumental procedural approach to Westminster constitutionalism in Pakistan during the Dominion period led to the subversion of its substantive underpinnings from within. This approach had a critical long-term impact on the country’s constitutional developments and the framing of the permanent constitution, especially with regard to executive dominance. Second, the litigation over the governor-general’s dissolution of Pakistan’s first Constituent Assembly (1947–1954) illuminates the perils of New Dominion constitutionalism and the attempts by Pakistani constitution-makers in both Constituent Assemblies to frame a constitution departing from the Westminster model and to enshrine in the document checks and balances of a legal nature.
Exploration of individual variability to better predict the nutrient requirements of gestating sows1
Authors: Gaillard Charlotte , Gauthier Raphaël , Cloutier Laetitia , Dourmad Jean-Yves
Published: October 2019

Sows often receive the same feed during gestation even though their nutrient requirements vary during gestation and among sows. The objective of this study was to report the variability in nutrient requirement among sows and during gestation, in order to develop a precision feeding approach. A data set of 2,511 gestations reporting sow characteristics at insemination and their farrowing performance was used as an input for a Python model, adapted from InraPorc, predicting nutrient requirement during gestation. Total metabolizable energy (ME) requirement increased with increasing litter size, gestation weeks, and parity (30.6, 33.6, and 35.5 MJ/d for parity 1, 2, and 3 and beyond, respectively, P < 0.01). Standardized ileal digestible lysine (SID Lys) requirement per kg of diet increased from weeks 1 to 6 of gestation, remained stable from weeks 7 to 10, and increased again from week 11 until the end of gestation (P < 0.01). Average Lys requirement increased with increasing litter size (SID Lys: 3.00, 3.27, 3.50 g/kg for small, medium and large litters, P < 0.01) and decreased when parity increased (SID Lys: 3.61, 3.17, 2.84 g/kg for parity 1, 2, and 3++, P < 0.01). Standardized total tract digestible phosphorus (STTD-P) and total calcium (Total-Ca) requirements markedly increased after week 9, with litter size, and decreased when parity increased (STTD-P: 1.36 vs. 1.31 g/kg for parity 1 and parity 3 and beyond; Total-Ca: 4.28 vs. 4.10 g/kg for parity 1 and parity 3 and beyond, P < 0.01). Based on empirical cumulative distribution functions, a 4-diets strategy, varying in SID Lys and STTD-P content according to parity and gestation period (P1 from weeks 0 to 11, P2 from weeks 12 to 17), may be put forward to meet the requirements of 90% of the sows (2 diets for multiparous sows: P1: 2.8 g SID Lys/kg and 1.1 g STTD-P/kg; P2: 4.5 g SID Lys/kg and 2.3 g STTD-P/kg; and 2 diets for primiparous sows: P1: 3.4 g SID Lys/kg and 1.1g STTD-P/kg; P2: 5.0 g SID Lys/kg, 2.2 g STTD-P/kg). Better considering the high variability of sow requirement should thus make it possible to optimize their performance whilst reducing feeding cost and excretion. Feeding sows closer to their requirement may initially be achieved by grouping and feeding sows according to gestation week and parity, and ultimately by feeding sows individually using a smart feeder allowing the mixing of different feeds differing in their nutrient content.
Prosecuting Starvation under International Criminal Law
Authors: Ventura Manuel J
Published: October 2019

Historically, international criminal tribunals have not included a specific provision criminalizing the use of starvation within their respective statutes or founding legal documents. In light of this, and after clarifying what material/objective and mental/subjective elements characterize starvation, the present article seeks to explore whether it can be adjudicated as a crime against humanity or as an act of genocide and how this could be accomplished within the existing framework of international criminal law. In this respect, it is submitted that the general absence of an explicit reference to a crime of starvation in the statutes of international criminal tribunals is not a legal bar to the prosecution of the corresponding behaviour. Furthermore, this article briefly considers starvation as a war crime, particularly pursuant to Article 8(2)(b)(xxv) of the International Criminal Court (ICC) Statute — which criminalizes starvation in international armed conflicts at the ICC — and the conspicuous absence of a corresponding and parallel provision that would criminalize starvation as a war crime in non-international armed conflicts.
Anomaly detection based on one-class intelligent techniques over a control level plant
Authors: Jove Esteban , Casteleiro-Roca José-Luis , Quintián Héctor , Simić Dragan , Méndez-Pérez Juan-Albino , Luis Calvo-Rolle José
Published: October 2019

A large part of technological advances, especially in the field of industry, have been focused on the optimization of productive processes. However, the detection of anomalies has turned out to be a great challenge in fields like industry, medicine or stock markets. The present work addresses anomaly detection on a control level plant. We propose the application of different intelligent techniques, which allow to obtain one-class classifiers using real data taken from the correct plant operation. The performance of each classifier is assessed and validated with real created faults, achieving successful overall results.
Dengue, Zika and chikungunya during pregnancy: pre- and post-travel advice and clinical management
Authors: Vouga Manon , Chiu Yen-Chi , Pomar Léo , de Meyer Sara V , Masmejan Sophie , Genton Blaise , Musso Didier , Baud David , Stojanov Milos
Published: October 2019

Rationale for review

Young adults of childbearing age and pregnant women are travelling more frequently to tropical areas, exposing them to specific arboviral infections such as dengue, zika and chikungunya viruses, which may impact ongoing and future pregnancies. In this narrative review, we analyse their potential consequences on pregnancy outcomes and discuss current travel recommendations.

Main findings

Dengue virus may be associated with severe maternal complications, particularly post-partum haemorrhage. Its association with adverse fetal outcomes remains unclear, but prematurity, growth retardation and stillbirths may occur, particularly in cases of severe maternal infection. Zika virus is a teratogenic infectious agent associated with severe brain lesions, with similar risks to other well-known TORCH pathogens. Implications of chikungunya virus in pregnancy are mostly related to intrapartum transmission that may be associated with severe neonatal infections and long-term morbidity.

Travel recommendations

Few agencies provide specific travel recommendations for travelling pregnant patients or couples trying to conceive and discrepancies exist, particularly regarding Zika virus prevention. The risks significantly depend on epidemiological factors that may be difficult to predict. Prevention relies principally on mosquito control measures. Couples trying to conceive and pregnant women should receive adequate information about the potential risks. It seems reasonable to advise pregnant women to avoid unnecessary travel to Aedes spp. endemic regions. The current rationale to avoid travel and delay conception is debatable in the absence of any epidemic. Post-travel laboratory testing should be reserved for symptomatic patients.
Sylvilagus obscurus (Lagomorpha: Leporidae)
Authors: Edelman Andrew J
Published: October 2019

Sylvilagus obscurus Chapman, Cramer, Dippenaar, and Robinson, 1992, commonly called the Appalachian cottontail, is distinguished from other syntopic leporids by its black spot between the ears, black fur along the anterior edge of the ears, and reddish-gray sides overlaid with a black wash. One of 22 species in the genus, S. obscurus is found across the Appalachian Mountains region, from Pennsylvania to northern Alabama. An inhabitant of habitats with dense woody understory cover such as early successional forests and mature forests with ericaceous shrubs, this rabbit is considered “Near Threatened,” with major threats that include habitat destruction, climate change, and competition with the eastern cottontail, Sylvilagus floridanus.
Interactions between sleep disruption, motor learning, and p70 S6 kinase 1 signaling
Authors: Kam Korey , Kang Mihwa , Eren C Yasemin , Pettibone Ward D , Bowling Heather , Taveras Shantal , Ly Annie , Chen Rebecca K , Berryman Natasha V , Klann Eric , Varga Andrew W
Published: October 2019

Offline gains in motor performance after initial motor learning likely depend on sleep, but the molecular mechanisms by which this occurs are understudied. Regulation of mRNA translation via p70 S6 kinase 1 (S6K1) signaling represents one potential mechanism, as protein synthesis is thought to be increased during sleep compared to wake and is necessary for several forms of long-term memory. Using phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6 (RpS6) as a readout of S6K1 activity, we demonstrate that a period of 10 h of acute sleep disruption impairs both S6K1 signaling and offline gains in motor performance on the rotarod in adult wild type C57/Bl6 mice. Rotarod motor learning results in increased abundance of RpS6 in the striatum, and inhibition of S6K1 either indirectly with rapamycin or directly with PF-4708671 diminished the offline improvement in motor performance without affecting the initial acquisition of rotarod motor learning when sleep is normal. In sum, S6K1 activity is required for sleep-dependent offline gains in motor performance and is inhibited following acute sleep disruption, while motor learning increases the abundance of striatal RpS6. Thus, S6K1 signaling represents a plausible mechanism mediating the beneficial effects of sleep on motor performance.
In Planta Colonization and Role of T6SS in Two Rice Kosakonia Endophytes
Authors: Mosquito Susan , Bertani Iris , Licastro Danilo , Compant Stéphane , Myers Michael P. , Hinarejos Estefanía , Levy Asaf , Venturi Vittorio
Published: October 2019

Endophytes live inside plants and are often beneficial. Kosakonia is a novel bacterial genus that includes many diazotrophic plant-associated isolates. Plant–bacteria studies on two rice endophytic Kosakonia beneficial strains were performed, including comparative genomics, secretome profiling, in planta tests, and a field release trial. The strains are efficient rhizoplane and root endosphere colonizers and localized in the root cortex. Secretomics revealed 144 putative secreted proteins, including type VI secretory system (T6SS) proteins. A Kosakonia T6SS genomic knock-out mutant showed a significant decrease in rhizoplane and endosphere colonization ability. A field trial using rice seed inoculated with Kosakonia spp. showed no effect on plant growth promotion upon nitrogen stress and microbiome studies revealed that Kosakonia spp. were significantly more present in the inoculated rice. Comparative genomics indicated that several protein domains were enriched in plant-associated Kosakonia spp. This study highlights that Kosakonia is an important, recently classified genus involved in plant–bacteria interaction.
Advancing BSNs by 2020: Innovative Educational Progression for Success
Authors: Roberts Melina S. , Gapp DeAnna K. , Burns-Coral Mary , Greaves Valerie D. , Williams Michael L.
Published: October 2019

As we approach 2020, with limited time to meet the Institute of Medicine goal of 80 percent baccalaureate in nursing by 2020, there is a need for additional innovative academic progression models with seamless progression to obtain a BSN. A community college and university created a new model for educational progression that resulted in the Associates Degree in Nursing/Bachelor of Science in Nursing Collaborative Program, the first of its kind in this state. The program utilizes the ADN traditional curriculum during the fall/winter semesters, completing the BSN-based curriculum in the spring/summer semesters at the university.
Reactions of Nursing Students When Faced With Violations of the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics
Authors: Wentworth Katelyn M. , Dorfman Lisette , Taddeo Justine
Published: October 2019

A qualitative study was conducted with 10 nursing students to evaluate how students respond to breaches of standards of practice by clinical nurses. Statements were identified and analyzed with Colaizzi’s method. Three main themes emerged: 1) Violations of the ANA Code of Ethics were witnessed by students (handling medications/equipment incorrectly, failing to comply with infection control, violating patient privacy). 2) Students were upset and felt they should have responded differently when witnessing a violation. 3) Students need preparation on how to react to violations of practice, with proper enforcement of practice within the clinical.
Crossing the Cervicothoracic Junction in Cervical Arthrodesis Results in Lower Rates of Adjacent Segment Disease Without Affecting Operative Risks or Patient-Reported Outcomes
Authors: Ibaseta Alvaro , Rahman Rafa , Andrade Nicholas S. , Uzosike Akachimere C. , Byrapogu Venkata K. , Ramji Alim F. , Skolasky Richard L. , Reidler Jay S. , Kebaish Khaled M. , Riley Lee H. , Sciubba Daniel M. , Cohen David B. , Neuman Brian J.
Published: October 2019

Study Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Objective:

To evaluate the risks and benefits of crossing the cervicothoracic junction (CTJ) in cervical arthrodesis.

Summary of Background Data:

Whether the CTJ should be crossed in cervical arthrodesis remains up for debate. Keeping C7 as the distal end of the fusion risks adjacent segment disease (ASD) and can result in myelopathy or radiculopathy. Longer fusions are thought to increase operative risk and complexity but result in lower rates of ASD.

Materials and Methods:

Patients undergoing cervical spine fusion surgery ending at C7 or T1 with ≥1-year follow-up were included. To evaluate operative risk, estimated blood loss (EBL), operative time, and length of hospital stay were collected. To evaluate patient-reported outcomes (PROs), Neck Disability Index (NDI) and SF-12 questionnaires (PCS12 and MCS12) were obtained at follow-up. Revision surgery data were also obtained.

Results:

A total of 168 patients were included and divided into a C7 end-of-fusion cohort (NC7=59) and a T1 end-of-fusion cohort (NT1=109). Multivariate regression analysis adjusting for age, sex, race, surgical approach, and number of levels fused showed that EBL (P=0.12), operative time (P=0.07), and length of hospital stay (P=0.06) are not significantly different in the C7 and T1 end-of-fusion cohorts. Multivariate regression of PROs showed no significant difference in NDI (P=0.70), PCS12 (P=0.23), or MCS12 (P=0.15) between cohorts. Fisher analysis showed significantly higher revision rates in the C7 end-of-fusion cohort (7/59 for C7 vs. 2/109 for T1; odds ratio, 6.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.2–65.1; P=0.01).

Conclusions:

Crossing the CTJ in cervical arthrodesis does not increase operative risk as measured by blood loss, operative time, and length of hospital stay. However, it leads to lower revision rates, likely because of the avoidance of ASD, and comparable PROs. Thus, crossing the CTJ may help prevent ASD without negatively affecting operative risk or long-term PROs.
Heterocyclic organobismuth(III) compound induces nonapoptotic cell death via lipid peroxidation
Authors: Iuchi Katsuya , Shirai Sayo , Tasaki Yuji , Hisatomi Hisashi
Published: October 2019

Heterocyclic organobismuth compounds, such as N-tert-butyl-bi-chlorodibenzo[c,f][1,5]azabismocine (compound 1) and bi-chlorodibenzo[c,f ][1,5]thiabismocine (compound 3), exert potent antiproliferative activities in vitro in human cancer cell lines. We showed that compound 3 induced both apoptotic and nonapoptotic cell death via reactive oxygen species production and mitotic arrest in a dose-dependent manner. The mechanisms underlying the dose-dependent effect of these organobismuth compounds were not clear. In the present study, we examined the dose-dependent mechanism underlying cell death induced by compound 1 in a human pancreatic cancer cell line, SUIT-2, and a human colorectal cancer cell line, DLD-1. Compound 1 inhibited cell growth in a dose-dependent manner and induced cell death. Treatment with the pan-caspase inhibitor zVAD-fmk reduced cell death induced by compound 1, whereas the inhibitory effect of zVAD-fmk was limited. Moreover, compound 1 significantly induced lipid peroxidation with concomitant induction of caspase-independent cell death. Our results suggested that eight-membered ring organobismuth compounds induce nonapoptotic cell death via lipid peroxidation.
Early Palliative Care Consultation in the Medical ICU: A Cluster Randomized Crossover Trial
Authors: Ma Jessica , Chi Stephen , Buettner Benjamin , Pollard Katherine , Muir Monica , Kolekar Charu , Al-Hammadi Noor , Chen Ling , Kollef Marin , Dans Maria
Published: October 2019

Objectives:

To assess the impact of early triggered palliative care consultation on the outcomes of high-risk ICU patients.

Design:

Single-center cluster randomized crossover trial.

Setting:

Two medical ICUs at Barnes Jewish Hospital.

Patients:

Patients (n = 199) admitted to the medical ICUs from August 2017 to May 2018 with a positive palliative care screen indicating high risk for morbidity or mortality.

Interventions:

The medical ICUs were randomized to intervention or usual care followed by washout and crossover, with independent assignment of patients to each ICU at admission. Intervention arm patients received a palliative care consultation from an interprofessional team led by board-certified palliative care providers within 48 hours of ICU admission.

Measurements and Main Results:

Ninety-seven patients (48.7%) were assigned to the intervention and 102 (51.3%) to usual care. Transition to do-not-resuscitate/do-not-intubate occurred earlier and significantly more often in the intervention group than the control group (50.5% vs 23.4%; p < 0.0001). The intervention group had significantly more transfers to hospice care (18.6% vs 4.9%; p < 0.01) with fewer ventilator days (median 4 vs 6 d; p < 0.05), tracheostomies performed (1% vs 7.8%; p < 0.05), and postdischarge emergency department visits and/or readmissions (17.3% vs 38.9%; p < 0.01). Although total operating cost was not significantly different, medical ICU (p < 0.01) and pharmacy (p < 0.05) operating costs were significantly lower in the intervention group. There was no significant difference in ICU length of stay (median 5 vs 5.5 d), hospital length of stay (median 10 vs 11 d), in-hospital mortality (22.6% vs 29.4%), or 30-day mortality between groups (35.1% vs 36.3%) (p > 0.05).

Conclusions:

Early triggered palliative care consultation was associated with greater transition to do-not-resuscitate/do-not-intubate and to hospice care, as well as decreased ICU and post-ICU healthcare resource utilization. Our study suggests that routine palliative care consultation may positively impact the care of high risk, critically ill patients.
Using a Multimedia Tool for Informed Consent in Mohs Surgery: A Randomized Trial Measuring Effects on Patient Anxiety, Knowledge, and Satisfaction
Authors: Delcambre Macey , Haynes Dylan , Hajar Tamar , Golden Spring , Bar Anna , Latour Emile , Leitenberger Justin J.
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Multimedia educational materials have been found to improve aspects of informed consent, although data in the context of Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is limited.

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether a preoperative educational video decreases anxiety, increases comprehension, and improves overall satisfaction for patients undergoing same-day office consultation and MMS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This single-center randomized controlled trial included patients above the age of 18 years undergoing MMS for skin cancer between October 2015 and December 2015. Patients were randomized to view a short preoperative video on MMS in addition to traditional informed consent versus informed consent without video viewing. Questionnaires were used to assess preoperative anxiety, knowledge, and satisfaction.

RESULTS

From 231 consecutively enrolled subjects, there were no significant differences in anxiety (p = .626) or satisfaction (p = .065) between groups. Subjects receiving the intervention were able to more accurately recognize risks of MMS (88% vs 69% of controls, p < .001) and had improved subject-reported confidence in understanding procedural risks and benefits (89% vs 71% of controls, p = .049). Composite comprehension scores were similar between groups (p = .131).

CONCLUSION

A preoperative MMS educational video increased recognition of procedural risks, but did not improve patient anxiety or satisfaction.
Comparing Rates of Adverse Events and Medical Errors on Inpatient Psychiatric Units at Veterans Health Administration and Community-based General Hospitals
Authors: Cullen Sara W. , Xie Ming , Vermeulen Jentien M. , Marcus Steven C.
Published: October 2019

Objective:

There is limited knowledge about how general hospitals and Veterans Health Administration (VHA) hospitals fare relative to each other on a broad range of inpatient psychiatry-specific patient safety outcomes.

This research compares data from 2 large-scale epidemiological studies of adverse events (AEs) and medical errors (MEs) in inpatient psychiatric units, one in VHA hospitals and the other in community-based general hospitals.

Method:

Retrospective medical record reviews assessed the prevalence of AEs and MEs in a sample of 4371 discharges from 14 community-based general hospitals (derived from 69,081 discharges at 85 hospitals) and a sample of 8005 discharges from 40 VHA hospitals (derived from 92,103 discharges at 105 medical centers). Rates of AEs and MEs across hospital systems were calculated, controlling for relevant patient and hospital characteristics.

Results:

The overall rate of AEs and MEs in inpatient psychiatric units of VHA hospitals was 7.11 and 1.49 per 100 patient discharges; at community-based acute care hospitals, these rates were 13.48 and 3.01 per 100 patient discharges. The adjusted odds ratio of a patient experiencing an AE and a ME at community-based hospitals as compared with VHA hospitals was 2.11 and 2.08, respectively.

Conclusion:

Although chart reviews may not document the complete nature and outcomes of care, even after controlling for differences in patient and hospital characteristics, psychiatric inpatients at community-based hospitals were twice as likely to experience AEs or MEs as inpatients at VHA hospitals. While community-based hospitals may lag behind VHA hospitals, both hospital systems should continue to pursue evidence-based improvements in patient safety. Future research aimed at changing hospital practices should draw on established strategies for bridging the gap from research to practice in order to improve the quality of care for this vulnerable patient population.
Photocatalytic inactivation of microorganisms in water under ultraviolet C irradiation and TiO2
Authors: Taheri Fatemeh , Amini Abolfazl , Kouhsari Ebrahim , Reza Kiaei Mohammad , Movaseghi Roja , Niknejad Farhad
Published: October 2019

Microbial contamination is one of the most important problems in the preparation of many herbal products. This study aimed to use nanoparticles and UVC radiation, which were considered in some previous laboratory studies. The contaminated water was entered into a photocatalytic reactor, and microbial removal efficiency of TiO2 alone and in the presence of UV was evaluated under different retention times (0–90 min) and concentrations of TiO2 nanoparticles (0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, 1 and 2 mg/ml). Efficiency of the reactor increased with increase in the retention time in the presence of UV. Simultaneous treatment of the contaminated water with both UV and TiO2 nanoparticles had a similar outcome. However, only a slight reduction in the concentration of microbes was noted in the presence of TiO2 in high concentrations. Considering the significant antimicrobial effects of nanoparticles, it is suggested to conduct similar studies on the effect of these compounds using animal models. By obtaining further information on other antimicrobial properties of such compounds, they could be utilized for removal of microbial surface contamination, especially in clinical settings.
Achieving Disease-Specific Care Joint Commission Certification
Authors: Frost Kristen , Stafos Andrea , Barbay Kathryn , Henderson Kathleen
Published: October 2019

Purpose:

The aims of this study are to describe a program to achieve disease-specific care (DSC) certification from The Joint Commission and highlight the value of the advanced practice nurse in the certification outcome.

Description of Program:

The expertise in clinical practice, performance improvement, and leadership skills demonstrated by the clinical nurse specialist (CNS) can be instrumental in building a strong foundation for a DSC certification program. As an organization prepares for a DSC on-site review, the CNS can guide the program stakeholders in identifying gaps in care, developing action plans to meet certification standards, and preparing team members for the DSC on-site review.

Outcome:

At this Midwestern, 504-bed facility, The Joint Commission DSC certifications were achieved in 5 separate categories: diabetes, stroke, sepsis, total hip replacement, and total knee replacement.

Conclusion:

By influencing a certain patient population throughout the organization, population-focused CNSs are in a unique role to lead an interprofessional team or serve as an expert consultant in pursuing DSC certification from The Joint Commission.
Flat Epithelial Atypia in Breast Core Needle Biopsies With Radiologic-Pathologic Concordance
Authors: Grabenstetter Anne , Brennan Sandra , Salagean Elena D. , Morrow Monica , Brogi Edi
Published: October 2019

Flat epithelial atypia (FEA) is an alteration of terminal duct lobular units by a proliferation of ductal epithelium with low-grade atypia. No consensus exists on whether the diagnosis of FEA in core needle biopsy (CNB) requires excision (EXC). We retrospectively identified all in-house CNBs obtained between January 2012 and July 2018 with FEA. We reviewed all CNB slides and assessed radiologic-pathologic concordance. An upgrade was defined as invasive carcinoma (IC) and/or ductal carcinoma in situ in the EXC. The EXC slides of all upgraded cases were rereviewed. Out of ∼15,700 consecutive CNBs in the study period, 106 CNBs from 106 patients yielded FEA alone or with classic lobular neoplasia (LN). We excluded 52 CNBs (40 patients with prior/concurrent carcinoma and 12 without EXC). After rereview, we reclassified 14 cases (2 marked nuclear atypia, 10 focal atypical ductal hyperplasia, 2 benign). The final FEA study cohort consisted of 40 CNBs from 40 women. The CNB targeted mammographic calcifications in 36 (90%) cases, magnetic resonance imaging nonmass enhancement in 3 (8%), and 1 (2%) sonographic mass. All CNBs were deemed radiologic-pathologic concordant. FEA was present alone in 34 CNBs and with LN in 6. EXC yielded 2 low-grade IC, each spanning <2 mm, identified in tissue sections without biopsy site changes. The remaining 38 cases had no upgrade. Classic LN did not affect the upgrade. The upgrade rate of FEA was 5%; both minute, low-grade “incidental” IC. We conclude that nonsurgical management may be considered in patients without prior/concurrent carcinoma and radiologic-pathologic concordant CNB diagnosis of FEA.