bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploiting the potential of beam-compressing channel-cut monochromators for laboratory high-resolution small-angle X-ray scattering experiments
Authors: Nádaždy Peter , Hagara Jakub , Jergel Matej , Majková Eva , Mikulík Petr , Zápražný Zdenko , Korytár Dušan , Šiffalovič Peter
Published: April 2019

A systematic study of beam-compressing monolithic channel-cut monochromators (CCMs) with a V-shaped channel was performed. The CCMs were optimized in terms of a chosen output beam parameter for exploitation in laboratory high-resolution small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and grazing-incidence SAXS (GISAXS) experiments. Ray-tracing simulations provided maps of particular Ge(220) CCM output beam parameters over the complete set of asymmetry angles of the two CCM diffractions. This allowed the design and fabrication of two dedicated CCMs, one optimized for maximum photon flux per detector pixel and the other for Kα2 suppression. The output beam quality was tested in SAXS/GISAXS experiments on a commercial setup with a liquid-metal-jet Ga microfocus X-ray source connected to 2D collimating Montel optics. The performance of the CCM optimized for maximum photon flux per detector pixel was limited by the quality of the inner channel walls owing to a strongly asymmetric design. However, the CCM optimized for Kα2 suppression exhibited an excellent resolution of 314 nm in real space. This was further enhanced up to 524 nm by a parallel Ge(220) CCM in the dispersive configuration at a still applicable output flux of 3 × 106 photon s−1. The 314 nm resolution outperforms by more than 2.5× the upper resolution limit of the same setup with a pinhole collimator instead of the CCM. Comparative SAXS measurements on the same setup with a Kratky block collimator as an alternative to the CCM showed that the CCM provided more than one order higher transmittance at a comparable resolution or twice higher resolution at a comparable transmittance. These results qualify CCMs for a new type of integrated reflective–diffractive optics consisting of Göbel mirrors and V-shaped CCMs for the next generation of high-performance microfocus laboratory X-ray sources.
Crystal structure of 4-(2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylamino)benzoic acid dimethylformamide monosolvate monohydrate
Authors: Faizi Md. Serajul Haque , Kamaal Saima , Ali Arif , Ahmad Musheer , Golenya Irina A.
Published: April 2019

The title compound, C15H15NO4·C3H7NO·H2O, a secondary amine molecule, is accompanied by one equivalent of water and one equivalent of dimethylformamide (DMF) as solvents. The molecule is non-planar, with a Caryl—CH2—NH—Caryl torsion angle of −66.3 (3)°. In the crystal, O—H...O and N—H...O hydrogen-bonding interactions between the amine molecules and the two types of solvent molecule result in the formation of a layered structure extending parallel to (010).
Shear strength and temperature distribution model of friction spot lap joint of high density polyethylene with aluminum alloy 7075
Authors: Abdullah Isam Tareq , Hussein Sabah Khammass
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to join a sheet of the AA7075 with the high-density polyethylene (HDPE) by a lap joint using friction spot processing and investigate the temperature distribution of joint during this process using the finite element method (FEM).

Design/methodology/approach

A semi-conical hole was manufactured in the AA7075 specimen and a lap joint configuration was prepared with the HDPE specimen. A rotating tool was used to generate the required heat to melt the polymer by the friction with the AA7075 specimen. The applied tool force moved the molten polymer through the hole. Four parameters were used: lower diameter of hole, rotating speed, plunging depth and time. The results of shear test were analyzed using the Taguchi method. A FEM was presented to estimate the temperature distribution of joint during the process.

Findings

All specimens failed by shearing the polymer at the lap joint region without dislocation. The specimens of the smallest diameter exhibited the highest shear strength at the lap joint. The maximum ranges of temperature were recorded at the contact region between the rotating tool and the AA7075 specimen. The tool plunging depth recorded the highest effect on the generated heat compared with the rotating speed and plunging time.

Originality/value

For the first time, the AA7075 sheet was joined with the HDPE sheet by friction spot processing. The temperature distribution of this joint was simulated using the FEM.
Lean implementation in healthcare supply chain: a scoping review
Authors: Borges Gabriela Aline , Tortorella Guilherme , Rossini Matteo , Portioli-Staudacher Alberto
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the lean production (LP) practices applied in healthcare supply chain and the existing barriers related to their implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve that, a scoping review was carried out in order to consolidate the main practices and barriers, and also to evidence research gaps and directions according to different theoretical lenses.

Findings

The findings show that there is a consensus on the potential of LP practices implementation in healthcare supply chain, but most studies still report such implementation restricted to specific unit or value stream within a hospital.

Originality/value

Healthcare organizations are under constant pressure to reduce costs and wastes, while improving services and patient safety. Further, its supply chain usually presents great opportunities for improvement, both in terms of cost reduction and quality of care increase. In this sense, the adaptation of LP practices and principles has been widely accepted in healthcare. However, studies show that most implementations fall far short from their goals because they are done in a fragmented way, and not from a system-wide perspective.
Measuring change attitudes in health care organizations
Authors: Hower Kira Isabel , Pfaff Holger , Kowalski Christoph , Wensing Michel , Ansmann Lena
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Measuring attitudes of healthcare providers and managers toward change in health care organizations (HCOs) has been of widespread interest. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the psychometric characteristics and usability of an abbreviated German version of the Change Attitude Scale.

Design/methodology/approach

The Change Attitude Scale was used in a survey of healthcare providers and managers in German hospitals after the implementation of a breast cancer center concept. Reliability analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, structural equation modeling and bivariate analysis were conducted.

Findings

Data from 191 key persons in 82 hospitals were analyzed. The item-scale structure produced an acceptable model fit. Convergent validity was shown by significant correlations with measures of individuals’ general opinions of the breast center concept. A non-significant correlation with a scale measuring the hospital’s hierarchical structure of leadership verified discriminant validity. The interaction of key persons’ change attitude and hospitals’ change performance through change culture as a mediator supported the predictive validity.

Research limitations/implications

The study found general support for the validity and usability of a short version of the German Change Attitude Scale.

Practical implications

Since attitudes toward change influence successful implementation, the survey may be used to tailor the design of implementation programs and to create a sustainable culture of high readiness for change.

Originality/value

This is the first study finding that a short instrument can be used to measure attitudes toward change among healthcare providers and managers in HCOs.
Modeling and classification of enablers of CSR in Indian firms
Authors: Kumar Divesh , Goyal Praveen , Kumar Vinod
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study corporate social responsibility (CSR) enablers, with special reference to Indian firms. Further, the CSR enablers have been identified and their ranking obtained, and interactions and interrelationships among the different enablers have also been studied.

Design/methodology/approach

The interpretive structural modeling (ISM) approach was used to evaluate the interactions among the various enablers of CSR implementation, from the perspective of Indian companies.

Findings

In the course of this paper, based on a detailed literature review, nine enablers were identified and after seeking expert opinion, eight CSR implementation enablers were shortlisted. The present study has identified that top management commitment, organizational culture and formal strategic planning are the main enablers of CSR implementation in Indian companies, whereas corporate reputation, better financial performance and customer satisfaction are the dependent enablers that have high dependence power but weak driving power.

Originality/value

The ISM-based model of CSR enablers presented in this paper will prove to be of interest to academicians and practitioners alike. While academicians will gain a better understanding of enablers of CSR implementation from the perspective of one of the fastest growing economies of the world, practitioners will gain a better understanding of CSR enablers, and their enhanced knowledge will help them to effectively implement CSR in their organizations.
Generation of a purely clonal defective interfering influenza virus
Authors: Yamagata Yutaro , Muramoto Yukiko , Miyamoto Sho , Shindo Keiko , Nakano Masahiro , Noda Takeshi
Published: April 2019

Defective interfering (DI) influenza viruses carry a large deletion in a gene segment that interferes with the replication of infectious virus; thus, such viruses have potential for antiviral therapy. However, because DI viruses cannot replicate autonomously without the aid of an infectious helper virus, clonal DI virus stocks that are not contaminated with helper virus have not yet been generated. To overcome this problem, we used reverse genetics to generate a clonal DI virus with a PB2 DI gene, amplified the clonal DI virus using a cell line stably expressing the PB2 protein, and confirmed its ability to interfere with infectious virus replication in vitro. Thus, our approach is suitable for obtaining purely clonal DI viruses, will contribute to the understanding of DI virus interference mechanisms and can be used to develop DI virus‐based antivirals.
Chia Seed (Salvia hispanica L.) Pepsin Hydrolysates Inhibit Angiotensin‐Converting Enzyme by Interacting with its Catalytic Site
Authors: San Pablo‐Osorio Brenda , Mojica Luis , Urías‐Silvas Judith Esmeralda
Published: April 2019

High blood pressure can lead to cardiovascular diseases. The objective of this work was to obtain protein hydrolysates with antihypertensive potential from chia oil industry meal byproduct. Chia seed protein isolates (CPIs) were obtained from chia seed meal byproduct. CPI was hydrolyzed using different proteases (alcalase, pepsin, trypsin, and α‐chymotrypsin) and their biological potential was evaluated using in vitro and in silico approaches. Chia seed pepsin protein hydrolysate showed the highest angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibition potential IC50 of 0.128 mg/mL (P < 0.05) compared to the rest of hydrolysates. Peptide sequence LIVSPLAGRL presented the lowest predicted binding energy and highest inhibition potential (–9.5 kcal/mol) compared to other sequenced peptides and positive controls (captopril and lisinopril). Chia peptides showed potential to block angiotensin‐converting enzyme by interacting with its catalytic site. Chia seed oil industry meal byproduct could be used as an inexpensive source of protein and bioactive peptides with antihypertensive potential.

Practical Application

This research shows an upcycling alternative for chia oil industry byproduct. Chia meal is a rich source of protein and can be used to generate bioactive peptides with antihypertensive potential. Chia protein isolate was obtained from chia meal and hydrolyzed using different enzymes, pepsin showed the highest antihypertensive potential. Chia meal waste could be a low‐cost source of protein and protein hydrolysates that could be used as a food ingredient with antihypertensive potential.
Physiochemical Properties and Functional Characteristics of Protein Isolates from the Scallop (Patinopecten yessoensis) Gonad
Authors: Han Jia‐Run , Tang Yue , Li Yang , Shang Wen‐Hui , Yan Jia‐Nan , Du Yi‐Nan , Wu Hai‐Tao , Zhu Bei‐Wei , Xiong Youling L.
Published: April 2019

Protein isolates were recovered from scallop (Patinopecten yessoensis) gonads to develop a novel functional matrix by investigating their physiochemical and functional properties. Scallop gonad protein isolates (SGPIs) were prepared from degreased scallop gonads (DSGs) by an alkali extraction and isoelectric solubilization/precipitation (ISP) process. The protein compositions of the SGPIs were mainly vitellogenin and beta‐actin with molecular weights of 266 and 42 kDa, respectively, as determined using Nano‐liquid chromatography‐mass/mass (Nano‐LC‐MS/MS). After the ISP process, the protein solubility of the SGPIs was significantly improved, and the surface hydrophobicity of SGPIs intensely increased by 1.1‐fold, which were attributed to the exposure of aromatic residues such as phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan. However, the content of total/reactive sulfhydryl in SGPIs was decreased compared with that of DSGs. Meanwhile, the ISP process caused partial protein unfolding, as indicated by circular dichroism analysis, which exhibited a remarkable rise in the β‐sheet content with a parallel decline in the α‐helix and random coil contents (P < 0.05). SGPIs exhibited a better oil absorption capacity and foaming property than both DSGs and soybean protein isolates (SPIs). Moreover, the emulsifying capacity of SGPIs was greatly enhanced by the ISP process, which was superior to the effect of commercial SPIs and was ascribed to its favorable solubility as well as surface characteristics.

Practical Application

During the processing of scallop (Patinopecten yessoensis) adductors, scallop gonad, a high‐protein part, is usually discarded as processing by‐products despite its edibility. In recent years, scallop gonads are regarded as good sources to develop protein matrices due to their high protein content and numerous nutrients. In this study, scallop gonad protein isolates (SGPIs) were isolated by isoelectric solubilization/precipitation (ISP) process. The preferable solubility, foaming property coupled with high emulsifying property of SGPIs indicated that the SGPIs could be potentially utilized as a good protein emulsifier and additives in production of kamaboko gels, hamburger patties, sausages, and pet foods.
Time's Arrow: Toward a Social History of Crow Biographic Art Using Seriation and Multivariate Statistics
Authors: Lycett Stephen J. , Keyser James D.
Published: April 2019

Biographic artworks produced by Historic‐period Plains Indian warriors can be viewed as genuine historical documents, detailing important events in their lives. This is especially true because these documents contain a genuinely narrative component, telling their stories as much as depicting them. However, for individual lives to create a broader social history, they must be connected with the lives of others, especially over a temporal span. Here, we begin the task of building a chronological framework for Crow (Apsáalooke) biographic artworks based on multivariate statistical analysis and seriation analysis of their content. Our research not only allows five undated artworks to be better placed in chronological context but also reveals the changing pattern of stylistic features in these artworks during the turbulent decades of the nineteenth century. [biographic art, Plains Indians, cultural traditions, Native American art]
Cultural Anthropology in 2018: Captivity and Its Unruly Failures
Authors: Doughty Kristin
Published: April 2019

This essay reviews articles produced in the four key American Anthropological Association cultural anthropology journals throughout 2018, and identifies the ways cultural anthropologists took up Haraway's invitation to “stay with the trouble” through implicit and explicit engagement with logics of captivity and its failures. This work suggests ongoing attention to long‐standing themes in cultural anthropology—tensions between capture and escape, constraint and resistance, structure and agency—even as it suggests that captivity and its unruly failures can productively draw our attention to new ways of thinking about governance, temporality, scale, affect, political economy, posthumanism, ontology, care, and infrastructure. In this review, I ask: What can and cannot be contained in the contemporary moment, and what is at stake in that containment, or in the seepage that exceeds its borders? The review focuses on key ways anthropologists analyzed these long‐standing questions anew in 2018: captivity and the nature of the human, dependency and exile, and violence and borders, and, by contrast, runaway change and uncertainty, unruly people and affects, and seeping waste and toxicity. Overall, I suggest that captivity and seepage provide productive provocations for further study. [year in review, sociocultural anthropology, captivity, escape, uncertainty, waste]
Workers' Remittances, Capital Inflows, and Economic Growth in Developing Asia and the Pacific
Authors: Jongwanich Juthathip , Kohpaiboon Archanun
Published: April 2019

This paper examines the impact of remittances on economic growth, using developing countries in Asia and the Pacific as a case study. Using data for the period 1993–2013, our results show that remittances only generate negative and significant impacts on economic growth if they reach 10 percent of GDP or higher. A remittances‐to‐GDP ratio of below 10 percent could still impact growth negatively, but the effect is statistically insignificant. The present study finds some degree of substitutability between remittances and financial development. Foreign direct investment (FDI), but not other types of capital inflow, contributes significantly to economic growth. Other traditional growth engines, including education, trade openness, and domestic investment, are crucial in promoting growth in developing Asian and Pacific nations.
Intraoperative colonoscopy in laparoscopic colorectal surgery: A review of recent publications
Authors: Liu ZH , Liu JW , Chan Fion SY , Li Michael KW , Fan Joe KM
Published: April 2019

Introduction

Laparoscopic colorectal resection is becoming the gold standard for treating colorectal cancers because it offers superior short‐term and comparable long‐time outcomes compared to open surgery. Intraoperative colonoscopy (IOC) is increasingly performed for tumor localization and mucosal assessment. The aim of this report was to review the safety and efficacy of IOC in laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

Method

A MEDLINE search of studies of IOC in laparoscopic colorectal surgery was performed. We focused on three aspects of IOC use: (i) IOC for intraoperative tumor localization; (ii) colonic irrigation and IOC for obstructive left‐sided colorectal cancers; and (iii) IOC for assessing colorectal anastomosis.

Results

During laparoscopic colorectal surgery, IOC enables accurate localization of early mucosal tumors, detection of lesions in the proximal unexamined colon for obstructive left‐sided cancer, and visual assessment of anastomosis. Additionally, IOC allows for proper surgical resection, management of concomitant lesions, immediate maintenance of hemostasis, suture repair of leaks, and the creation of a protective stoma as necessary.

Conclusions

Intraoperative colonoscopy is beneficial in laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Experienced surgical endoscopists should be trained to safely perform IOC.
Investigation of contributors to zinc protoporphyrin IX formation at optimum pH 5.5 in pork
Authors: Akter Mofassara , Shiraishi Akiko , Kumura Haruto , Hayakawa Toru , Wakamatsu Jun‐ichi
Published: April 2019

We investigated zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP) formation in pork at pH 5.5, identified the contributors to ZnPP formation, and verified the involvement of myoglobin in this process. When pork homogenate was separated into two water‐soluble fractions (>10 and <10 kDa) and an insoluble fraction, ZnPP formation was suppressed. ZnPP formation was rescued after mixing of all three fractions. Heating of the soluble <10 kDa fraction did not suppress the formation of ZnPP as opposed to heating of the soluble >10 kDa fraction, suggesting that protein(s) presents in the >10 kDa fraction contributed to ZnPP formation. Components of the soluble 10–30 kDa fractions separated by ultrafiltration were important in ZnPP formation. Exogenous myoglobin was not essential for ZnPP formation. A gel filtration study showed that soluble protein(s) with molecular weight higher than that of myoglobin was involved. Therefore, it was suggested that the soluble <10 kDa fraction, the insoluble fraction, and the soluble 10–30 kDa fraction (excluding myoglobin) are essential for ZnPP formation in pork at pH 5.5.
Solfeggio learning and the influence of a mobile application based on visual, auditory and tactile modalities
Authors: Debevc Matjaž , Weiss Jernej , Šorgo Andrej , Kožuh Ines
Published: April 2019

Traditional methods of learning solfeggio (music theory) generally do not take advantage of computer‐based support, meaning that, when learning individually, students cannot receive instantaneous feedback on their activities. The aim of this study is to examine the effectiveness of an interactive mobile application, mySolfeggio, for learning solfeggio. Using a mobile device, students can take advantage of visual, auditory and tactile modalities to recognise musical notes. Students can also practice and learn notation, rhythm and melody, for which the mobile application provides corrective feedback. To evaluate students’ perceptions of the mobile application and its effect on knowledge, we conducted an experiment with 42 students, from 9 to 13 years old. After learning a particular song during a regular lesson, one group of students practiced it individually with only the musical notation, while the other group used both the musical notation and the mobile application. The results of the experiment illustrated only a small effect on students’ performance in singing and tapping when using the mobile application. However, they demonstrated higher scores in terms of musical intervals and rhythmic accuracy when compared to students in the control group. The students did not find the use of the application difficult, thus allowing it to be used as a tool for improvement of their homework practice.
What works in tropical forest conservation, and what does not: Effectiveness of four strategies in terms of environmental, social, and economic outcomes
Authors: Burivalova Zuzana , Allnutt Thomas F. , Rademacher Dan , Schlemm Annika , Wilcove David S. , Butler Rhett A.
Published: April 2019

Tropical forests and their biodiversity are disappearing, despite decades of conservation efforts. Are we now in a position to understand whether some conservation strategies work better while others consistently fail in protecting tropical forests? We searched the literature to evaluate four mainstream strategies (forest certification and reduced impact logging, payments for ecosystem services, protected areas, community forest management) in terms of 35 environmental, social, and economic metrics. We evaluated whether applying the strategy improved, left unchanged, or worsened the conservation metrics and we created an interactive platform to view the data. We concluded that (a) the scientific literature on the effectiveness of conservation strategies in tropical forests is still vastly inadequate, due to poor design, lack of scope, and too few examples; (b) the effects of conservation on biodiversity and the economic outcomes of conservation are particularly understudied; and (c) all strategies fail at least some of the times, but all of them succeed at least some times. Our recommendation is that each new instance of implementing a given strategy should consider in detail, at the very least, the negative evidence on the given strategy, in order to avoid repeating the same mistakes. We introduce an interactive, dynamic platform to host various types of conservation effectiveness evidence.
Curatorial Assessment and Status of the General Collection of Membracoidea and Cercopoidea (Insecta, Hemiptera, Cicadomorpha) of the Museo de La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Authors: Maciá Arnaldo , Foieri Alvaro , Marino de Remes Lenicov Ana M.
Published: April 2019

Biological collections kept by museums have more than a public education value, and offer unique opportunities for taxonomic studies and a continued value to the study of biodiversity. The Museo de La Plata (MLP), Buenos Aires, Argentina, holds one of the most important insect collections of species from the Neotropical region, with nearly two million individuals from all orders present in the Neotropics. This report assessed the curatorial status of the General Collection (excluding types) of Membracoidea and Cercopoidea from MLP. The authors analyzed the material of Aetalionidae, Melizoderidae, Membracidae, Cercopidae and Clastopteridae. Based on data registered in labels attached to each pinned individual, they calculated the following indexes of curatorial status: taxonomic representativity, geographic representativity, taxonomic identification, spatial coverage, data completeness, biological associations and historical record. Some of these are a modification of previous indexes from other researchers to describe collections deposited elsewhere. The general level of conservation, ease of access to preserved species, and the degree of identification of individuals were found to be good. Major shortfalls included a lack of data in material collected prior to the 1950's and a decrease in the number of Membracoidea deposited in recent decades. Based on the results of this assessment, the authors demonstrate the ongoing value of thorough documentation of collections to current research, the importance of information surrounding specimen additions to an existing collection, and the ethical responsibilities to accuracy in data collection that museum collections staff have to future generations of researchers.
Frequent nonrandom shifts in the temporal sequence of developmental landmark events during teleost evolutionary diversification
Authors: Ito Fumihiro , Matsumoto Tomotaka , Hirata Tatsumi
Published: April 2019

Morphological transformations can be generated by evolutionary changes in the sequence of developmental events. In this study, we examined the evolutionary dynamics of the developmental sequence on a macroevolutionary scale in teleosts. Using the information from previous reports describing the development of 31 species, we extracted the developmental sequences of 19 landmark events involving the formation of phylogenetically conserved body parts; we then inferred ancestral developmental sequences by two different parsimony‐based methods—event‐pairing and continuous analysis. The phylogenetic comparisons of these sequences revealed event‐dependent heterogeneity in the frequency of sequence changes. Most of the sequence changes occurred as exchanges of temporally neighboring events. These heterochronic changes in developmental sequences accumulated along evolutionary time, but the precise distribution of the changes over the teleostean phylogeny remains unclear due to technical limitations.
Multicenter experience with the Evolution RL mechanical sheath for lead extraction using a stepwise approach: Safety, effectiveness, and outcome
Authors: Migliore Federico , Testolina Martina , Sagone Antonio , Carretta Domenico , Agricola Tullio , Rovaris Giovanni , Piazzi Elena , Facchin Domenico , De Lazzari Manuel , Zorzi Alessandro , Melillo Francesco , Cataldi Claudia , Marzi Alessandra , Bottio Tomaso , Tarzia Vincenzo , Gerosa Gino , Iliceto Sabino , Bertaglia Emanuele , Mazzone Patrizio
Published: April 2019

Background

In addition to the Evolution RL sheath, tools by Cook Medical (Bloomington, IN, USA), supporting lead extraction (LE), are available. Data on their use are not reported in detail in previous studies. Moreover, data regarding outcome are lacking. The aim was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the Evolution sheath (Evolution RL and Evolution Shortie, Cook Medical) by using a stepwise approach with the available extraction tools and the outcome.

Methods

A total of 393 leads in 198 consecutive patients were removed with the Evolution RL sheath and ancillary tools using a stepwise approach.

Results

The main indication for LE was infection in 125 (63.1%) cases. The mean implant duration was 95.4 ± 59.7 months. According to our stepwise approach, the Evolution Shortie RL sheath was used in all cases and complete LE was achieved in 24 (12.2%) cases. The Evolution RL was used in 174 (87.8%) cases and the SteadySheath Evolution tissue stabilization sheath (Cook Medical) in 87 (44%) because of tenacious fibrosis anchored targeted leads. Compression coil (OneTie, Cook Medical) was used in 141 (71%) cases. Complete procedural success rate, clinical success rate, and lead removal with clinical success rate were 97%, 99%, and 99.5%, respectively. One major complication (0.5%) and 10 (5%) minor complications were encountered. During a mean time follow‐up of 12 ± 9 months, 14 (7%) patients died. Predictors of mortality included impaired renal function (HR 5.7; 95% CI 1.9–17.6; P = 0.002), extraction because of infection (hazard ratio [HR] 4.0; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1–18.1; P = 0.045), and diabetes (HR 3.2; 95% CI 1.1–9.8; P = 0.036).

Conclusions

Lead extraction using the Evolution RL bidirectional rotational mechanical sheath and ancillary tools in a systematic stepwise approach was effective and safe.
Direct comparison of four methods to construct xylem vulnerability curves: Differences among techniques are linked to vessel network characteristics
Authors: Venturas Martin D. , Pratt R. Brandon , Jacobsen Anna L. , Castro Viridiana , Fickle Jaycie C. , Hacke Uwe G.
Published: April 2019

During periods of dehydration, water transport through xylem conduits can become blocked by embolism formation. Xylem embolism compromises water supply to leaves and may lead to losses in productivity or plant death. Vulnerability curves (VCs) characterize plant losses in conductivity as xylem pressures decrease. VCs are widely used to characterize and predict plant water use at different levels of water availability. Several methodologies for constructing VCs exist and sometimes produce different results for the same plant material. We directly compared four VC construction methods on stems of black cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa), a model tree species: dehydration, centrifuge, X‐ray–computed microtomography (microCT), and optical. MicroCT VC was the most resistant, dehydration and centrifuge VCs were intermediate, and optical VC was the most vulnerable. Differences among VCs were not associated with how cavitation was induced but were related to how losses in conductivity were evaluated: measured hydraulically (dehydration and centrifuge) versus evaluated from visual information (microCT and optical). Understanding how and why methods differ in estimating vulnerability to xylem embolism is important for advancing knowledge in plant ecophysiology, interpreting literature data, and using accurate VCs in water flux models for predicting plant responses to drought.
Effects of different UV radiation on photoprotective pigments and antioxidant activity of the hot‐spring cyanobacterium Leptolyngbya cf. fragilis
Authors: Kokabi Maryam , Yousefzadi Morteza , Soltani Maryam , Arman Mitra
Published: April 2019

UV‐induced synthesis/accumulation of photoprotective pigments and antioxidant activity were investigated in the hot‐spring cyanobacterium Leptolyngbya cf. fragilis. The results indicated that UV radiation may induce biosynthesis of carotenoids, allophycocyanin, phycoerythrin, and scytonemin while phycocyanin degrades in response to longtime UV radiation. Moreover, pigment composition of L. cf. fragilis was significantly altered with increasing UV radiation times, probably due to destruction and resynthesis of accessory pigments as an adaptation strategy to UV stress. The in vitro antioxidant analysis of different extracts of UV treated cyanobacteria exhibited concentration‐dependent antioxidant activity. Ethyl acetate extract of 72 h UV treatment showed maximum total antioxidant activity (IC50 = 71.73 ± 5.3 μg mL−1) followed by ethyl acetate control (non‐UV irradiated) extract (IC50 = 109.43 ± 2.76 μg mL−1). This is the first report for the UV‐induced synthesis of photoprotective pigments and their antioxidant activity in L. cf. fragilis.
The Global Pact for the Environment: At the crossroads of human rights and the environment
Authors: Knox John H.
Published: April 2019

The Global Pact for the Environment has the potential to be a milestone in the rapidly developing relationship of human rights and the environment. Most importantly, the first article recognizes the right of every person ‘to live in an ecologically sound environment adequate for their health, well‐being, dignity, culture and fulfilment’. This article provides context for the proposal to recognize the human right to a healthy environment. It reviews previous efforts to recognize the human right to a healthy environment at the national and international levels; explains how other human rights, such as rights to life and health, have been construed to apply to environmental issues; and describes how recognition of the right in the Global Pact, or in another instrument such as a resolution of the United Nations General Assembly, would contribute to the growing field of environmental human rights law.
Acute exposure to glycated proteins reduces cardiomyocyte contractile capacity
Authors: Deluyker Dorien , Evens Lize , Beliën Hanne , Bito Virginie
Published: April 2019

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Does acute exposure to high molecular weight advanced glycation end products (HMW‐AGEs) alter cardiomyocyte contractile function?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Ventricular cardiomyocytes display reduced Ca2+ influx, resulting in reduced contractile capacity, after acute exposure to HMW‐AGEs, independent of activation of their receptor. Given that HMW‐AGEs are abundantly present in our Western diet, a better understanding of underlying mechanisms, especially in patients already displaying altered cardiac function, should be gained for these compounds.

Sustained elevated levels of high molecular weight advanced glycation end products (HMW‐AGEs) are known to promote cardiac dysfunction. Recent data suggest that acutely elevated levels of AGEs occur in situations of increased oxidative stress. Whether this increase might have detrimental effects on cardiac function remains unknown. In this study, we investigated whether acute exposure to HMW‐AGEs affects cardiomyocyte function via activation of their receptor (RAGE) signalling pathway. Single cardiomyocytes from the left ventricle of adult male rats were obtained by enzymatic dissociation through retrograde perfusion of the aorta. Functional experiments were performed in cardiomyocytes pre‐incubated with or without an anti‐RAGE antibody. Unloaded cell shortening and L‐type Ca2+ current amplitude were evaluated in the presence or absence of HMW‐AGEs (200 μg ml−1). Expression of RAGE, c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) and phosphorylated JNK (pJNK) were assessed by western blot. Experiments were performed at room temperature. After 4 min application of HMW‐AGEs, unloaded cell shortening was significantly reduced. This impaired contractile function was related to reduced Ca2+ influx. These alterations were also observed in cardiomyocytes pre‐incubated with anti‐RAGE antibody. Our study demonstrates that acute exposure to elevated levels of HMW‐AGEs leads to direct and irreversible cardiomyocyte dysfunction, independent of RAGE activation.
Formation of highly conformal spinel lithium titanate thin films based on a novel three-step atomic layer deposition process
Authors: Bönhardt Sascha , Kühnel Kati , Kia Alireza M. , Weinreich Wenke
Published: April 2019

Lithium titanate (Li4Ti5O12) (LTO) has several promising properties with regard to energy storage. The most important is its low volume expansion during lithium (de-) intercalation enabling the material for complex three-dimensional battery anode designs. To employ this property at a small scale, e.g., for micro batteries (<100 nm active layer thickness), a highly conformal deposition process like atomic layer deposition (ALD) is needed. However, the ALD of lithium containing layers is quite ambitious. Particularly, thermally activated deposition of lithium containing layers with water as a coreactant is challenging due to the high reactivity and hygroscopic nature of many lithium compounds, e.g., lithium hydroxide. That is why a novel ALD process regime has been developed, which allows the deposition of highly conformal and single phase LTO layers with excellent step coverage and composition. The process uses two metalorganic precursors: one acting as lithium and another as a titanium source. In contrast to usual ALD processes, these two precursors are subsequently applied. The reactive pulse with water is applied after the two metal precursor pulses. In this work, this novel ALD process sequence has been introduced and successfully demonstrated on 200 mm wafers using standard industrial ALD equipment. The layers are transformed to single phase Li4Ti5O12 by rapid thermal processing as proven by crystal phase analysis. Elemental composition has been analyzed by time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Results show that the amounts of contaminants like carbon and chlorine are below the detection limits of XPS. Also, a uniform element distribution and stoichiometry in good agreement with theoretical expectations for lithium titanate could be shown.
Operationalizing the AAPT Learning Goals for the Lab
Authors: Holmes N. G. , Smith Emily M.
Published: April 2019

Calls for reform to instructional labs mean many instructors and departments are facing the daunting task of identifying goals for their introductory lab courses. Fortunately, the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) released a set of recommendations for learning goals for the lab to support lab redevelopment. Here we outline the process we have undergone to identify a set of learning goals for the labs that operationalize those provided by the AAPT. We also provide two examples of newly developed lab activities that aim to meet those goals to demonstrate this operationalization. We aim to provide departments and instructors with a few ideas of a procedure that they can follow or a set of goals that they can use to align lab instruction with the AAPT learning goals.
Sports, Smartphones, and Simulation as an Engaging Method to Teach Projectile Motion Incorporating Air Resistance
Authors: Azhikannickal Elizabeth
Published: April 2019

Much data, both published and anecdotal, have shown that students grasp scientific concepts more easily when they are directly involved in the learning via lab experiments or other hands-on activities. Hands-on or experiential learning also appears to aid in students’ ability to retain scientific theory. One way to engage students in a first-year calculus-based classical physics course is with the use of smartphones to validate or illustrate a variety of concepts covered in the lectures. It is true that almost all incoming students own or have access to a smartphone. This paper presents a method for students to use a smartphone app to track the trajectory of a sports projectile fired in real time (i.e., a basketball, volleyball, shot put, etc.). This experimental result was compared to a theoretical prediction of the trajectory of the projectile using an incremental air resistance algorithm implemented in Microsoft Excel. The students were required to estimate all of the parameters within the drag force equation (i.e., the drag coefficient, density of air, etc.) that made up part of the theoretical prediction. Ultimately, the goal was for the students to compare their experimental result with their prediction and gain an appreciation for the factors affecting the agreement (or lack of) between the two results.
When Do Two Waves Create a Heterodyne Wave?
Authors: Garver Wayne
Published: April 2019

It is well known that when two waves are added they produce beats. These beats are the amplitude modulation of the initial waves and occur periodically at a rate equal to the frequency difference of the two waves. Acoustical beats arise from sound waves of nearly equal frequencies. Optical beats arise from the interference of two light waves of nearly equal frequencies. Despite these examples, adding two waves does not always create a new wave at the beat frequency—a heterodyne wave. A heterodyne wave is, however, created only when the wave amplitudes combine nonlinearly. The resulting heterodyne wave can be identified because it is an additive term at a new frequency in the output waveform. An electrical circuit provides a unique opportunity to understand the responses of linear and nonlinear devices (resistors and diodes) to the sum of two sinusoidal waves. Using the resistor, the output frequencies are the same while the diode creates new (heterodyne) frequencies. A speaker in the circuit provides an audio demonstration of the difference between the devices.
The fluctuating masker benefit for normal-hearing and hearing-impaired listeners with equal audibility at a fixed signal-to-noise ratio
Authors: Jensen Kenneth Kragh , Bernstein Joshua G. W.
Published: April 2019

Normal-hearing (NH) listeners can extract and integrate speech fragments from momentary dips in the level of a fluctuating masker, yielding a fluctuating-masker benefit (FMB) for speech understanding relative to a stationary-noise masker. Hearing-impaired (HI) listeners generally show less FMB, suggesting a dip-listening deficit attributable to suprathreshold spectral or temporal distortion. However, reduced FMB might instead result from different test signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs), reduced absolute audibility of otherwise unmasked speech segments, or age differences. This study examined the FMB for nine age-matched NH-HI listener pairs, while simultaneously equalizing audibility, SNR, and percentage-correct performance in stationary noise. Nonsense syllables were masked by stationary noise, 4- or 32-Hz sinusoidally amplitude-modulated noise (SAMN), or an opposite-gender interfering talker. Stationary-noise performance was equalized by adjusting the response-set size. Audibility was equalized by removing stimulus components falling below the HI absolute threshold. HI listeners showed a clear 4.5-dB reduction in FMB for 32-Hz SAMN, a similar FMB to NH listeners for 4-Hz SAMN, and a non-significant trend toward a 2-dB reduction in FMB for an interfering talker. These results suggest that HI listeners do not exhibit a general dip-listening deficit for all fluctuating maskers, but rather a specific temporal-resolution deficit affecting performance for high-rate modulated maskers.
Microbial Network and Soil Properties Are Changed in Bacterial Wilt-Susceptible Soil
Authors: Qi Gaofu , Ma Gaoqiang , Chen Shu , Lin Changchun , Zhao Xiuyun
Published: April 2019

Bacterial wilt disease is caused by the pathogen
Ralstonia solanacearum
and is a widespread devastating soilborne disease leading to huge economic losses worldwide. The soil microbial community is crucial to the capacity of soils to suppress soilborne diseases through complex interactions. Network analysis can effectively explore these complex interactions. In this study, we used a random matrix theory (RMT)-based network approach to investigate the changes in microbial network and associated microbial interactions in a bacterial wilt-susceptible soil (BWS) in comparison to a healthy soil (HS). We found that the structure and composition of the microbial network in BWSs were quite different from those of the HS. The BWS network had fewer modules, edges, and key microorganisms and lower connectivity than the HS network. In the BWSs, apparently the topological role of microbes was changed and key microorganisms were shifted to specialists.
Honeybee-Specific Lactic Acid Bacterium Supplements Have No Effect on American Foulbrood-Infected Honeybee Colonies
Authors: Stephan Jörg G. , Lamei Sepideh , Pettis Jeffery S. , Riesbeck Kristian , de Miranda Joachim R. , Forsgren Eva
Published: April 2019

The previously demonstrated antagonistic effects of honeybee-derived bacterial microbiota on the infectivity and pathogenicity of
P. larvae
in laboratory bioassays have identified a possible new approach to AFB control. However, honeybee colonies are complex superorganisms where social immune defenses play a major role in resistance against disease at the colony level. Few studies have investigated the effect of beneficial microorganisms on bee diseases at the colony level. Effects observed at the individual bee level do not necessarily translate into similar effects at the colony level. This study partially fills this gap by showing that, unlike at the individual level, hbs-LAB supplements did not affect AFB symptoms at the colony level. The inference is that the mechanisms regulating the honeybee microbial dynamics within a colony are too strong to manipulate positively through supplemental feeding of live hbs-LAB and that new potential remedies identified through laboratory research have to be tested thoroughly
in situ
, in colonies.
Discovery of Small-Molecule Inhibitors Targeting the E3 Ubiquitin Ligase Activity of the Herpes Simplex Virus 1 ICP0 Protein Using an
In Vitro
High-Throughput Screening Assay
Authors: Deschamps Thibaut , Waisner Hope , Dogrammatzis Christos , Roy Anuradha , Chacko Shibin , Perera Chamani , Prisinzano Thomas E. , Kalamvoki Maria
Published: April 2019

Since acyclovir and its derivatives were launched for herpesviruses control almost four decades ago, the search for novel antivirals has waned. However, as human life expectancy has increased, so has the number of immunocompromised individuals who receive prolonged treatment for HSV recurrences. This has led to an increase in unresponsive patients due to acquired viral drug resistance. Thus, novel treatments need to be explored. Here we explored the HSV-1 ICP0 E3 ligase as a potential antiviral target because (i) ICP0 is expressed before virus replication, (ii) it is essential for infection
in vivo
, (iii) it is required for efficient reactivation of the virus from latency, (iv) inhibition of its E3 ligase activity would sustain host immune responses, and (v) it is shared by other herpesviruses. We report a compound that inhibits HSV-1 infection in an ICP0-dependent manner by inhibiting ICP0 E3 ligase activity.