bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soret coefficient of a sodium germanate glass melt: Experiment, theory, and molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Nakashima Kento , Shimizu Masahiro , Matsuoka Jun , Fukuyo Tsubasa , Kato Hiroshi , Nishi Masayuki , Shimotsuma Yasuhiko , Miura Kiyotaka
Published: July 2020

The Soret effect is a diffusion phenomenon driven by a temperature gradient in a multicomponent system. This effect in condensed systems is not fully understood. Previously, we reported a theoretical model called “adjusted Kempers model” to predict the Soret coefficient in glass melts, and compared the experimental value to the theoretical value for 11Na2O‐89B2O3 (mol%) melts. Here, molecular dynamics calculations, as well as theoretical and experimental values, are quantitatively compared in 10Na2O‐90GeO2 melts. We used a vertical tubular furnace to cause a temperature gradient and heated the sample from top side to reduce the natural convection. We measured the composition of 10Na2O‐90GeO2 glass samples after 45, 90, and 180 hours of heat treatment under a temperature gradient, and estimated the steady‐state Soret coefficient near 1373 K to be 1.09 × 10−3 K−1. In addition, we calculated Soret coefficients to be 3.65 × 10−3 K−1 and 1.85 × 10−3 K−1 in theory and molecular dynamics calculation, respectively. The ratios between the experimental and theoretical Soret coefficients were 1.2 and 3.3 for 11Na2O‐89B2O3 melts and 10Na2O‐90GeO2 melts, respectively. The difference in ratios may be attributed to the mass and size of diffusion species in the glass melts.
Phase development and pore stability of yttria‐ and ytterbia‐stabilized zirconia aerogels
Authors: Hurwitz Frances I. , Rogers Richard B. , Guo Haiquan , Garg Anita , Olson Nathaniel S. , Phan David , Cashman Jessica L.
Published: July 2020

High‐porosity yttria‐ and ytterbia‐stabilized zirconia aerogels offer the potential of extremely low thermal conductivity materials for high‐temperature applications. Yttria‐ and ytterbia‐doped zirconia aerogels were synthesized using a sol‐gel approach over the dopant range of 0‐20 atomic percent. Surface area, pore volume, and morphology of the as‐dried aerogels and materials thermally exposed for short periods of time to temperatures up to 1200°C were characterized by nitrogen physisorption, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and X‐ray diffraction. The aerogels as supercritically dried all were X‐ray amorphous. At a 5% dopant level, a tetragonal structure with a smaller monoclinic phase developed on thermal exposure. Mixed tetragonal and cubic phases or predominantly cubic materials were observed at higher dopant levels, depending on the dopant level, temperature and exposure time. The formation of crystalline phases was accompanied by loss of surface area and pore volume, although some mesoporous structure was maintained on short‐term exposure to 1000°C. Incorporation of the smaller Yb atom into the lattice structure resulted in smaller lattice dimensions on crystallization than was seen with Y doping and favored a more highly equiaxed structure. Aerogels synthesized with 15% Y maintained the smallest particle size without evidence of sintering at 1100°C. Largest shrinkage and loss of pore volume occurred on crystallization from the amorphous phase, with further loss of pores at temperatures above 1000°C attributable to changes in lattice parameters.
Novel scheelite‐type [Ca0.55(Nd1‐xBix)0.3]MoO4 (0.2 ≤ x ≤ 0.95) microwave dielectric ceramics with low sintering temperature
Authors: Hao Shu‐Zhao , Zhou Di , Hussain Fayaz , Su Jin‐Zhan , Liu Wen‐Feng , Wang Da‐Wei , Wang Qiu‐Ping , Qi Ze‐Ming
Published: July 2020

Novel scheelite‐type [Ca0.55(Nd1‐xBix)0.3]MoO4 (0.2 ≤ x ≤ 0.95) ceramics were prepared using the solid‐state reaction method. According to the X‐ray diffraction data, a solid solution was formed in 0.2 ≤ x ≤ 0.95 and all the samples belong to pure scheelite phase with the tetragonal structure. As revealed by Raman spectroscopy, the number of vibrational modes decreased with the increase in x value, which further indicated that Bi3+ ions occupied A‐site of scheelite structure. As the x value increased, the sintering temperature decreased from 740°C to 660°C; the permittivity increased from 12.6 to 20.3; the Qf value first decreased slightly and gradually remained stable. Based on the infrared reflectivity spectrum analysis, the calculated permittivity derived from the fitted data shared the same trend with the measured value. The [Ca0.55(Nd0.05Bi0.95)0.3]MoO4 ceramic sintered at 660 °C attained a near‐zero value temperature coefficient ~τf (−7.1 ppm/°C) and showed excellent microwave dielectric properties with a ɛr ~ 20.3 and a Qf ~ 33 860 GHz, making this system a promising candidate in the ultralow temperature cofired ceramic (ULTCC) technology.
Direct and indirect selection on mate choice during pollen competition: Effects of male and female sexual traits on offspring performance following two‐donor crosses
Authors: Madjidian Josefin A. , Smith Henrik G. , Andersson Stefan , Lankinen Åsa
Published: July 2020

Mate choice in plants is poorly understood, in particular its indirect genetic benefits, but also the direct benefits of avoiding harmful matings. In the herbCollinsia heterophylla, delayed stigma receptivity has been suggested to enhance pollen competition, potentially functioning as a female mate choice trait. Previous studies show that this trait can mitigate the cost of early fertilization caused by pollen, thus providing a direct benefit. We performed two‐donor pollinations during successive floral stages to assess how this stigma receptivity trait and two pollen traits known to affect siring success influence indirect benefits in terms of offspring performance. We also investigated differential resource allocation by studying the influence of sibling performance in the same capsule. Offspring performance in terms of flower number was mainly affected by parental identities and differential resource allocation. Offspring seed production showed some influence of resource allocation, but was also affected by pollen donor identity and varied positively with late stigma receptivity. However, the effect of late stigma receptivity on offspring seed production was weakened in matings with pollen that advanced stigma receptivity. In conclusion, delayed stigma receptivity may be selected through both direct and indirect fitness effects inC. heterophylla, where pollen‐based delay on stigma receptivity might act as a cue for mate choice. However, selection may also be counteracted by antagonistic selection on pollen to advance stigma receptivity. Our results highlight the challenges of studying indirect genetic benefits and other factors that influence mate choice in plants.
Arms as areas for larval development of migratory fish species in a Neotropical reservoir and the influence of rainfall over abundances
Authors: Sanches Paulo Vanderlei , Gogola Tatiane Mary , Silva Rafael Olimpio , Topan Dhyego Amilton , dos Santos Picapedra Pablo Henrique , Piana Pitágoras Augusto
Published: July 2020

The aim of the present study was to verify the use of the arms of the Itaipu Reservoir as areas of initial development for migratory fish species and to assess the relationship between rainfall and the spawning of migratory fish. Accordingly, fish larvae were collected from five arms of the reservoir from 2009 to 2016 using 0.5 mm plankton nets. Density was standardized as the number of larvae per 10 m3filtered water, and the captured larval and juvenile specimens were identified at the lowest‐possible taxonomic level. The larvae were also classified according to the degree of development and notochord flexion stage: larval vitelline, pre‐flexion, flexion and post‐flexion. To evaluate the distribution of larval abundance and the developmental stage along the longitudinal gradients of the arms, the data were evaluated using a set of nested linear models, following the AIC and Bayesian information criteria. In addition, an analysis of covariance was performed to investigate the influence of rainfall on the larval abundance of migratory species. During sampling, several species of economic and conservation interest such asSalminus brasiliensisandPseudoplatystoma corruscanswere collected.The larvae of the migratory fish taxa were captured from all sampled arms, which indicate them as areas of initial development. Nevertheless, it was observed that larval density increases from fluvial towards lacustrine zones inside the arms. Also, the present study verified that species, even in lentic environments, respond positively to rainfall stimuli in a manner similar to that exhibited by conspecifics in lotic environments. Such results reinforce the necessity of the protection of arms aiming at the conservation of this main group of species impaired by the construction of dams.
Maturation of female common snook Centropomus undecimalis: implications for managing protandrous fishes
Authors: Young Joy M. , Yeiser Beau G. , Whittington James A. , Dutka‐Gianelli Jynessa
Published: July 2020

The assumption for hermaphroditic fish species that mature individuals of the terminal sex arise directly from mature individuals of the primary sex has led to the use of sex ratios as a proxy for age at maturity (A50). The timing of transition and deficient energy reserves, however, can result in a delay between transition and spawning. To test the assumption of female maturity and investigate the relationship between maturation and energy reserves, common snook, Centropomus undecimalis, a protandrous hermaphrodite, were collected from rivers, estuaries, inlets and offshore habitats on the east coast of Florida during 2010–2015. Immature females were observed every month, with lowest proportions during the peak spawning months of July and August. When calculated based on sex ratio, A50 (8.1 years) overestimated the age at which 50% of the female population was, in fact, mature (4.1–4.9 years). Best‐fit models indicate that mesenteric fat index (IF) and hepato‐somatic index (IH) were significantly affected by gonad phase, month and size and weakly by habitat. In post hoc analysis, immature female IF did not differ significantly from developing and regenerating females, but immature female IH was significantly lower than that for all mature phases except animals in the regressing phase. Although immature females may have sufficient energy in terms of fat, it appears that energy is not allocated to reproductive processes, as evidenced by lower IH. Nonetheless, approximately 95% of females were spawning‐capable during peak spawning months, suggesting that the energy threshold at which immature females reach maturity is met by most females each spawning cycle.
Life history of the river goby Glossogobius callidus (Teleostei: Gobiidae)
Authors: Mofu Lubabalo , Woodford Darragh J. , Wasserman Ryan J. , Weyl Olaf L. F.
Published: July 2020

The river goby Glossogobius callidus is native to freshwater and estuarine habitats in South Africa. Individuals [21.1–144.4 mm total length (LT)] were sampled from impoundments in the Sundays River Valley, Eastern Cape, from February 2014 to March 2015. The largest female was 137.2 mm LT, and the largest male was 144.4 mm LT. Length‐at‐50% maturity was 75.2 ± 2.1 mm LT for males and 76.2 ± 2.0 mm LT for females. Absolute fecundity was 1028.2 ± 131.7 oocytes per fish, and relative fecundity was 50.1 ± 18.1 oocytes per gram. The spawning season extended from October to December. Fish were aged using sectioned sagittal otoliths. The growth zone periodicity was validated using edge analysis. Longevity was more than 7 years for females and more than 6 years for males. Length‐at‐age was similar for the two sexes and was best described using the von Bertalanffy growth model as Lt = 74.7(1 − e–1.0(t + 0.1)) mm LT for the entire population. Using the population age structure, the mortality rate was estimated at 1.3 per year.
Workflow Barriers and Strategies to Reduce Antibiotic Overuse in Nursing Homes
Authors: Ramly Edmond , Tong Michelle , Bondar Svetlana , Ford James H. , Nace David A. , Crnich Christopher J.
Published: July 2020

OBJECTIVES

Antibiotic overuse is a significant problem in nursing homes (NHs). Strategies to improve antibiotic prescribing practices in NHs are a critical need. In this study, we analyzed antibiotic prescribing workflows to identify strategies for improving antibiotic prescribing in NHs.

DESIGN

Qualitative descriptive study using prospective field‐based assessment of workflows.

SETTING

Six NHs in Wisconsin (n = 3) and Pennsylvania (n = 3).

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 44 interviews with 68 NH professionals, including leadership, nurses, and prescribers.

MEASUREMENTS

During a 1‐day field visit in each NH, we conducted semistructured interviews with NH professionals, collected artifacts (policies, procedures, and documentation and communication tools), and observed clinical meetings. Study participants were interviewed (30–60 minutes) about antibiotic prescribing workflows in their facility. Information collected during site visits was used to create a representative workflow map of NH antibiotic prescribing. The workflow map guided thematic analysis to identify barriers corresponding to workflow steps across multiple NHs.

RESULTS

The representative antibiotic preprescribing workflow map included 17 steps, beginning with resident change in condition and ending with the decision to prescribe an antibiotic. Thematic analysis identified common step‐specific barriers to antibiotic stewardship centering on three themes: (A) information barriers, comprising (A1) inconsistent nurse assessment report and (A2) misalignment between the work and tools of information sharing within the facility, (B) communication barriers, comprising (B1) mismatched perception of prescriber information needs and (B2) difficulty reaching prescribers for direct interaction, and (C) professional barriers, comprising (C1) low prescriber confidence in nurse assessment report and (C2) nurse reluctance to express their professional opinions.

CONCLUSION

Strategies addressing workflow barriers are important targets for antibiotic stewardship. Such strategies include structured information tools, nurse and prescriber education, and organizational improvement. Future research can build on combinations of existing and new strategies to measure their effects in improving antibiotic prescribing. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:2222–2231, 2020.
Fg12 ribonuclease secretion contributes to Fusarium graminearum virulence and induces plant cell death
Authors: Yang Bo , Wang Yuyin , Tian Mengjun , Dai Kaixin , Zheng Wenyue , Liu Zehan , Yang Sen , Liu Xinyu , Shi Dongya , Zhang Haifeng , Wang Yan , Ye Wenwu , Wang Yuanchao
Published: July 2020

Filamentous fungal pathogens secrete effectors that modulate host immunity and facilitate infection. Fusarium graminearum is an important plant pathogen responsible for various devastating diseases. However, little is known about the function of effector proteins secreted by F. graminearum. Herein, we identified several effector candidates in the F. graminearum secretome. Among them, the secreted ribonuclease Fg12 was highly upregulated during the early stages of F. graminearum infection in soybean; its deletion compromised the virulence of F. graminearum. Transient expression of Fg12 in Nicotiana benthamiana induced cell death in a light‐dependent manner. Fg12 possessed ribonuclease (RNase) activity, degrading total RNA. The enzymatic activity of Fg12 was required for its cell death‐promoting effects. Importantly, the ability of Fg12 to induce cell death was independent of BAK1/SOBIR1, and treatment of soybean with recombinant Fg12 protein induced resistance to various pathogens, including F. graminearum and Phytophthora sojae. Overall, our results provide evidence that RNase effectors not only contribute to pathogen virulence but also induce plant cell death.
The role of Sphingolipids in myelination and myelin stability and their involvement in childhood and adult demyelinating disorders
Authors: Giussani Paola , Prinetti Alessandro , Tringali Cristina
Published: July 2020

Multiple sclerosis (MS) represents the most common demyelinating disease affecting the central nervous system (CNS) in adults as well as in children. Furthermore, in children, in addition to acquired diseases such as MS, genetically inherited diseases significantly contribute to the incidence of demyelinating disorders. Some genetic defects lead to sphingolipid alterations that are able to elicit neurological symptoms. Sphingolipids are essential for brain development, and their aberrant functionality may thus contribute to demyelinating diseases such as MS. In particular, sphingolipidoses caused by deficits of sphingolipid‐metabolizing enzymes, are often associated with demyelination. Sphingolipids are not only structural molecules but also bioactive molecules involved in the regulation of cellular events such as development of the nervous system, myelination and maintenance of myelin stability. Changes in the sphingolipid metabolism deeply affect plasma membrane organization. Thus, changes in myelin sphingolipid composition might crucially contribute to the phenotype of diseases characterized by demyelinalization. Here, we review key features of several sphingolipids such as ceramide/dihydroceramide, sphingosine/dihydrosphingosine, glucosylceramide and, galactosylceramide which act in myelin formation during rat brain development and in human brain demyelination during the pathogenesis of MS, suggesting that this knowledge could be useful in identifying targets for possible therapies.

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The efficacy of medical treatment for adenomyosis after adenomyomectomy
Authors: Li Qiuju , Yuan Ming , Li Ni , Zhen Qianwei , Chen Chang , Wang Guoyun
Published: July 2020

Aims

To compare the efficacy of gonadotropin‐releasing hormone agonist (GnRH‐a) and GnRH‐a + levonorgestrel‐releasing intrauterine system (LNG‐IUS) after adenomyomectomy for improved adenomyosis‐associated symptoms.

Methods

Overall, 193 patients with adenomyosis included in this study were categorized into three groups: adenomyomectomy (n = 57, group 1), adenomyomectomy + GnRH‐a (n = 83, group 2) and adenomyomectomy + GnRH‐a + LNG‐IUS (n = 53, group 3). Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores and uterine volumes were determined to evaluate the severity of adenomyosis. Dysmenorrhea improvement and uterine volume were the main outcomes.

Results

The VAS scores of all patients reduced from 7.3 (6.0, 8.5) to 0 (0, 0.6) at the 6 months after surgery, which were significantly higher in group 1 compared to other groups (P < 0.05). In groups 1, 2 and 3, there were 14, 7 and 4 patients, respectively, who suffered dysmenorrhea recurrence. The mean recurrent‐free‐survival (RFS) was 51.6 ± 2.4, 58.0 ± 1.2 and 58.3 ± 1.0 months, respectively, which was significantly shorter in group 1 (P < 0.05). The dysmenorrhea recurrences were 26.3%, 6.1%, 5.9% in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively, at the 36 months, which was significantly higher in group 1 (P < 0.01). Significantly decreased uterine volumes were observed in all patients from 222.2 (147.6, 350.4) to 77.0 (65.9, 94.1) mL (P < 0.05) at the 6 month after surgery.

Conclusion

Treatment GnRH‐a and LNG‐IUS after surgery could significantly reduce the recurrence and prolong the RFS. It seemed that the use of LNG‐IUS was beneficial for a lower recurrence in long‐term follow‐up.
Does selective evaluation of gastric aspirates in preterm infants influence time to full enteral feeding?
Authors: Kennedy Lydia , Rogerson Thomas , Keir Amy Kate
Published: July 2020

The use of routine gastric aspiration in the assessment of feeding intolerance is widespread in neonatal practice. Our article seeks to answer the clinical question, ‘In premature infants receiving feeds via nasogastric or orogastric tube [P], does routine evaluation of gastric aspirates [I] compared with selective evaluation of gastric aspirates [C] reduce the time taken to establish full feeds without complications [O]?’ Articles were identified through MEDLINE and reference lists from the sources found were reviewed for additional publications. Three papers were critically appraised and National Health and Medical Research Centre grades of level of evidence have been assigned to each. We found limited evidence to either support or reject the practice of routine gastric aspiration in preterm infants. There were no increases in the rates of significant complications in studies underpowered for this outcome. The decision to perform routine or selective gastric aspiration should be determined by individual centres. A large scale randomised controlled trial would be of significant benefit in determining the value of routine gastric aspiration in preterm infants.
Comparative Genome Analysis Reveals Cyanidiococcus gen. nov., A New Extremophilic Red Algal Genus Sister to Cyanidioschyzon (Cyanidioschyzonaceae, Rhodophyta)
Authors: Liu Shao‐Lun , Chiang Yin‐Ru , Yoon Hwan Su , Fu Han‐Yi
Published: July 2020

The taxonomic placement of strains belonging to the extremophilic red alga Galdieria maxima has been controversial due to the inconsistent phylogenetic position inferred from molecular phylogenetic analyses. Galdieria maxima nom. inval. was classified in this genus based on morphology and molecular data in the early work, but some subsequent molecular phylogenetic analyses have inferred strains of G. maxima to be closely related to the genus Cyanidioschyzon. To address this controversy, an isolated strain identified as G. maxima using the rbcL gene sequence as the genetic barcode was examined using a comprehensive analysis across morphological, physiological, and genomic traits. Herein are reported the chloroplast‐, mitochondrion‐, and chromosome‐level nuclear genome assemblies. Comparative analysis of orthologous gene clusters and genome arrangements suggested that the genome structure of this strain was more similar to that of the generitype of Cyanidioschyzon, C. merolae than to the generitype of Galdieria, G. sulphuraria. While the ability to uptake various forms of organic carbon for growth is an important physiological trait of Galdieria, this strain was identified as an ecologically obligate photoautotroph (i.e., the inability to utilize the natural concentrations of organic carbons) and lacked various gene models predicted as sugar transporters. Based on the genomic, morphological, and physiological traits, we propose this strain to be a new genus and species, Cyanidiococcus yangmingshanensis. Re‐evaluation of the 18S rRNA and rbcL gene sequences of the authentic strain of G. maxima, IPPAS‐P507, with those of C. yangmingshanensis suggests that the rbcL sequences of “G. maxima” deposited in GenBank correspond to misidentified isolates.
Climate change: A potential risk to cage culture and genetic structure of native fisheries in fish cage‐installed inland lakes
Authors: Oyebola Oyediran Olusegun , Fada Pentecost Ozemoya
Published: July 2020

Fish cage aquaculture (FCA) in lakes is a viable climate change (CC) mitigation approach; however, deficiencies in monitoring, early warning and risk planning could threaten its sustainability. Thus, the present study focused on examining the experiences with CC and its risks to cage fish culture, and phenotypic structure of a typical endemic fishery in fish cage‐installed (FCI) and fish cage‐free (FCF) lakes. Using a structured questionnaire, fisherfolks of typical FCI and FCF lakes in southwestern Nigeria were consulted for their local experiences regarding CC variables, effects on cage aquaculture and the occurrence of caged fish in their fish catches. For phenotypic structure analysis, size cohorts of cage‐cultured (CCU) and wild‐caught (WC) Oreochromis niloticus from FCI (CCUFCI and WCFCI), and WC from FCF (WCFCF) were obtained and analysed for phenotypic differences (p < .05) and mix‐up through cluster/linkage analysis. Respondents experienced unpredictable climatic conditions, increased rainfall fluctuations and declining rainfall (86.4; 47.1%, 50.0; 64.7%, 100.0; 88.2%, in FCI and FCF lakes, respectively), indicating that CC affects cage culture, induces cage damage and floods, and results in caged fish escapes (40.9; 35.3%, 81.8; 11.8%, 95.5; 41.2% in FCI and FCF lakes, respectively), while caged fishes occur in fisherfolks’ catches (63.6% FCI). Phenotypically, WCFCF and WCFCI were similar, but differed from CCUFCI for pre‐dorsal length. WCFCF and WCFCI differed for caudal peduncle lengths. In addition, some individuals of CCUFCI clustered with WCFCI and WCFCF, rather than their population cohorts. Climate change impacts on FCA lakes have implications regarding caged fish escapes. Phenotypic structures indicated a possible mix‐up of caged and wild O. niloticus populations. Thus, monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS) of cage culture in lakes is necessary, and development of genetic markers for endemic species would also facilitate MCS.
The protein–protein interactions required for assembly of the Tn3 resolution synapse
Authors: Rowland Sally‐J. , Boocock Martin R. , Burke Mary E. , Rice Phoebe A. , Stark W. Marshall
Published: July 2020

The site‐specific recombinase Tn3 resolvase initiates DNA strand exchange when two res recombination sites and six resolvase dimers interact to form a synapse. The detailed architecture of this intricate recombination machine remains unclear. We have clarified which of the potential dimer–dimer interactions are required for synapsis and recombination, using a novel complementation strategy that exploits a previously uncharacterized resolvase from Bartonella bacilliformis (“Bart”). Tn3 and Bart resolvases recognize different DNA motifs, via diverged C‐terminal domains (CTDs). They also differ substantially at N‐terminal domain (NTD) surfaces involved in dimerization and synapse assembly. We designed NTD‐CTD hybrid proteins, and hybrid res sites containing both Tn3 and Bart dimer binding sites. Using these components in in vivo assays, we demonstrate that productive synapsis requires a specific “R” interface involving resolvase NTDs at all three dimer‐binding sites in res. Synapses containing mixtures of wild‐type Tn3 and Bart resolvase NTD dimers are recombination‐defective, but activity can be restored by replacing patches of Tn3 resolvase R interface residues with Bart residues, or vice versa. We conclude that the Tn3/Bart family synapse is assembled exclusively by R interactions between resolvase dimers, except for the one special dimer–dimer interaction required for catalysis.
Funnel plots of patient‐reported outcomes to evaluate health‐care quality: Basic principles, pitfalls and considerations
Authors: van der Willik Esmee M. , van Zwet Erik W. , Hoekstra Tiny , van Ittersum Frans J. , Hemmelder Marc H. , Zoccali Carmine , Jager Kitty J. , Dekker Friedo W. , Meuleman Yvette
Published: July 2020

A funnel plot is a graphical method to evaluate health‐care quality by comparing hospital performances on certain outcomes. So far, in nephrology, this method has been applied to clinical outcomes like mortality and complications. However, patient‐reported outcomes (PROs; eg, health‐related quality of life [HRQOL]) are becoming increasingly important and should be incorporated into this quality assessment. Using funnel plots has several advantages, including clearly visualized precision, detection of volume‐effects, discouragement of ranking hospitals and easy interpretation of results. However, without sufficient knowledge of underlying methods, it is easy to stumble into pitfalls, such as overinterpretation of standardized scores, incorrect direct comparisons of hospitals and assuming a hospital to be in‐control (ie, to perform as expected) based on underpowered comparisons. Furthermore, application of funnel plots to PROs is accompanied by additional challenges related to the multidimensional nature of PROs and difficulties with measuring PROs. Before using funnel plots for PROs, high and consistent response rates, adequate case mix correction and high‐quality PRO measures are required. In this article, we aim to provide insight into the use and interpretation of funnel plots by presenting an overview of the basic principles, pitfalls and considerations when applied to PROs, using examples from Dutch routine dialysis care.
Association between neighborhood aesthetics and childhood obesity
Authors: Qu Pengfei , Luo Miyang , Wu Yang , Zhang Fan , Vos Heleen , Gu Xinqian , Mi Yang , Luo Xiaoqin , Jia Peng
Published: July 2020

The lack of neighbourhood aesthetics (e.g. public art and well‐maintained properties) may reduce walkability in the neighbourhood and increase the risk of childhood obesity. In this study, a literature search was conducted in the Cochrane Library, PubMed and Web of Science for articles published before January 1, 2019 to analyse the associations between neighbourhood aesthetics and weight‐related behaviours and outcomes among children and adolescents aged <18. One cohort study and 24 cross‐sectional studies, conducted in 10 countries with a median sample size of 1124 were identified. Neighbourhood aesthetics was more commonly assessed by self‐reported or parent‐reported perceptions than objective measurements. Eighteen of the 25 included studies analysed physical activity (PA) as the outcome of interests, eight studies analysed active transport to school (ATS), and eight studies analysed weight status, including body mass index and overweight/obesity status. About two‐thirds of studies reported non‐significant associations when using PA and weight status as outcomes, and half of studies showed that neighbourhood aesthetics is associated with increased use of ATS. The rest of the studies reported mixed findings with slightly more studies showing neighbourhood aesthetics may promote PA or reduce weight. Better designed studies are necessary to achieve a robust understanding of this epidemiological relationship in the future.
Evaluation of BP180‐NC16A ELISA in exclusive oral pemphigoid diagnosis. A comparative study
Authors: Petruzzi Massimo , Tampoia Marilina , Serpico Rosario , Lauritano Dorina , Lajolo Carlo , Lucchese Alberta , Della Vella Fedora
Published: July 2020

Objective

Aims of this study were to test the efficacy of anti‐BP180‐NC160 ELISA in the diagnosis of oral pemphigoid compared to the gold standard, represented by direct immunofluorescence and pathological examination, to correlate the antibody titers with the severity of the disease and the demographical data.

Materials and Methods

Patients with a suspect of oral pemphigoid were enrolled and underwent biopsy and sera collection both, in order to perform histopathological examination, direct immunofluorescence and ELISA. The test outcomes were compared, and ELISA sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and negative and positive predictive values were calculated.

Results

ELISA showed good specificity (83.3%), while sensitivity was only 50%. A moderate correlation between antibody titers and disease severity was recorded.

Conclusions

Mucomembranous Pemphigoid is an autoimmune autoantibody‐mediated blistering disease, often affecting exclusively the oral mucosa. Currently, the biopsy is required to diagnose this disease, but serological tests are also commonly employed during clinical practice as adjunctive tools. BP180‐NC160 ELISA should be considered an ancillary diagnostic test in course of oral pemphigoid; direct immunofluorescence + histologic examination remains the diagnostic gold standard.
Personalized Three‐Dimensional Printed Anterior Titanium Plate to Treat Double‐Column Acetabular Fractures: A Retrospective Case‐Control Study
Authors: Wu Hai‐yang , Shao Qi‐peng , Song Cheng‐jing , Shang Ran‐ran , Liu Xi‐ming , Cai Xian‐hua
Published: July 2020

Objective

To compare the clinical efficacy and safety of a personalized three‐dimensional (3D) printed dynamic anterior plate–screw system for the quadrilateral area (DAPSQ) titanium plate and a traditional DAPSQ reconstruction plate in the treatment of double‐column acetabular fractures.

Methods

This was a retrospective case‐control study. From May 2014 to January 2018, 43 patients with double‐column acetabular fractures underwent open reduction and internal fixation. Among these, 20 cases were fixed with a 3D printed DAPSQ plate (3D printed group) and 23 cases were fixed with a DAPSQ reconstruction plate (control group). The 3D printed group comprised 15 men and 5 women, with an average age of 50.1 ± 8.2 years. The control group comprised 16 men and 7 women, with an average age of 51.0 ± 8.6 years. The evaluation index included the surgical data (i.e. blood loss, operating time, duration of hospital stay, and intraoperative and postoperative complications), position and length of implants, reduction quality, hip function, and related complications. The reduction quality was evaluated using the Matta scoring standard and hip function was evaluated using the modified Merle d’Aubigné score.

Results

A total of 43 patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean postoperative follow up was 35.2 months in the 3D printed group and 36.9 months in the control group. There were no significant group differences in demographic data between the two groups. The position and length of the 3D printed implants were generally in accord with preoperative planning using a 3D pelvic model. Patients in the 3D printed group had significantly shorter operation time (223.2 vs 260.5 min, P < 0.05) and less intraoperative blood loss (930.4 vs 1426.1 mL, P < 0.05) compared to the control group. Anatomic, imperfect, and poor reduction was obtained in 13, 5, and 2 cases in the 3D printed group, respectively, and was obtained in 12, 8, and 3 cases in the control group. The modified Merle d’Aubigné scores were excellent in 11 cases, good in seven cases, and fair in two cases in the 3D printed group. They were excellent in 11 cases, good in eight cases, fair in three cases, and poor in one case in the control group. The reduction quality and hip function did not differ within the groups (P > 0.05). The general complication rate in the 3D printed group and the control group was 15% and 26.1%, respectively, but the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Use of a personalized 3D printed DAPSQ plate has potential advantages in reducing the operation time and blood loss during the treatment of double‐column acetabular fractures.
School and sports participation post‐transplant
Authors: Bobrowski Amy E.
Published: July 2020

Pediatric recipients of life‐saving organ transplants are living longer, with improved graft and overall survivals. After successful transplant, children are encouraged to return to “normal life,” with school attendance and participation in age‐appropriate physical activities. This transition may cause stress to the recipients, parents, teachers, and other participating caregivers and staff. Planning for school reentry and assuring education for and open lines of communication with the school staff can help alleviate some of this discomfort and ease the process for the patient and the family. Cardiovascular disease has emerged as the leading cause of death in survivors of pediatric transplantation and is contributed to by modifiable risk factors such as obesity, hypertension, and the MS. Physical activity is a proven tool in decreasing surrogate markers of this risk. Sports participation is an important way to promote an enjoyment of physical activity that can ideally persist into adulthood, but conflicting advice and opinions exist regarding type and participation in physical activity. Moreover, specific recommendations are likely not applicable to all recipients, as certain degrees of rehabilitation may be needed depending on degree and length of illness. In general, a program of rehabilitation and increased physical activity has been shown to be safe and effective for most pediatric transplant recipients. Focusing on optimizing the “normal” childhood activities of going to school and participating in sports can improve the physical, social, cognitive, and mental health outcomes of this population after transplant and should be prioritized.
Fasciola hepatica products can alter the response of bovine immune cells to Mycobacterium avium subsp.paratuberculosis
Authors: Naranjo‐Lucena Amalia , García‐Campos Andrés , Garza‐Cuartero Laura , Britton Louise , Blanco Alfonso , Zintl Annetta , Mulcahy Grace
Published: July 2020

Background

Fasciola hepatica causes economically important disease in livestock worldwide. The relevance of this parasitic infection extends beyond its direct consequences due to its immunoregulatory properties.

Objectives

Given the importance of the T helper 1 (Th1) immune response in controlling infections with Mycobacterium avium subspeciesparatuberculosis (MAP) in cattle, we aimed to establish the immunological consequences that co‐infection with F. hepatica might have on the course of Johne’s disease (JD).

Methods

This study compared the in vitro response of bovine immune cells to infection with MAP or exposure to MAP antigens following F. hepatica infection or stimulation with F. hepatica products.

Results

We found a decreased proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) after infection with F. hepatica. This reduction was inversely correlated with fluke burden. Pre‐stimulation with F. hepatica molecules produced a significant reduction of ileocaecal lymph node leucocyte proliferation in response to MAP antigens. Additionally,F. hepatica products reduced expression of the CD14 receptor by macrophages and increased levels of apoptosis and bacterial (MAP) uptake.

Conclusions

Overall, F. hepatica infection had little impact on the in vitro response of immune cells to MAP, whereas in vitro co‐stimulation with F. hepatica molecules had a measurable effect. Whether this is likely to affect JD progression during in vivo chronic conditions remains unclear.
Geographic Distributions of Extreme Weather Risk Perceptions in the United States
Authors: Allan Jinan N. , Ripberger Joseph T. , Wehde Wesley , Krocak Makenzie , Silva Carol L. , Jenkins‐Smith Hank C.
Published: July 2020

Weather and climate disasters pose an increasing risk to life and property in the United States. Managing this risk requires objective information about the nature of the threat and subjective information about how people perceive it. Meteorologists and climatologists have a relatively firm grasp of the historical objective risk. For example, we know which parts of the United States are most likely to experience drought, heat waves, flooding, snow or ice storms, tornadoes, and hurricanes. We know less about the geographic distribution of the perceived risks of meteorological events and trends. Do subjective perceptions align with exposure to weather risks? This question is difficult to answer because analysts have yet to develop a comprehensive and spatially consistent methodology for measuring risk perceptions across geographic areas in the United States. In this project, we propose a methodology that uses multilevel regression and poststratification to estimate extreme weather and climate risk perceptions by geographic area (i.e., region, state, forecast area, and county). Then we apply the methodology using data from three national surveys (n = 9,542). This enables us to measure, map, and compare perceptions of risk from multiple weather hazards in geographic areas across the country.
Housing price, talent movement, and innovation output: Evidence from Chinese cities
Authors: Lin Xiongbin , Ren Ting , Wu Hao , Xiao Youzhi
Published: July 2020

How housing costs would influence the job‐housing choice of talent and associated city‐level innovation performance is a question of interest for urban development policies. Recently, considerable attention has been paid to the influence of rising housing prices on the attraction of talent and the associated innovation output in major Chinese cities. In this paper, we use the housing price data of 51 cities from the China Real Estate Index System database and the corresponding macro data of China City Statistical Yearbooks from 2005 to 2014 to analyze this focal research question. The empirical analysis shows that the increase in city housing prices generally correlates positively with city innovation outcome and talent attraction, suggesting no crowding‐out effect on the innovative performance of the city. However, the positive association between housing prices and innovation outcome and talent attraction has started to disappear in first‐tier cities in recent years, suggesting potential crowding‐out effect if the increasing housing prices transform to bubbles. This research thus provides considerable policy implications concerning the impacts of housing prices on talent movement and innovation output.
User‐generatedonline queer media and the politics of queer visibility
Authors: Das Stuti , Farber Reya
Published: July 2020

In this article, we review sociological research on the politics of queer self‐presentation and visibility in user‐generated online media, such as personal homepages, blogs, YouTube vlogs, and queer‐specific social networking sites. Using an intersectional lens to attend to multiple axes of identity, the review offers a deeper understanding of how online queer media impact self‐presentation and visibility, while also privileging certain racial, sexual, and gender identities and practices over others. Online platforms can serve as spaces of resistance wherein queer people not only make themselves visible but also redefine dominant conceptions of identity, as well as the boundaries between public and private life. However, our review also finds that online spaces of queer self‐presentation often become another space for the reinforcement of dominant norms pertaining to various axes of one's identity. Given that the advent of user‐generated media and the Internet has facilitated the mobilization of queer people worldwide, an understanding of queer self‐presentation in online media demonstrates how new iterations of sex, gender, and sexuality are constructed in a technological era by queer‐identified people themselves, and how people can both resist and reify dominant social hierarchies across boundaries of space and time.
The effect of field application of food‐based anaerobic digestate on earthworm populations
Authors: Rollett Alison J. , Bhogal Anne , Scullion John , Nicholson Fiona A. , Taylor Matthew J. , Williams John R.
Published: July 2020

In general, farming systems that provide the greatest organic matter returns to the soil support the highest earthworm populations and typically the application of organic materials will increase earthworm numbers because of an abundance of food. There has been limited work on the effects of digestate applications on earthworm populations with most focus on the short‐term effects of digestate from manure or crop‐based feedstocks, not from food wastes. To address this gap in current knowledge, the objective of this study was to assess the impact of repeated food‐based digestate applications on earthworm populations/biomass in both the short term (c.6 months after digestate application) and longer term (2 years later) in comparison with other commonly used inputs (manufactured nitrogen‐N fertilizer, compost and livestock manures). This multi‐site field experiment has shown that the application of food‐based digestate at application rates above current good practice can have a short‐term, negative impact on earthworm numbers under certain conditions. Six months after the final digestate addition, earthworm numbers were 32%–60% lower than following the additions of other organic materials at four of the seven sites investigated. A combination of high ammonium/low organic matter loadings and soil compaction most likely explained the observed effects.
An urban growth simulation model based on integration of local weights and decision risk values
Authors: Karimi Firozjaei Mohammad , Sedighi Amir , Jelokhani‐Niaraki Mohammadreza
Published: July 2020

Monitoring and managing the rapid growth of cities, especially in developing countries, highlights the need for appropriate spatio‐temporal models to predict urban growth. The parameters affecting the spatio‐temporal analysis of urban growth play a key role in the prediction results. This study proposes an urban growth simulation model by integrating local subjective–objective weights and decision risk values (ORness) into a CA–Markov model. This involves the use of ordered weighting averaging as one of the multicriteria decision analysis methods to combine the weights and degree of risk for generating a variety of risk‐averse and/or risk‐taking urban growth prediction scenarios. The proposed model has been applied to predict the physical growth of Babol city, located in Mazandaran, Iran. The results indicate that the degrees of ORness = 0.3 and ORness = 0.9 yield better prediction results in the case of using the local and global weighting strategies, respectively. Furthermore, the overall accuracy of local and global weighting strategies at different degrees of risk was 87.6 and 86.8, respectively. This implies that the use of local subjective–objective weights leads to more accurate results than the global weights for simulating urban growth.
DEVELOPMENT OF A GPS-GIS-BASED ROAD SIGNAGE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR SELECTED ARTERIAL ROADS
Authors: Adeleke O. O. , Akande K. O. , Kolo S. S. , Odumosu Joseph , Sijuwola O. O. , Ayanshola A. M.
Published: July 2020

Traffic signs, pavement markings and other road safety assets such as speed bumps are provided on roadway facilities to enhance traffic flow and safety. They will however perform their functions effectively if they meet the basic requirements of i. fulfill a need ii. command attention iii. convey a clear simple meaning iv. command respect from road users and v. give adequate time for proper response. It is noticed and rightfully observed by the Nigeria National Council on Works that these assets on Nigeria roads are not adequately managed and maintained. Some of them are not well positioned, some are missing and some others are damaged. There is therefore the need to assess the existing roadway assets, their conditions and adequacy, and generate a database needed for their effective operation, management and maintenance. The study thus aims at addressing the observed inadequacies by proffering a GPS-GIS-based solution. The objectives are to i. carry out an inventory of existing road signs and markings; ii. determine their adequacy or otherwise and iii. develop a GIS- based road signage management system. It is anticipated that the application of the developed system will enhance the performance of the agencies responsible for the operations of the road assets.
Cycle-to-Cycle Multipulse Fuel-Injection Control for Advanced Diesel Combustion in Changing and Disturbed Operating Points
Authors: Luo Xi , Großbichler Martin , Waschl Harald , Donkers M. C. F. , de Jager Bram , Willems Frank
Published: July 2020

When controlled in an open-loop fashion, both stationary and dynamical diesel engine performance can deteriorate due to disturbances. Although cycle-to-cycle fuel injection control has the potential of reducing the performance degradation by manipulating the fueling profile in real time, this potential has not been thoroughly studied. This is especially true for multipulse fuel injection, due to the lack of a controller design method with closed-loop reference tracking performance guarantees. In this paper, we introduce a systematic design method for multivariable cycle-to-cycle fuel injection control. The design method is based on several local linearizations to address varying combustion behavior due to different engine speeds, torques, and disturbances. This leads to a controller that is robust with respect to all the local linearizations. Experimental results show that the controller works well in both stationary and dynamical operating conditions, and has fast dynamical performance (settling time less than 1.5 (s)). Moreover, experimental data show that cycle-to-cycle fuel injection control is robust against the uncertainties introduced by disturbed rail pressure and swirl valve position.