bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Normalized concept for modelling effective soil thermal conductivity from dryness to saturation
Authors: He Hailong , Noborio Kosuke , Johansen Øistein , Dyck Miles F. , Lv Jialong
Published: April 2019

Effective soil thermal conductivity (λ
eff) is a critical parameter for environmental and earth science as well as engineering applications. Models to predict λ
eff are required in diverse global and community land surface schemes as well as climate models to investigate coupled water and heat transport in soils and heat exchange at the earth surface. Among the many soil thermal conductivity models, models based on the normalized concept are most often developed and utilized for estimating λ
eff. However, at present no systematic study has been performed to investigate the origin and evolution of the normalized thermal conductivity models, nor to evaluate their performance with large datasets. The objectives of this study were to: (a) review the development and evolution of the normalized thermal conductivity models, and (b) assess their performance with datasets consisting of soils with a full range of water saturation and a wide range of soil textures and bulk densities. A total of 38 normalized thermal conductivity models were critically reviewed and their relationships were clearly outlined. Their performance was evaluated by five categories according to model characteristics with a compiled dataset consisting of 71 soils and 669 tests collected from nine studies. Our analysis demonstrated key roles of the quartz content, solid thermal conductivity and choice of the Kersten functions in the model applicability and accuracy of estimating λ
eff. The results showed that the Y2018, CK2005, CK2006, J1975, L2007 and T2009 models have the best performance among the models without fitting parameters, but further improvements are required to apply them universally. Although the models of H2017, LD2015, M2006 and K2007 are the best performing models with fitting parameters, approaches to calculate these parameters are required so they can be easily applied. Future studies on parametrization of currently well‐performing models for wider and more accurate application, development of a soil thermal conductivity database for model evaluation and calibration purposes, and connecting soil thermal conductivity models to hydraulic properties are recommended.

Highlights

The history and evolution of normalized thermal conductivity models and the potential Kersten (K
e) functions are collated and synthesized.

A total of 38 models were reviewed and their performance was evaluated with a total of 71 soils and 669 tests from nine studies.

The Y2018, CK2005, CK2006, J1975, L2007 and T2009 are the best ranked models without fitting parameters.

The models of H2017, LD2015, M2006 and K2007 are the best ranked models with fitting parameter.
Patterns of soil nitrogen mineralization under a land‐use change from desert to farmland
Authors: Yang Rong , Du Zeyu , Kong Junqia , Su Yongzhong , Xiao Xiangming , Liu Tingna , Wang Min , Fan Guipin
Published: April 2019

Understanding how soil nitrogen (N) mineralization (Nmin) responds to environmental changes is critical for improving ecosystem management, especially in a resource‐constrained region. Intensive land exploitation in arid land has profound influences on soil ecosystems and thus on soil Nmin. A local‐scale field investigation was conducted to reveal the temporal dynamics of Nminunder land‐use change from desert to farmland, and to verify the mechanisms controlling Nminchange during this process in a typical desert oasis region. The results showed that Nminranged from −0.14 to 2.69 mg N kg−1day−1, with an average value of 0.74 mg N kg−1day−1. Nminin old oasis farmland (OOF) was significantly higher than that in GCF (Gobi desert conversion farmland) and SCF (sandy desert conversion farmland), and the average change rates of Nminwere 0.036 and 0.032 mg N kg−1day−1year−1in GCF and SCF, respectively. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to test whether the measured variables affected Nmin, and the results showed that soil organic matter (SOM), bulk density (BD) and sand content were the main soil factors affecting Nmin. These soil factors, together with farmland type and cropping time, can explain 31% of the variation in Nmin. Our observations revealed that Nminchanged substantially under the land conversion process from desert to farmland, and our findings will help with assessments and predictions of future N cycles in desert oasis regions in response to land‐use change.

Highlights

We used Nminas an observed variable to evaluate the dynamics of the soil evolution process under a land‐use change from desert to farmland.

Cropping year was identified by using map image data to reveal temporal trend of Nmin.

Nminwas primarily affected by soil organic matter, bulk density and sandy content. Intensive land exploitation in arid land profoundly influences soil Nmin.
Araneophagic behavior of Gardena brevicollis Stål (Heteroptera: Reduviidae): Foraging on pre‐dispersal spiderlings in the spider's web
Authors: Suzuki Yuya
Published: April 2019

Araneophagic behavior of an Emesinae assassin bug, Gardena brevicollis Stål (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) was observed in the field. The bug invaded a web of Acusilas coccineus Simon (Araneae: Araneidae) spiderlings and hunted five juvenile spiders. The bug showed stalking tactics to prey on spiders, whereas luring tactics, which have been reported in other Emesinae bugs, were not observed. To the best of my knowledge, the present study is the first report of araneophagy in the genus Gardena and the first report of araneophagic behavior in East Asian assassin bugs.
EU constitutionalisation revisited: Redressing a central assumption in European studies
Authors: Rasmussen Morten , Martinsen Dorte Sindbjerg
Published: April 2019

The constitutionalisation of the European Union has since the early 1990s become a truism in European studies. This article revisits the constitutionalisation theory drawing on the insights from emerging historical research and new strands of political science research. We find that the conventional constitutional narrative is less convincing when confronted with the new evidence from historical and political science research. New historical research show that Member State governments, administrations and courts have generally been rather reluctant to embrace the constitutional project of the ECJ. Furthermore, at the level of European politics, the ECJ and its case law have far from judicialized European decision‐making to the extent often claimed. Concluding, we reject the notion that the ECJ has successfully constitutionalised the EU, emphasising instead the inherent tensions in the process, which continue to complicate the efficiency of European law.
Local corporate misconduct and local initial public offerings
Authors: Kuvvet Emre , Palkar Darshana D.
Published: April 2019

This paper investigates the cost of going public through initial public offerings (IPOs) for firms located in regions with significant fraud density. We find that companies in regions with a high proportion of nearby firms that have committed corporate misconduct have more pronounced underpricing, experience higher post‐IPO stock return volatility, and are more likely to withdraw their offerings. Overall, our results show that local corporate misconduct is associated with the pricing of IPOs, and the breach of trust is related to costly IPOs for newcomers.
Demographic processes underlying fitness restoration in bdelloid rotifers emerging from dehydration
Authors: Sommer Stefan , Fontaneto Diego , Ozgul Arpat
Published: April 2019

Bdelloid rotifers are able to survive habitat desiccation in a dehydrated state termed anhydrobiosis. They suffer from decreasing fitness when they are exposed to permanent hydration, yet they restore fitness when they go through anhydrobiosis. The demographic processes underlying this rejuvenation, however, are still largely unknown.

To investigate these processes in detail, we analysed life tables of permanently hydrated and repeatedly desiccated lines of two species of bdelloid rotifers, Macrotrachela quadricornifera and Adineta ricciae. Experimental lineages of these two species originated from habitats with contrasting desiccation frequencies.

First, we built a three‐stage life cycle including juveniles as well as prime and senescent adults. Next, we estimated stage‐specific vital rates (survival, development, and reproduction) and used the estimates to project the asymptotic population growth rates λ (= er). Finally, we applied life‐table response experiment methods and performed elasticity analysis to assess the contributions of each vital rate to differences in λ and to estimate effects of proportional changes in vital rates on λ, respectively.

We demonstrated that repeatedly desiccated lines grew faster than permanently hydrated lines. In addition, we confirmed that offspring of post‐anhydrobiotic individuals had higher fecundities and matured faster than individuals of the permanently hydrated lines. Survival rates usually did not differ between the two lines, but λ was most elastic to survival rates of prime adults and juveniles. These general life‐history patterns were observed in both species.

The analyses performed here provide a detailed investigation of the demographic processes underlying fitness restoration in anhydrobiotic bdelloid rotifers. They reveal that habitat desiccation has profound and consistent effects on the life histories of the two study species. Because laboratory lineages of these species originated from habitats characterised by different wet/dry regimes, we suggest that the desiccation responses identified here may be representative for the entire taxon. As such, our study offers a starting point for comparative analyses beyond bdelloid rotifers.
A preliminary study of an alternative method for evaluating skin sensitizing potential of chemicals
Authors: Buzzella A. , Mazzini G. , Vicini R. , Angelinetta C. , Pastoris O.
Published: April 2019

Background

In order to comply with the European legislation concerning the risk assessment of skin sensitizers, considerable progress has been made in developing alternative methods, such as human cell line activation test (h‐CLAT). H‐CLATis based on cytometric measurement of fluorescence emitted by anti‐CD54 and anti‐CD86 antibodies inTHP‐1 cells. Following this method, a range of substances have been analyzed; the emitted fluorescence, generally at low intensity, has caused problems concerning the interpretation of results.

Aim

Find an alternative parameter to h‐CLATfor evaluating the sensitizing potential of chemicals.

Materials and Methods

Cells have been analyzed with flow cytometry after treatment with sensitizing compounds administered at non‐cytotoxic concentrations.

Results

Sensitizers were able to inducealterations in cell morphology to a more ‘condensed’ one allowing the identification of cells under microscope as a ‘sensitized’ subpopulation. These variations cause similar modifications in ‘scattering’ parameters, making cells easily monitorable by flow cytometry. No changes have been observed in cells treated with non‐sensitizers or in untreated cells.

Conclusion

This method based on the analysis of forward scatter and side scatter parameters, can be used as an alternative method for identifying sensitization potential of chemical compounds.
Safety assessment of an etidronate in a sodium hypochlorite solution: randomized double‐blind trial
Authors: Ballal N. V. , Gandhi P. , Shenoy P. A. , Shenoy Belle V. , Bhat V. , Rechenberg D.‐K. , Zehnder M.
Published: April 2019

Aim

To assess whether Dual Rinse HEDP, an etidronate that can be combined with NaOCl to create an endodontic irrigating solution containing both hypochlorite and a chelator in the form of 1‐hydroxyethane 1,1‐diphosphonic acid (HEDP), alters the clinical efficacy of NaOCl or adds any untoward clinical effects.

Methodology

In this randomized controlled double‐blind single‐centre trial, a pure NaOCl solution was compared to a HEDP‐containing counterpart regarding antimicrobial efficacy, postoperative pain, and the host response by means of changes in MMP‐9 levels in periapical fluid. Sixty patients presenting with asymptomatic apical periodontitis (one tooth each) were randomly divided into two groups (N = 30) based on irrigation regime. Pre‐ and post‐treatment microbial aerobic and anaerobic cultures and MMP‐9/total protein (TP) periapical fluid samples were collected. Postoperative pain levels were assessed 24 h after treatment. Categorical data were compared between groups using the Fisher's exact test, continuous data using the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test, α = 0.05.

Results

Irrigation with pure NaOCl rendered 40% canals free of culturable microorganisms, compared to 50% with the NaOCl/HEDP mixture (P = 0.60). As assessed by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization‐time‐of‐flight analysis (MALDI‐TOF), no apparent selection of aerobic or anaerobic taxa occurred in either group. One patient in the NaOCl group experienced moderate pain, whilst two patients in the NaOCl/HEDP group experienced mild postoperative pain. MMP‐9/TP levels in periapical fluid declined significantly (P < 0.001) after 1 week with no medication in the root canal, without significant difference between treatment groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

This trial found no influence of HEDP on clinical NaOCl effects.
Efectos en el empleo de las medidas unilaterales aplicadas al comercio de servicios
Authors: SHINGAL Anirudh , SAUVÉ Pierre
Published: April 2019

Este estudio de carácter exploratorio se basa en estadísticos descriptivos y en un análisis econométrico para examinar los efectos en el empleo de los regímenes unilaterales aplicados al comercio de servicios, con datos del Índice de Restricción del Comercio de Servicios de la OCDE para 44 países miembros y no miembros de la OCDE y 22 subsectores durante el periodo 2014–2016. Los resultados sugieren que la liberalización unilateral de los servicios no está asociada a efectos netos de desplazamiento de la mano de obra. Sin embargo, serán necesarias fuentes de datos mejoradas para una comprensión más completa de esta cuestión.
Efficacy and tolerability of duloxetine in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Chen Li , Gong Min , Liu Guoming , Xing Fei , Liu Jiaxin , Xiang Zhou
Published: April 2019

Background

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common joint diseases, and pharmacotherapy is necessary to control its symptoms.

Aim

To evaluate efficacy and tolerability of duloxetine in patients with knee OA.

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched to identify randomised controlled trials comparing duloxetine with placebo for knee OA. Data including pain, stiffness, physical function, and adverse events were extracted for meta‐analysis. The protocol was prospectively registered in PROSPERO (CRD42018097110).

Results

Data from six randomised controlled trials including 2059 participants were pooled. Duloxetine achieved significant reductions in primary outcomes including Brief Pain Inventory 24‐h average pain score (weighted mean difference (WMD) = −0.74, 95% confidence interval (CI) = −0.92 to −0.57), weekly mean of the 24‐h average pain score (WMD = −0.76, 95% CI = −0.96 to −0.56), WOMAC stiffness score (WMD = −0.47, 95% CI = −0.60 to −0.34) and WOMAC physical function score (WMD = −4.44, 95% CI = −5.24 to −3.64). Furthermore, duloxetine demonstrated a higher number of treatment‐emergent adverse events (risk ratio (RR) = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.20–1.44) and discontinuations (RR = 2.26, 95% CI = 1.63–3.12); however, no difference in serious adverse events (RR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.40–2.11) was observed.

Conclusion

Duloxetine is effective in the management of chronic pain and loss of physical function in knee OA with acceptable adverse events despite having no advantage in treating joint stiffness. Future trials should focus on determining the optimal treatment regimen.
Cardiovascular and affective responses to speech and anger: Proactive benefits of a single brief session of mindfulness meditation
Authors: Johnson Kayla T. , Merritt Marcellus M. , Zawadzki Matthew J. , Di Paolo Michelle R. , Ayazi Maryam
Published: April 2019

Purpose

This pilot study evaluated whether a brief, 5‐min single‐session of mindfulness meditation (MM) training could lessen cardiovascular and affective reactivity to speech and anger recall. Moreover, we tested if trait levels of perseverative cognitions (PCs) moderated these relationships.

Methods

Participants completed online survey measures including PCs; thereafter, they completed a 5‐min resting baseline, 2‐min speech task, and 5‐min anger recall task while measures of BP were collected. The experimental group received a 5‐min MM training session before the resting baseline period.

Results

Repeated measures ANOVA were conducted for condition (MM vs. control) and period (repeated: baseline, speech, anger recall) on blood pressure (BP). The MM group showed less systolic and diastolic BP reactivity during speech and anger recall than the control group. There were no effects observed for negative affect nor did PCs moderate the BP findings.

Conclusion

Thus, even 5 min of MM training can have momentary cardiovascular benefits, having important implications for the training and implementation of MM programs.
Role of Jagged1/STAT3 signalling in platinum‐resistant ovarian cancer
Authors: Yang Jiang , Xing Hui , Lu Danhua , Wang Jun , Li Bingshu , Tang Jianming , Gu Fengqin , Hong Li
Published: April 2019

Jagged1, the essential ligand of the Notch signalling pathway, is highly expressed in metastatic prostate cancer, and its high expression in breast cancer is linked to poor survival rates. However, the mechanism of Jagged1′s involvement in platinum‐resistant ovarian cancer has not been thoroughly elucidated to date. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the roles of Jagged1 in the platinum resistance of ovarian cancer and its possible mechanisms. Compared with a platinum responsive group of ovarian epithelial cell carcinomas, we found the positive staining intensity of Notch1, Notch2, Jagged1, STAT3 and Epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) proteins were lower in a platinum‐resistant group. The DDP‐resistant ovarian cancer cell line (C13K) had a higher IC50 of DDP than its parental cell line (OV2008) (P < 0.05) and acquired an EMT phenotype and invasive characteristics. Inhibiting or knockdown of Jagged1 expression could not only reduce its capacity of migration and invasion but also reverse EMT and down‐regulate the expression of serine 727‐phosphorylated STAT3 (pS727) at the protein level but not total STAT3 or tyrosine 705‐phosphorylated STAT3 (pY705) in C13K cells. Furthermore, it was found that crosstalk between the Jagged1/Notch and JAK/STAT3 signalling pathways were involved in Jagged1‐promoting EMT in C13K cells. Experiments in vivo showed a reduced micrometastatic tumour burden in the lung, liver and spleen of mice implanted with C13K cells with knocked‐down Jagged1 compared with mice implanted with control cells. All of these results demonstrate that Jagged1 can crosstalk with the JAK/STAT3 pathway, and they all cooperate to promote the aberrant occurrence of EMT, further reinforcing the abilities of invasion and migration of platinum‐resistant ovarian cancer in vivo and in vitro.
Periodontitis as the risk factor of chronic kidney disease: Mediation analysis
Authors: Lertpimonchai Attawood , Rattanasiri Sasivimol , Tamsailom Suphot , Champaiboon Chantrakorn , Ingsathit Atiporn , Kitiyakara Chagriya , Limpianunchai Anusorn , Attia John , Sritara Piyamitr , Thakkinstian Ammarin
Published: April 2019

Aim

To determine sequences and magnitude of causality among periodontitis, diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD) by mediation analysis.

Methods

Ten‐year‐data were retrieved from the Electric Generation Authority of Thailand (EGAT) study. A cohort of 2,635 subjects was identified with no CKD at baseline. The interested outcome was CKD incidence defined as glomerular filtration rate <60 ml/min/1.73 m2. The percentage of proximal sites with clinical attachment loss ≥5 mm was used to represent periodontitis. Mediation analysis with 1,000‐replication bootstrapping was applied to two causal diagrams, diagram A (Periodontitis → Diabetes → CKD) and diagram B (Diabetes → Periodontitis → CKD).

Results

The cumulative incidence of CKD was 10.3 cases per 100 persons during 10‐year period. In diagram A, each increasing percentage of proximal sites with severe periodontitis increased the adjusted odds ratio of CKD 1.010 (95% CI: 1.005, 1.015) and 1.007 (95% CI: 1.004, 1.013), by direct and indirect effect through diabetes, respectively. In diagram B, diabetes increased the odds of CKD twofold, with 6.5% of this effect mediated via periodontitis.

Conclusions

Periodontitis had significant direct effect, and indirect effect through diabetes, on the incidence of CKD. Awareness about systemic morbidities from periodontitis should be emphasized.
Tax Evasion, Investment Shocks, and the Consumption Puzzle: A DSGE Analysis with Financial Frictions
Authors: CHIARINI BRUNO , FERRARA MARIA , MARZANO ELISABETTA
Published: April 2019

Recent studies identify Marginal Efficiency of Investment (MEI) shocks as important drivers of the business cycle. However, Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium (DSGE) models struggle to explain macroeconomic comovements between consumption and the key real variables after a MEI shock. Moreover, engaging in tax evasion practices is often an answer to financial constraints, which have been recognized as important determinants of cyclical fluctuations as well. We use a medium‐scale New Keynesian DSGE model, that combines tax evasion with financial frictions, to simulate a MEI shock. We show that entrepreneurial tax evasion can solve the comovement problem to a fair extent.
Speckle tracking echocardiography in cats with preclinical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Spalla Ilaria , Boswood Adrian , Connolly David J. , Luis Fuentes Virginia
Published: April 2019

Background

Cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) have decreased left ventricular (LV) longitudinal deformation detected by mitral annular plane systolic excursion (MAPSE) and speckle tracking echocardiography. People with preclinical HCM have decreased systolic LV longitudinal and radial strain (S) and strain rate (SR), with preserved circumferential S and SR.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Cats with preclinical HCM have decreased systolic LV deformation compared to normal cats.

Animals

Seventy‐three client‐owned cats with (n = 37) and without (n = 36) preclinical HCM.

Methods

Retrospective echocardiographic study. Left and right ventricular longitudinal S and SR, LV radial and circumferential S and SR were calculated by STE. Left ventricular mass was also calculated. Correlation between STE variables and LV hypertrophy was determined and receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted for prediction of HCM.

Results

Cats with HCM had smaller absolute longitudinal S (−14.8 ± 3.3% vs −19.7 ± 2.7%, P < .001), longitudinal SR (−2.36 ± 0.62 vs −2.95 ± 0.68 second−1, P < .001), radial S (46.2 ± 21.3% vs 66.7 ± 17.6%, P < .001), and radial SR (5.60 ± 2.08 vs 6.67 ± 1.8 second−1, P < .001) compared to healthy controls. No difference was observed for circumferential S and SR. Cats with HCM had greater LV mass (13.2 ± 3.7 g vs 8.6 ± 2.7 g, P < .001). The ROC with the greatest area under the curve (AUC) for the identification of HCM (0.974) was plotted from a logistic regression equation combining LV mass, MAPSE at the free wall, and LV internal diameter in diastole (LVIDd).

Conclusions and clinical importance

Cats with preclinical HCM have decreased long axis and radial deformation. Decreased longitudinal deformation and decreased LVIDd are factors that would support a diagnosis of HCM.
Hypercontractile esophageal motility disorder or functional esophageal symptoms and unrelated hypercontractility?
Authors: Bredenoord Albert J.
Published: April 2019

In this issue of the journal, Mion and coworkers describe 23 patients with dysphagia and/or thoracic pain and hypercontractile esophageal motility disorders who were either treated with botulinum toxin 100 U or underwent a sham procedure. The surprising outcome of the study was that both active botulinum toxin treatment and sham treatment resulted in a significant reduction in symptoms and manometric abnormalities after 3 months, with no difference between the two arms. One can interpret the lack of effect of botulinum toxin over placebo as indicative of the benign natural history of hypercontractile esophageal motility disorders or be convinced that many patients with hypercontractility on manometry actually have functional symptoms not related to the manometric findings, and thus, treatment of hypercontractility is not more effective than placebo. Either way, invasive, irreversible treatments with potential risks for complications seem difficult to justify in these patients.
Doing ‘business as usual’ comes with a cost: evaluating energy cost of maintaining plant intracellular K+ homeostasis under saline conditions
Authors: Rubio Francisco , Nieves‐Cordones Manuel , Horie Tomoaki , Shabala Sergey
Published: April 2019

Salinization of agricultural lands is a major threat to agriculture. Many different factors affect and determine plant salt tolerance. Nonetheless, there is a consensus on the relevance of maintaining an optimal cytosolic potassium : sodium ion (K+ : Na+) ratio for salinity tolerance in plants. This ratio depends on the operation of plasma membrane and tonoplast transporters. In the present review we focus on some aspects related to the energetic cost of maintaining that K+ : Na+ ratio. One of the factors that affect the cost of the first step of K+ acquisition – root K+ uptake through High Affinity K+ transporter and Arabidopsis K+ transport system 1 transport systems – is the value of the plasma membrane potential of root cells, a parameter that may differ amongst plant species. In addition to its role in nutrition, cytosolic K+ also is important for signalling, and K+ efflux through gated outward‐rectifying K+ and nonselective cation channels can be regarded as a switch to redirect energy towards defence reactions. In maintaining cytosolic K+, the great buffer capacity of the vacuole should be considered. The possible role of high‐affinity K+ transporters (HKT)2s in mediating K+ uptake under saline conditions and the importance of cycling of K+ throughout the plant also are discussed.
The components of adult astigmatism and their age‐related changes
Authors: Rozema Jos J , Hershko Sarah , Tassignon Marie‐José ,   for EVICR.net, Project Gullstrand Study Group
Published: April 2019

Purpose

To study the corneal and internal astigmatism and the age‐related changes underlying the known refractive shift with‐the‐rule (WTR) towards against‐the‐rule (ATR) astigmatism.

Methods

Refractive and corneal biometry data were collected for a total of 1195 healthy Caucasian subjects, recruited by ophthalmological centres across Europe. After conversion of refractive and corneal surface astigmatism to power vectors J0 and J45, the total corneal and internal astigmatism were calculated.

Results

Both refractive power vectors had leptokurtic distributions with a narrow peak at zero, and a broader, secondary distribution at its base, corresponding to eyes without balanced components. This may be fitted with a bigaussian function (J0: r² = 0.87; J45: r² = 0.98). Statistically significant changes in these distributions are seen with age: for refractive J0 the narrow peak shortens progressively, while the broad peak shifts positive from to negative values, corresponding to increased astigmatism and a shift from with‐the‐rule towards against‐the‐rule. For J45 the narrow peak shortens with age as well, while the broad peak flattens. These changes in refractive J0 result from statistically significant negative shifts in both the corneal and internal components with age (Kruskal‐Wallis, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

In young participants corneal and internal astigmatism partially cancel each other out. This balance between both is gradually lost after age 50, leading to larger amounts of refractive astigmatism, as well as a reorientation of the axis. Given the small amplitude of these changes, they are unlikely to have repercussions for long term stability toric cataract or refractive surgery outcomes.
New scholarship in religion and United States empire
Authors: Dougherty Matthew W.
Published: April 2019

The last few decades have seen an immense expansion in the range of topics included in the field of American religion. The methodologies and overarching narratives of the field have, however, remained more static. Despite the inclusion of racialized minorities, women, and non‐Christians in American religious history, the field has still tended to endorse a liberal integrationist narrative that minimizes the distinct positions of these and other groups in American religious life. New research conducted under the rubric of “religion and U.S. empire” offers one possible way forward for the field by reorienting narratives about American religion toward the study of how colonial systems produce terms such as religion, freedom, and pluralism. This new approach not only foregrounds the stories of colonized peoples but also allows their experiences to reframe how we narrate American religious history. This article discusses the background of the study of empire in U.S. history and religious studies, provides an overview of the main theoretical interventions of works in religion and U.S. empire, and concludes with a discussion of possible future directions for research in this field.
Slip rate of trench‐parallel normal faulting along the Mejillones Fault (Atacama Fault System): Relationships with the northern Chile subduction and implications for seismic hazards
Authors: Ritz Jean‐François , Braucher Régis , Bourlès Didier , Delouis Bertrand , Marquardt Carlos , Lavenu Alain , Philip Hervé , Ortlieb Luc
Published: April 2019

The recent tectonics of the arid northern Chile Andean western forearc is characterized by trench‐parallel normal faults within the Atacama Fault System (AFS). Since the 1995‐Mw 8.1 Antofagasta earthquake, the mechanism driving this recent and localized extension is considered to be associated with the seismic cycle within the subduction zone. Analyzing morphotectonic patterns along these faults allows examining the seismic potential associated with the subduction zone. Using field Digital Elevation Models and in situ‐produced cosmogenic10Be, we determined a 0.2 mm/a long‐term slip rate along the Mejillones Fault, one of the most prominent structures within the AFS. This result suggests that the AFS corresponds to slow slip rate faults despite the rapid subduction context. However, the size of coseismic slips observed along the AFS faults suggests that larger subduction earthquakes (Mw > 8.1) may occur episodically in the area.
Epidemiology of viral infections among children undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplant: Α prospective single‐center study
Authors: Tsoumakas Konstantinos , Giamaiou Konstantina , Goussetis Evgenios , Graphakos Stelios , Kossyvakis Athanasios , Horefti Elina , Mentis Andreas , Elefsiniotis Ioannis , Pavlopoulou Ioanna D.
Published: April 2019

Background

Viral infections are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in pediatric transplant populations. We analyzed the epidemiology of viral infections in pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) patients, including their incidence, associated risk factors, and outcome.

Methods

In a prospective study from September 2011 to September 2015, blood, urine, and stool specimens were monitored weekly from transplantation to day 100 or after if clinically suspected, by use of real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV), BK polyomavirus (BKV), Herpes simplex virus‐1,2, Varicella zoster virus, Human herpes virus‐6,7, and Adenovirus infections were monitored. All children and adolescents who underwent HSCT received long‐term follow up in the regular outpatient clinics (range 2‐48 months).

Results

A total of 192 HSCTs (autologous/allogeneic: 53/139) were performed in 165 subjects (median age: 5.6 years). Viruses most commonly isolated were CMV (46.1%), BKV (25.9%) and EBV (22.6%) and were more frequent in allogeneic versus autologous transplants (P < 0.05). Almost all high‐risk allogeneic recipients developed EBV infections post‐HSCT. EBV‐PTLD was the only cause of death among those who developed viral disease. The factors significantly associated with the development of viral infections were recipient's advanced age, unrelated donor, mismatched graft and use of peripheral blood stem cells grafts.

Conclusions

Viral infections were common among our pediatric recipients. Data suggest that monitoring of viral load may be significant to the prevention of viral disease. Particular demographic and transplantation characteristics were associated with the development of viral infections post‐HSCT.
Ultrasound‐guided placement of pigtail cystostomy tubes in dogs with urethral obstruction
Authors: Culler Christine A. , Fick Meghan , Vigani Alessio
Published: April 2019

Background

Circumstances such as the inability to pass a retrograde urinary catheter or a lack of surgeon availability may prevent immediate relief of urethral obstruction in dogs. In such situations, a cystostomy tube may be placed with ultrasound guidance to allow urinary diversion until further treatment is possible.

Key Findings

A case of a 5‐year‐old male neutered Swiss Mountain dog with an obstructive urolith at the level of the os penis is used to describe the technique. Multiple attempts to pass a urinary catheter under sedation were unsuccessful. A pigtail cystostomy tube was placed with ultrasound guidance to allow urinary diversion. The dog was discharged from the hospital within 2 days after scrotal urethrostomy and the dog made a full recovery. Ultrasound‐guided placement of a pigtail cystostomy tube was straightforward and without complications.

Significance

Ultrasound‐guided placement of a pigtail cystostomy tube may be beneficial as it is not technically challenging, can be performed rapidly, and may avoid the need for general anesthesia. Additionally, ultrasound is readily available and an inexperienced ultrasonographer can easily locate the urinary bladder. This report serves to provide a detailed technique of ultrasound‐guided placement of a pigtail cystostomy tube in dogs for emergency urinary diversion.
CT and gross pathology are comparable methods for detecting some degenerative sacroiliac joint lesions in dogs
Authors: Carnevale Michael , Jones Jeryl , Holásková Ida , Sponenberg D. Phillip
Published: April 2019

Degenerative sacroiliac joint disease is a cause of lumbosacral pain in dogs; however, published information on cross‐sectional imaging characteristics is limited. Objectives of this retrospective, secondary analysis, methods‐comparison study were to test hypotheses that CT lesions reported in humans with degenerative sacroiliac joint disease are also present in dogs, and that CT is comparable to gross pathology for detecting these lesions. Matched CT and gross pathology slice images of 30 sacroiliac joints were retrieved from a previous prospective, canine cadaver study. A veterinary radiologist interpreted randomized CT images for each joint based on previously published CT characteristics of lesions in humans with degenerative sacroiliac joint disease. A veterinary pathologist independently interpreted randomized gross pathology images using the same criteria. All joints had at least one CT lesion consistent with degenerative sacroiliac joint disease. A new CT lesion was also identified and termed “subarticular cleft.” The CT and gross pathology methods agreed for detecting joints with subchondral sclerosis, subchondral erosion, and intra‐articular ankylosis lesions (P > .05, McNemar's test), but disagreed for detection of joints with subchondral cyst, para‐articular ankylosis, and subarticular cleft lesions (P ≤ .05). Using gross pathology as the reference standard, CT had 100% sensitivity for detection of subarticular cleft and subchondral cyst lesions, with 56% and 22% specificity, respectively. Para‐articular ankylosis lesions were detected by CT but not by gross pathology. Findings supported the hypothesis that CT lesions reported in humans with degenerative sacroiliac joint disease are also present in dogs, and partially supported the hypothesis that CT is comparable to gross pathology for detecting joints with these lesions.
FRED: The Flexible Renewable Energy System Dispatch Optimizer
Authors: do Amaral Burghi Ana Carolina , Hirsch Tobias , Pitz-Paal Robert
Published: April 2019

Due to their thermal storage capability, concentrated solar power (CSP) plants have flexibility on electricity dispatch, being able to participate in balancing power markets. The development of an optimum electricity delivery schedule should be fast to react to updated forecast and the dynamic electricity markets, apart from considering best operational practices, as it brings significant cost reductions and improvement in plant performance. Therefore, dispatch optimization tools should combine financial and operational optimization with acceptable computational time. In this context, an innovative dispatch optimization algorithm used to derive a CSP plant operation schedule is presented. FRED is a heuristic rule-based algorithm used to optimize financial income while considering plant best operational practices. Simulations performed with a CSP plant tower model following FRED optimization strategy show the possibility of improved financial results with fast dispatch planning, ensuring the importance of this technology in the pathway to a highly renewable energy mix.
Individual solutions to shared problems create a modern tragedy of the commons
Authors: Gross Jörg , De Dreu Carsten K.W.
Published: April 2019

Introducing individual solutions to shared problems can lead to costly coordination failure and a “modern tragedy of the commons.”
In vivo genome editing rescues photoreceptor degeneration via a Cas9/RecA-mediated homology-directed repair pathway
Authors: Cai Yuan , Cheng Tianlin , Yao Yichuan , Li Xiao , Ma Yuqian , Li Lingyun , Zhao Huan , Bao Jin , Zhang Mei , Qiu Zilong , Xue Tian
Published: April 2019

An HDR-based Cas9/RecA system was developed to precisely correct the
Pde6b
mutation in rods of
rd1
mice to restore their vision.
Physical and geometric determinants of transport in fetoplacental microvascular networks
Authors: Erlich Alexander , Pearce Philip , Mayo Romina Plitman , Jensen Oliver E. , Chernyavsky Igor L.
Published: April 2019

Key geometric factors that determine nutrient transport in the functional exchange unit of the human placenta are identified.
Urine salts elucidate Early Neolithic animal management at Aşıklı Höyük, Turkey
Authors: Abell J. T. , Quade J. , Duru G. , Mentzer S. M. , Stiner M. C. , Uzdurum M. , Özbaşaran M.
Published: April 2019

Soluble salts in archaeological sediments reveal an increasing scale of caprine management at Aşıklı Höyük, Turkey.
Temperature-responsive biometamaterials for gastrointestinal applications
Authors: Babaee Sahab , Pajovic Simo , Kirtane Ameya R. , Shi Jiuyun , Caffarel-Salvador Ester , Hess Kaitlyn , Collins Joy E. , Tamang Siddartha , Wahane Aniket V. , Hayward Alison M. , Mazdiyasni Hormoz , Langer Robert , Traverso Giovanni
Published: April 2019

Temperature-responsive, reconfigurable metamaterials actuated by ingestion of warm water can be applied to the upper gastrointestinal tract.
In utero gene editing for monogenic lung disease
Authors: Alapati Deepthi , Zacharias William J. , Hartman Heather A. , Rossidis Avery C. , Stratigis John D. , Ahn Nicholas J , Coons Barbara , Zhou Su , Li Hiaying , Singh Kshitiz , Katzen Jeremy , Tomer Yaniv , Chadwick Alexandra C. , Musunuru Kiran , Beers Michael F. , Morrisey Edward E. , Peranteau William H.
Published: April 2019

Prenatal CRISPR gene editing results in efficient pulmonary epithelial cell editing and ameliorates a mouse model of a congenital lung disease.
Targeting senescence within the Alzheimer’s plaque
Authors: Curtis Annie
Published: April 2019

Amyloid β drives senescence of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells, presenting a potential therapeutic target.
Prospective Observational Study of the Clinical Prognoses of Patients with Bloodstream Infections Caused by Ampicillin-Susceptible but Penicillin-Resistant Enterococcus faecalis
Authors: Kim Dokyun , Lee Hyukmin , Yoon Eun-Jeong , Hong Jun Sung , Shin Jong Hee , Uh Young , Shin Kyeong Seob , Shin Jeong Hwan , Kim Young Ah , Park Yoon Soo , Jeong Seok Hoon
Published: April 2019

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical impacts of ampicillin-susceptible but penicillin-resistant (ASPR) phenotypes of
Enterococcus faecalis
on clinical outcomes in patients with bloodstream infection (BSI). A total of 295 patients with an
E. faecalis
BSI from six sentinel hospitals during a 2-year period (from May 2016 to April 2018) were enrolled in this study.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Rhodoplanes
sp. Strain T2.26MG-98, Isolated from 492.6 Meters Deep on the Subsurface of the Iberian Pyrite Belt
Authors: Mariñán N. , Martínez José M. , Leandro T. , Amils R.
Published: April 2019

Rhodoplanes
sp. strain T2.26MG-98 was isolated from the deep subsurface of the Iberian Pyrite Belt. We report its draft genome, consisting of 214 contigs with a chromosome of ∼5.6 Mb and a 53.7-kb plasmid.
Draft Genome Sequences of Sporulation-Impaired Bacillus pumilus Strain NRS576 and Its Native Plasmid p576
Authors: Val-Calvo Jorge , Miguel-Arribas Andrés , Gago-Córdoba César , López-Pérez Arancha , Ramachandran Gayetri , Singh Praveen K. , Ramos-Ruiz Ricardo , Meijer Wilfried J. J.
Published: April 2019

Bacillus pumilus
spores can cause foodborne poisonings.
B. pumilus
strain NRS576 forms spores with a very reduced efficiency due to the presence of a plasmid, named p576.
First Draft Genome Sequence of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. eucalyptorum, Causal Agent of Bacterial Leaf Blight on Eucalypt
Authors: Neves Yane F. , Santos Samuel A. , Guimarães Lúcio M. S. , Vidigal Pedro M. P. , Badel Jorge L. , Alfenas-Zerbini Poliane , Mafia Reginaldo G. , Alfenas Acelino C.
Published: April 2019

Here, we report the annotated draft genome sequence of
Xanthomonas axonopodis
pv. eucalyptorum pathotype strain LPF602 (synonym
Xanthomonas axonopodis
BSC45a), isolated from eucalypt leaves showing bacterial blight symptoms in Brazil. The availability of these genomic data will help improve the understanding of the evolution and molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of this microorganism.
Draft Genome Sequences of 12
Mycolicibacterium smegmatis
Strains Resistant to Imidazo[1,2-
b
][1,2,4,5]Tetrazines
Authors: Vatlin Aleksey A. , Shur Kirill V. , Danilenko Valery N. , Maslov Dmitry A.
Published: April 2019

Here, we report 12 draft genome sequences of mutant
Mycolicibacterium smegmatis
strains resistant to imidazo[1,2-
b
][1,2,4,5]tetrazines, which are antituberculosis drug candidates. We have identified 7 different mutations in the MSMEG_1380 gene, which encodes the AcrR/TetR_N transcriptional repressor, which may activate efflux-mediated resistance.
Isolated pontine involvement in posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome with coincidental acute ischaemic stroke
Authors: Wijenayake Galagamage Indunil Deepthi Kumara , Sujith Anjali , Kiringodage Ajith Kumara
Published: April 2019

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a cliniconeuroradiological syndrome characterised by a unique reversible pattern on imaging and total regression of clinical symptoms and signs. We describe an unusual case of PRES with isolated pontine involvement with coincidental acute ischaemic stroke in a 60-year-old man who presented with headache, unsteadiness of gait, blurred vision and elevated blood pressure. MRI scan revealed an expanded pons with diffuse T2 and Fluid attenuated Inversion Recovery (FLAIR) hyperintensities and an acute infarct in the right temporal lobe. A diagnosis of PRES was considered most likely after exclusion of other differentials and the patient was started on antihypertensive treatment as for hypertensive encephalopathy. He became asymptomatic after controlling blood pressure and the follow-up MRI scan at 3 weeks showed complete resolution of the pontine high signals which confirmed the diagnosis of PRES.
Interplay between obesity and smoking with regard to RA risk
Authors: Hedström Anna Karin , Klareskog Lars , Alfredsson Lars
Published: April 2019

Objectives

Previous studies on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and body mass index (BMI) have yielded diverging results. We aimed to clarify the influence of BMI on the risk of developing anticitrullinated peptide antibody (ACPA)-positive and ACPA-negative RA by taking into consideration gender, smoking habits and human leukocyte antigen (HLA-DRB1) shared epitope (SE) status.

Methods

The present report is based on a Swedish population-based, case–control study with incident cases of RA (3572 cases, 5772 matched controls). Using logistic regression models, overweight/obese subjects were compared with normal weight subjects regarding risk of developing RA, by calculating ORs with 95% CIs.

Results

We observed diverging results for women and men. Among women, the risk of both ACPA-positive and ACPA-negative RA increased with increasing BMI, whereas an inverse association was observed among men for ACPA-positive RA. The results were similar regardless if RA onset before or after the age of 55 years was considered. When the analyses were stratified by smoking habits, the influence of BMI on RA risk was mainly restricted to smokers. Among women, a significant interaction was observed between smoking and overweight/obesity with regard to both subsets of RA. No interaction was observed between HLA-DRB1 SE and overweight/obesity with regard to RA risk.

Conclusions

The interaction between smoking and obesity regarding risk for RA in women warrants efforts to reduce these risk factors in those at risk for RA. The sex differences concerning the influence of obesity on RA risk merit further studies to verify these results and understand underlying mechanisms.
Protective effect of essential oil ofCinnamomum verumbark on hepatic and renal toxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride in rats
Authors: Bellassoued Khaled , Ghrab Ferdaws , Hamed Houda , Kallel Rim , van Pelt Jos , Lahyani Amina , Ayadi Fatma Makni , El Feki Abdelfattah
Published: April 2019

The inner bark of cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) is widely used as a spice. Cinnamon plants are also a valuable source of essential oil used for medicinal purposes. The present study aimed to investigate the composition and in vitro antioxidant activity of essential oil of C. verum bark (CvEO) and its protective effects in vivo on CCl4-induced hepatic and renal toxicity in rats. Groups of animals were pretreated for 7 days with CvEO (70 or 100 mg/kg body weight) or received no treatment and on day 7 a single dose of CCl4was used to induce oxidative stress. Twenty-four hours after CCl4administration, the animals were euthanized. In the untreated group, CCl4induced an increase in serum biochemical parameters and triggered oxidative stress in both liver and kidneys. CvEO (100 mg/kg) caused significant reductions in CCl4-elevated levels of alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, γ-glutamyl transferase, lactate dehydrogenase, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, urea, and creatinine and increased the level of high-density lipoprotein compared with the untreated group. Moreover, pretreatment with CvEO at doses of 70 and 100 mg/kg before administration of CCl4produced significant reductions in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and protein carbonyl levels in liver and kidney tissues compared with the untreated group. The formation of pathological hepatic and kidney lesions induced by the administration of CCl4was strongly prevented by CvEO at a dose of 100 mg/kg. Overall, this study suggests that administration of CvEO has high potential to quench free radicals and alleviate CCl4-induced hepatorenal toxicity in rats.