bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantifying regional biodiversity in the tropics: A case study of freshwater fish in Trinidad and Tobago
Authors: Jones Faith A. M. , Rutherford Mike G. , Deacon Amy E. , Phillip Dawn A. T. , Magurran Anne E.
Published: August 2019

Extinction rates are predicted to accelerate during the Anthropocene. Quantifying and mitigating these extinctions demands robust data on distributions of species and the diversity of taxa in regional biotas. However, many assemblages, particularly those in the tropics, are poorly characterized. Targeted surveys and historical museum collections are increasingly being used to meet the urgent need for accurate information, but the extent to which these contrasting data sources support meaningful inferences about biodiversity change in regional assemblages remains unclear. Here, we seek to elucidate uncertainty surrounding regional biodiversity estimates by evaluating the performance of these alternative methods in estimating the species richness and assemblage composition of the freshwater fish of Trinidad & Tobago. We compared estimates of regional species richness derived from two freshwater fish datasets: a targeted two year survey of Trinidad & Tobago rivers and historical museum collection records submitted to The University of the West Indies Zoology Museum. Richness was estimated using rarefaction and extrapolation, and assemblage composition was benchmarked against a recent literature review. Both datasets provided similar estimates of regional freshwater fish species richness (50 and 46 species, respectively), with a large overlap (85%) in species identities. Regional species richness estimates based on survey and museum data are thus comparable, and consistent in the species they include. Our results suggest that museum collection data are a viable option for setting reliable baselines in many tropical systems, thereby widening options for meaningful monitoring and evaluation of temporal trends.

Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.
Risk stratification of advanced colorectal neoplasia after baseline colonoscopy: Cohort study of 17 Japanese community practices
Authors: Shono Takashi , Oyama Shinichiro , Oda Yasushi , Yokomine Kazunori , Murakami Yoshitaka , Miyamoto Hideaki , Tanaka Motohiko , Naoe Hideaki , Sasaki Yutaka ,   the Kumamoto Colon Cancer Study Group
Published: August 2019

Background and Aim

In Japan, risk stratification after baseline colonoscopy is not widely accepted. We investigated the findings of baseline colonoscopies at 17 community practices and evaluated the risk of the incidence of advanced neoplasia over a 5‐year period.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study enrolled 3115 subjects over 40 years of age who underwent baseline colonoscopies and had at least one repeated colonoscopy within 5 years. Each group was classified based on the endoscopic findings of the baseline colonoscopy: no neoplasia/diminutive polyp <5 mm (N/D); small adenoma <10 mm; advanced adenoma; invasive cancer, respectively. We examined the incidence of advanced neoplasia during these 5 years and investigated the relationship between the surveillance colonoscopy and newly detected advanced neoplasia.

Results

The small adenoma group did not show any significant increased risk as compared to the N/D group (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.799. 95% CI 0.442–1.443). There was a significantly increased risk in the advanced adenoma and invasive cancer groups (HR: 4.996, 95% CI 2.940–8.491, HR: 3.737, 95% CI 1.309–10.666). Cancer incidences during the study period were 0.18% in the N/D group, and 1.9% in the invasive cancer group, respectively. Undergoing surveillance colonoscopies twice within 5 years decreased the risk of advanced neoplasia.

Conclusions

There was a close relationship between the endoscopic findings of baseline colonoscopies and subsequent advanced neoplasia development. Risk stratification for advanced neoplasia based on the baseline findings can serve as a useful index for determining the optimal interval and frequency of colonoscopies over a 5‐year period.
A mereological argument for the non‐spatiotemporality of things in themselves
Authors: Heide Dai
Published: August 2019

Kant's published arguments for the non‐spatiotemporality of things in themselves have not been well received. I argue that Kant has available to himself an argument for the non‐spatiotemporality of things in themselves that is premised upon a disparity between the compositional structure of the intelligible world and the structure of space and time. I argue that Kant was unwaveringly committed to the premises of this argument throughout his career and that he was aware of their idealistic implications. I also argue that this argument is consistent with Kant's restrictive mature epistemology. If my argument is successful, then even if Kant's published arguments for transcendental idealism fail, we need not regard his ambitious metaphysical project as a failure.
Prediction methods of fatigue critical point for notched components under multiaxial fatigue loading
Authors: Luo Peng , Yao Weixing , Susmel Luca , Li Piao
Published: August 2019

Two methods based on local stress responses are proposed to locate fatigue critical point of metallic notched components under non‐proportional loading. The points on the notch edge maintain a state of uniaxial stress even when the far‐field fatigue loading is multiaxial. The point bearing the maximum stress amplitude is recognized as fatigue critical point under the condition of non‐mean stress; otherwise, the Goodman's empirical formula is adopted to amend mean stress effect prior to the determination of fatigue critical point. Furthermore, the uniaxial stress state can be treated as a special multiaxial stress state. The Susmel's fatigue damage parameter is employed to evaluate the fatigue damage of these points on the notch edge. Multiaxial fatigue tests on thin‐walled round tube notched specimens made of GH4169 nickel‐base alloy and 2297 aluminium‐lithium alloy are carried out to verify the two methods. The prediction results show that both the stress amplitude method and the Susmel's parameter method can accurately locate the fatigue critical point of metallic notched components under multiaxial fatigue loading.
Colorectal adenocarcinoma with enteroblastic differentiation: a clinicopathological study of five cases
Authors: Murakami Takashi , Yao Takashi , Yatagai Noboru , Yamashiro Yuya , Saito Tsuyoshi , Sakamoto Naoto , Nagahara Akihito
Published: August 2019

Aims

Colorectal adenocarcinoma with enteroblastic differentiation (CAED) is a rare malignancy, and its clinicopathological characteristics have not yet been fully elucidated. This study aimed to elucidate the clinicopathological features of CAED through immunostaining of enteroblastic lineage markers alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP), glypican‐3 (GPC3), and spalt‐like transcription factor 4 (SALL4).

Methods and results

We identified five CAED cases (0.3%) from 1666 colorectal carcinomas, analysed the clinicopathological characteristics and performed immunostaining for AFP, GPC3 and SALL4. Three patients were male and two were female. All cases were located in the sigmoid colon or rectum. Histologically, all cases showed adenocarcinoma composed of cuboidal or columnar cells, with clear cytoplasm resembling the primitive gut; one case exhibited a partial hepatoid pattern. The depth of invasion was T2 and T3 in two and three cases, respectively. Lymphatic/venous invasion was found in all cases (100%), lymph node metastases in four of five cases (80%) and distant metastases in three of five cases (60%) (liver, two cases; lung, one case). Two patients died as a result of their disease during follow‐up. Immunohistochemically, SALL4 and GPC3 were each positive in four of five cases, whereas one case with a hepatoid component was positive for AFP. All three CAED cases with distant metastases were GPC3‐positive.

Conclusions

CAED was frequently located in the sigmoid colon or rectum, showed aggressive behaviour, such as lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis, and had a dismal prognosis. In addition, CAED was immunoreactive to AFP, GPC3 or SALL4, indicating that these markers may be characteristic of CAED.
Humans and wind, shaping Antarctic soil arthropod biodiversity
Authors: Vega Greta C. , Convey Peter , Hughes Kevin A. , Olalla‐Tárraga Miguel Ángel
Published: August 2019

Biodiversity loss has increased globally in recent years. The major threat to Antarctica's unique terrestrial biodiversity is the establishment of non‐native species. Nonetheless, while preventing the introduction of non‐native species from outside, Antarctica has received increasing research attention, the movement of species within and between Antarctic biogeographic regions remains largely unexplored.

Within a biogeographical framework, we attempt to disentangle the role of abiotic and movement factors leading to potential range expansion in the Antarctic Peninsula of two native Collembola: Cryptopygus antarcticus and Folsomotoma octooculata.

We found that, although locations exist with similar abiotic conditions to those already occupied by both species in non‐colonised areas of the Antarctic Peninsula, connectivity via wind to these currently unoccupied areas is smaller than that between present occurrences. Thus, wind transport might result in range expansion very sporadically. Meanwhile, we found that human‐influenced sites at the north‐eastern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula had similar climates to locations where both species are currently found. Thus, range expansion could occur to these areas if these invertebrates are inadvertently transported through human activities.

This article provides a proof of principle for combining Antarctic biogeographical and meteorological data to deliver practical recommendations to environmental managers.
Intergenerational partnerships in nursing: lessons from a plenary session at the 2019 International Council of Nurses' Singapore Conference
Authors: Salmon Marla E. , Walji Sarah
Published: August 2019

This year’s International Council of Nurses’ global Congress in Singapore featured a theme of strengthening collaboration and partnerships across generations. In their plenary session, the two authors of this article exemplified this theme in both the development and delivery of their session. Together, they developed a set of ‘common ground’ attributes of nursing policy leaders, reflecting the knowledge and experiences of two very different nursing policy leaders: one a ‘Baby Boomer’ nurse with almost five decades of national and global policy leadership, and the other, an early career ‘Millennial’ leader engaged in her first decade of global policy leadership work. Their collaboration resulted in a session featuring reflections on relevance across generations, using symbolic images and a ‘Ted‐talk’ style presentation, and active engagement of the audience. This article speaks to both the process for developing these ‘common ground’ attributes, and insights and lessons learned that can help inform future collaborations across generations of nurses.
Systemic translation of locally infiltrated epidermal growth factor in diabetic lower extremity wounds
Authors: García‐Ojalvo Ariana , Berlanga Acosta Jorge , Figueroa‐Martínez Alain , Béquet‐Romero Mónica , Mendoza‐Marí Yssel , Fernández‐Mayola Maday , Fabelo‐Martínez Amirelia , Guillén‐Nieto Gerardo
Published: August 2019

Diabetic foot ulcer is one of the most frightened diabetic complications leading to amputation disability and early mortality. Diabetic wounds exhibit a complex networking of inflammatory cytokines, local proteases, and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species as a pathogenic polymicrobial biofilm, overall contributing to wound chronification and host homeostasis imbalance. Intralesional infiltration of epidermal growth factor (EGF) has emerged as a therapeutic alternative to diabetic wound healing, reaching responsive cells while avoiding the deleterious effect of proteases and the biofilm on the wound's surface. The present study shows that intralesional therapy with EGF is associated with the systemic attenuation of pro‐inflammatory markers along with redox balance recovery. A total of 11 diabetic patients with neuropathic foot ulcers were studied before and 3 weeks after starting EGF treatment. Evaluations comprised plasma levels of pro‐inflammatory, redox balance, and glycation markers. Pro‐inflammatory markers such as erythrosedimentation rate, C‐reactive protein, interleukin‐6, soluble FAS, and macrophage inflammatory protein 1‐alpha were significantly reduced by EGF therapy. Oxidative capacity, nitrite/nitrate ratio, and pentosidine were also reduced, while soluble receptor for advanced glycation end‐products significantly increased. Overall, our results indicate that the local intralesional infiltration of EGF translates in systemic anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant effects, as in attenuation of the glycation products' negative effects.
Rank and file equity compensation and earnings management: Evidence from stock options
Authors: Holderness D. Kip , Huffman Adrienna , Lewis‐Western Melissa
Published: August 2019

The widespread use of rank and file equity‐based compensation suggests that executives believe that rank and file employees can affect firm outcomes, and some research supports this view. If equity‐based incentives influence rank and file employees’ productive efforts, they might also influence their earnings management decisions. We find that increases in rank and file employees’ option‐based compensation—our proxy for equity‐based compensation—are associated with increases in earnings management and that this relation is attributable to real activities (as opposed to accrual) earnings management. Cross‐sectional tests indicate that the relation is stronger when rank and file option compensation is likely to generate greater performance incentives and attenuated in the presence of more intense monitoring. Finally, we explore the role of cash constraints and overvaluation as potential alternative explanations for this relation and find that neither accounts for our results.
Developing a hands‐on activity using virtual reality to help students learn by doing
Authors: Chen Jyun‐Chen , Huang Yun , Lin Kuen‐Yi , Chang Yu‐Shan , Lin Hung‐Chang , Lin Chien‐Yu , Hsiao Hsien‐Sheng
Published: August 2019

This study combined virtual reality (VR) technology, the 6E (Engage, Explore, Explain, Engineer, Enrich, and Evaluate) model, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education to develop a hands‐on activity aimed at helping students to achieve “learning by doing.” The participants were 162 tenth‐grade students, divided into the Experimental Group (hands‐on activity using VR technology) and the Control Group (hands‐on activity via lectures). Using sequential analysis, this study investigated how the hands‐on activity influenced the students' behavioral patterns in learning. The results showed that all of the students' learning performances and hands‐on abilities were enhanced. Moreover, the students who used VR technology achieved both significantly better learning performances and hands‐on abilities, indicating that VR might be able to help the students understand abstract scientific concepts and build mental models, which they used to internalize and organize knowledge structures. Furthermore, this study discovered that the students who learned using VR technology formed a cyclical learning pattern, starting with a group discussion (G), moving on to solving problems (S) and developing a product (D), and then going back to another group discussion. However, the students who learned via lectures produced a linear learning pattern in the order of G→S→D.
S100A11 functions as novel oncogene in glioblastoma via S100A11/ANXA2/NF‐κB positive feedback loop
Authors: Tu Yiming , Xie Peng , Du Xiaoliu , Fan Liang , Bao Zhongyuan , Sun Guangchi , zhao Pengzhan , Chao Honglu , Li Chong , Zeng Ailiang , Pan Minhong , Ji Jing
Published: August 2019

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most universal type of primary brain malignant tumour, and the prognosis of patients with GBM is poor. S100A11 plays an essential role in tumour. However, the role and molecular mechanism of S100A11 in GBM are not clear. Here, we found that S100A11 was up‐regulated in GBM tissues and higher S100A11 expression indicated poor prognosis of GBM patients. Overexpression of S100A11 promoted GBM cell growth, epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), migration, invasion and generation of glioma stem cells (GSCs), whereas its knockdown inhibited these activities. More importantly, S100A11 interacted with ANXA2 and regulated NF‐κB signalling pathway through decreasing ubiquitination and degradation of ANXA2. Additionally, NF‐κB regulated S100A11 at transcriptional level as a positive feedback. We also demonstrated the S100A11 on tumour growth in GBM using an orthotopic tumour xenografting. These data demonstrate that S100A11/ANXA2/NF‐κB positive feedback loop in GBM cells that promote the progression of GBM.
Atlantic salmon Salmo salar passing a natural barrier before and after construction of a hydroelectric station
Authors: Kennedy Richard James , O'Connor William , Allen Michelle
Published: August 2019

A hydro power plant constructed around a waterfall on a coastal spate river, used the fall as a natural fish pass and applied a previous telemetry study on local Atlantic salmon Salmo salar to determine the abstraction conditions for the site. The current study used the same telemetry approach to monitor the efficacy of S. salar passage and to compare migratory behaviour at the waterfall pre and post the hydro development. The probability of S. salar successfully crossing the waterfall was higher post‐hydro when 80% of tagged fish successfully crossed in comparison to the pristine pre‐hydro period when 44% of tagged fish ascended. The flow range used by tagged S. salar to cross the waterfall ranged from 2.49−7.87 m3 s−1 in the pre‐hydro period but broadened to 1.32−12.91 m3 s−1 during the post‐hydro period. This was principally due to the hydro diverting water away from the waterfall during spate conditions, damping the flow across the barrier and facilitating upstream migration within a more suitable discharge range. During 2017–2018 implementation of the hydro‐operation protocol elongated the duration of the migratory window for successful upstream migration by 36–128%. A strong diurnal pattern was observed for movements across the Salmon Leap waterfall during both the pre‐hydro and post‐hydro monitoring periods with most tagged S. salar crossing the complex obstacle in daylight.
Food craving in daily life: comparison of overweight and normal‐weight participants with ecological momentary assessment
Authors: Roefs A. , Boh B. , Spanakis G. , Nederkoorn C. , Lemmens L. H. J. M. , Jansen A.
Published: August 2019

Background

The present study examined food cravings in daily life by comparing overweight and normal‐weight participants right before eating events and at non‐eating moments. It was hypothesised that overweight participants would have (i) more frequent, (ii) stronger and (iii) a greater variety of high‐caloric palatable food cravings, and also would (iv) consume more high‐caloric palatable foods, than normal‐weight participants.

Methods

Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) was used to assess food craving strength and frequency, variety of specific food cravings, and food intake. Fifty‐seven overweight and 43 normal‐weight adult participants were assessed at eating events and at an average of eight random non‐eating moments per day for 2 weeks. Foods were categorised as: high‐caloric high palatable foods (HCHP), fruits and salads, staple food dishes and sandwiches, and soups and yoghurts.

Results

Overweight participants reported more frequentHCHPfood cravings specifically at non‐eating moments than did normal‐weight participants. Normal‐weight participants reported more food cravings for staple foods, specifically at eating events. Moreover, overweight participants craved a greater variety ofHCHPfoods than normal‐weight participants at both eating events and random non‐eating moments. No other significant between‐group differences were found.

Conclusions

The results highlight the importance for obesity interventions (i) to specifically target high‐caloric palatable food cravings that are experienced during the day and are not tied to eating moments and (ii) to aim for a reduction in the variety of high‐caloric palatable food cravings. It might be fruitful to deliver treatment aimed at reducing cravings via mobile devices because this allows for easy individual tailoring and timing of interventions.
The effect of inspiratory muscle training on fatigue and dyspnea in patients with heart failure: A randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Hossein Pour Amir Hossein , Gholami Mohammad , Saki Mandana , Birjandi Mehdi
Published: August 2019

Aim

Fatigue and dyspnea are debilitating symptoms in patients with heart failure (HF). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on dyspnea, fatigue and the New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classification in patients with HF.

Methods

In this prospective, randomized, controlled trial, 84 patients with HF (NYHA classes II‐III/IV) with a mean age of 56.62 ± 9.56 years were randomly assigned to a 6‐week IMT (n = 42) or a sham IMT (n = 42) program. The IMT was performed at 40% of the maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) in the IMT group and at 10% in the sham group. The main outcomes were assessed at baseline and after the intervention and included dyspnea severity scale (Modified Medical Research Council [MMRC], Fatigue Severity Scale [FSS] and the NYHA functional classification (based on the presenting symptoms).

Results

The between‐group analysis showed significant improvements in dyspnea, fatigue and the NYHA functional classification in the IMT group compared to the sham group (P < .05). The within‐group analysis showed significant improvements in dyspnea (from 2.63 ± 0.79 to 1.38 ± 0.66, P < .001), fatigue (from 43.36 ± 8.5 to 28.95 ± 9.11, P < .001) and the NYHA functional classification (from 2.73 ± 0.5 to 2.1 ± 0.6, P = .001) in the IMT group, while fatigue and dyspnea increased significantly in the sham group.

Conclusions

The 6‐week home‐based IMT was found to be an effective and safe tool for reducing dyspnea and fatigue and improving the NYHA functional classification.
The maize frontier in rural South India: Exploring the everyday dynamics of the contemporary food regime
Authors: Jakobsen Jostein
Published: August 2019

This contribution explores how new regions and crops are integrated in the contemporary food regime through a fieldwork‐based approach to maize cultivation in rural Karnataka, South India. As an intrinsic part of the industrial grain–oilseed–livestock complex, maize is an important component of the contemporary food regime. I argue that the expansion of maize at the village level follows commodity frontier dynamics, located at the conjuncture of processes “from above” pushing the industrial grain–oilseed–complex forward and processes “from below” that integrate maize in everyday livelihoods. Focusing on how villagers make use of maize in ways that cross, but simultaneously are differentiated along, lines of class and caste, this article seeks to contribute to our understanding of the everyday dynamics of contemporary food regime.
Leader interpersonal emotion regulation and innovation in teams
Authors: Madrid Hector P. , Niven Karen , Vasquez Cristian A.
Published: August 2019

Interpersonal emotion regulation is an important psychological function in social behaviour. However, this construct has still been scantly explored in work psychology and organizational settings, meaning that the effects of interpersonal emotion regulation on core aspects of work performance are as yet unknown. Thus, our article seeks to provide insight into how, in the context of teamwork in organizations, leaders can enhance team effectiveness by using interpersonal emotion regulation to capitalize on the important role that affects plays in team innovation. Using a multisource field study, we tested and supported a mediation model in which leaders’ attempts to improve their team members’ emotions were positively related to team innovation via team positive affective tone. Conversely, leader affect‐worsening regulation was negatively related to team innovation via team negative affective tone. As such, we contribute to the work and organizational psychology literature by applying the notion of interpersonal emotion regulation in the teamwork setting, identifying specific behaviours of leaders that influence the development of novel ideas through shared affective experiences.

Practitioner points

Leader interpersonal emotion regulation increases or decreases innovation by means of team affect.

Leader affect‐improving interpersonal emotion regulation is positively related to team innovation, whereas leader affect‐worsening interpersonal emotion regulation has the opposite effect.

Interventions for leader development should include training on interpersonal emotion regulation to benefit teamwork.
Knowledge, Beliefs, and Attitudes About Contraception Among Rural Latino Adolescents and Young Adults
Authors: Barral Romina L. , Cartujano Brenda , Perales Jaime , Ramirez Mariana , Cowden John D. , Trent Maria E. , Ramaswamy Megha , Kessler Sarah Finocchario
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Latino youth experience significant disparities in rates of teen pregnancy, and reproductive health needs of rural Latino youth are not well understood. The purpose of this study was to describe knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes about contraception among rural Latino adolescents and young adults (Latino youth).

Methods

Eighty‐four Latino youth, aged 15–24 years from rural Kansas communities participated in 15 focus groups (FG) and completed an individual survey. The survey assessed demographics and acculturation. FG participants discussed attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived sexual behaviors regarding teen sexuality, pregnancy, and contraception.

Results

FGs revealed multiple obstacles to accessing reproductive health services: geographical/rural location, cultural barriers, religious influences, lack of sexual education, and personal attitudes toward pregnancy and contraception use. Participants described close‐knit communities with limited access to confidential reproductive health care. They identified cultural and religious factors (sexual taboo, virginity, Familismo, and family dishonor) that influence family planning behaviors among Latino youth and obstruct access to sexual health and contraception knowledge and services. Ambivalence regarding pregnancy intentions was common, along with the belief that contraception equates with abortion.

Conclusions

Latino youth in rural communities face multiple physical and sociocultural obstacles to accessing family planning information and services. Community‐based pregnancy prevention interventions must target these obstacles to optimize reproductive health outcomes for Latino youth in rural settings.
Further characterization of a novel EP2 and EP3 receptor dual agonist, ONO‐8055, on lower urinary tract function in normal and lumbar canal stenosis rats
Authors: Sekido Noritoshi , Kida Jun , Otsuki Takeya , Mashimo Hiroko , Matsuya Hidekazu , Okada Hiroki
Published: August 2019

Aims

To further explore the effects of a novel EP2 and EP3 dual agonist, ONO‐8055, on detrusor contractility, we investigated the responses of bladder strips from sham and lumbar canal stenosis (LCS) rats to this agonist, its effects on lower urinary tract function in normal rats, and mRNA expression of EP2 and EP3 receptors in the sham and LCS rats.

Methods

The responses of bladder strips from sham and LCS rats to ONO‐8055 were measured. The effects of ONO‐8055 on LUT function of normal rats were investigated with awake cystometry and intraurethral perfusion pressure (Pura) measurements. The relative mRNA of bladder and urethral tissue of the sham and LCS rats was quantified using specific probes for EP1, EP2, EP3, and EP4 genes.

Results

Compared with the vehicle, the muscle tensions of both the sham and LCS rats were significantly increased after adding this agonist. On awake cystometry of normal rats, bladder capacity and Pura were decreased in the ONO‐8055 groups, but a statistically significant difference in mean changes was demonstrated only between the vehicle group and the group receiving the highest dose. Compared with the sham rats, mRNA expressions of the four EP receptors in the lower urinary tract of the LCS rats did not show a statistically significant difference.

Conclusions

This agonist did not augment bladder contractility or urethral relaxation in normal rats.
Factors predicting persistence of AV nodal block in post‐TAVR patients following permanent pacemaker implantation
Authors: Lader Joshua M. , Barbhaiya Chirag R. , Subnani Kishore , Park David , Aizer Anthony , Holmes Douglas , Staniloae Cezar , Williams Mathew R. , Chinitz Larry A.
Published: August 2019

Introduction

A common complication of transcatheter aortic valve repair (TAVR) is development of conduction defects requiring pacemaker (PPM) implantation. These defects are not universally permanent.

Objective

To determine the incidence and predictors of persistent device dependency in patients with PPM implantation following TAVR with a self‐expanding prosthesis.

Methods

Records of patients who underwent post‐TAVR PPM implantation were reviewed. Patients with persistent complete AV block (AVBIII) one month post‐TAVR were compared to those regaining conduction.

Results

Between September 2014 and March 2017, 485 patients underwent TAVR with a self‐expanding prosthesis; 77 (15.9%) underwent PPM implantation for AVBIII. Device interrogation at one month was available for 61 patients (79%): 22 (36.1%) had resolution of AVBIII while 39 (63.9%) remained pacemaker‐dependent. Pre‐TAVR right bundle branch block was more frequent in device‐dependent patients (19 of 38, 50% vs 4 of 22, 18%; RR 2.75; P = .01). Device‐dependence was associated with AVBIII as the first postprocedural rhythm (37 of 39, 95% vs 12 of 22, 55%; RR 1.74; P < .0001), earlier implantation (median 1d, IQR: 0‐1.5d vs 2d, IQR: 1.0‐4.0d, P = .0004), and a shorter duration of hospitalization (median 3d, IQR: 2‐3.5d vs 4d, IQR: 2‐5.75d, P = .03). Pacemaker dependence was also associated with a higher prosthesis‐to left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) diameter (1.45 ± 0.11 vs 1.39 ± 0.07; P = .02) and the lack of prior aortic valvuloplasty (5 of 39, 13% vs 8 of 22, 36%; RR 0.35; P = .03).

Conclusions

In patients receiving a PPM following self‐expanding TAVR, a long‐term pacing requirement can be predicted from the timing of AV block, existing conduction‐system disease, larger prosthesis‐to‐LVOT diameter, and the lack of aortic valvuloplasty.
Effects of climate‐induced water temperature changes on the life history of brachyuran crabs
Authors: Azra Mohamad N. , Aaqillah‐Amr Mohd Amran , Ikhwanuddin Mhd , Ma Hongyu , Waiho Khor , Ostrensky Antonio , Tavares Camila Prestes dos Santos , Abol‐Munafi Ambok Bolong
Published: August 2019

Water temperature is among the most important factors affecting reproduction and development of brachyuran crabs. The increase in mean global temperature resulting from climate change and atmospheric warming subjects all organisms to potential thermal stress. This paper reviews the effects of climate‐induce water temperature change on the thermal tolerance, thermal polygon and as expressed by changes in growth, development, thermal resistance, maturation, spawning and embryonic development throughout the brachyuran crab's lifespan. Survival and growth of brachyuran crabs, particularly during moulting, is temperature dependent. Thermal tolerance as depicted in thermal polygons varies among individuals depending on their acclimatization temperature and life stage, size and physiological condition. The mechanism of thermal tolerance and exact parameters of the thermal polygons of brachyuran crabs remain to be elucidated. Cooler water retards growth and delays maturity, causing crabs to begin maturation when they are at larger sizes. Crabs possess a set of behavioural, biochemical and physiological responses that enable them to compensate for temperature fluctuations, but these biological tools have limits.
Subversive Nationalism through Memes: A Dota 2 Case Study
Authors: Ismangil Milan
Published: August 2019

China is home to the world's largest audience for e‐sports, or competitive videogames. While competitive videogames have become popular within a borderless, digital environment, the e‐sports fan base has a decidedly nationalist element to it. This article argues that new forms of digital nationalism are part and parcel of normal discourse within the Chinese competitive videogames environment. Through a case study of one specific competitive videogame, this article shows how nationalist narratives are enacted by the community itself at the grass roots, creating bottom‐up forms of nationalism. Combining digital fieldwork with offline interviews and observations, the study sheds light on new forms of nationalist expression appearing online in China. It focuses in particular on memes and how these serve as micro expressions of nationalism, maintaining and reinforcing nationalist narratives originating within state discourses.
How (Not) to Foster Innovations in Public Infrastructure Projects*
Authors: Hoppe Eva I. , Schmitz Patrick W.
Published: August 2019

The government wants an infrastructure‐based public service to be provided. First, the infrastructure has to be built; subsequently, it has to be operated. Should the government bundle the building and operating tasks in a public–private partnership? Or should it choose traditional procurement (i.e., delegate the tasks to different firms)? Each task entails unobservable investments to come up with innovations. It turns out that, depending on the nature of the innovations, bundling can either stimulate or discourage investments. Moreover, we find that if renegotiation cannot be prevented, public–private partnerships might lead the government to deliberately opt for technologically inferior projects.
A novel silentRHCEallele in Chinese population
Authors: Zhao F. Y. , Li Q. , Zhang D. M. , Guo Z. H. , Wu Y. X. , Wang F. , Zhang J. M. , Qian M. , Zhu Z. Y.
Published: August 2019

Objectives

We aimed to analyse the molecular backgrounds of the family in which an eight‐day‐old baby was confirmed to have hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) and phenotype observed for the baby did not conform to the expected phenotype.

Background

The silentRHCEallele is rare in the Rh system.

Methods

To determine the antibody specificity, her family members' blood samples were collected and tested using routine serological methods. The Rh C + c‐e + E‐ phenotype observed for the baby did not conform to the expected phenotype based on the maternal RhC‐c + E + e‐ phenotype. TheRHgenes of the family members were further analysed by sequencing.

Results

The Rh phenotypes of the baby, her brother, her mother and father were CCDee, CcDEe, ccDEE and CCDee, respectively. IgG anti‐e was confirmed to cause the HDN in the case. A heterozygous silentRHCE * 03(c.1059G > A) mutation in exon 7 was found in the baby and her mother, which is a novel nonsense allele caused by a premature termination codon (Trp353stop).

Conclusion

The silentRHCE * 03(c.1059G > A) variant was observed in a heterozygous state in mother and baby. We predict that, had this occurred in the homozygous state, it would give rise to the rare D‐‐ phenotype. To enhance the safety of transfusion, considerable attention should be paid to theRHCEgene in the Chinese population.
SCIENCE, RELIGION, AND ETHICS: A RESPONSE TO MICHAEL J. REISS
Authors: Soskice Janet Martin
Published: August 2019

The respondent agrees with Michael Reiss's general diagnosis of the rudderless state of ethics in our modern society, but not with all of his account of its causes or possible solutions. Scripture has always been limited in terms of direct moral commands, and secular ethics has, since Aristotle at least, been influential in directing Christian understanding of the “good life.” Ethics must be based in biology, but evolutionary biology can tell us more readily what is, than guide us into “what ought” to be. Christian teaching classically emphasized moral formation, grounded in the understanding that we are creatures of a good Creator. We have our being as gift, and human life flourishes when oriented to the Good.
Nigeria research reactor-1 : Vertical detector efficiency calibration using conventional and semi-empirical approach for large samples NAA implementation
Authors: Abubakar Umar Aliyu , Hamzah Khaidzir , Mohammed Saleh Muneer Aziz , Ghoshal Sibkrishna , Muhammad Rawi Muhammad , Umar Sadiq , Adesoloye Jonah Sunday , Danladi Jatau Bashir
Published: August 2019

Detector efficiency calibration is mandatory for accurate measurement of induced activity in irradiated samples and for safe operation of the reactor with minimal uncertainty. This paper reported the efficiency calibration of vertically dIpstick High Purity Germanium detector, installed at the Centre for Energy Research and Training, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria for the purpose of large sample Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA) using Nigeria research reactor-1 (NIRR-1). The performance of the detector was evaluated for the radioisotope activity measurements during the reactor operation for large samples neutron activation analysis. The detector performance in terms of radioisotopes detection ability was inspected using the standard conventional and semi-empirical approaches. The full energy peak efficiencies were determined at the corresponding energies for three different geometries (source to detector distance of 1, 5 and 10 cm). The semi-empirical approach produced better and precise results that logically rhymed with theory than the traditional approach. Besides that, a consistency in the nature of the graphs and values were evidenced. The determined efficiencies and their corresponding energies revealed encouraging outcome and ensured the successful NAA for large samples of different material compositions.
Chemical composition in sugarcane bagasse: Delignification with sodium hydroxide
Authors: Ameram Nadiah , Muhammad Shariman , Nik Yusof Nik Ainur Auli , Ishak Syarmila , Ali Arlina , Shoparwe Noor Fazliani , Ter Teo Pao
Published: August 2019

Sugarcane Bagasse is a cheap agro-based waste material. These biomass materials have a lot of potential to be converted into useful products such as carbon. Sugarcane Bagasse was extracted by Sodium Hydroxide. Several characterizations has been done to analyse the chemical properties of Sugarcane Bagasse  after extraction by Sodium Hydroxide including FTIR, XRF, HPLC and SEM-EDS. SEM shows an increases in  internal surface area of the lignocellulose particles, as well as weakening the structural while EDS shows 60.59 % content of carbon. HPLC results show some peak at different retention time. The organic compound can be observed by at retention time 9.611 minute with 66.428 % height and it was identified as schaftoside. FTIR shows that when peak at 1096 cm-1 to 1638 cm-1 there was presence of H-O-H (water adsorption). The element with the highest concentration that are found by using XRF in untreated sugarcane bagasse is water, H2O (98.5 %), followed by Sodium, Na (0.669 %), and Sulfur, S (0.638 %). The concentration of each element were decreasing (except H2O) after being treated with NaOH. Sugarcane bagasse which is treated with alkaline solution is more suitable to be applied in the industry compared to acidic solution. This is due to the high reactivity of acidic solution that may damage the entire structural compounds of sugarcane bagasse
Biocomposites conductive scaffold based on PEDOT:PSS/nHA/chitosan/PCL: Fabrication and characterization
Authors: Lari Alireza , Sultana Naznin , Fhong Soon Chin
Published: August 2019

Biomaterial-based scaffolds with suitable characteristics are highly desired in tissue engineering (TE) application. Biocomposites based on polymer and ceramics increase the chance for modulating the properties of scaffold. In recent years, researchers have considered conductive polymers to be used in TE application, due to their conductivity. This property has a good impact on tissue regeneration. A suitable design for bone substitute that consists of considerations such as material component, fabrication technique and mechanical properties. The previous studies on PEDOT:PSS/nHA/CS showed high wettability rate but low mechanical properties. Polycaprolactone (PCL) is a biodegradable and biocompatible polymer with a low wettability. The incorporation of PCL inside biocomposite can lead to the decrement in wettability and increment in mechanical property. In addition, this paper would examine the feasibility of blending of PCL and chitosan to fabricate PEDOT:PSS/nHA/CS composite scaffold. The fabrication technique of freezing/ lyophilization was used in this study. The scaffolds were characterized morphologically using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Wettability was studied using a contact angle instrument. The attenuated total reflectance fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) spectra interpreted the presence of polymeric ingredients within composite scaffold. Conductivity of the scaffolds was measured using a Digital Multimeter. In-vitro biological evaluation of the scaffolds was studied using human skin Fibroblast (HSF) cell line. The morphological study of biocomposite PEDOT:PSS/nHA/CS/PCL scaffold revealed random pore sizes and 66% porosity. Contact angle of the scaffold was increased and the swelling property and pore sizes were decreased after blending of PCL polymer. The viability of HSF cells on biocomposite PEDOT:PSS/nHA/CS/PCL scaffold was 85%. After 7 days, SEM analysis revealed the presence of cells on the surface of scaffold. In conclusion, the results suggested that PEDOT:PSS/nHA/CS/PCL biocomposite scaffold was non-toxic to cells and has suitable properties.
Subcritical water extraction (SWE) of Zingiber zerumbet using two level full factorial design
Authors: Mohamad Abdul Wahab Izzati , Mad Nordin Mariam Firdhaus , Mohd Amir Siti Nur Khairunisa
Published: August 2019

Zingiber zerumbet was reported to has chemo preventive effects and was suggested as one of the therapeutic treatments for cancer. In this study, Z. zerumbet was extracted using subcritical water extraction (SWE) by employing two level full factorial design. 2 k full factorial design was employed using 18 runs with 10 repeats in central points. The independent variables factors were temperature (100-150°C), time (10-30 minutes) and material ratio (1:10 and 1:20 g/ml) for the evaluation of highest zerumbone concentration and overall yield of extracted Z. zerumbet. Effects of extraction temperature and time were found to be significant on all responses with p-value <0.05. However, the material ratio only gave significant effect on the zerumbone concentration and less significant on the yield. In addition, the value of curvature was found to be significant, thus indicating the relation between the independent variables and the response was linear. Therefore, it was found that the concentration of zerumbone and yield from Z. zerumbet extracted by SWE were significantly affected by temperature and time of extraction.
Effect of sintering temperature of bauxite hollow fiber membrane on flexural strength and water permeability
Authors: Mohamad Esham Mohamad Izrin , Othman Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan , Ismail Ahmad Fauzi , A Rahman Mukhlis , Jaafar Juhana , Ismail Nurul Jannah
Published: August 2019

With abundant Malaysian bauxite minerals as the selected materials, hollow fiber ceramic membrane was fabricated for efficient production of high quality water from oil field oily wastewater. Effect of sintering temperature between 1250°C and 1450°C on membrane porosity, size of membrane pore, hydrophilicity, mechanical strength and water permeation were examined and the results were analyzed to determine the most suitable hollow fiber membrane for the application. Based on obtained findings, the most suitable sintering temperature was 1350°C. The acceptable strength and morphological behavior of finger-like and sponge-like voids were found to be advantageous characteristics for the fabricated bauxite hollow fiber membrane. Its pleasant structure with good outer and inner layers of separation might be beneficial for the oily wastewater purification applications.
MHD free convective flow past an impulsively started vertical plate through a porous medium with radiative heat transfer and chemical reaction in a rotating system
Authors: Rajput Uday Singh , Shareef Mohammad
Published: August 2019

The effect of Hall current, radiation and chemical reaction on MHD free convective flow past an impulsively started vertical plate through a porous medium in a rotating system is considered. The analytical solutions of dimensionless governing equations are obtained by Laplace transform technique. The effects of various parameters on the fluid velocity, concentration and temperature distribution near the plate are analyzed and shown graphically. The numerical values of shear stress at the plate are shown in a table. It is observed that the fluid velocity near the plate is affected significantly by Hall current, radiation, chemical reaction and porous medium. The conclusion of study have applications in the field related to the solar physics dealing with the solar cycle, the sunspot development, the structure of rotating magnetic stars etc.
The Evaluation of Teacher Training Programs in the United States of America in Terms of Student-Centered Practices Used in Class
Authors: Kesici Ayşe Elitok , Çavuş Barış
Published: August 2019

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the teacher training programs in the United States of America in terms of student-centered practices used in class. Learning and teaching processes were evaluated based on classroom observations (the methods, techniques, materials and student-centered practices used in class). Qualitative research method was used in the research. The researcher collected the data through direct participatory and unstructured observation. In participatory observation approach, the observer makes observations without any external influence. The researcher made observations in three different classes during the spring semester of 2017-2018 academic year. The observations were made at the 4th grade level. The study group of the observations was composed of three teachers. The first of the classes in which the observations were made was social studies teaching, while the second was psychological counseling and guidance teaching, and the third was primary school teaching. The researcher kept the duration of the observations long. The reason for this was to try to ensure that teacher candidates and the teacher considered the researcher as if she were a member of the class. This precaution is necessary so as to be able to capture the natural atmosphere of the class and minimize artificial behaviors, which, in turn, positively affects the validity and reliability of the research. According to the findings obtained from the research, it was found that a total of 19 active learning methods, techniques and practices were used in the three classes. In class, question-answer was used most. It was observed that there were 17 different types of active methods, techniques and instructional practices. It was determined that a total of 19 different kinds of active learning materials were used in the three classes. Projector was the material which used the most in class. Based on the findings of the research, it was determined that there were also active learning practices that were not used in class. Depending on the fact that learning by doing is the most permanent traced learning, practices that can make the student active can be included more.