bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Multispecies Cluster of GES-5 Carbapenemase–Producing Enterobacterales Linked by a Geographically Disseminated Plasmid
Authors: Ellington Matthew J , Davies Frances , Jauneikaite Elita , Hopkins Katie L , Turton Jane F , Adams George , Pavlu Jiri , Innes Andrew J , Eades Christopher , Brannigan Eimear T , Findlay Jacqueline , White Leila , Bolt Frances , Kadhani Tokozani , Chow Yimmy , Patel Bharat , Mookerjee Siddharth , Otter Jonathan A , Sriskandan Shiranee , Woodford Neil , Holmes Alison
Published: November 2019

Background

Early and accurate treatment of infections due to carbapenem-resistant organisms is facilitated by rapid diagnostics, but rare resistance mechanisms can compromise detection. One year after a Guiana Extended-Spectrum (GES)-5 carbapenemase–positive Klebsiella oxytoca infection was identified by whole-genome sequencing (WGS; later found to be part of a cluster of 3 cases), a cluster of 11 patients with GES-5–positive K. oxytoca was identified over 18 weeks in the same hospital.

Methods

Bacteria were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry, antimicrobial susceptibility testing followed European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing guidelines. Ertapenem-resistant isolates were referred to Public Health England for characterization using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection of GES, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), and WGS for the second cluster.

Results

The identification of the first GES-5 K. oxytoca isolate was delayed, being identified by WGS. Implementation of a GES-gene PCR informed the occurrence of the second cluster in real time. In contrast to PFGE, WGS phylogenetic analysis refuted an epidemiological link between the 2 clusters; it also suggested a cascade of patient-to-patient transmission in the later cluster. A novel GES-5–encoding plasmid was present in K. oxytoca, Escherichia coli, and Enterobacter cloacae isolates from unlinked patients within the same hospital group and in human and wastewater isolates from 3 hospitals elsewhere in the United Kingdom.

Conclusions

Genomic sequencing revolutionized the epidemiological understanding of the clusters; it also underlined the risk of covert plasmid propagation in healthcare settings and revealed the national distribution of the resistance-encoding plasmid. Sequencing results also informed and led to the ongoing use of enhanced diagnostic tests for detecting carbapenemases locally and nationally.
The wrong kind of AI? Artificial intelligence and the future of labour demand
Authors: Acemoglu Daron , Restrepo Pascual
Published: November 2019

Artificial intelligence (AI) is set to influence every aspect of our lives, not least the way production is organised. AI, as a technology platform, can automate tasks previously performed by labour or create new tasks and activities in which humans can be productively employed. Recent technological change has been biased towards automation, with insufficient focus on creating new tasks where labour can be productively employed. The consequences of this choice have been stagnating labour demand, declining labour share in national income, rising inequality and lowering productivity growth. The current tendency is to develop AI in the direction of further automation, but this might mean missing out on the promise of the ‘right’ kind of AI, with better economic and social outcomes.
Assembly of an atrazine catabolic operon and its introduction to Gram-negative hosts for robust and stable degradation of triazine herbicides
Authors: Lazarini-Martínez Alfredo , Pérez-Valdespino Abigail , Martínez Fernando Hernández , Ordaz Nora Ruiz , Galíndez-Mayer Juvencio , Juárez-Ramírez Cleotilde , Curiel-Quesada Everardo
Published: November 2019

In 1995, Pseudomonas sp. ADP, capable of metabolizing atrazine, was isolated from contaminated soil. Genes responsible for atrazine mineralization were found scattered in the 108.8 kb pADP-1 plasmid carried by this strain, some of them flanked by insertion sequences rendering them unstable. The goal of this work was to construct a transcriptional unit containing the atz operon in an easy to transfer manner, to be introduced and inherited stably by Gram-negative bacteria. atz genes were PCR amplified, joined into an operon and inserted onto the mobilizable plasmid pBAMD1–2. Primers were designed to add efficient transcription and translation signals. Plasmid bearing the atz operon was transferred to different Gram-negative strains by conjugation, which resulted in Tn5 transposase-mediated chromosomal insertion of the atz operon. To test the operon activity, atrazine degradation by transposants was assessed both colorimetrically and by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Transposants mineralized atrazine more efficiently than wild-type Pseudomonas sp. ADP and did not accumulate cyanuric acid. Atrazine degradation was not repressed by simple nitrogen sources. Genes conferring atrazine-mineralizing capacities were stable and had little or null effect on the fitness of different transposants. Introduction of catabolic operons in a stable fashion could be used to develop bacteria with better degrading capabilities useful in bioremediation.
Improving health literacy among older people through primary health care units in Brazil: feasibility study
Authors: Serbim Andreivna , Paskulin Lisiane , Nutbeam Don
Published: November 2019

There are only a small number of reported intervention studies to improve health literacy among older populations. This paper reports on a study designed to investigate the feasibility and potential impact on health literacy and health practices of embedding an intervention programme to improve health literacy with older people through established primary health care units (PHCUs) in a disadvantaged urban community in Brazil. This investigation utilized a quasi-experimental design, with 42 participants recruited for the intervention group and comparison group. The Alfa-Health Program was offered by a nurse in a PHCU as part of the public universal health system over a period of 5 months, and was compared for its impact on a range of health literacy and self-reported health outcomes with routine health care available for older people. The intervention achieved relatively high levels of participation, and positive feedback from participants. Some improvements in vaccination rates, health literacy and reported health behaviours related to food choices and physical activity were observed. The intervention made good use of existing facilities; the content and methods were well received by the participants. However, there were some difficulties in recruitment and in retention of participants. The study has demonstrated the practical feasibility of delivering a comprehensive health education programme designed to improve health literacy in a PHCU in Brazil.
Resistance of Cynomolgus Monkeys to Nipah and Hendra Virus Disease Is Associated With Cell-Mediated and Humoral Immunity
Authors: Prasad Abhishek N , Woolsey Courtney , Geisbert Joan B , Agans Krystle N , Borisevich Viktoriya , Deer Daniel J , Mire Chad E , Cross Robert W , Fenton Karla A , Broder Christopher C , Geisbert Thomas W
Published: November 2019

Background

The henipaviruses, Hendra virus (HeV) and Nipah virus (NiV), are capable of causing severe and often lethal respiratory and/or neurologic disease in animals and humans. Given the sporadic nature of henipavirus outbreaks, licensure of vaccines and therapeutics for human use will likely require demonstration of efficacy in animal models that faithfully reproduce the human condition. Currently, the African green monkey (AGM) best mimics human henipavirus-induced disease.

Methods

The pathogenic potential of HeV and both strains of NiV (Malaysia, Bangladesh) was assessed in cynomolgus monkeys and compared with henipavirus-infected historical control AGMs. Multiplex gene and protein expression assays were used to compare host responses.

Results

In contrast to AGMs, in which henipaviruses cause severe and usually lethal disease, HeV and NiVs caused only mild or asymptomatic infections in macaques. All henipaviruses replicated in macaques with similar kinetics as in AGMs. Infection in macaques was associated with activation and predicted recruitment of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells, Th1 cells, IgM+ B cells, and plasma cells. Conversely, fatal outcome in AGMs was associated with aberrant innate immune signaling, complement dysregulation, Th2 skewing, and increased secretion of MCP-1.

Conclusion

The restriction factors identified in macaques can be harnessed for development of effective countermeasures against henipavirus disease.
Refugee entrepreneurship and self-reliance: the UNHCR and sustainability in post-conflict Sierra Leone
Authors: Skran Claudena
Published: November 2019

Entrepreneurship has been advocated as a path to self-reliance for refugees, but little scholarship has been produced about refugee entrepreneurs operating in their country of origin during reintegration. In 2003–04, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) implemented a group of ‘entrepreneurial ventures’ in urban and peri-urban locations in Kambia, Sierra Leone. Fifteen years later, 20 per cent of these ventures were still operating—a figure comparable with the success of start-ups in the United States. This paper examines the reasons for the sustainability of some ventures and the limited lifespan of others, using five interrelated metrics: ownership, management, mission and activities, financing and physical capital. It will be argued that, in the start-up phase, the UNHCR had a positive impact on the formation of entrepreneurial ventures by negotiating rules about property rights and credit, and by adopting a bottom-up approach to promote innovation among returnees. In the transition phase, however, the UNHCR’s planned handover to other UN agencies as part of the 4 R’s process largely failed because of inadequate attention to transition funding. In the mature phase, refugee enterprises survived if they could secure property rights to their facilities and adapt their management structures, activities and financing, while still preserving their social missions.
Managing Social Anxiety, Therapist Guide
Authors: Hope Debra A. , Heimberg Richard G. , Turk Cynthia L.
Published: November 2019

This Therapist Guide presents information on the nature of social anxiety, empirically supported cognitive–behavioral techniques used to treat it, how to best implement these techniques, and how to deal with the problems that arise during treatment. The authors strive to offer a complete treatment that is informed by individual case conceptualization within an evidence-based practice framework. Socially anxious individuals commonly view anxiety as an all-or-nothing experience: Some people have excessive social anxiety, and others—healthy people—do not experience social anxiety. It is helpful for clients to begin to think of social anxiety on a continuum. In this treatment, collaborative empiricism is operationalized as an active therapist and active client working together to overcome social anxiety. The therapist brings expertise about social anxiety and cognitive–behavioral therapy. The client brings expertise about herself and the motivation to make changes in her life. For this treatment to be successful, the therapist must be comfortable with clients who may become extremely anxious.
The Bond of the Working Alliance
Authors: Pérez-Rojas Andrés E. , González Jazmin M. , Fuertes Jairo N.
Published: November 2019

The authors describe the “working bond” aspect of Bordin’s conceptualization of the working alliance. Within the working alliance, the bond refers to an emotional attachment formed and maintained between client/patient and therapist. This bond reflects the feelings and attitudes that client/patient and therapist have toward each other and enables the therapeutic work through a sense of collaboration and trust. First, the authors discuss the defining features of the bond. Then they identify various skills and facilitative attitudes that can foster the bond, such as empathy, unconditional positive regard, and genuineness. Finally, they discuss how the working bond and possible ruptures will manifest at various stages in the treatment, from building the initial bond to working through termination.
Hybrid numerical simulations of pulsar magnetospheres
Authors: Contopoulos Ioannis , Pétri Jerome , Stefanou Petros
Published: November 2019

We continue our investigation of particle acceleration in the pulsar equatorial current sheet (ECS). Our basic premise has been that the charge carriers in the current sheet originate in the polar caps as electron–positron pairs, and are carried along field lines that enter the ECS beyond the magnetospheric Y-point. In this work, we investigate further the charge replenishment of the ECS. We discovered that the flow of pairs from the rims of the polar caps cannot supply both the electric charge and the electric current of the ECS. The ECS must contain an extra amount of positronic (or electronic depending on orientation) electric current that originates in the stellar surface and flows outwards along the separatrices. We develop an iterative hybrid approach that self-consistently combines ideal force-free electrodynamics in the bulk of the magnetosphere with particle acceleration along the ECS. We derive analytic approximations for the orbits of the particles, and obtain the structure of the pulsar magnetosphere for various values of the pair formation multiplicity parameter κ. For realistic values κ ≫ 1, the magnetosphere is practically indistinguishable from the ideal force-free one, and therefore, the calculation of the spectrum of high energy radiation must rely on analytic approximations for the distribution of the accelerating electric field in the ECS.
Clinical Epidemiology of 7,126 Melioidosis Patients in Thailand and the Implications for a National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System
Authors: Hantrakun Viriya , Kongyu Somkid , Klaytong Preeyarach , Rongsumlee Sittikorn , Day Nicholas P J , Peacock Sharon J , Hinjoy Soawapak , Limmathurotsakul Direk
Published: November 2019

Background

National notifiable diseases surveillance system (NNDSS) data in developing countries is usually incomplete, yet the total number of fatal cases reported is commonly used for national priority setting. Melioidosis, an infectious disease caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, is largely underrecognized by policy makers due to the underreporting of fatal cases via the NNDSS.

Methods

Collaborating with the Epidemiology Division (ED), Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), we conducted a retrospective study to determine incidence and mortality of melioidosis cases already identified by clinical microbiology laboratories nationwide. A case of melioidosis was defined as a patient with any clinical specimen culture positive for B. pseudomallei. Routinely available microbiology and hospital databases of secondary-care and tertiary-care hospitals, the national death registry, and NNDSS data were obtained for analysis.

Results

A total of 7,126 culture-confirmed melioidosis patients were identified from 2012 to 2015 in 60 hospitals countrywide. The total number of cases diagnosed in Northeast, Central, South, East, North, and West Thailand were 5,475, 536, 374, 364, 358 and 19 cases, respectively. Overall 30-day mortality was 39% (2,805/7,126). Only 126 (4%) of deaths were reported to the NNDSS. Age, presentation with bacteremia and pneumonia, prevalence of diabetes, and 30-day mortality were different by geographical regions (all p values<0.001). ED, MoPH has agreed to include the findings of our study in the next annual report of the NNDSS.

Conclusions

Melioidosis is an important cause of death in Thailand nationwide, and its clinical epidemiology may be different by region. In developing countries, NNDSS data can be supplemented by integrating information from readily available routine datasets.
Gravitino condensate in N = 1 supergravity coupled to the N = 1 supersymmetric Born–Infeld theory
Authors: Ishikawa Ryotaro , Ketov Sergei V
Published: November 2019

The $N=1$ supersymmetric Born–Infeld theory coupled to $N=1$ supergravity in four spacetime dimensions is studied in the presence of a cosmological term with spontaneous supersymmetry breaking. The consistency is achieved by compensating a negative contribution to the cosmological term from the Born–Infeld theory by a positive contribution originating from the gravitino condensate. This leads to an identification of the Born–Infeld scale with the supersymmetry-breaking scale. The dynamical formation of the gravitino condensate in supergravity is reconsidered and the induced one-loop effective potential is derived. Slow-roll cosmological inflation with the gravitino condensate as the inflaton (near the maximum of the effective potential) is viable against the Planck 2018 data and can lead to the inflationary (Hubble) scale as high as $10^{12}$ GeV. Uplifting the Minkowski vacuum (after inflation) to a de Sitter vacuum (dark energy) is possible by the use of the alternative Fayet–Iliopoulos term. Some major physical consequences of our scenario for reheating are also briefly discussed.
Antifungal activity of silver nanoparticles during in-vitro culture of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni
Authors: Ramírez-Mosqueda Marco A. , Sánchez-Segura Lino , Hernández-Valladolid Sandra L. , Bello-Bello Elohim , Bello-Bello Jericó J.
Published: November 2019

Contamination by fungi and bacteria during the in-vitro propagation of plants leads to considerable losses of biological material and precludes phytosanitary certification. The anti-microbial effect of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) may be an alternative for the eradication of in-vitro contaminants. This study evaluated the microbicidal activity of AgNPs on a recurrent fungus during the micropropagation of stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni). First, the fungus was isolated and identified at a molecular level by the sequencing and analysis of the ITS4/ITS5 rDNA region. The results of the phylogenetic analysis of various fungi species showed that the strain under study (16-166-H) belongs to the genus Sordaria and is 86.74% similar to S. tomento-alba (strain CBS 260.78). Subsequently, the inhibition of the growth of S. tomento-alba was tested under different concentrations of AgNPs (0, 25, 50, 100, and 200 mg L−1), observing that 50 and 100 mg L−1 achieve ca. 50% growth inhibition (IC50), while 200 mg L−1 produces a drastic inhibition. On the other hand, the shape and size of AgNPs was examined using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and the transport and accumulation of AgNPs in S. tomento-alba cells were monitored through multiphoton microscopy. The morphological and fluorescence analyses showed that AgNPs display different sizes, with larger nanoparticles retained in fungal cell walls while smaller AgNPs penetrate into fungal cells. Probably, apoplastic and symplastic mechanisms involved in the accumulation and transport of AgNPs affect the metabolic processes of the fungus, thus inhibiting its growth. These results suggest that AgNPs possess antifungal activity and can be used in the eradication of contaminants during the in-vitro culture of plant species.
Unravelling the modulation of intracortical inhibition during motor imagery: An adaptive threshold-hunting study
Authors: Neige Cécilia , Monany Dylan Rannaud , Stinear Cathy M. , Byblow Winston D. , Papaxanthis Charalambos , Lebon Florent
Published: November 2019

Motor imagery (MI) is the mental simulation of an action without any apparent muscular contraction. By means of transcranial magnetic stimulation, few studies revealed a decrease of short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) within the primary motor cortex. However, this decrease is ambiguous, as one would expect greater inhibition during MI to prevent overt motor output. The current study investigated the extent of SICI modulation during MI through a methodological and a conceptual reconsideration of i) the importance of parameters to assess SICI (Exp.1) and ii) the inhibitory process within the primary motor cortex as an inherent feature of MI (Exp.2). Participants performed two tasks: 1) rest and 2) imagery of isometric abduction of the right index finger. Using transcranial magnetic stimulation, motor evoked potentials were elicited in the right first dorsal interosseous muscle. An adaptive threshold-hunting paradigm was used, where the stimulus intensity required to maintain a fixed motor evoked potential amplitude was quantified. To test SICI, we conditioned the test stimulus with a conditioning stimulus (CS) of different intensities. Results revealed an Intensity by Task interaction showing that SICI decreased during MI as compared to rest only for the higher CS intensity (Exp.1). At the lowest CS intensities, a Task main effect revealed that SICI increased during MI (Exp.2). SICI modulation during MI depends critically on the CS intensity. By optimising CS intensity, we have shown that SICI circuits may increase during MI, revealing a potential mechanism to prevent the production of a movement while the motor system is activated.

Highlights

Excitatory and inhibitory neural processes interact during motor imagery, as the motor regions are activated but no movement is produced.

The current study investigated the extent of short interval intracortical inhibition modulation (SICI) during motor imagery.

When using optimal settings, SICI increased during motor imagery, likely to prevent the production of an overt movement.
Classification and Analysis of Minimally-Processed Data from a Large Magnetoencephalography Dataset using Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Garry Jon , Trappenberg Thomas , Beyea Steven , Bardouille Timothy
Published: November 2019

Convolutional neural networks were used to classify and analyse a large magnetoencephalography (MEG) dataset. Networks were trained to classify between active and baseline intervals of minimally-processed data recorded during cued button pressing. There were two primary objectives for this study: (1) develop networks that can effectively classify MEG data, and (2) identify the important data features that inform classification. Networks with a simple architecture were trained using sensor and source-localised data. Networks trained with sensor data were also trained using varying amounts of data. The important features within the data were identified via saliency and occlusion mapping. An ensemble of networks trained using sensor data performed best (average test accuracy 0.974 ± 0.001). A dataset containing on the order of hundreds of participants was required for optimal performance of this network with these data. Visualisation maps highlighted features known to occur during neuromagnetic recordings of cued button pressing.
The C. elegans 3′ UTRome v2 resource for studying mRNA cleavage and polyadenylation, 3′-UTR biology, and miRNA targeting
Authors: Steber Hannah S. , Gallante Christina , O'Brien Shannon , Chiu Po-Lin , Mangone Marco
Published: November 2019

3′ Untranslated regions (3′ UTRs) of mRNAs emerged as central regulators of cellular function because they contain important but poorly characterized cis-regulatory elements targeted by a multitude of regulatory factors. The model nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is ideal to study these interactions because it possesses a well-defined 3′ UTRome. To improve its annotation, we have used a genome-wide bioinformatics approach to download raw transcriptome data for 1088 transcriptome data sets corresponding to the entire collection of C. elegans trancriptomes from 2015 to 2018 from the Sequence Read Archive at the NCBI. We then extracted and mapped high-quality 3′-UTR data at ultradeep coverage. Here, we describe and release to the community the updated version of the worm 3′ UTRome, which we named 3′ UTRome v2. This resource contains high-quality 3′-UTR data mapped at single-base ultraresolution for 23,084 3′-UTR isoform variants corresponding to 14,788 protein-coding genes and is updated to the latest release of WormBase. We used this data set to study and probe principles of mRNA cleavage and polyadenylation in C. elegans. The worm 3′ UTRome v2 represents the most comprehensive and high-resolution 3′-UTR data set available in C. elegans and provides a novel resource to investigate the mRNA cleavage and polyadenylation reaction, 3′-UTR biology, and miRNA targeting in a living organism.
5,13-Bis(4-methoxyphenyl)dinaphtho[2,3-b:2′,3′-d]thiophene S,S-dioxide dichloromethane hemisolvate
Authors: Manickam R. , Jagadeesan G. , Rafiq S. Muhamad , Mohanakrishnan A. K. , Srinivasan G.
Published: November 2019

The title compound, C34H24O4S·0.5CH2Cl2, crystallizes with two independent molecules and one dichloromethane solvent molecule in the asymmetric unit. The crystal packing is consolidated by C—H...O hydrogen bonds.
2-[(1-Benzyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methoxy]-1-naphthaldehyde
Authors: Vishnupriya R. , Venkateshan M. , Suresh J. , Jaabil G. , Ponnuswamy A. , Lakshman P. L. Nilantha
Published: November 2019

In the title compound, C21H17N3O2, the triazole ring system is inclined at dihedral angles of 4.14 (18) and 69.24 (11)° with the naphthalene ring system and phenyl ring, respectively. In the crystal, molecules are linked by C—H...O hydrogen bonds into double columns propagating along the b-axis direction.
Sodium [N,N′-ethylenebis(D-penicillaminato)]indate(III) tetrahydrate
Authors: Yoshinari Nobuto , Konno Takumi
Published: November 2019

The asymmetric unit of the title compound {systematic name: sodium [2-({2-[(1-carboxylato-2-methyl-2-sulfanidylpropyl)amino]ethyl}amino)-3-methyl-3-sulfanidylbutanoato-κ4
S,N,N′,S′]indate(III) tetrahydrate}, Na[In(C12H20N2O4S2)]·4H2O, contains four indate(III) complex anions {[In(D-ebp)]−; D-H4ebp = N,N′-ethyelenebis(D-penicillamine)], four sodium(I) cations and sixteen water molecules. The indate(III) anions and sodium cations are alternately connected through coordination bonds between Na+ ions and the carboxylate groups of the complex anions, forming an infinite sixfold right-handed helix along the c-axis direction. In the crystal, the helices are linked by O—H...O hydrogen bonds between water molecules bound to Na+ ions and carboxylate groups. The crystal studied was twinned via a twofold axis about [001].
A qualitative examination of urban vs rural sustainable consumption behaviours of energy and water consumers in the emerging Egyptian market
Authors: Marzouk Omneya A.
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The study aims to investigate the differences among urban and rural consumers in terms of their energy and water sustainable consumption behaviour levels and drivers and also empirically blueprint conceptual frameworks highlighting urban and rural consumer drivers to consume sustainably.

Design/methodology/approach

This research follows an exploratory design using a qualitative approach; 14 in-depth interviews followed by one focus group were conducted with urban consumers; on the other hand, 18 in-depth interviews followed by one focus group were conducted with rural consumers.

Findings

The findings show that no differences exist among urban and rural consumers in terms of both their sustainable consumption levels and their drivers to consume sustainably; such findings were encapsulated in the form of one conceptual framework pertinent to both urban and rural consumers; it has the following relevant factors: consumers’ attitudes toward conservation, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, self-preference, public media influence, perceived economic value and perceived moral obligation to be relevant antecedents of conservation behaviour, which – in turn – drives sustainable purchase behaviours with the moderating effect of socio-demographic variables.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to extant literature as it provides evidence for the drivers of sustainable consumption behaviours of urban versus rural consumers in emerging countries; it also tentatively answers the question of whether the socio-demographic variables infer a difference in consumers’ sustainable consumption; finally, it studies sustainable consumption from a novel perspective with a focus on the relationship between its two pillars.
A model for evaluating the vital factors affecting cloud computing adoption
Authors: Jianwen Cheng , Wakil Karzan
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Nowadays, the rapid growth of information technology strategies such as cloud computing is very noticeable in organizations. The advantages of the cloud environment are unavoidable because of an increase in innovation, flexibility and economy. Therefore, the critical topic is considering the factors affecting the adoption of cloud computing. This study aims to understand the factors of the adoption of cloud computing and its benefit in companies.

Design/methodology/approach

A research framework with four hypotheses has been developed based on the results of previous studies. Structural equation modeling has been used for data analysis.

Findings

The proposed model is verified by the results. In addition, the results have shown that cloud computing adoption is affected by four variables as follows, including human factor (with sub-indicator personal innovativeness and knowledge), organizational factor (with sub-indicator size, adequacy of resources and top management support), technical factor (with sub-indicator compatibility and security) and environmental factor (with sub-indicator regulatory environment, competitive pressure and trading partner).

Research limitations/implications

There are crucial implications in the findings: they have an essential contribution to the research community, administrators and Information and Communications Technology providers with respect to framing improved tactics for the adoption of cloud computing. The proposed model can enhance the perception of service providers about why some services sectors accept cloud computing amenities, whereas apparently the same ones having the same market situations do not. In addition, the above providers should enhance their interaction with the services sectors contributed to the cloud computing experience to make a well-organized setting for the adoption of cloud computing, and eliminate any ambiguity about this sort of technology. Moreover, the sample has been limited to Iran respondents.

Practical implications

The research studies about the usage of cloud computing have shown its effects on organizations today. Also, the different impacts of cloud computing on other contexts and organizations are in the center of attention. By carefully considering and managing cloud computing adoption logics, organizations could get significant advantages.

Originality/value

Cloud computing’s technical and operational issues have been central in most of the previous studies. Some surveys have referred to the adoption of cloud computing by the organizations in terms of human characteristics or the contextual factor. Therefore, there should be a model and outline to assess the effect of aforesaid factors on cloud computing adoption.
Mapping near surface global marine ecosystems through cluster analysis of environmental data
Authors: Zhao Qianshuo , Basher Zeenatul , Costello Mark J.
Published: November 2019

Almost all classifications of the world ocean are based on expert opinion or ad hoc management areas. A quantitative analysis of environmental variables may provide a more objective basis for mapping and classifying the oceans to support data management, reporting, and conservation efforts. Here, we used long‐term averages of 20 ocean variables to classify the ocean surface waters using PCA and k‐means clustering. We identified seven distinct areas that fit the definition of “ecosystems,” that is, enduring regions demarcated by environmental characteristics. Of all the variables, temperature had the greatest importance and correlated with many other variables. However, some variables had uniquely significant effects on the classification, namely slope, surface current, pH, and wave height. Thus, while the present classification is robust for available data, future analyses with variables not presently available may improve it. How the ecosystems correlate with species richness, endemicity, or abundance will inform on the factors that most influence species' abundance, and thus support global modeling of the effects of climate change, for example, with regard to biological carbon fluxes.
The Goldfields’ Sabbath: A Postsecular Analysis of Social Cohesion and Social Control on the Ballarat Goldfields, 1854
Authors: Jones Timothy Willem , Wright Clare
Published: November 2019

The historiography of the Sabbath reflects closely the concerns of its Sabbatarian subjects: the rise or fall in public piety and the effectiveness, or lack thereof, of evangelical moral reform and social control. In this article we step away from the question of how religious or secular goldfields society was, and instead, observe how Sunday functioned on the goldfields. In doing so we eschew a dominant narrative of religious history — secularisation — and deploy a postsecular analysis. Such an analysis reveals a remarkable degree of social cohesion: a diverse, but common, practice of rest on the Sabbath. It was only because of the universal honouring of the goldfields’ Sabbath that government troops were able to so quickly and decisively end the Eureka Stockade on Sunday, 3 December 1854.
A specific group of patients with diagnostic conversion from depression to bipolar disorder and finally to dementia as a mental GSK‐3 disease: A hypothesis
Authors: Terao Takeshi , Ishii Nobuyoshi , Hirakawa Hirofumi
Published: November 2019

Objectives

To focus on a specific group of patients whose diagnoses were changed from unipolar depression to bipolar disorder, and finally to dementia.

Methods

Qualitative review of the relevant articles.

Results

A substantial portion of patients with unipolar depression manifest manic and/or hypomanic episodes, resulting in a change of diagnoses to bipolar disorder. Further, a substantial portion of bipolar patients develop dementia. Previous research suggests that genetic variants in the glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK‐3β) gene are associated with early onset of unipolar depression, a subset of which may be bipolar depression, with three SNPs (rs334555, rs119258668, and rs11927974) identified. Notably, another promotor SNP (rs334558) of the GSK‐3β gene is reportedly associated with unipolar depression, bipolar disorders, and dementia. Additionally, lithium, which is reported to inhibit GSK‐3, is generally accepted to be effective for bipolar disorder and recently reported to be effective for dementia.

Conclusions

There is a specific group of patients whose diagnoses longitudinally change from depression to bipolar disorder and finally to dementia, and GSK‐3 may be a common etiological factor in these diseases and in diagnostic conversions.
Antitumor activity of cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor alsterpaullone in Epstein‐Barr virus‐associated lymphoproliferative disorders
Authors: Watanabe Takahiro , Sato Yoshitaka , Masud H. M. Abdullah Al , Takayama Masahiro , Matsuda Hiroki , Hara Yuya , Yanagi Yusuke , Yoshida Masahiro , Goshima Fumi , Murata Takayuki , Kimura Hiroshi
Published: November 2019

Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) is a well‐established tumor virus that has been implicated in a wide range of immunodeficiency‐associated lymphoproliferative disorders (LPDs). Although rituximab, a CD20 mAb, has proven effective against EBV‐associated LPDs, prolonged use of this drug could lead to resistance due to the selective expansion of CD20− cells. We have previously shown that cyclin‐dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors are able to specifically suppress the expression of viral late genes, particularly those encoding structural proteins; however, the therapeutic effect of CDK inhibitors against EBV‐associated LPDs is not clear. In this study, we examined whether CDK inhibitors confer a therapeutic effect against LPDs in vivo. Treatment with alsterpaullone, an inhibitor of the CDK2 complex, resulted in a survival benefit and suppressed tumor invasion in a mouse model of LPDs. Inhibition of CDK efficiently induced G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in EBV‐positive B cells. These results suggest that alsterpaullone suppresses cell cycle progression, resulting in the antitumor effect observed in vivo.
Diagnostic testing for Graves' or non‐Graves' hyperthyroidism: A comparison of two thyrotropin receptor antibody immunoassays with thyroid scintigraphy and ultrasonography
Authors: Scappaticcio Lorenzo , Trimboli Pierpaolo , Keller Franco , Imperiali Mauro , Piccardo Arnoldo , Giovanella Luca
Published: November 2019

Objective

Graves' disease (GD) is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. In many cases, when the aetiological diagnosis of GD is not evident based on the clinical evaluation and thyroid function testing, it may become challenging to distinguish Graves' hyperthyroidism from other forms of thyrotoxicosis.

The current study was primarly carried out to compare the diagnostic effectiveness of two TSH receptor antibody immunoassays (IMAs), ultrasonography and thyroid scintigraphy in hyperthyroidism scenario.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed consecutive patients with newly diagnosed and untreated thyrotoxicosis who underwent thyroid functional tests, both TRAb and TSI measurements, thyroid scintigraphy and ultrasonography. TRAb assessment was carried out by Kryptor® compact PLUS, while TSI by Immulite®. Echo pattern 3 corresponded to ‘thyroid inferno’, and the final diagnosis of GD vs non‐Graves' hyperthyroidism was made according to the thyroid scan (qualitative scintigraphy). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were drawn using the final diagnosis as reference. Clinical sensitivity and specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated for all the tests.

Results

A total of 124 untreated hyperthyroid patients were included in our study (GD, n = 86 vs non‐Graves' hyperthyroidism, n = 38). ROC curves showed that the optimal cut‐off values associated with the highest diagnostic sensitivity and specificity was 0.7 IU/L for TRAb Kryptor® (93 [85.4‐97.4] and 86.8 [71.9‐95.5]) and 0.1 IU/L for TSI Immulite® (94.2 [86.9‐98.1] and 84.2 [68.7‐93.9]), respectively. For the echo pattern 3, we found a good sensitivity (92.1%) and a high PPV (95.2%) but a quite low specificity value (69.8%) and a relative low NPV (57.5%). For thyroid scintigraphy, the TcTU cut‐off value of 1.3% corresponded to the best limit for sensitivity and specificity in our patients (95.3 [88.5‐98.7] and 96.4 [81.6‐99.4]). The Passing‐Bablok regression equation and the Bland‐Altman test showed a great degree of correlation and agreement existed between TRAb Kryptor® and Immulite® TSI results.

Conclusions

Thyroid scintigraphy remains the most accurate method to differentiate causes of thyrotoxicosis. However, TRAb assays can be alternatively adopted in this setting, limiting the use of thyroid scintigraphy (TcTU evaluation) to TRAb‐negative patients. Thyoid US is less accurate than both TRAb/TSI and thyroid scintigraphy, but the ‘thyroid inferno’ pattern provides a high PPV for GD.
Maxillary sinus floor elevation using hydroxyapatite nano particles vs tenting technique with simultaneous implant placement: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Khaled Hossam , Atef Mohammed , Hakam Maha
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The present study was conducted to evaluate the amount of bone height gain, density values, and implant stability after maxillary sinus floor elevation using graftless tenting technique or the use of Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles bone substitute for augmentation with simultaneous implant placement.

Materials and Methods

A total of 20 sinuses with a residual alveolar bone height ranging from 4‐6 mm were divided into two groups and underwent sinus augmentation using nano hydroxyapatite bone substitute material and the graftless tenting technique with simultaneous implant placement. Computed tomography CT scans and ISQ measurements were conducted to evaluate bone quality, quantity, and implant stability.

Results

Radiographic analysis revealed that the mean bone height gain of the nano group was (7.0 ± 0.8 mm) compared to (5.0 ± 1.5 mm) in the tent group, which was statistically significant (P = .002) being higher in the nano group. The mean bone density value of the nano group was (548 ± 25 HU) compared to (420 ± 23 HU) in the tent group, which was statistically significant (P < .001) being higher in the nano group. The mean ISQ value after 6 months in the nano group was (78 ± 5) compared to (77 ± 5) in the tent group, which was statistically nonsignificant (P = .901).

Conclusion

Nano hydroxyapatite bone graft offered superior results in terms of the bone height gain and the relative bone density as compared to graftless tenting technique. However, both techniques showed accepted results regarding implant stability.
Double aortic arch with atretic left arch distal to the origin of left subclavian artery accompanied by dyspnea: A case report and literature review
Authors: He Xinjian , Zhao Ning , Chen Jiaoyang , Wei Jiuru , Cui Yun , Li Gaoyang
Published: November 2019

Double aortic arch with atretic left arch distal to the origin of left subclavian artery is a rare type of vascular ring, and it can be easily confused with the right aortic arch with mirror branching. We provided a rare case of a 10‐month‐old infant with dyspnea. Echocardiography showed a suspicious double aortic arch with atretic left arch distal to the origin of left subclavian artery, which was confirmed intra‐operatively. We summarize ultrasonic image characteristics of the disease and combine it with computed tomography angiography, bronchoscopy, and clinical symptoms in order to improve the detection rate and treatment strategy.
Prognostic significance of left ventricular end diastolic pressure using E/E' in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Badran Hala Mahfouz , Soltan Ghada , Almeleigi Reda , Faheem Naglaa , Yacoub Magdi H.
Published: November 2019

Background

Left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction is a prominent feature of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Prediction of LV filling pressure using the ratio between early diastolic transmitral flow and mitral annular velocity (E/e') had proved a good accuracy.

Aim of this study

We investigated the value of E/e' to predict cardiovascular (CV) mortality in patients with HCM.

Methods

A total of 243 patients with HCM had E/e' measured in combination with clinical evaluation, conventional echocardiographic measurements, cardiopulmonary exercise evaluation, and Holter monitoring.

Results

During a mean follow‐up of (3.2 ± 1.2 years), 17 (7%) patients died. Non survivors had significantly higher SBP, DBP, left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) gradient, mitral E, and E/e', but lower e' of mitral annulus and more prevalent restrictive filling pattern. E/e' was directly correlated with age (r = .24, P < .005), left atrial volume index (r = .44, P < .0001), LVMI (r=0.23,P<.005), LVOT gradient (r = .43, P < .0001), NYHA class (r = .19, P < .006), pulmonary artery pressure (r = .24, P < .005), positive family history of HCM (r = .22, P < .005), and inversely related to peak systolic velocity (S) (r = .44, P < .0001). By multivariate analysis, only LVOTO ([RR] 4.11, 95% CI 1.002 to 1.148, P < .04) and E/e' were independent predictors for overall mortality in HCM (relative risk [RR] 5.27, 95% CI 1.002 to 1.024, P < .02). The risk of dying increased with increasing E/e' ratio, being approximately 4 times higher for patients in the highest quartile (HR 3.8 (CI 1.38‐5.12, log‐rank < 0.002)).

Conclusions

In hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the E/e' ratio remains a powerful predictor of all‐cause mortality, particularly if it is associated with LVOT obstruction.
Trade signing in fast markets
Authors: Carrion Allen , Kolay Madhuparna
Published: November 2019

This study assesses the accuracy of trade signing algorithms in fast trading environments using NASDAQ and NYSE trade and quote data. Using data that contain true trade signs, we show that the Lee and Ready algorithm outperforms the tick rule and classifies trades at least as well as in earlier studies from slower trading environments, even in subsamples where the market is particularly fast. We conclude that trade signing remains viable in fast markets, and that the use of quote data continues to increase trade classification accuracy.
Temperature drives local contributions to beta diversity in mountain streams: Stochastic and deterministic processes
Authors: Wang Jianjun , Legendre Pierre , Soininen Janne , Yeh Chih‐Fu , Graham Emily , Stegen James , Casamayor Emilio O. , Zhou Jizhong , Shen Ji , Pan Feiyan
Published: November 2019

Aim

Community variation (i.e. beta diversity) along geographical gradients is of substantial interest in ecology and biodiversity reserves in the face of global changes. However, the generality in beta diversity patterns and underlying processes remains less studied across trophic levels and geographical regions. We documented beta diversity patterns and underlying ecological processes of stream bacteria, diatoms and macroinvertebrates along six elevational gradients.

Locations

Asia and Europe.

Methods

We examined stream communities using molecular and morphological methods. We characterised community uniqueness with local contributions to beta diversity (LCBD), and investigated the drivers of its geographic patterns using Mid‐Domain Effect (MDE), coenocline simulation, Raup‐Crick null model approach, and through comparisons to environmental factors. MDE is a stochastic model by considering species elevational range, while coenocline simulation is a deterministic model by considering species niche optima and tolerance. The null model provides possible underlying mechanisms of community assembly with the degree to which deterministic processes create communities deviating from those of null expectations.

Results

Across all taxa, we revealed a general U‐shaped LCBD‐elevation relationship, suggesting higher uniqueness of community composition at both elevational ends. This pattern was confirmed and could be explained by both stochastic and deterministic models, that is, MDE and coenocline simulation, respectively, and was supported by the dominance of species replacement. Temperature was the main environmental factor underlying elevational patterns in LCBD. The generalists with broad niche breadths were key in maintaining community uniqueness, and the higher relative importance of deterministic processes resulted in stronger U‐shaped patterns regardless of taxonomic group.

Conclusions

Our synthesis across both mountains and taxonomic groups clearly shows that there are consistent elevational patterns in LCBD among taxonomic groups, and that these patterns are explained by similar ecological mechanisms, producing a more complete picture for understanding and bridging the spatial variation in biodiversity under changing climate.