bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trap distribution and photo‐stimulated luminescence in LaSrAl3O7:Eu2+ long‐lasting phosphors for optical data storage
Authors: Wang Bo , Wang Hongwei , Huang Jianhui , Zhou Jiangcong , Liu Pengfei
Published: August 2019

Here, a green emission persistent luminescent phosphor LaSrAl3O7:Eu2+ which is chargeable by UV light, was synthesized by solid‐state reaction method. Elemental mapping and fluorescence microscopy photoluminescence of the sample demonstrated the homogeneous distribution of La, Sr, Al, O, and Eu in the phosphor. Rietveld refinement shows that the as‐prepared sample belongs to the tetragonal crystalline structure with space group of P421m. The Eu2+:5d‐4f broad persistent luminescence with maximum emission peaking at 518 nm can be effectively obtained after irradiating in the UV light. A series of excitation temperature‐dependent thermoluminescence measurements were conducted to gain some insight into the information of traps. Additionally, to verify its feasibility of optical data storage, specific information letters were encoded on the LaSrAl3O7:Eu2+ phosphor films using the laser of 405 nm, then the stored information could indeed be read out by thermal stimulation as expected. Meanwhile, NIR photo‐stimulated red persistent luminescence was also obtained, which holds great potential for optical information storage. Finally, combined with the experimental and density functional theory calculation results, we proposed a tentative schematic diagram to account for the PersL and photo‐stimulated persistent luminescence mechanism in LaSrAl3O7:Eu2+ phosphor.
How flipped learning based on the cognitive theory of multimedia learning affects students' academic achievements
Authors: Almasseri Mohammed , AlHojailan Mohammed I.
Published: August 2019

The study aims to identify the effect of a flipped classroom approach designed according to the cognitive theory of multimedia learning on the academic achievements of eighth‐grade students (aged 14 years) in Saudi Arabia in computer science. To this end, a quasi‐experimental design was used, with a sample of 67 students; 33 students were assigned to the experimental group, whereas 34 comprised the control group. The experimental group was subjected to the flipped classroom approach, whereas the control group was given direct instruction. To measure student achievements, an instrument that measures cognitive skills based on Revised Bloom's taxonomy levels was designed. Findings revealed a positive effect on the experimental group's achievement levels with respect to Bloom's higher order thinking skills, that is, applying, analysing, and evaluating. No difference was found between the two groups in terms of academic achievements at the remembering and understanding levels of Bloom's taxonomy. Moreover, learners with low prior knowledge showed a higher improvement in academic achievements compared with those with high prior knowledge. This corresponds to the assumption of the cognitive theory of multimedia learning that learners with low prior knowledge would benefit from its principles more than learners with high prior knowledge.
Delivering on Promises? The Expected Impacts and Implementation Challenges of the Economic Partnership Agreements between the European Union and Africa
Authors: Tröster Bernhard , von Arnim Rudiger , Staritz Cornelia , Raza Werner , Grumiller Jan , Grohs Hannes
Published: August 2019

Economic partnership agreements (EPAs) mark a new era in economic relations between the European Union and African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries that will lead to reciprocal tariff liberalization. Model‐based impact assessments have become a powerful tool in trade negotiations and mixed results are reported for ACP countries. Given their set‐up within a neoclassical framework, these models neglect important issues such as impacts on employment, macroeconomic balances and adjustment costs. The structuralist computable general equilibrium model applied in this article for three African EPA regions addresses these shortcomings and shows negative macroeconomic and distributional effects and important adjustment costs associated with employment and public revenue losses. These results highlight the importance of policy responses to deliver on promises associated with EPAs, namely sustainable economic development. More generally, they show the importance of alternative models to understand implementation challenges and facilitate broader debates about bilateral trade agreements.
Prey diversity of Polistes rothneyi koreanus in different landscapes using DNA barcoding
Authors: Jeon Mi Gyeong , Kim Tae Geun , Jung Jong Cheul , Choi Moon Bo
Published: August 2019

For the present study, we investigated the prey of Polistes rothneyi koreanus, which is the most common social wasp in South Korea, and the relationship between prey diversity and vegetation cover around their nests. Prey was collected over two 6‐hr sampling from seven nests between July and mid‐August 2015 in Daegu, Gyeongsan and Gunwi in South Korea. To analyse the prey spectrum, we identified species using DNA barcodes; to analyse vegetation cover, we used the normalized difference vegetation index in a 200 m radius around the nests. A total of 338 prey samples were collected, and eight orders, 24 families, and 65 species were identified, demonstrating a much broader prey spectrum than those previously recorded for Polistes spp. Lepidoptera were the most prevalent, with 158 samples and 47 species. Nest 7, located in a rural area, had the highest numbers of samples and species per worker (5.2 and 1.9, respectively). Lepidoptera accounted for over half of the prey spectrum for all nests, and the families Noctuidae and Geometridae accounted for 60% of all Lepidoptera. Tenodera sinensis (Mantodea) and Gabala argentata (Noctuidae) were the most ubiquitous species, collected at five locations. Six species and some genera of prey are designated as pests in South Korea, indicating that P. r. koreanus also has a beneficial role in pest control. A higher vegetation cover was associated with significantly higher prey species diversity (R2 = .4597, p < .1) and abundance (R2 = .5986, p < .05), indicating that vegetation cover is an important factor for maintaining colonies. Therefore, the recent increase in green spaces in South Korean cities is probably a major contributor to the increased density of social wasps.
Person‐centred shared decision making
Authors: Tonelli Mark R. , Sullivan Mark D.
Published: August 2019

While multiple versions of shared decision making (SDM) have been advanced, most share two seemingly essential elements: (a) SDM is primarily focused on treatment choices and (b) the clinician is primarily responsible for providing options while the patient contributes values and preferences. We argue that these two elements render SDM suboptimal for clinical practice. We suggest that SDM is better viewed as collaboration in all aspects of clinical care, with clinicians needing to fully engage with the patient's experience of illness and participation in treatment. SDM can only take place within an ongoing partnership between clinician and patient, both respecting the other as a person, not as part of an isolated encounter. Respect for the patient as a person goes beyond respect for their choice. Non‐interference is not the only way, or even the most important way, to respect patient autonomy. Knowing the patient as a person and providing an autonomy‐supportive context for care are crucial. That is, the clinician must know the patient well enough to be able to answer the patient's question “What would you do, if you were me?” This approach acknowledges clinicians as persons, requiring them to understand patients as persons. We provide examples of such a model of SDM and assert that this pragmatic method does not require excessive time or effort on the part of clinicians or patients but does require direct and particular knowledge of the patient that is often omitted from clinical decisions.
Computer‐aided planning of soft tissue augmentation with prosthetic guidance for the establishment of a natural mucosal contour in late implant placement
Authors: Aslan Serhat , Tolay Can , Gehrke Peter
Published: August 2019

Objective

Late implant placement in volume deficient sites has been considered a challenging situation for the establishment of a natural mucosal topography. Dimensional relations of hard and soft tissues together with the prosthetic components have not been clarified in the literature. The aim of this proof‐of‐concept case report was to establish the tooth‐like appearance with virtual planning prior to surgical intervention and to calculate the ideal amount of desired soft tissue.

Clinical Considerations

Minimum amount of tissue reconstruction was calculated with computer‐aided soft tissue augmentation and a temporary restoration mimicking the emergence profile of a molar was fabricated for guiding the peri‐implant mucosa in the early wound healing phase. After 4 months of healing, the final restoration was completed with a screw‐retained crown‐abutment. The 2‐year follow‐up period demonstrated a stability of the mucosal margin and peri‐implant health.

Conclusions

A natural mucosal contour could be established with the help of virtual planning. The calculation of required tissue quantity may help clinicians for the creation of a natural appearance in late implant placement.

Clinical Significance

Virtual soft tissue augmentation may determine the required tissue quantity and therefore, could play an important role in the establishment of natural mucosal contour for late implant placement.
Kinetic evaluation and optimization of red popcorn grain drying: Influence of the temperature and air velocity on the expansion properties and β‐carotene content
Authors: Pohndorf Ricardo S. , Lang Gustavo H. , Ferreira Cristiano D. , Ziegler Valmor , Goebel Jorge T. , de Oliveira Maurcio
Published: August 2019

In order to obtain popcorn grains with excellent popping properties and a high β‐carotene content, the drying kinetics were investigated, and response surface methodology was used to optimize the drying process of red popcorn at temperatures of 40, 70, and 100°C and air velocities of 0.5, 1.5, and 2.5 m/s. The Page equation satisfactorily described the drying kinetics of red popcorn. Both variables (temperature and air velocity) had a significant effect on the popping yield, expansion time, and β‐carotene content. For the expansion time, only the air velocity had a significant effect. Based on an established quality standard, the temperature range of 40 and 50°C and air velocity from 0.5 to 1.2 m/s provided popcorn grains with a popping yield, expansion capacity, and β‐carotene content above 7%, 9 mL/mL, and 7.4 mg/100 g, respectively, and an expansion time below 130 s.

Practical applications

The present work optimized of red popcorn grain drying and provides scientific support for obtaining a dry product with excellent popping properties and high nutritional value.
Age‐related cognitive decline in myotonic dystrophy type 1: An 11‐year longitudinal follow‐up study
Authors: Labayru Garazi , Aliri Jone , Zulaica Miren , López de Munain Adolfo , Sistiaga Andone
Published: August 2019

Background

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is an inherited multi‐systemic disease involving the central nervous system (CNS) and is consequently characterized by a range of cognitive impairments. However, whether this cognitive profile progresses over time is still a matter of debate. The aim of this study was to longitudinally assess a DM1 sample, in order to compare, for the first time, this progression with that of a control group. Clinical and socio‐demographic predictive factors potentially implicated in this possible decline are analysed.

Method

Seventy‐five DM1 patients with childhood, juvenile, adult, and late‐onset, and 54 control participants were re‐assessed in an 11‐year follow‐up with a comprehensive neuropsychological battery. The analyses employed were mixed ANOVA for repeated measures to test intergroup comparisons over time and multiple linear regression for predictive variable analysis.

Results

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 patients significantly worsened in visuospatial/visuoconstructive abilities and visual memory compared with controls. Multiple linear regression revealed that progression of cognitive impairment measured by copy of the Rey–Osterrieth complex figure was predicted by muscular impairment, whilst on the block design test age predicted the change with a cut‐off at 31 years of age.

Discussion

A domain‐specific progressive cognitive decline was found in DM1, with visuospatial/visuoconstructive abilities showing the greatest vulnerability to the passage of time. In addition to important clinical implications, these results suggest the need for the scientific community to delve deeper into the potential mechanisms underlying early cognitive decline in this population.
Dependent development in South America: China and the soybean nexus
Authors: Giraudo Maria Eugenia
Published: August 2019

This article examines the expansion of the soybean complex in South America and the role of Chinese firms in expanding their presence in different sectors of the oilseed complex. The growth in trade relations between the two parties has been built on the export of primary commodities from South America and the import of Chinese manufactures—a trade pattern that reproduces core‐periphery dynamics identified by dependency theory scholars. Of particular importance in this bilateral trade is soybean, a crop that has been consolidated as the main export for several South American countries, fuelled by growing demand from China. This article explores China's role in the global political economy as a key agri‐business player and the implications for new relations of dependency by studying the strategies deployed by Chinese firms to increase their influence in the governance of the soybean nexus.
Healthcare professionals’ proposed eHealth needs in elective primary fast‐track hip and knee arthroplasty journey: A qualitative interview study
Authors: Jansson Miia Marika , Harjumaa Marja , Puhto Ari‐Pekka , Pikkarainen Minna
Published: August 2019

Aims and objectives

To examine the lived experience of healthcare professionals providing care for patients with total hip and knee arthroplasty and to understand healthcare professionals’ proposed eHealth needs in elective primary fast‐track hip and knee arthroplasty journey.

Background

There is little evidence in nursing literature to indicate how to develop new eHealth services to support surgical care journeys. Evidence is particularly lacking regarding the development of eHealth solutions.

Design

This was a qualitative interview study.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with four surgeons, two anaesthesiologists, ten nurses and four physiotherapists in a single joint replacement centre during autumn 2018. The data were analysed using an inductive content analysis method. NVivo qualitative data analysis software was used. The COREQ checklist for qualitative studies was followed.

Results

Our research addressed the gap in evidence by focusing on the four main parts of the patient journey in the selected context. Analysis of the data revealed nine main categories for the proposed eHealth needs: eligibility criteria, referrals, meeting the Health Care Guarantee, patient flow, postdischarge care, patient counselling, communication, transparency of the journey and receiving feedback. In addition, the requirements and further development needs for eHealth solutions were generally identified.

Conclusions

From the point of view of healthcare professionals, eHealth solutions have huge potential in supporting the elective primary fast‐track hip and knee arthroplasty journey. However, it is important to acknowledge that these needs may be very different depending on the technological and organisational environment in question.

Relevance to clinical practice

More effective use of information and communication technologies is needed for organisational optimisation resulting in a streamlined pathway, better access to healthcare services, improved outcomes and an improved patient experience. These results can be used in the development of new eHealth solutions to support surgical care journeys and patient education.
Clinical practitioners' perception of the dimensions of patient safety culture in a government hospital: A one‐sample correlational survey
Authors: Alenezi Atallah , Pandaan Ramon Perley M. , Almazan Joseph U. , Pandaan Isabelita N. , Casison Franklyn S. , Cruz Jonas Preposi
Published: August 2019

Aims and objectives

To assess the perceptions of clinical practitioners regarding the different dimensions of patient safety culture in their hospital and examine the work‐related predictors of patient safety culture perceptions.

Background

Patient safety is seen as a progressively critical focus in healthcare areas worldwide. Saudi Arabia aims to improve healthcare quality by providing access to healthcare for its increasing population. Hence, constantly assessing the patient safety culture of healthcare facilities in the country is imperative.

Design

One‐sample correlational survey design.

Methods

The Hospital Survey of Patients' Safety Culture was used to survey the total population sample of 181 healthcare practitioners in a Saudi hospital from December 2018–January 2019. Strengths and weaknesses on PS culture were identified as perceived by the clinical practitioners. Regression analysis was performed to identify the work‐related predictors of patient safety culture perceptions. The study followed the STROBE guideline.

Results

Nine of the 12 dimensions measured were identified as patient safety culture weaknesses, including ‘management support for patient safety’ (49.2%), ‘teamwork across unit’ (44.2%), ‘frequency of events reporting’ (43.1%), ‘communication openness’ (41.3%), ‘overall perception of patient safety’ (38.7%), ‘supervisor/manager expectations and actions promoting patient safety’ (32.9%), ‘staffing’ (23.7%), ‘hospital handoffs and transitions’ (19.6%) and ‘non‐punitive response to errors’ (15.8%). None of the dimensions were identified as strengths by the respondents. Working hours per week and staff position were identified as significant predictors.

Conclusions

The study underscores the urgent need to improve the patient safety culture of the hospital.

Relevance to clinical practice

Hospital administrators should highlight initiatives on positive patient safety impact plan for clinical practitioners and patients, such as monitoring, reporting and strictly adhering to hospital activities that reduce the risks associated with exposure to medical care.
Low rates of pediatric dental coverage for families purchasing marketplace insurance plans
Authors: Kranz Ashley M. , Dick Andrew W.
Published: August 2019

Objectives

Pediatric dental care is an essential health benefit that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires most private health plans to cover. Insurance marketplaces have flexibility in how pediatric dental coverage is offered, with states requiring purchase of dental coverage or embedding dental coverage in all medical plans. It is unknown how these different offerings may affect uptake of coverage.

Methods

We analyzed the 2014–2015 National Health Interview Survey to determine rates of private dental coverage for children obtaining private medical insurance from all state marketplaces (weighted N = 12,380).

Results

We found low rates of dental coverage for children in states where purchase of dental coverage was required (9%) and in states where all marketplace medical plans had embedded dental coverage (24%).

Conclusions

Few families obtaining private medical insurance on the marketplaces report having pediatric dental coverage, suggesting that the ACA essential health benefit policy may not be having its intended effect.
Phenotypic differentiation in a heterogeneous environment: morphological and life‐history responses to ecological gradients in a livebearing fish
Authors: Santi F. , Petry A. C. , Plath M. , Riesch R.
Published: August 2019

Predicting how environmental variation drives phenotypic diversification is one of the main aims of evolutionary ecology. Yet, we still only have a limited understanding of how it drives diversity, especially when multiple factors interact. To address this issue, the superfetating livebearing fish Phalloptychus januarius (Poeciliidae) was repeatedly sampled (over a 2‐year period) in four coastal lagoons in Brazil to investigate the relative contribution of different environmental factors on phenotypic patterns. We further compare our results to those reported for another poeciliid (Poecilia vivipara), which inhabits some of the same lagoons but has a drastically different reproductive strategy (no superfetation). We used a model‐averaging approach to estimate the relative importance of differences in predation pressure, salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature and food availability in driving variation in body shape, life histories, and life‐history proxies. We found consistent population differences in several traits, but also seasonal variation within each lagoon. Specifically, predation, oxygen availability and pH affected several different traits and played important roles in driving phenotypic differences between and amongst populations. Moreover, our study reveals differential responses in phenotypic traits to the same environmental gradients between P. januarius (this study) and P. vivipara (previous studies), and we suggest that future work should further investigate differential phenotypic responses to single versus multiple concomitant selective forces, and how this affects different species.
Prognostic impact of neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio in cirrhosis: A propensity score matching analysis with a prespecified cut‐point
Authors: Deng You , Fan Xiaofei , Ran Ying , Xu Xin , Lin Lin , Cui Binxin , Hou Lijun , Zhao Tianming , Wang Ya , Su Zhengyan , Jiang Xihui , Zhao Wei , Wang Bangmao , Sun Chao
Published: August 2019

Background & Aims

An elevated neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has received attention as a prognostic surrogate across chronic liver diseases. However, an exact threshold has not been fully elucidated.

Methods

A total number of 589 patients with cirrhosis (LC) were included. The value of NLR was calculated and its optimal cut‐off was initially determined by X‐tile program. Independent predictors of 90‐day mortality were identified with Cox regression model. The Kaplan‐Meier method was used to generate survival curves. To reduce influences of selection bias and possible confounders, a 1:2 propensity score matching (PSM) was performed.

Results

The X‐tile indicated that the difference in survival was most significant for NLR more than 8.9. Serum NLR > 8.9 was an independent indicator in the entire cohort and PSM subset (HR 4.268, 95% CI 2.211‐8.238, P < .001; HR 4.209, 95% CI 1.448‐12.238, P = .008 respectively). Subgroup analysis showed that NLR > 8.9 was an independent risk factor of 90‐day mortality regardless of age, gender, CTP or MELD score.

Conclusions

The value of NLR more than 8.9 is a feasible cut‐off across clinical settings among applicable population. The adding of NLR to other conventional predictive systems has the potential to provide incremental value without extra economic cost.
Cancer and Conjugality in Contemporary Delhi: Mediating Life between Violence and Care
Authors: Banerjee Dwaipayan
Published: August 2019

This article tracks the entanglement of cancer and patterns of conjugality in Delhi. Building on fieldwork with about 120 households in Delhi, it describes how the disease put pressure on already fraught marital biographies, revealing durable fissures in household relations. Often, these shifts in the distribution of conjugal vulnerability opened cracks that allowed long histories of domestic violence to seep through. In subtle ways, women could accrue a delicate agency through their practices of care. But at the same time, they continued to inhabit the vulnerable space of affinal homes. This article describes how in these arrangements, care and violence followed each other closely in their tracks. Building on these insights, the article deepens and shifts how anthropologists have understood the social life of the cancer. Specifically, anthropologists writing about the disease have demonstrated the ubiquity of a biotechnical imaginary of hope and survivorship in the Global North. This article develops an anthropology of cancer from the Global South that takes seriously the work of palliation and reconciliation, in the process provincializing Global North imaginaries of hope and survivorship.
Russian Sophiology and the Hebrew Poetry of Proverbs 8:22‐31
Authors: Moore Harry
Published: August 2019

The Russian Sophiological tradition, championed and dogmatically defined by Sergei Bulgakov (1871‐1944), continues to receive energetic responses from a wide array of theologians, philosophers and slavists. However, these responses have, until now, neglected the possibility of a Sophiological hermeneutic. This article, by applying the philosophy of Hans‐Georg Gadamer (1900‐2002), pioneers such a hermeneutic. From this point of departure it will be argued that the Hebrew text of Proverbs 8:22‐31 supports the theological claims of Russian Sophiology more so than the Septuagint. In other words, the Hebrew text is the more ‘sophianic’ scriptural variant. To demonstrate this claim, three key aspects of the passage will be analysed. These include its traditional poetic structure, its theme of ‘playful beauty’, and its language of fertility and birth‐giving. It will first be suggested that the poetic structure embodies the Bulgakovian distinction‐in‐unity of Divine Sophia and Creaturely Sophia. Thereafter, some characteristic lexical nuances of the Hebrew, such as the controversial ‘amon’, will be read as supportive of Sophiological ‘playful beauty’. Finally, it will be shown how the semantic field of feminine birth‐giving, so fundamental to Sophiology, is fully present only in the Hebrew variant. These investigations will altogether demonstrate that the sophianic narrative of Proverbs 8:22‐31 was diluted in the LXX translation, and that for a biblical‐based Sophiology, those interested would find more support for their arguments in the Masoretic text. An exploration of the above claims will not only supplement the current sophiological engagement with classical wisdom creation narratives, but could even reassess Orthodox theology’s broader attitude to the Masoretic text. Although Russian Sophiology provides the central axis of the article, particular convergences with modern ‘western Sophiology’ will be highlighted, especially where these complement the ideas of Russian sophiologists.
Efficiency of A fumigatus‐specific IgG and galactomannan testing in the diagnosis of simple aspergilloma
Authors: Sehgal Inderpaul Singh , Dhooria Sahajal , Choudhary Hansraj , Aggarwal Ashutosh Nath , Garg Mandeep , Chakrabarti Arunaloke , Agarwal Ritesh
Published: August 2019

Background

An early diagnosis of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) at the stage of simple aspergilloma (SA) remains a challenge in low‐ and middle‐income countries, where imaging may not be routinely available.

Objective

We investigate the role of Aspergillus fumigatus‐specific IgG in serum, and galactomannan (GM) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and serum for the diagnosis of SA.

Methods

We included 46 consecutive treatment‐naïve subjects with SA. The 81 controls were subjects of treated pulmonary tuberculosis with residual radiological abnormality and minimal symptoms; and subjects with pulmonary disorders other than CPA who underwent bronchoscopy. The diagnosis of SA was based on consistent clinical features along with radiological manifestations (cavity with fungal ball).

Results

Using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, the best cut‐off value for A fumigatus‐specific IgG was 27.3 mgA/L (AUROC, 0.839; sensitivity, 63.5%; specificity, 98.3%). The best cut‐off value for serum and BALF‐GM was 0.7 (AUROC, 0.636; sensitivity, 32%; specificity, 96.2%) and 2.5 (AUROC, 0.833; sensitivity, 63.7%; specificity, 97.1%), respectively. A combination of A fumigatus‐specific IgG (>27 mgA/L) or serum GM (≥0.7) or BALF‐GM (≥2.5) had a sensitivity and specificity of 82.6% and 96%, respectively.

Conclusions

A combination of serological tests has the best sensitivity in diagnosing SA. More studies are needed to confirm our findings.
Childhood gastroparesis is a unique entity in need of further investigation
Authors: Febo‐Rodriguez Liz , Chumpitazi Bruno P. , Shulman Robert J.
Published: August 2019

Background

Despite increasing knowledge regarding gastroparesis (GP) in adults, little is known regarding the incidence, prevalence, and natural history of childhood GP. Exacerbating the knowledge gap in pediatric GP is both the lack of normative data for gastric emptying scintigraphy in children and lack of GP‐specific pediatric reported outcome measures.

Purpose

The aim of this article was to review the available literature on pediatric GP and identify similarities and differences with studies in adults. We performed a comprehensive search in MEDLINE and Google Scholar from inception to April 2019 for articles published in English using the following combination of keywords: gastroparesis, pediatric gastroparesis, outcomes, metoclopramide, erythromycin, domperidone, cisapride, and gastric neurostimulator. The limited available pediatric data, often retrospective, suggest marked differences between adult and pediatric GP in several aspects including etiology, concomitant co‐morbidities (eg, psychiatric disorders), clinical symptom presentation, diagnostic evaluation, response to therapies, and clinical outcome. Further research in pediatric GP is needed and holds the promise to further elucidate the mechanisms of this disorder in children and lead to pediatric‐focused therapies.
Development and feasibility of an ambulatory acquisition system for fiber‐optic high‐resolution colonic manometry
Authors: Wells Cameron I. , Paskaranandavadivel Nira , Lin Anthony Y. , Du Peng , Penfold James A. , Dinning Phil , Cheng Leo K. , Bissett Ian P. , Arkwright John W. , O'Grady Greg
Published: August 2019

Background

High‐resolution colonic manometry is an emerging technique that has provided new insights into the pathophysiology of functional colorectal diseases. Prior studies have been limited by bulky, non‐ambulatory acquisition systems, which have prevented mobilization during prolonged recordings.

Methods

A novel ambulatory acquisition system for fiber‐optic high‐resolution colonic manometry was developed. Benchtop validation against a standard non‐ambulatory system was performed using standardized calibration metrics. Clinical feasibility studies were conducted in three patients undergoing right hemicolectomy.

Results

Pressure profiles obtained from benchtop testing were near‐identical using the ambulatory and the non‐ambulatory systems. Clinical studies successfully demonstrated ambulatory data capture with patients freely mobilizing postoperatively during continuous recordings of >60 hours. The occurrence (P = .56), amplitude (P = .65), velocity (P = .10), and extent (P = .12) of colonic motor patterns were similar to those obtained in non‐ambulatory studies.

Conclusions

A novel ambulatory system for high‐resolution colonic manometry has been developed and validated. This technique will facilitate prolonged ambulatory recordings of colonic motor activity, assisting with investigations into the role of colonic motility in disease states.
Contrasting effects of host identity, plant community, and local species pool on the composition and colonization levels of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal community in a temperate grassland
Authors: Šmilauer Petr , Košnar Jiří , Kotilínek Milan , Šmilauerová Marie
Published: August 2019

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMFs) are important plant symbionts, but we know little about the effects of plant taxonomic identity or functional group on the AMF community composition. To examine the effects of the surrounding plant community, of the host, and of the AMF pool on the AMF community in plant roots, we manipulated plant community composition in a long‐term field experiment.

Within four types of manipulated grassland plots, seedlings of eight grassland plant species were planted for 12 wk, and AMFs in their roots were quantified. Additionally, we characterized the AMF community of individual plots (as their AMF pool) and quantified plot abiotic conditions.

The largest determinant of AMF community composition was the pool of available AMFs, varying at metre scale due to changing soil conditions. The second strongest predictor was the host functional group. The differences between grasses and dicotyledonous forbs in AMF community variation and diversity were much larger than the differences among species within those groups. High cover of forbs in the surrounding plant community had a strong positive effect on AMF colonization intensity in grass hosts.

Using a manipulative field experiment enabled us to demonstrate direct causal effects of plant host and surrounding vegetation.
Long‐term outcomes of pediatric kidney transplant recipients with a pretransplant malignancy
Authors: Serrano Oscar K. , Gannon Alexis , Olowofela Ayokunle S. , Reddy Apoorva , Berglund Danielle , Matas Arthur J.
Published: August 2019

A childhood malignancy can rarely progress to ESRD requiring a KT. To date, few reports describe long‐term outcomes of pediatric KT recipients with a pretransplant malignancy. Between 1963 and 2015, 884 pediatric (age: 0‐17 years old) recipients received 1055 KTs at our institution. KT outcomes were analyzed in children with a pretransplant malignancy. We identified 14 patients who had a pretransplant malignancy prior to KT; the majority were <10 years old at the time of KT. Ten (71%) patients received their grafts from living donors, the majority of which were related to the recipient. Wilms' tumor was the dominant type of pretransplant malignancy, seen in 50% of patients. The other pretransplant malignancy types were EBV‐positive lymphoproliferative disorders, non‐EBV‐positive lymphoma, leukemia, neuroblastoma, soft‐tissue sarcoma, and ovarian cancer. Ten of the 14 patients received chemotherapy as part of their pretransplant malignancy treatment. Graft survival at 1, 3, and 5 years was 93%, 83%, and 72%, respectively. Patient survival at 1, 5, and 10 years was 100%, 91%, and 83%, respectively. Six (40%) patients suffered AR following KT; half of them had their first episode of AR within 1 month of KT. Our single‐center experience demonstrates that pediatric KT recipients with a previously treated pretransplant malignancy did not exhibit worse outcomes than other pediatric KT patients.
Effect of High Intensity Blue Light on Fusobacterium nucleatum Membrane Integrity
Authors: Jeffet Uziel , Shimon Rachel , Sterer Nir
Published: August 2019

Oral malodour is considered to be caused mainly by the production of volatile sulfide compounds (VSC) by anaerobic gram‐negative oral bacteria. Previous studies showed that these bacteria were susceptible to blue light phototoxicity mediated by the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In the present study, we tested the effect of blue light on the integrity Fusobacterium nucleatum's membrane, cellular proteins and DNA. Bacterial samples were exposed to high intensity blue light for 0, 70, 140 and 280 s (i.e. fluences of 0, 96, 192 and 384 J cm−2, respectively). Following light exposure, bacterial samples were examined for membrane damage using fluorescence microscopy, intra‐cellular protein analysis using electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) and DNA fragmentation using ultra–filtration. Results showed that the increasing exposure of bacterial samples to blue light caused increased membrane permeability concomitant with a reduction in intra‐cellular proteins and DNA fragments content. These results suggest that membrane damage is the main effect of high intensity blue light exposure on malodour producing bacteria.
KLF4 upregulation is involved in alternative macrophage activation during secondary Echinococcus granulosus infection
Authors: Dong Dan , Chen Congzhe , Hou Jun , Yang Kun , Fang Hairui , Jiang Hongqun , Guo Feng , Wu Xiangwei , Chen Xueling
Published: August 2019

The objective of this study was to investigate macrophage polarization during the early stages of secondary Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (E. granulosus s.l.) infection. We observed an early initial increase in inflammatory genes (peaking at 5‐10 days) and a later rise in M (IL‐4)‐like genes (still rising by day 15). In addition, we showed that the induction of M (IL‐4)‐like genes was paralleled by an increase in expression of the transcription factor KLF4. Most of the changes observed in vivo were reproduced in vitro upon the culture of normal peritoneal macrophages with live E. granulosus s.l. protoscoleces (PSC), and that knockdown of KLF4 in this system attenuates M (IL‐4) differentiation. Our results suggest that KLF4 pathway contributes to the differentiation of macrophages towards M (IL‐4)‐like phenotype during early stages of secondary E. granulosus s.l. infection.
Anatomy of Party Sorting: Partisan Polarization of Voters and Party Switching
Authors: Saeki Manabu
Published: August 2019

Scholars explain that the ideological divide among the political elites has heightened the homogeneity in voters' ideology within parties, thereby resulting in the appearance of ideological polarization in the American electorate today. This article postulates and tests four modes of party sorting in the United States based upon: (1) if partisan voters adjust their ideology to the preference of their party elites or switch to the ideologically proximate part; and (2) whether partisan voters respond to the ideological shifts of their own party or opposition party. The empirical results suggest that the conservative voters in the Democratic Party switched to the Republican Party in favorable response to the conservative shift of the Republican Party members in Congress in past decades, whereas the liberal voters in the Republican Party changed their partisanship to Democratic in negative reaction to the rightward shift of Republican elites.

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Gershtenson, Joseph, Brian W. Smith, and William R. Mangun. 2006. “Friends of the Earth? Partisanship, Party Control of Congress, and Environmental Legislation in Congress.”Politics & Policy34 (1): 66‐92.https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747-1346.2006.00004.x

Grossmann, Matt. 2014. “The Varied Effects of Policy Cues on Partisan Opinions.”Politics & Policy42 (6): 881‐904.https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12102

Knuckey, Jonathan. 2009. “Explaining Partisan Change among Northeastern Whites.”Politics & Policy37 (6): 1331‐1355.https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747-1346.2009.00222.x
Patient compliance as a risk factor for the outcome of implant treatment
Authors: Cortellini Simone , Favril Charlotte , De Nutte Mathieu , Teughels Wim , Quirynen Marc
Published: August 2019

Peri‐implantitis can be explained using a multicausality model. Many factors are involved in the etiology of peri‐implantitis, but patient compliance also plays a key role. Oral hygiene, attending recall visits, smoking behavior, and therapy comprehension are relevant factors that contribute to peri‐implant health. The clinician should create the most optimal conditions for patients to facilitate adequate oral self‐care and to help patients improve their oral hygiene skills. Implementation of a supportive periodontal therapy program is mandatory to control inflammation and plaque accumulation, as well as to keep the incidence of peri‐implant diseases low. Patient compliance, including plaque control and dental follow‐up, must be optimal. Consequently, precautions must be taken with patients treated with dental implants.
How do freshwater fish sperm find the egg? The physicochemical factors guiding the gamete encounters of externally fertilizing freshwater fish
Authors: Kholodnyy Vitaliy , Gadêlha Hermes , Cosson Jacky , Boryshpolets Sergii
Published: August 2019

The lifespan of spermatozoa from externally fertilizing freshwater fish ranges from a few seconds to several minutes, depending on the species. External factors, such as temperature, background flows and ion composition, play an important role in fertilization success. Specific mechanisms guiding spermatozoa appear to be essential to maximize the sperm–egg encounter under these strenuous conditions. Although some existing data support the hypothesis that both the ovarian fluid and the eggs may release chemoattractants that significantly affect spermatozoa behaviour and the fertilization outcome, this hypothesis is still open to debate, as the existence of freshwater fish spermatozoa chemotaxis has yet to be demonstrated; in addition, specific mechanisms supporting spermatozoa guidance and gamete selection have not been elucidated. Is the natural selection of gametes determined by a combination of different physicochemical phenomena? Alternatively, is the natural selection of species‐specific gametes biased towards the species‐specific guidance mechanisms of their natural landscape? These questions have received more attention as new studies have revealed potential, distinct guidance mechanisms in freshwater fish reproduction. In this review, we discuss the empirical studies supporting different hypotheses about freshwater fish gamete guidance and highlight the synergistic combination of experiments and biomathematical modelling to explore these questions. Finally, we discuss the challenges in understanding the mechanisms behind sperm guidance in freshwater fish species, and we suppose that knowledge about the mechanisms that underlie spermatozoa selection and guidance in freshwater fish species may elucidate the impact of the traditional aquaculture practice of artificial fertilization on progeny quality and species sustainability.
Clinical outcomes and survival following lung transplantation in patients with pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis
Authors: Wajda Nikolai , Zhu Zheng , Jandarov Roman , Dilling Daniel F. , Gupta Nishant
Published: August 2019

Background and objective

Disease‐specific outcomes following lung transplantation (LT) in patients with pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis (PLCH) are not well established. We queried the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network database to identify adult PLCH patients who had undergone LT in the United States.

Methods

Overall survival data were analysed with Kaplan–Meier curves. Cox proportional hazard model was used to determine the effect of demographic, clinical and physiological variables on post‐transplant survival.

Results

A total of 87 patients with PLCH underwent LT in the United States between October 1987 and June 2017, accounting for 0.25% of the total LT during this period. The mean age at LT for PLCH patients was 49 years (range: 19–67 years), with a near equal gender distribution. Bilateral sequential LT was performed in 71 patients (82%). Pulmonary hypertension was present in 85% of patients, with a mean pulmonary artery pressure of 38.5 ± 14.1 mm Hg. The mean pre‐transplant forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) was 41 ± 21% predicted and the mean 6‐min walk distance was 221 ± 111 m. Median post‐LT survival for PLCH patients was comparable to patients with other lung diseases (5.1 vs 5.5 years, P = 0.76). The actuarial Kaplan–Meier post‐LT survival for PLCH patients was 85%, 65%, 49% and 22% at 1, 3, 5 and 10 years, respectively. Female sex (hazard ratio (HR): 0.40, 95% CI: 0.22–0.72), pre‐transplant serum bilirubin (HR: 1.66, 95% CI: 1.23–2.26) and serum creatinine (HR: 4.03, 95% CI: 1.01–14.76) were independently associated with post‐LT mortality in our cohort.

Conclusion

Post‐LT survival in patients with PLCH is similar to patients with other lung diseases and is significantly affected by patient gender.
Threshold of motion of bivalve and gastropod shells under oscillatory flow in flume experiments
Authors: Fick Cristiano , Puhl Eduardo , Toldo Elírio Ernestino
Published: August 2019

The threshold of motion of non‐fragmented mollusc shells was studied for the first time under oscillatory flow. In this regard, flume experiments were used to investigate the threshold of motion of three bivalve and three gastropod species, two typical mollusc classes of coastal coquina deposits. The sieve diameters ranged from 2·0 to 15·9 mm. These experiments were performed on a flat‐bottom setup under regular non‐breaking waves (swell) produced by a flap‐type wave generator. The critical Shields values for each species of mollusc were plotted against the sieve and nominal diameter. Moreover, the dimensionless Corey shape factor of the shells was evaluated in order to investigate the effect of mollusc shell shapes on the threshold of motion. According to their critical Shields parameter, the mollusc threshold data under oscillatory flow present smaller values than the siliciclastic sediments when considering their sieve diameter. In addition, the mollusc datasets are below the empirical curves built from siliciclastic grain data under current and waves. When considering the nominal diameter, the critical Shields parameter increases and the mollusc data are closer to siliciclastic sediments. Bivalves, which have a flat‐concave shape (form factor: 0·27 to 0·37), have a higher critical Shields parameter for smaller particles and more uniform datasets than the gastropod scattered data, which have a rounded shape (form factor: 0·58 to 0·62) and have varied morphologies (ellipsoidal, conical and cubic). The comparison between previous current‐driven threshold data of bioclastic sediment motion and the data of mollusc whole shells under oscillatory flow shows a fair correlation on the Shields diagram, in which all datasets are below the mean empirical curves for siliciclastic sediments. These findings indicate that the shape effect on the transport initiation is predominant for smaller shells. The use of the nominal diameter is satisfactory to improve the bioclastic and siliciclastic data correlation.
Understanding Persistence in the Resistance
Authors: Fisher Dana R. , Jasny Lorien
Published: August 2019

Since Donald Trump's inauguration, large‐scale protest events have taken place around the United States, with many of the biggest events being held in Washington, DC. The streets of the nation's capital have been flooded with people marching about a diversity of progressive issues, including women's rights, climate change, and gun violence. Although research has found that these events have mobilized a high proportion of repeat participants who come out again and again, limited research has focused on understanding differential participation in protest, especially during one cycle of contention. This article, accordingly, explores the patterns among the protest participants to understand differential participation and what we refer to as “persistence in the Resistance.” In it, we analyze a unique data set collected from surveys conducted with a field approximation of a random sample of protest participants at the largest protest events in Washington, DC, since the Resistance began at the 2017 Women's March. Our findings provide insights into repeat protesters during this cycle of contention. The article concludes by discussing how our findings contribute to the research on differential participation.