bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determinants of (non-)attendance at the Dutch cancer screening programmes: A systematic review
Authors: Bongaerts Thomas HG , Büchner Frederike L , Middelkoop Barend JC , Guicherit Onno R , Numans Mattijs E
Published: December 2019

Objective

The Netherlands host three population-based cancer screening programmes: for cervical, breast, and colorectal cancer. For screening programmes to be effective, high participation rates are essential, but participation in the Netherlands’ programmes is starting to fall below the minimal effective rate. We aimed to produce a systematic overview of the current known determinants of (non-)attendance at the Dutch cancer screening programmes.

Methods

A literature search was conducted in the electronic databases Academic Search Premier, Cochrane Library, Embase, EMCare, PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and also in grey literature, including all articles published before February 2018. The I-Change model was used to categorize the identified determinants of cancer screening attendance.

Results

In total, 19/1232 identified studies and 6 grey literature reports were included. Fifteen studies reported on predisposing factors. Characteristics such as social economic status, country of birth, and residency were most often reported, and correlate with cancer screening attendance. Thirteen studies addressed information factors. Factors on awareness, motivation, ability, and barriers were less often studied.

Conclusion

Current studies tend to describe the general characteristics of (non-)attendance and (non-)attenders, but rarely provide in depth information on other factors of (non-)participation. The I-Change model proved to be a useful tool in mapping current knowledge on cancer screening attendance and revealed knowledge gaps regarding determinants of (non-)participation in the screening programmes. More research is needed to fully understand determinants of participation, in order to influence and optimize attendance rates over the long term.
Neo-Liberalising Energy Production: The Making and Unmaking of an Ultra Mega Power Project in South India
Authors: V. Preetha K. , Menon Ajit
Published: December 2019

This article critiques the increasing neo-liberalisation of energy production through a case study of the coal-based Cheyyur ultra mega power project in Tamil Nadu, India. Recent literature has suggested that the state has facilitated megaproject-based neo-liberalism by exempting such projects from both environmental clearance and land acquisition processes. We argue, to the contrary, that in the case of the Cheyyur thermal power project, the poor implementation of environmental regulations and land acquisition has given space to different local and supralocal actors to legally contest and challenge destructive development. In a context where coal-based energy production is becoming uneconomical and renewable energy is being increasingly promoted, this does not bode well for such energy projects.
Closing the Gaps in Social and Physical Infrastructure for Achieving Sustainable Development Goals in Asia and the Pacific
Authors: Kumar Nagesh
Published: December 2019

Despite robust economic growth, poverty reduction and other indicators of socio-economic progress achieved over the past decades, Asia and the Pacific countries suffer from a number of gaps in the access to social and physical infrastructure such as access to healthcare and education, drinking water, sanitation and electricity among other deprivations. The 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) adopted by the leaders of the member states of the United Nations in 2015 could be timely for the Asia and the Pacific region as they provide an opportunity to close these gaps by focusing on ridding the planet of poverty and hunger and providing a life of dignity to all, ‘leaving no one behind’. SDGs provide an opportunity to the region to foster a more balanced and equitable pattern of development. Meeting these ambitions will require policies for inclusive development. Drawing upon recent UNESCAP analysis, this article not only offers an overview of the region’s impressive socio-economic achievements but also highlights the gaps that remain to be closed; it also advocates a policy agenda that can help fulfil the ambitions of SDGs.
Development of the administrative-accounting system of the Conservatorio S. M. degli Angiolini in Florence from 1785 to 1859: Institutional changes and isomorphic pressures
Authors: Sibilio Barbara , Vannini Ilaria Elisa
Published: December 2019

S. Maria degli Angiolini in Florence, founded as a monastery in 1507, became a conservatorio (a special type of girls’ school) in 1785 and thereafter carried out the education of young females. Between 1785 and 1859, it underwent various changes due to political, social, cultural, religious and economic events. These events, the result of the liberal enlightenment age, influenced the institution’s configuration, its formal organisation structure, teaching activity (pedagogic approach, methods, criteria and contents of the training offered), as well as its accounting system (system of book-keeping and method of registration). This article presents the analysis of rare documents, laws, regulations and account books to identify, in light of new institutionalism, the principal agents of transformation, in particular in accounting systems, within conservatori, with focus on S. Maria degli Angiolini.
A multi-scale corrosion fatigue damage model of high-strength bridge wires
Authors: Fan Chen , Li Zhaoxia , Wang Ying
Published: December 2019

Cables are the most sensitive components in cable-supported bridges, and the failure of cables is usually caused by the degradation of mechanical properties of internal wires. Based on Faraday's law and the rates of microcrack initiation and propagation, a multi-scale corrosion fatigue damage model was developed to describe the damage evolution in the stages of pit growth and microcrack propagation. The accuracy and effectiveness of this damage model were also verified through the experimental data of corrosive fatigue life of high-strength bridge wires. The result shows that this damage model can describe the multi-scale corrosion fatigue damage evolution process of high-strength bridge wires reasonably and effectively, which provides a new way to better understand the trans-scale damage evolution mechanism during the corrosion fatigue process of high-strength bridge wires.
Creep properties and damage constitutive model of salt rock under uniaxial compression
Authors: Wang Junbao , Zhang Qiang , Song Zhanping , Zhang Yuwei
Published: December 2019

To study the creep property of salt rock, uniaxial compression creep tests on salt rock specimens were carried out. The test results indicate that there is no steady creep of the salt rock used in this test in a strict sense. Even in the steady creep stage, the creep rate of salt rock changes continuously over time, but with a relatively smaller change range. When the axial stress does not exceed 9.5 MPa, the isochronous stress–strain curve of salt rock is approximately straight. While the axial stress exceeds 9.5 MPa, the isochronous stress–strain curve deflects to the strain axis, and the larger the axial stress, the more obvious the deflection. Thus, the long-term strength of the salt rock used in this test can be determined as 9.5 MPa. A mathematical expression for predicting the creep failure time of rock is proposed on the basis of assuming the change rule of rock strength over time conforms to the Usher function. Then starting from the variation in deformation modulus with respect to time in the creep process of salt rock, the elastic modulus of the damaged rock material is characterized by the deformation modulus, and the creep damage evolution equation of rock is established. Combined with the continuous damage mechanics theory, a new creep damage constitutive model for rock is proposed. The rationality of the model is verified using the uniaxial compression creep test results of salt rock. The results show that the new model can not only describe the attenuation and the steady creep of salt rock under low stress level, but also reflect the whole creep failure process under high stress level. The predicted curves under different axial stresses are all in good agreement with the test data.
Understanding the Needs and Preferences of Domestic and Sexual Violence Education for Health Profession Students
Authors: Semin Jessica N. , Skrundevskiy-Coburn Alena , Smith Lynette M. , Rajaram Shireen S.
Published: December 2019

This study examined health profession students’ comfort levels, perceived knowledge, attitudes, and preferences for domestic and sexual violence education at an academic medical center. Students indicated their perceived knowledge of community resources was poor, whereas comfort, attitudes, and perceived knowledge of the topic remained fair. A majority of students (83.2%) reported receiving less than 3 hr of training in their coursework, which remained consistent for students with more years of education. Students preferred content be incorporated into existing curricula or presented in lunch seminars. Study results reveal opportunities for improvement in domestic and sexual violence education.
Retinal arterial macroaneurysm associated with macular pucker
Authors: Rajabian Firuzeh , Arrigo Allesandro , Grazioli Allesio , Falcomatà Bruno , Bandello Francesco , Battaglia Parodi Maurizio
Published: December 2019

Purpose:

To describe a case of retinal arterial macroaneurysm associated with macular pucker with good response to subthreshold laser treatment.

Presentation:

Two-year follow-up of a patient with decreased vision in one eye for the past 6 months. Baseline best-corrected visual acuity was 20/40 in the affected eye. Multiple retinal arterial macroaneurysms were diagnosed on biomicroscopy fundus examination, with the presence of subretinal fluid and hard exudates on macula. Multimodal imaging including optical coherence tomography and fluorescein angiography confirmed the diagnosis and presence of macular pucker, which complicated the treatment choice. The largest retinal arterial macroaneurysm was treated 2 days after the diagnosis by means of subthreshold micropulse laser using an infrared diode laser with 1400 mW power, 200 ms exposure and 10% duty cycle.

Results:

Five months after the treatment, despite absorption of subretinal fluid, there were increased hard exudates at the posterior pole and best-corrected visual acuity was unchanged. Progressively, the exudates were absorbed and vision improved. Eighteen months after the treatment, best-corrected visual acuity was 20/25. Hard exudates were almost completely reabsorbed, with no evidence of fluid. Macular pucker was unchanged, with no retinal traction or complications related to conventional laser treatment.

Conclusion:

Subthreshold laser treatment could be the treatment of choice in complicated cases of retinal arterial macroaneurysm with macular pucker, as it is able to modify the vessel permeability, without any thermal negative effect.
Mechanism of reaction of silica and carbon for producing silicon carbide
Authors: Abolpour Bahador , Shamsoddini Rahim
Published: December 2019

The reaction kinetics of carbon reduction of silica were investigated using thermodynamic concepts and by fitting to relevant models the experimental data obtained for this reduction using a thermogravimetric unit in the temperature range of 1566 to 1933 K. The results show that the only way to produce SiC in this reduction is the reaction of Si, SiO, or SiO2 at the surface or by diffusion of SiO inside the carbon particles while CO and CO2 have no direct effect on the process. The controlling step of this reduction at temperatures lower than 1750 K is the chemical gas–solid or solid–solid reaction at the surface of the carbon particles, while at higher temperatures, the rate of SiO diffusing inside the carbon particles controls the rate of this reduction.
Analysing the ways of participating in interview settings: young people’s identity performances and social class in focus groups
Authors: Katainen Anu , Heikkilä Riie
Published: December 2019

Critical discussions on the focus group method have highlighted the importance of considering the forms of interaction generated in groups. In this empirical paper we argue that these forms of interaction are intimately linked to the ways participants interpret the study setting, and these interpretations are likely to differ significantly depending on participants’ social backgrounds. In the light of our data consisting of 18 focus groups with 15-year-old school pupils from both affluent and deprived neighbourhoods of Helsinki discussing film clips about young people drinking alcohol, we ask what kinds of modes of participation are mobilised in focus group discussions in order to mark the social position of participants. We further analyse these modes in relation to situated identity performances, arguing that contextual factors of the study setting become especially important to consider when researching vulnerable groups and heterogeneous populations. The analysis yields three modes of participation: these are active/engaged, resistant/passive and dominant/transformative. We argue that these modes can be viewed as actively taken positions that reveal what kinds of identities and competences participants are able and willing to mobilise in the study setting, and that recognising these modes is important in all interview settings.
Does the type of feedback channel used in online learning environments matter? Students’ perceptions and impact on learning
Authors: Espasa Anna , Mayordomo Rosa M , Guasch Teresa , Martinez-Melo Montserrat
Published: December 2019

Dialogic feedback demands an active role by lecturers and students to become effective. However, sometimes students do not engage with the feedback received. The use of technology and different channels to provide feedback (using audio and video feedback) in online learning environments could contribute to make students more active with the feedback and improve its effectiveness. The aim of this article is to investigate the use of different feedback channels (text, audio or video) and contrast their impact on academic achievement, as well as to analyse whether the feedback channel influences students’ perception of feedback in terms of their preferences. A quasi-experimental study was designed, whereby students received feedback both after they had drawn up the first draft of a written assignment and upon its completion. The results suggest that the channel through which feedback is provided does not have a bearing on performance. However, the study does identify significant differences between the quality of the first draft and that of their final submission. With regard to preferences, students preferred the video channel over the audio or written channels. In addition, they perceived video as the channel that is most conducive to greater interaction and dialogue between lecturers and students, and that also produces the greatest sense of closeness. The results obtained are discussed in light of their importance in an online environment.
The Hundreds, observation, encounter, atmosphere, and world-making
Authors: Berlant Lauren
Published: December 2019

The conversation with Lauren Berlant begins with reflections on the experimental form of her new, collaborative book The Hundreds (with Kathleen Stewart, 2019) and on worlding imaginaries. Berlant elaborates on the genre of the theoretical poem, how it came into being, and how it works. She reveals her creative politics of theory-making, processes of generating theory from everyday observations as well as from numerous and heterogenous sources she has been ‘thinking with’. Images – including the dialectical image and the elaborative ekphrasis – are discussed as triggers in the process of writing. As such, they open up a potentially revolutionary elsewhere that is so central to queer and Marxist theory and aesthetics, as well as to Berlant’s version of affect theory, and her affective realism. Towards the end of the discussion, Berlant praises the loss of our ‘footing in the world’ which might be for the benefit of a commitment to change, and offers an engagement in making another kind of world.
Witnessing famine: the testimonial work of famine photographs and anti-colonial spectatorship
Authors: Ghosh Tanushree
Published: December 2019

The scholarly discussions of photo-documentation as a human rights practice have typically regarded images as a means of making suffering public and provoking affective responses as well as remedial actions. Overwhelmingly, however, liberal humanitarian images have affirmed the cultural imaginary of the isolated subject–victim and the sympathetic, yet privileged, spectator. This article attempts to complicate our understanding of the trajectory of humanitarian photodocumentation by considering the famine photographs of WW Hooper and Sunil Janah taken during the 1870s Madras famine and the 1940s Bengal famine, respectively. The author argues that, in contrast to Hooper’s photographs, which function as the genealogical predecessor to liberal humanitarian photojournalism, Janah’s photographs allow the possibility of witnessing as activism and model anti-colonial ways of seeing.
Dispersion curve analysis method for Lamb wave mode separation
Authors: Hu Yue , Zhu Yanping , Tu Xiaotong , Lu Jing , Li Fucai
Published: December 2019

The Lamb wave inspection has emerged as a promising method for structural health monitoring and nondestructive testing. However, because of the highly dispersive and multimodal features, the Lamb wave mode separation has become a challenging problem. Based on the dispersion curve analysis, a new signal processing method is proposed in this study to solve this problem. First, a novel function based on the Hessian matrix is constructed to enhance the energy concentration of the dispersion curve in the time–frequency representation to reduce the dispersion effect. Subsequently, the constrained penalty function algorithm is developed for detecting dispersion curves. Finally, a mode reconstruction algorithm is developed to recover Lamb wave modes. The proposed method can separate overlapping wave modes and detect the crack fault by enhancing the time–frequency feature of the Lamb wave signal. Two experiments are carried out to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method for Lamb wave mode separation.
Strokes or Seizures? What’s the Score?
Authors: Bermeo-Ovalle Adriana
Published: December 2019

[Box: see text]
Weeding Washington
Authors: Triman Julia G.
Published: December 2019

After Congress passed the 1899 Weed Removal Act, the District of Columbia Health Officer struggled to enforce it. The discourses around the legislation reveal a disconnect between visions for order, beauty, and dignity and the uncontrollable conditions on the ground. Planning visions were for an ordered built environment flanked with orderly “nature,” but the weedy materiality of the city thwarted attempts to keep nature in its human-intended place. Through archival research of government reports, newspaper articles, photographs, and cartoons, this article explores how urban weeds complicate discourses of “urban nature” through a case study of early-twentieth-century Washington.
Hygrothermal assessment of north-facing, cold attic spaces under the eaves with varying structural roof scenarios
Authors: Jensen Nickolaj Feldt , Bjarløv Søren Peter , Johnston Christopher Just , Pold Casper Fabian Hillestrøm , Hansen Morten Hjorslev , Peuhkuri Ruut Hannele
Published: December 2019

The objective of this study was to test whether compliance with the current Danish best practice recommendations concerning design of the cold attic space will prevent damaging moisture levels. The project was performed as a full-scale experimental setup in the cool temperate climate of Denmark. The setup comprised 18 north-facing attic spaces with varying ventilation principles and varying infiltration scenarios. The relative humidity and temperature were measured in attic spaces, indoor and outdoor, for almost 3 years. The hygrothermal performance of the attics was evaluated by post-processing and comparing the data with predicted mould growth risk and with visual observations of mould growth. The results showed that following the recommended passive ventilation strategies made the hygrothermal performance in attics with diffusion-open roofing underlay worse. In addition, increasing vapour diffusion tightness of the roofing underlay made the hygrothermal performance of the cold attic spaces under the eaves worse, except for attics with passive ventilation but without infiltration. The hygrothermal performance of the attics with diffusion-tight roofing underlay was poor when combining infiltration and the assessed ventilation strategy. The performance of the same attic without infiltration showed that some degree of ventilation was needed. External roof insulation did not significantly improve the hygrothermal performance of the attic.
The Underground Exchange of Diabetes Medications and Supplies: Donating, Trading, and Borrowing, Oh My!
Authors: Litchman Michelle L. , Oser Tamara K. , Wawrzynski Sarah E. , Walker Heather R. , Oser Sean
Published: December 2019

Background:

The cost of diabetes medications and supplies is rising, resulting in access challenges. This study assessed the prevalence of and factors predicting underground exchange activities—donating, trading, borrowing, and purchasing diabetes medications and supplies.

Research Design and Methods:

A convenience sample of people affected by diabetes was recruited online to complete a survey. Mixed method analysis was undertaken, including logistic regression to examine the relationship between self-reported difficulty purchasing diabetes medications and supplies and engagement in underground exchange activity. Thematic qualitative analysis was used to examine open-text responses.

Results:

Participants ( N = 159) self-reported engagement in underground exchange activities, including donating (56.6%), donation receiving (34.6%), trading (23.9%), purchasing (15.1%), and borrowing (22%). Such activity took place among a variety of individuals, including friends, family, coworkers, online acquaintances and strangers. Diabetes-specific financial stress predicted engagement in trading diabetes mediations or supplies (OR 6.3, 95% CI 2.2-18.5) and receiving donated medications or supplies (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.1-7.2). One overarching theme, unmet needs, and three subthemes emerged: (1) factors influencing underground exchange activity, (2) perceived benefits of underground exchange activity, and (3) perceived consequences of underground exchange activity.

Conclusion:

Over half of the participants in this study engaged in underground exchange activities out of necessity. Providers must be aware about this underground exchange and inquire about safety and possible alternative resources. There is an urgent need to improve access to medications that are essential for life. Our study points to a failure in the US healthcare system since such underground exchanges may not be necessary if medications and supplies were accessible.
Pulmonary transit of contrast during exercise is related to improved cardio-pulmonary performance in highly trained endurance athletes
Authors: Sanz-de la Garza María , Vaquer-Seguí Antonia , Durán Karina , Blanco Isabel , Burgos Felip , Alsina Xavier , Prat-González Susanna , Bijnens Bart , Sitges Marta
Published: December 2019

Background

The mechanisms underlying the high interindividual variability demonstrated for right-ventricular (RV) adaptation to exercise have not yet been identified, but different pulmonary vascular adaptations among individuals could be involved. Pulmonary transit of agitated saline (PTAS) during exercise has been demonstrated to be a good estimator of vascular reserve.

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of PTAS among endurance athletes (EAs) of both sexes and its influence on RV adaptation to exercise.

Methods

A total of 100 highly trained EAs performed a maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test. Bi-ventricular functional and structural characteristics as well as PTAS were evaluated at baseline and at peak exercise. Athletes were distributed between two groups based on the amount of PTAS during exercise as high (HTPAS; >12 bubbles) and low (LPTAS; ≤12 bubbles).

Results

Overall, 11 EAs exhibited an intra-cardiac shunt at rest and 1 met the criteria for chronic pulmonary disease and were excluded from the study. Among the remaining 88 EAs (51% women), 47 (53%) athletes were classified as HPTAS and 41 (47%) as LPTAS. HPTAS capability was associated with significantly larger RV contractile reserve, larger pulmonary vascular reserve and an enhanced maximal exercise capacity. On multivariate analysis, females were the only independent correlate of the HPTAS capability.

Conclusion

In highly trained endurance athletes, a HPTAS capability during exercise corresponded to an increase in pulmonary vascular and RV contractile reserves as well as an enhanced maximal exercise capacity. The long-term clinical or performance implications of the absence or presence of pulmonary shunting, and the subsequent RV afterload increase while performing exercise, remains to be determined.
Development of a stick-on hip protector: A multiple methods study to improve hip protector design for older adults in the acute care environment
Authors: Post E , Komisar V , Sims-Gould J , Korall AMB , Feldman F , Robinovitch SN
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Over 90% of hip fractures in older adults result from falls, and hospital patients are at especially high risk. Specific types of wearable hip protectors have been shown to reduce hip fracture risk during a fall by up to 80%, but user compliance has averaged less than 50%. We describe the development and evaluation of a “stick-on” hip protector (secured over the hip with a skin-friendly adhesive) for older patients in acute care.

Methods

An initial version of the product was evaluated with six female patients (aged 76–91) in a hospital ward, who were asked to wear it for one week. We subsequently refined the product through biomechanical testing and solicited feedback from 43 health professionals on a second prototype.

Results

The first prototype was worn by five of six patients for the full week or duration of their hospital stay. The second prototype (20 mm thick, surface area 19 × 15.5 cm) provided 36% force attenuation, more than common garment-based models (20–21%). Feedback from patients and health professionals highlighted usability, comfort, cost, and appearance.

Conclusions

Our results from biomechanical and user testing support the need for further work to determine the value of stick-on hip protectors in acute care.
Morphomolecular motifs of pulmonary neoangiogenesis in interstitial lung diseases
Authors: Ackermann Maximilian , Stark Helge , Neubert Lavinia , Schubert Stephanie , Borchert Paul , Linz Friedemann , Wagner Willi L. , Stiller Wolfram , Wielpütz Mark , Hoefer Anne , Haverich Axel , Mentzer Steven J. , Shah Harshit R. , Welte Tobias , Kuehnel Mark , Jonigk Danny
Published: December 2019

The pathogenetic role of angiogenesis in interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) is controversial. This study represents the first investigation of the spatial complexity and molecular motifs of microvascular architecture in important subsets of human ILD. The aim of our study was to identify specific variants of neoangiogenesis in three common pulmonary injury patterns in human ILD.

We performed comprehensive and compartment-specific analysis of 24 human lung explants with usual intersitial pneumonia (UIP), nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) and alveolar fibroelastosis (AFE) using histopathology, microvascular corrosion casting, micro-comupted tomography based volumetry and gene expression analysis using Nanostring as well as immunohistochemistry to assess remodelling-associated angiogenesis.

Morphometrical assessment of vessel diameters and intervascular distances showed significant differences in neoangiogenesis in characteristically remodelled areas of UIP, NSIP and AFE lungs. Likewise, gene expression analysis revealed distinct and specific angiogenic profiles in UIP, NSIP and AFE lungs.

Whereas UIP lungs showed a higher density of upstream vascularity and lower density in perifocal blood vessels, NSIP and AFE lungs revealed densely packed alveolar septal blood vessels. Vascular remodelling in NSIP and AFE is characterised by a prominent intussusceptive neoangiogenesis, in contrast to UIP, in which sprouting of new vessels into the fibrotic areas is characteristic. The molecular analyses of the gene expression provide a foundation for understanding these fundamental differences between AFE and UIP and give insight into the cellular functions involved.
Acute air pollution exposure alters neutrophils in never-smokers and at-risk humans
Authors: Wooding Denise J. , Ryu Min Hyung , Li Hang , Alexis Neil E. , Pena Olga , Carlsten Chris
Published: December 2019

Outdoor air pollution exposure increases chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) hospitalisations, and may contribute to COPD development. The mechanisms of harm, and the extent to which at-risk populations are more susceptible are not fully understood. Neutrophils are recruited to the lung following diesel exhaust exposure, a model of traffic-related air pollution (TRAP), but their functional role in this response is unknown. The purpose of this controlled human-exposure crossover study was to assess the effects of acute diesel exhaust exposure on neutrophil function in never-smokers and at-risk populations, with support from additionalin vitrostudies.

18 participants, including never-smokers (n=7), ex-smokers (n=4) and mild–moderate COPD patients (n=7), were exposed to diesel exhaust and filtered air for 2 h on separate occasions, and neutrophil function in blood (0 h and 24 h post-exposure) and bronchoalveolar lavage (24 h post-exposure) was assessed.

Compared to filtered air, diesel exhaust exposure reduced the proportion of circulating band cells at 0 h, which was exaggerated in COPD patients. Diesel exhaust exposure increased the amount of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in the lung across participants. COPD patients had increased peripheral neutrophil activation following diesel exhaust exposure.In vitro, suspended diesel exhaust particles increased the amount of NETs measured in isolated neutrophils. We propose NET formation as a possible mechanism through which TRAP exposure affects airway pathophysiology. In addition, COPD patients may be more prone to an activated inflammatory state following exposure.

This is the first controlled human TRAP exposure study directly comparing at-risk phenotypes (COPD and ex-smokers) with lower-risk (never-smokers) participants, elucidating the human susceptibility spectrum.
Enhanced Light-Induced Transverse Thermoelectric Effect in Tilted BiCuSeO Film via the Ultra-thin AuNPs Layer
Authors: Yu Weiyuan , Yan Guoying , Xue Yuli , Zhang Yuejiao , Wang Jianglong , Fu Guangsheng , Wang Shufang
Published: December 2019

Significant enhancement of light-induced transverse thermoelectric (LITT) effect in tilted BiCuSeO film has been achieved via introduction of an ultra-thin layer of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with the thickness of a few nanometers. In both cases of pulsed and continuous light irradiation, about two times increment in the LITT voltage sensitivity is observed for the BiCuSeO film coated with 4-nm-thick AuNPs layer. This can be ascribed to the increased photo-thermal conversion efficiency in the LITT effect owing to the efficient usage of the incident light of AuNPs layer. Thicker AuNPs layer will suppress the voltage sensitivity increment due to the electrical connectivity effect. This work provides an effective strategy for optimizing the performance of thermal-type optical detectors based on the LITT effect.
A Transient-Enhanced Voltage Regulator with Stability and Power-Supply-Rejection Boosting
Authors: Shi Yue , Wang Anqi , Cao Jianwen , Zhou Zekun
Published: December 2019

A high-stability voltage regulator (VR) is proposed in this paper, which integrates transient enhancement and overcurrent protection (OCP). Taken into consideration the performance and area advantages of low-voltage devices, most control parts of proposed VR are supplied by the regulated output voltage, which forms self-power technique (SPT) with power supply rejection (PSR) boosting. Besides, the stability and transient response are enhanced by dynamic load technique (DLT). An embedded overcurrent feedback loop is also adopted to protect the presented VR from damage under overload situations. The proposed VR is implemented in a standard 350 nm BCD technology, whose results indicate the VR can steadily work with 5.5–30 V input voltage, 0–30 mA load range, and 0.1–3.3 μF output capacitor. A 2.98 μV/V line regulation and a 0.233 mV/mA load regulation are achieved with a 40 mA current limiting. The PSR is better than − 64 dB up to 10 MHz with a 0.1 μF output capacitor.
Industrial policy, structural transformation and economic growth: evidence from China
Authors: Chen Jinran , Xie Lijuan
Published: December 2019

Industrial policy is an important means for governments to promote industrial development and accelerate economic growth. This paper mainly uses the Chinese Law and Regulation Database as the source of the relevant laws and regulations of China’s industrial policies from 2003 to 2015. On this basis, it empirically examines the impact of industrial policies on economic growth. The study finds that China’s industrial policy has significant positive effects on economic growth and that industrial structure rationalization is an important channel of industrial policy to improve economic growth. The findings are also valid under a series of robustness tests and endogenous corrections. The results of heterogeneity tests confirm that there are heterogeneous effects pertaining to industrial policy on economic growth among different sub-regional areas, administrative levels, industrial development stages, and industrial policy types. Overall, this paper supports the hypothesis that industrial policy has positive effects on economic growth and, accordingly, provides a basis for industrial policy implementation.
Leaps and bounds: geographical and ecological distance constrained the colonisation of the Afrotemperate by Erica
Authors: Pirie Michael D. , Kandziora Martha , Nürk Nicolai M. , Le Maitre Nicholas C. , Mugrabi de Kuppler Ana , Gehrke Berit , Oliver Edward G. H. , Bellstedt Dirk U.
Published: December 2019

Background

The coincidence of long distance dispersal (LDD) and biome shift is assumed to be the result of a multifaceted interplay between geographical distance and ecological suitability of source and sink areas. Here, we test the influence of these factors on the dispersal history of the flowering plant genus Erica (Ericaceae) across the Afrotemperate. We quantify similarity of Erica climate niches per biogeographic area using direct observations of species, and test various colonisation scenarios while estimating ancestral areas for the Erica clade using parametric biogeographic model testing.

Results

We infer that the overall dispersal history of Erica across the Afrotemperate is the result of infrequent colonisation limited by geographic proximity and niche similarity. However, the Drakensberg Mountains represent a colonisation sink, rather than acting as a “stepping stone” between more distant and ecologically dissimilar Cape and Tropical African regions. Strikingly, the most dramatic examples of species radiations in Erica were the result of single unique dispersals over longer distances between ecologically dissimilar areas, contradicting the rule of phylogenetic biome conservatism.

Conclusions

These results highlight the roles of geographical and ecological distance in limiting LDD, but also the importance of rare biome shifts, in which a unique dispersal event fuels evolutionary radiation.
Massive expansion and diversity of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in lophotrochozoans
Authors: Jiao Yu , Cao Yanfei , Zheng Zhe , Liu Ming , Guo Ximing
Published: December 2019

Background

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are among the oldest and most conserved transmembrane receptors involved in signal transduction. Despite the prevalence and significance of cholinergic signaling, the diversity and evolution of nAChRs are not fully understood.

Result

By comparative genomic analysis, we found massive expansions of nAChR genes in molluscs and some other lophotrochozoans. The expansion is particularly pronounced in stationary bivalve molluscs with simple nervous systems, with the number of nAChR genes ranging from 99 to 217 in five bivalves, compared with 10 to 29 in five ecdysozoans and vertebrates. The expanded molluscan nAChR genes tend to be intronless and in tandem arrays due to retroposition followed by tandem duplication. Phylogenetic analysis revealed diverse nAChR families in the common ancestor of bilaterians, which subsequently experienced lineage-specific expansions or contractions. The expanded molluscan nAChR genes are highly diverse in sequence, domain structure, temporal and spatial expression profiles, implying diversified functions. Some molluscan nAChR genes are expressed in early development before the development of the nervous system, while others are involved in immune and stress responses.

Conclusion

The massive expansion and diversification of nAChR genes in bivalve molluscs may be a compensation for reduced nervous systems as part of adaptation to stationary life under dynamic environments, while in vertebrates a subset of specialized nAChRs are retained to work with advanced nervous systems. The unprecedented diversity identified in molluscs broadens our view on the evolution and function of nAChRs that are critical to animal physiology and human health.
Spatial structure of the microbiome in the gut of Pomacea canaliculata
Authors: Li Lan-Hua , Lv Shan , Lu Yan , Bi Ding-Qi , Guo Yun-Hai , Wu Jia-Tong , Yue Zhi-Yuan , Mao Guang-Yao , Guo Zhong-Xin , Zhang Yi , Tang Yun-Feng
Published: December 2019

Background

Gut microbes can contribute to their hosts in food digestion, nutrient absorption, and inhibiting the growth of pathogens. However, only limited studies have focused on the gut microbiota of freshwater snails. Pomacea canaliculata is considered one of the worst invasive alien species in the world. Elucidating the diversity and composition of the microbiota in the gut of P. canaliculata snails may be helpful for better understanding the widespread invasion of this snail species. In this study, the buccal masses, stomachs, and intestines were isolated from seven P. canaliculata snails. The diversity and composition of the microbiota in the three gut sections were then investigated based on high-throughput Illumina sequencing targeting the V3-V4 regions of the 16S rRNA gene.

Results

The diversity of the microbiota was highest in the intestine but lowest in the buccal mass. A total of 29 phyla and 111 genera of bacteria were identified in all of the samples. In general, Ochrobactrum, a genus of putative cellulose-degrading bacteria, was the most abundant (overall relative abundance: 13.6%), followed by Sediminibacterium (9.7%), Desulfovibrio (7.8%), an unclassified genus in the family Aeromonadaceae (5.4%), and Cloacibacterium (5.4%). The composition of the microbiota was diverse among the different gut sections. Ochrobactrum (relative abundance: 23.15% ± 7.92%) and Sediminibacterium (16.95 ± 5.70%) were most abundant in the stomach, an unclassified genus in the family Porphyromonadaceae (14.28 ± 7.29%) and Leptotrichia (8.70 ± 4.46%) were highest in the buccal mass, and two genera in the families Aeromonadaceae (7.55 ± 4.53%) and Mollicutes (13.47 ± 13.03%) were highest in the intestine.

Conclusions

The diversity and composition of the microbiome vary among different gut sections of P. canaliculata snails. Putative cellulose-degrading bacteria are enriched in the gut of P. canaliculata.
Plastome phylogenomics, biogeography, and clade diversification of Paris (Melanthiaceae)
Authors: Ji Yunheng , Yang Lifang , Chase Mark W. , Liu Changkun , Yang Zhenyan , Yang Jin , Yang Jun-Bo , Yi Ting-Shuang
Published: December 2019

Background

Paris(Melanthiaceae) is an economically important but taxonomically difficult genus, which is unique in angiosperms because some species have extremely large nuclear genomes. Phylogenetic relationships withinParishave long been controversial. Based on complete plastomes and nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) sequences, this study aims to reconstruct a robust phylogenetic tree and explore historical biogeography and clade diversification in the genus.

Results

All 29 species currently recognized inPariswere sampled. Whole plastomes and nrDNA sequences were generated by the genome skimming approach. Phylogenetic relationships were reconstructed using the maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference methods. Based on the phylogenetic framework and molecular dating, biogeographic scenarios and historical diversification ofPariswere explored. Significant conflicts between plastid and nuclear datasets were identified, and the plastome tree is highly congruent with past interpretations of the morphology. Ancestral area reconstruction indicated thatParismay have originated in northeastern Asia and northern China, and has experienced multiple dispersal and vicariance events during its diversification. The rate of clade diversification has sharply accelerated since the Miocene/Pliocene boundary.

Conclusions

Our results provide important insights for clarifying some of the long-standing taxonomic debates inParis. Cytonuclear discordance may have been caused by ancient and recent hybridizations in the genus. The climatic and geological changes since the late Miocene, such as the intensification of Asian monsoon and the rapid uplift of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, as well as the climatic fluctuations during the Pleistocene, played essential roles in driving range expansion and radiative diversification inParis. Our findings challenge the theoretical prediction that large genome sizes may limit speciation.
Genome-wide association study of agronomic traits in bread wheat reveals novel putative alleles for future breeding programs
Authors: Rahimi Yousef , Bihamta Mohammad Reza , Taleei Alireza , Alipour Hadi , Ingvarsson Pär K.
Published: December 2019

Background

Identification of loci for agronomic traits and characterization of their genetic architecture are crucial in marker-assisted selection (MAS). Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have increasingly been used as potent tools in identifying marker-trait associations (MTAs). The introduction of new adaptive alleles in the diverse genetic backgrounds may help to improve grain yield of old or newly developed varieties of wheat to balance supply and demand throughout the world. Landraces collected from different climate zones can be an invaluable resource for such adaptive alleles.

Results

GWAS was performed using a collection of 298 Iranian bread wheat varieties and landraces to explore the genetic basis of agronomic traits during 2016–2018 cropping seasons under normal (well-watered) and stressed (rain-fed) conditions. A high-quality genotyping by sequencing (GBS) dataset was obtained using either all original single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP, 10938 SNPs) or with additional imputation (46,862 SNPs) based on W7984 reference genome. The results confirm that the B genome carries the highest number of significant marker pairs in both varieties (49,880, 27.37%) and landraces (55,086, 28.99%). The strongest linkage disequilibrium (LD) between pairs of markers was observed on chromosome 2D (0.296). LD decay was lower in the D genome, compared to the A and B genomes. Association mapping under two tested environments yielded a total of 313 and 394 significant (−log10P>3) MTAs for the original and imputed SNP data sets, respectively. Gene ontology results showed that 27 and 27.5% of MTAs of SNPs in the original set were located in protein-coding regions for well-watered and rain-fed conditions, respectively. While, for the imputed data set 22.6 and 16.6% of MTAs represented in protein-coding genes for the well-watered and rain-fed conditions, respectively.

Conclusions

Our finding suggests that Iranian bread wheat landraces harbor valuable alleles that are adaptive under drought stress conditions. MTAs located within coding genes can be utilized in genome-based breeding of new wheat varieties. Although imputation of missing data increased the number of MTAs, the fraction of these MTAs located in coding genes were decreased across the different sub-genomes.
Effectiveness, benefit harm and cost effectiveness of colorectal cancer screening in Austria
Authors:   on behalf of the Austrian Colorectal Cancer Screening Model Group, Jahn Beate , Sroczynski Gaby , Bundo Marvin , Mühlberger Nikolai , Puntscher Sibylle , Todorovic Jovan , Rochau Ursula , Oberaigner Willi , Koffijberg Hendrik , Fischer Timo , Schiller-Fruehwirth Irmgard , Öfner Dietmar , Renner Friedrich , Jonas Michael , Hackl Monika , Ferlitsch Monika , Siebert Uwe
Published: December 2019

Background

Clear evidence on the benefit-harm balance and cost effectiveness of population-based screening for colorectal cancer (CRC) is missing. We aim to systematically evaluate the long-term effectiveness, harms and cost effectiveness of different organized CRC screening strategies in Austria.

Methods

A decision-analytic cohort simulation model for colorectal adenoma and cancer with a lifelong time horizon was developed, calibrated to the Austrian epidemiological setting and validated against observed data. We compared four strategies: 1) No Screening, 2) FIT: annual immunochemical fecal occult blood test age 40–75 years, 3) gFOBT: annual guaiac-based fecal occult blood test age 40–75 years, and 4) COL: 10-yearly colonoscopy age 50–70 years. Predicted outcomes included: benefits expressed as life-years gained [LYG], CRC-related deaths avoided and CRC cases avoided; harms as additional complications due to colonoscopy (physical harm) and positive test results (psychological harm); and lifetime costs. Tradeoffs were expressed as incremental harm-benefit ratios (IHBR, incremental positive test results per LYG) and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios [ICER]. The perspective of the Austrian public health care system was adopted. Comprehensive sensitivity analyses were performed to assess uncertainty.

Results

The most effective strategies were FIT and COL. gFOBT was less effective and more costly than FIT. Moving from COL to FIT results in an incremental unintended psychological harm of 16 additional positive test results to gain one life-year. COL was cost saving compared to No Screening. Moving from COL to FIT has an ICER of 15,000 EUR per LYG.

Conclusions

Organized CRC-screening with annual FIT or 10-yearly colonoscopy is most effective. The choice between these two options depends on the individual preferences and benefit-harm tradeoffs of screening candidates.