bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Eddy-Eddy Interactions in Sudden Stratospheric
Warming Formation
Authors: Lindgren Erik Anders , Sheshadri Aditi
Published: September 2019

Abstract. The effects of eddy-eddy interactions on sudden stratospheric warming formation are investigated using an idealized atmospheric general circulation model, in which tropospheric heating perturbations of zonal wave numbers 1 and 2 are used to produce planetary scale wave activity. Eddy-eddy interactions are removed at different vertical extents of the atmosphere in order to examine the sensitivity of stratospheric circulation to local changes in eddy-eddy interactions. We show that the effects of eddy-eddy interactions on sudden warming formation, including sudden warming frequencies, are strongly dependent on the wave number of the tropospheric forcing and the vertical levels where eddy-eddy interactions are removed. Significant changes in sudden warming frequencies are evident when eddy-eddy interactions are removed even when the lower stratospheric wave forcing does not change, highlighting the fact that the upper stratosphere is not a passive recipient of wave forcing from below. We find that while eddy-eddy interactions are required in the troposphere and lower stratosphere to produce displacements when wave number 2 heating is used, both splits and displacements can be produced without eddy-eddy interactions in the troposphere and lower stratosphere when the model is forced by wave number 1 heating. We suggest that the relative strengths of wave numbers 1 and 2 vertical wave flux entering the stratosphere largely determine the split and displacement ratios when wave number 2 forcing is used, but not wave number 1.
O enfermeiro no programa de gerenciamento do uso de antimicrobianos: uma revisão integrativa
Authors: Alvim Andre Luiz Silva
Published: September 2019

Objetivo: Analisar como a literatura científica descreve o enfermeiro, bem como seu papel no Programa de Gerenciamento do Uso de Antimicrobianos (PGUA). Método: Revisão integrativa da literatura, realizada mediante consulta às bases de dados Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Literatura Latinoamericana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS) e Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE). Resultados: Foram incluídos seis artigos que atenderam os critérios de inclusão previamente estabelecidos. Todos foram publicados na língua inglesa e divulgados na base de dados eletrônica MEDLINE. A metade dos artigos foi publicada em revistas científicas que tiveram fator de impacto avaliado acima de 2,0, destacando os periódicos Clinical Infectious Diseases (8,216), BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making (2,288) e American Journal of Infection Control (2,209). Quanto aos temas abordados, todos os artigos reconheceram o enfermeiro como peça fundamental no PGUA. Conclusão: Embora os estudos na literatura sejam limitados, foi possível concluir que a participação do enfermeiro promove otimização terapêutica e uso racional dos antibióticos, contribuindo para redução da resistência antimicrobiana.
Agronomic Efficiency and Productivity of Sorghum in Response to Fertilizers With Different Phosphorus Solubilities in Greenhouse Conditions
Authors: Souza Henrique Antunes de , Araújo Maria Diana Melo , Benites Vinícius de Melo , Pompeu Roberto Cláudio Fernandes Franco , Guedes Fernando Lisboa , Natale William , Melo Ane Caroline , Leite Luiz Fernando Carvalho
Published: September 2019

The experiment was conducted under controlled conditions in the municipality of Sobral, Ceará, Brazil, to evaluate the agronomic efficiency of phosphate fertilizers with different solubilities on the cultivation of sorghum in a Luvisol. The experimental design comprised randomized blocks in a 2 × 6 factorial scheme (two genotypes and five phosphorus treatments plus the control, without phosphorus). The treatments were: monoammonium phosphate, triple superphosphate, sheep manure, organic compost based on livestock residues, and organomineral fertilizer. Three blocks were used, and each plot comprised composed of a pot containing two plants. Sixty-five days after germination, the plants were harvested for evaluation of biometric data, biomass, accumulation of nutrients in the aerial part, soil fertility, agronomic efficiency index of the phosphate fertilizers and triple superphosphate equivalent. The organomineral and triple superphosphate fertilizers had the highest agronomic efficiency for production of sorghum biomass. The more soluble sources (organomineral, triple superphosphate and monoammonium phosphate) enabled a better phosphorus recovery rate and physiological efficiency than the sources with low solubility.
Legislation of Pesticides in Citriculture, Community of Cubiteua, Capitão Poço/PA
Authors: Abade M. T. R. , Rocha M. E. L. , Siqueira J. A. M. , Siqueira R. C. L. , Souza F. L. B de , Cunha L. S. , Ribeiro L. L. O. , Ribeiro M. S. S. , Ávila M. T. , Millomes Junior K. C.
Published: September 2019

The Brazilian citriculture presents hegemony in the production and export of orange juice. The state of São Paulo is the largest national producer, accounting for 74% of the national production of this fruit. The State of Pará is responsible for 1.02% of the production of Orange in Brazil, of that amount the municipality of Captain Poço is responsible for 57% of the total produced. The objective of this research was to analyze the profile of different producers in compliance with the pesticide legislation. For the development of the work, a survey was carried out based on the Law of Agrochemicals—Law No. 7,802 of July 11, 1989 and the Law of Packaging—Law No. 9,974 of June 6, 2000, in the community of Cubiteua belonging to the municipality of Captain Poço/PA. The producers interviewed were chosen based on planted area and these were typified according to the amount of citrus planted. The percentage of respondents who know Federal Law 7,802/89, rectified by Law 9,974/00 and regulated by Decree No. 4,074/02, is equal to 8%. Both laws are not known to most producers, especially those with the smallest planted area, and as a consequence, they are not being met, leading to environmental, social, economic and human health problems.
Control of Relative Market Power in Competition Law
Authors: Glöckner Jochen
Published: September 2019

Control of Relative Market Power in Competition Law. An Instrument to Implement the Unfair Trading Practices Directive?

On April 2019 the Directive on Unfair Trading Practices in business-to-business relationships in the agricultural and food supply chain has entered into force. In particular the remedies that the Member States are supposed to offer seem to be designed after the blueprint of competition law enforcement, and the practices deemed “unfair” in this Directive are closely related to abusive practices under Article 102 TFEU. While such practices are typically based on an economic dependence, no dominant position as required by Article 102 TFEU will be found. So, the question is whether an expansion of the scope of control of unilateral conduct under competition law might be the way to implement the Directive.

Germany has a long-standing tradition with respect to the expansion of the scope of control of abusive conduct to undertakings with less than a dominant position. Following a brief introduction that outlines the contents of the Directive (I.) this contribution is going to give a picture of the provisions on control of so-called “relative market power”, i.e. a position of independence not versus all competitors and the opposite market side as defined by the ECJ, but only in the relation to individual trading partners under German competition law (II.), and finish with an outline of the structural problems that might stand in the way of implementing the new rules with a simple application or amendment of the competition law provisions on relative market power (III.)
Umowy podatkowe w państwie prawa – projekt nowej
Ordynacji podatkowej na tle doświadczeń włoskich
(cz. 2). Państwo prawa
Authors: Gryziak Bartosz
Published: September 2019

W czasach skarbowości masowej tradycyjne formy działania administracji skarbowej przestają być skuteczne.
Poszukuje się więc nowych rozwiązań i proponuje np. zawieranie umów przez organy podatkowe z podmiotami
biernymi, co miałoby służyć optymalizacji postępowania. Rozwiązanie takie jest jednak źródłem kontrowersji.
Podatkowe standardy konstytucyjne zdają się wykluczać możliwość negocjacji dotyczących zobowiązania podatkowego.
Poszukiwane są zatem koncepcje mające pogodzić obie te przeciwstawne tendencje, np. we Włoszech,
gdzie instytucja taka funkcjonuje od ponad wieku. Na tle włoskich doświadczeń stawiana jest teza o wadliwej
konstrukcji umów podatkowych przewidzianych w projekcie nowej Ordynacji podatkowej.
Análise de Comportamentos de Condução: Uma Abordagem Utilizando Algoritmos de Agrupamento
Authors: P. Chabariberi Lucas , N. C. Sobral Francisco , M. Peres Sarajane
Published: September 2019

A descoberta e caracterização de perfis de comportamento de condução pode ser útil para apoiar a otimização de processos para seguradores ou gestoras de frotas. A evolução das técnicas da computação ubíqua e de análise de dados tornou tais tarefas possíveis. Neste artigo, nós apresentamos um estudo na análise de comportamentos de condução por meio de de algoritmos de agrupamento em um conjunto de dados do mundo real. Nós aplicamos os algoritmos k-Means++ e Spectral Clustering cujos resultados mostraram que: a existência de direção menos ou mais agressiva; potencial para descobrir mais perfis uma vez que a avaliação preliminar quantitativa indicou boa qualidade no agrupamento com quatro perfis.
Empoderamento de usuários finais no desenvolvimento de ambientes virtuais de participação social
Authors: A. M. Silva Thiago , Siqueira Sean , Araujo Renata
Published: September 2019

Este artigo introduz uma proposta que habilita usuários finais, sem conhecimento em desenvolvimento de softwares, a criarem protótipos de Ambientes Virtuais de Participação Social institucionais. Assim, a proposta visa empoderar usuários finais na prática da inovação nas instituições.
Narrativas Populares para Transmissão de Valores em Jogos Sérios Baseados em Processos de Serviços Públicos para Cidadãos Brasileiros
Authors: Janssen Fabrício , Pimentel Mariano , Araujo Renata
Published: September 2019

O Brasil é um país de baixa escolaridade e que consome em larga escala: jogos, celulares e televisão. Nesse contexto, promover a conscientização e participação cidadã da população tem sido um desafio. Áreas de pesquisa estudam o potencial de jogos digitais sérios para este fim. Pesquisas anteriores propuseram o Play Your Process (PYP), um método de design de jogos sérios baseados em processos de serviços públicos com objetivo de promover o entendimento dos cidadãos sobre o funcionamento destes serviços. Um dos desafios da construção de jogos com base no PYP é como transmitir valores por meio deles. Essa dissertação objetiva evoluir o PYP propondo para o design o uso de técnicas de narrativas populares para integrar valores.
Towards Runtime Testing of Dynamically Adaptive Systems based on Behavioral Properties
Authors: Barros dos Santos Erick , Maria de Castro Andrade Rossana , de Sousa Santos Ismayle
Published: September 2019

Dynamically Adaptive Systems (DAS) support adaptations to deal with changes in the user requirements and the environments constraints at runtime. A DAS can have high dynamicity of its configurations at runtime, so a major challenge is to perform quality assurance activities. In the literature, approaches that perform runtime testing mostly uses the DAS operational context to generate test plans, then missing other relevant runtime data (e.g., violation of behavioral properties) in the process. Therefore, this master thesis proposes an approach that monitors behavioral properties and use its results to improve the selection and execution of tests at runtime. Thus, the main contribution is the identification of failures in the adaptation mechanism during the DAS execution.
Comparative Study of The Performance of Various Classifiers in Labeling Non-Functional Requirements
Authors: Toth Laszlo , Vidacs Laszlo
Published: September 2019

Software systems are to be developed based on expectations of customers. These expectations are expressed using natural languages. To design a software meeting the needs of the customer and the stakeholders, the intentions, feedbacks and reviews are to be understood accurately and without ambiguity. These textual inputs often contain inaccuracies, contradictions and are seldom given in a well-structured form. The issues mentioned in the previous thought frequently result in the program not satisfying the expectation of the stakeholders. In particular, for non-functional requirements, clients rarely emphasize these specifications as much as they might be justified. Identifying, classifying and reconciling the requirements is one of the main duty of the System Analyst, which task, without using a proper tool, can be very demanding and time-consuming. Tools which support text processing are expected to improve the accuracy of identification and classification of requirements even in an unstructured set of inputs. System Analysts can use them also in document archeology tasks where many documents, regulations, standards, etc. have to be processed. Methods elaborated in natural language processing and machine learning offer a solid basis, however, their usability and the possibility to improve the performance utilizing the specific knowledge from the domain of the software engineering are to be examined thoroughly. In this paper, we present the results of our work adapting natural language processing and machine learning methods for handling and transforming textual inputs of software development. The major contribution of our work is providing a comparison of the performance and applicability of the state-of-the-art techniques used in natural language processing and machine learning in software engineering. Based on the results of our experiments, tools can be designed which can support System Analysts working on textual inputs.
A small shift in VSH-gene frequency instead of rapid parallel evolution in bees. A comment on Oddie et al. 2018
Authors: van Alphen Jacques J M , Fernhout BartJan
Published: September 2019

We refute a recent claim that parallel evolution in four European populations of honeybees has resulted in a not previously reported behavioural defence mechanism of the bees against the parasitic mite Varroa destructor, i.e. the ability of uncapping/recapping to reduce mite reproductive success. There are no data to support this claim, while there is a more plausible alternative interpretation of the reduced mite reproduction, i.e. reduction of mites through Varroa Sensitive Hygiene. We provide evidence why the former mechanism cannot explain resistance against Varroa in honeybees and the latter is instrumental in reducing Varroa populations.
Organic facies variability and paleoenvironmental interpretation of the Early Toarcian of the Pyrenean Basin: the Bizanet and the Pont de Suert sections
Authors: Fonseca Carolina , Mendonça Filho João Graciano , Lézin Carine , Duarte Luís Vítor , Fauré Philippe
Published: September 2019

The Early Toarcian is characterized by major worldwide environmental changes recorded in an organic-rich black shale sedimentation and carbon cycle disturbances, the so-called Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event (T-OAE) (e.g. Jenkyns, 2010). This organic-rich sedimentation is particularly recorded in shallow marine epicontinental basins that developed as part of the Toarcian European epicontinental shelf, paleogeographical framework in which the Pyrenean Basin is incorporated (e.g. Fonseca et al., 2018; McArthur et al., 2008). With these premises, the main objective of this study is to assess the organic facies variability and to define the depositional paleoenvironments of two sections from the Pyrenean Basin (Bizanet and Pont de Suert) during the T-OAE, using palynofacies and geochemical (Total Organic Carbon - TOC and insoluble residue - IR) data. The Pyrenean tectonics that occurred between the latest Cretaceous and the Oligocene, deformed, detached and fragmented the substrate resulting in diverse tectonic units (Faure, 2002). The late Pliensbachian-early Toarcian of the Pont de Suert section, located in the South Pyrenean zone, is characterized by the limestone dominated Barre a Pecten Formation (Fm.), and the carbonate and/or argillaceous-carbonate alternation of its three members (alternations of marl and argillaceous limestone of the Calcaires argileux à Spirifèrines Member (Mb.), the argillaceous limestones and marls of the Calcaires argileux et marnes à Soaresirhynchia Mb., and the marl and argillaceous limestone dominated Calcaires argileux à Telothyris Mb.; Faure, 2002). The Bizanet section is located in the eastern Corbières, and is characterized by a 3m thick succession of late Pliensbachian-early Toarcian sediments comprising, at the base, the limestone dominated Barre a Pecten Fm., followed by a sedimentary gap dated to the Tenuicostatum Chronozone, topped by the marly dominated succession of the Bizanet Fm. (black ferruginous marls intercalated with limestones and topped by dolomitic limestones of the Schistes carton Mb., and the black marls of the Argilites noires litées Mb.; Faure, 2002). The geochemical results evidenced that the Bizanet section presents higher TOC contents than the Pont de Suert section, with values reaching 2.03 wt.%. In the Bizanet section IR ranges between 12 wt.% and 82 wt.% and in the Pont de Suert section varies from 13wt.% to 67 wt.%, displaying a similar average value for the two sections (45 wt.%). The palynofacies assemblage is dominated in both sections by the same components, belonging to the Phylum Cnidaria, Class Hydrozoa and Order Hydroida, and are represented by fragments of colonial and non-colonial sessile polypoid forms and free-swimming medusoid forms, with different degrees of amorphization.

(This abstract has been truncated, please see the complete PDF version)
Large, three-generation human families reveal post-zygotic mosaicism and variability in germline mutation accumulation
Authors: Sasani Thomas A , Pedersen Brent S , Gao Ziyue , Baird Lisa , Przeworski Molly , Jorde Lynn B , Quinlan Aaron R
Published: September 2019

The number of de novo mutations (DNMs) found in an offspring's genome increases with both paternal and maternal age. But does the rate of mutation accumulation in human gametes differ across families? Using sequencing data from 33 large, three-generation CEPH families, we observed significant variability in parental age effects on DNM counts across families, ranging from 0.19 to 3.24 DNMs per year. Additionally, we found that ~3% of DNMs originated following primordial germ cell specification in a parent, and differed from non-mosaic germline DNMs in their mutational spectra. We also discovered that nearly 10% of candidate DNMs in the second generation were post-zygotic, and present in both somatic and germ cells; these gonosomal mutations occurred at equivalent frequencies on both parental haplotypes. Our results demonstrate that rates of germline mutation accumulation vary among families with similar ancestry, and confirm that post-zygotic mosaicism is a substantial source of human DNM.
Region-specific regulation of stem cell-driven regeneration in tapeworms
Authors: Rozario Tania , Quinn Edward B , Wang Jianbin , Davis Richard E , Newmark Phillip A
Published: September 2019

Tapeworms grow at rates rivaling the fastest-growing metazoan tissues. To propagate they shed large parts of their body; to replace these lost tissues they regenerate proglottids (segments) as part of normal homeostasis. Their remarkable growth and regeneration are fueled by adult somatic stem cells that have yet to be characterized molecularly. Using the rat intestinal tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta, we find that regenerative potential is regionally limited to the neck, where head-dependent extrinsic signals create a permissive microenvironment for stem cell-driven regeneration. Using transcriptomic analyses and RNA interference, we characterize and functionally validate regulators of tapeworm growth and regeneration. We find no evidence that stem cells are restricted to the regeneration-competent neck. Instead, lethally irradiated tapeworms can be rescued when cells from either regeneration-competent or regeneration-incompetent regions are transplanted into the neck. Together, the head and neck tissues provide extrinsic cues that regulate stem cells, enabling region-specific regeneration in this parasite.
No-till System as an Alternative for Soil Conservation Aiming at Sustainability in Tobacco Production
Authors: Bolzan Felipe Tascheto , Meneghetti Camila Bisognin , Michelon Cleudson José , Streck Carlos Arnoldo
Published: September 2019

Aims: Tobacco cultivation is important in the income composition of family farmers. The use of soil cover plants is a practice that plays an important role in keeping the soil covered and reducing the effects of water erosion and improving the physical, chemical and biological conditions of the soil. The objective of this study was to evaluate the benefits of using different species for soil covering preceding the production of tobacco in the no-tillage system.

Place and Duration of Study: Two experiments were conducted in Jaguari-RS, in the years 2015 and 2016.

Methodology: The treatments were different species of soil cover crops, preceding the cultivation of tobacco (nicotine tabacum) as described: Black oat (Avena strigosa); Common Vetch (Vicia sativa L.); Consortium of Black Oat + vetch and white lupine (Albus L.). For both experiments, the experimental units consisted of plots of 3.5 x 3 m, comprising an area of 10.5 m2. The plant growth, production of the dry mass and decomposition of crop residues, of the cover crops, as well as weed infestation and tobacco yield were evaluated.

Results: Among the winter cover crops, black oats and white lupine stood out, as they showed fast growth and higher dry mass production, resulting in higher tobacco yield. These cover crops showed the most promising, combining the benefits to soil conservation and the sustainability of the production system.

Conclusion: In this study it was observed that the treatments with cover crops that presented the highest dry mass production were the same ones that provided the highest tobacco yield, making it possible to affirm that there is a positive relation between the production of the dry mass of precedent crop with tobacco yield.
Introduction
Authors: Baselski Vickie S. , Weissfeld Alice S.
Published: December 2024

Laboratories are subject to a wide array of regulatory compliance issues, including those impacting laboratory test performance, those related to laboratory safety, and those relating to privacy, security, and integrity of health information. Most hospital laboratories generally performed services for their own inpatients and occasionally for affiliated outpatients, and tests were billed according to a formula established by the business office. This chapter seeks to provide guidance on developing a laboratory program to ensure that reimbursement practices are compliant with payor rules and regulations. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) interprets statutes and regulations and issues these interpretations through a variety of official documents. CMS is responsible for establishing payment amounts for clinical diagnostic laboratory services on the Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule. A key component of the billing compliance process is attention to correct coding.
Wound Cultures
Authors: Bryson Alexandra L. , Doern Christopher D.
Published: December 2024

A wide variety of microorganisms that reside on the skin and mucous membranes of the body, as well as those found in the environment, can cause skin and soft tissue infections. These organisms enter the body through breaks in the skin or mucous membranes, through wounds made by trauma or bites (exogenous) or as a complication of surgery or foreign‐body implants (endogenous), or they can be spread to the tissues through the vascular system. Acute wound infections are normally caused by external damage to intact skin, such as that produced during surgery or by trauma and bites. Conversely, chronic infections, such as decubitus or foot and leg ulcers, are normally due to complications related to impaired vascular flow or metabolic disease. Quantitative wound cultures are primarily used as research tools and only in unique circumstances for patient care. Tissues from acute wounds are the specimen types that may be used for quantitative microbiological analysis.
Identification of Gram‐Positive Bacteria
Authors: Bernard Kathryn
Published: December 2024

Unlike in the case of Gram‐negative bacilli, it can be difficult to definitively identify Gram‐positive cocci and bacilli to the genus and species levels. Gram‐positive bacilli have been difficult to identify because pathogens have to be discerned from hundreds of validly named species that are found in the environment or are part of the normal microbiota of the human body, including the skin, mucosal membranes, oropharynx, and genitourinary and gastrointestinal tracts, and the taxonomy of such agents is both evolving and being augmented. For species‐level identification of viridans group streptococci, enterococci, and corynebacteria, commercial kits are often easier to perform than standard tube biochemical tests, but both approaches have limitations in accuracy. Because of the lack of unique colony morphologies for many Gram‐positive microorganisms, the Gram stain must be performed on isolates for identification. Gram‐variable microorganisms are considered Gram positive.
Processing Specimens for Anaerobic Culture
Authors: Morris Trefor E.
Published: December 2024

This chapter presents the procedure for processing specimens for anaerobic culture. This procedure describes the steps for processing a specimen for anaerobic culture once received within the laboratory. The overarching aim is to complete these steps within the shortest possible timeframe so that there is no loss of organism viability. Ideally, all processing should take place within an anaerobic chamber, as this allows all stages to occur within an anaerobic environment. All specimens should be examined macroscopically (visually), with reference made to any significant characteristics, and microscopically via Gram stain. The procedure includes the steps, such as visual examination, microscopic examination via Gram stain, specimen preparation, inoculation of media, and incubation.
Quality Control and Quality Assurance for Blood Cultures
Authors: Martinez Raquel M.
Published: December 2024

Because of the impact on patient care, blood cultures are considered among the most important microbiology tests performed. Quality control (QC) begins with acquiring a blood culture instrument and associated blood culture media, then verifying and validating the performance for clinical use. Like QC, quality assurance (QA) programs are essential to ensure accurate and reliable results. For blood cultures to perform as intended, specific preanalytical, analytical, and postanalytical criteria must be met. The volume of blood collected for culture is the most critical of all the quality benchmarks, as it is the most significant factor impacting culture positivity. The analytical QA metrics specific to blood cultures, such as percent contamination and percent positivity, are directly impacted by the preanalytical variables including fill volume and the number of bottles submitted. Higher rates of contamination are associated with certain specimen types, such as line draws, lower‐extremity venipuncture, and arterial puncture.
Staining, Culture, and Identification Methods for Aerobic and Anaerobic Bacteria Recovered from Positive Blood Cultures
Authors: Hilt Evann E. , Jean Sophonie
Published: December 2024

Use of continuously monitored blood culture systems reduces the time to detection of bacteremia and candidemia and reduces contamination rates compared to manual methods. Ideally, processing of positive blood cultures for subculture and Gram stain with immediate reporting of Gram stain results should be performed around the clock, 24/7. Blood culture contamination is associated with negative patient outcomes and significant cost. Culture procedures for positive blood cultures should focus on rapid identification of true pathogens. If multitarget molecular panels are not available, laboratories may use a variety of rapid biochemical testing methods for presumptive identification and reporting, followed by confirmatory testing on recovered isolates. Additionally, laboratories may utilize matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization‐time of flight mass spectrometry for rapid identification directly from positive blood culture bottles. Rapid, presumptive identification of true pathogens, particularly those with infection control risks, should be prioritized.
Diagnosis of Catheter‐Related Bloodstream Infection: Differential‐Time‐To‐Positivity Cultures and Catheter Tip Cultures
Authors: Miller Steve
Published: December 2024

This chapter lists the most common types of vascular and hemodialysis access catheters used for patient care that the laboratory may encounter. Clinical policy should instruct physicians to submit peripheral blood cultures and either paired cultures from the catheter lumen or removed catheter segments to the laboratory for diagnosis of suspected catheter‐related bloodstream infection. Several methods have been used to diagnose catheter‐related sepsis. The submission of differential‐time‐to‐positivity cultures, consisting of two sets of blood cultures, is the preferred method to diagnose catheter‐related bacteremia and does not require removal of the catheter. For diagnosis after the catheter has been removed, semiquantitative cultures are more reliable than qualitative catheter tip cultures. The chapter focuses on the specimen collection, transport, and handling, materials, quality control, interpretation, reporting results and limitations of procedure.
Disk Diffusion from Positive Blood Culture
Authors: Kahlmeter Gunnar , Campeau Shelley
Published: December 2024

Methodologies from the CLSI and the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) for performing disk diffusion directly from positive blood culture broth are based on standard disk diffusion, but with significant modifications to one or more of the following: inoculum, incubation times, reading instructions, and breakpoints. This procedure provides information for performing both the CLSI direct disk diffusion test and the EUCAST rapid antimicrobial susceptibility test (RAST) methods. For both CLSI and EUCAST, the identification of the genus and/or species, depending on which method is used, must be known before interpreting results, since breakpoints apply to specified organisms or organism groups. Positive blood culture broth with
Enterobacterales
or
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
, within 0 to 18 h after blood culture has signaled positive. Positive bottles should be processed promptly, but if not, they should remain in the instrument until ready to proceed with the RAST method.
Gradient Diffusion Tests
Authors: Dwivedi Hari P. , Brocco Fabio , Matuschek Erika
Published: December 2024

A standardized inoculum of bacteria is swabbed onto the surface of a low‐thymine‐thymidine‐concentration, cation‐adjusted Mueller‐Hinton agar plate, in accordance with the ISO 16782 standard. Gradient diffusion test strips, i.e., strips containing a continuous gradient of antimicrobial concentrations, are placed on the agar surface. After overnight incubation, an elliptical zone of inhibition forms as the antimicrobial agent inhibits growth. The MIC is read where growth intersects the gradient test strip. MICs can be interpreted in categories based on the breakpoints established by breakpoint‐establishing agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the CLSI, or the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST). The gradient test strips are commercial antimicrobial gradient products and are not specifically addressed in CLSI or EUCAST standards. The CLSI does acknowledge FDA‐cleared antimicrobial gradient tests that perform comparably to CLSI reference methods as acceptable for use in clinical laboratories.
Detection of VRSA, VISA, and Vancomycin‐Heteroresistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(hVISA)
Authors: Morrisette Taylor , Rybak Michael J.
Published: December 2024

Vancomycin‐resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(VRSA) and vancomycin‐intermediate
S. aureus
(VISA) can be detected using routine broth microdilution methods (BMD); the vancomycin agar screen test is another available method. Detection of VISA and VRSA isolates should preferentially be performed by BMD, agar dilution, or gradient diffusion methods. The detection of vancomycin heteroresistance in
S. aureus
(hVISA) is challenging and labor‐intensive, and it is complicated in the clinical realm by a lack of routine screening procedures. The presence of hVISA in clinical specimens has been associated with vancomycin treatment failures in some studies, but this is poorly validated clinically. The PAP‐AUC ratio is considered the gold standard method for detection of hVISA. The chapter covers proper quality control principles for analytical tests. With postanalytical considerations, it provides attention to common test limitations, interpretive challenges, and results reporting.
Selection, Collection, Transport, and Processing of Specimens for Viral Diagnosis
Authors: Graf Erin H.
Published: December 2024

Optimal use of all diagnostic testing for viral infections, but especially recovery of viruses in culture, requires careful consideration of preanalytical factors, including selection, collection, transport, assessment, and processing of patient specimens. Specimen selection relates to more than just the specimen type or source; it also includes the appropriate clinical indications for which virus culture may be warranted. The laboratory must provide written guidelines to collection sites detailing which viruses can and should be tested by the laboratory, including specific information on the limitations of virus culture‐based methods compared to molecular and/or immunologic testing, as well as instructions for submitting specimens. It is important to ensure that the collection facility has access to all required transport media and has processes in place to store the media under required conditions, with appropriate quality assurance mechanisms in place.
Synchronization of Neural Networks With Unbounded and Non‐Differentiable Delays via Decentralized Adaptive Control
Authors: Cai Rui , Zhang Hao
Published: December 2024

Synchronization of delayed neural networks has been investigated in recent years via decentralized adaptive control methods. However, the effectiveness of the reported results heavily depends on the assumptions that network delays are bounded or differentiable. For more general cases involving unbounded and non‐differentiable delays, it remains unclear whether the existing analytical methods and controller designs are still effective. To this end, in this article, a novel method is established to analyze the asymptotical convergence of the controlled error system with adaptive parameters by employing the differential inequality techniques for unbounded delay and Barbalat's lemma, which can effectively overcome the limitations of traditional methods in handling general delay scenarios. The theoretical results demonstrate that traditional decentralized adaptive controller for network synchronization remains effective even if the boundedness and differentiability of delay are removed. A numerical simulation further validates the effectiveness of the proposed theories.
Transfer of Millimeter‐Scale Strained Multiferroic Epitaxial Thin Films on Rigid Substrates via an Epoxy Method Producing Magnetic Property Enhancement
Authors: Barnard James P. , Zhang Yizhi , Quigley Lizabeth , Shen Jianan , Tsai Benson Kunhung , Chhabra Max R. , Noh Jiho , Jung Hyunseung , Mitrofanov Oleg , Sarma Raktim , Siddiqui Aleem , Brener Igal , Doiron Chloe F. , Wang Haiyan
Published: December 2024

The demonstration of epitaxial thin film transfer has enormous potential for thin film devices free from the traditional substrate epitaxy limitations. However, large‐area continuous film transfer remains a challenge for the commonly reported polymer‐based transfer methods due to bending and cracking during transfer, especially for highly strained epitaxial thin films. In this work, a new epoxy‐based, rigid transfer method is used to transfer films from an SrTiO3 (STO) growth substrate onto various new substrates, including those that will typically pose significant problems for epitaxy. An epitaxial multiferroic Bi3Fe2Mn2Ox (BFMO) layered supercell (LSC) material is selected as the thin film for this demonstration. The results of surface and structure studies show an order of magnitude increase in the continuous area of transferred films when compared to previous transfer methods. The magnetic properties of the BFMO LSC films are shown to be enhanced by the release of strain in this method, and ferromagnetic resonance is found with an exceptionally low Gilbert damping coefficient. The large‐area transfer of this highly strained complex oxide BFMO thin film presents enormous potential for the integration of many other multifunctional oxides onto new substrates for future magnetic sensors and memory devices.
Comprehensive Insights into Aqueous Potassium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Xia Maoting , Zhou Jiang , Lu Bingan
Published: December 2024

Aqueous potassium‐ion batteries (AKIBs) with mild aqueous electrolytes can significantly mitigate the safety and environmental issues raised from traditional nonaqueous batteries, positioning them as promising candidates for grid‐scale applications. Nonetheless, the progression of AKIBs is currently impeded by the insufficient energy density, largely attributed to the limited voltage window of aqueous electrolytes. This review aims to introduce foundational knowledge about aqueous batteries, illustrates recent advancements in AKIBs, and offers valuable perspectives on designing electrode materials and optimizing electrolytes. To provide a systematic overview, the focus is on the following seven key sections: i) development history, ii) electrode materials, iii) electrolyte design, iv) current collectors, v) aqueous interphase chemistry, vi) full cell configurations, and vii) future prospects. Finally, constructive insights and suggestions are provided for the development of AKIBs with higher energy density.
Liver Structure and Function in Yellowtail Kingfish, Seriola lalandi, in Response to Reduced Fish Meal Diets
Authors: Crowe Benjamin H. , Harris James O. , McWhorter Todd J. , Bansemer Matthew S. , Stone David A. J.
Published: December 2024

Alterations to lipid storage, and the consequent effects on liver structure, need to be considered when replacing wild‐derived fish meal (wd‐FM) with alternative ingredients in formulated diets for commercially aquacultured species. The replacement of wd‐FM is likely to alter the available level of precursors for bile acid production, potentially impacting the absorption of dietary lipids and fat‐soluble vitamins. In this 252‐day study, Yellowtail Kingfish, Seriola lalandi (2.52 ± 0.25 kg; 546 ± 20 mm [fork length; mean ± standard deviation]) were fed five different diets. A 30% wd‐FM diet served as a control. Dietary wd‐FM inclusions were reduced to 20% and 10%, replaced with FM by‐product meal. In addition, dietary wd‐FM levels were reduced to 20% and replaced with poultry meal (PM) or soy protein concentrate (SPC) in two other separate diets. Fat deposition in the liver was similar amongst all treatment groups with bile duct proliferation and periductular fibrosis observed in the livers of fish fed diets with wd‐FM replacement with 10% PM or 10% SPC. Fish fed FM by‐product meal at 10% and 20% replacement displayed similar liver structures to control fish. Yellowtail Kingfish fed a 30% wd‐FM diet may have the FM replaced by up to 66.67% FM by‐product, 33.3% PM or 33.3% SPC without any significant impact on total bile acid synthesis, storage and excretion and liver lipid storage. This research expands our ability to deliver cost‐effective nutritional solutions in support of Yellowtail Kingfish culture.
Gonadal Mosaicism for an ASH1L Intragenic Deletion Makes a Bridge Between MRD52 and 1q22 Microdeletion
Authors: Di Muro Ester , Petracca Antonio , Castori Marco , Palumbo Orazio
Published: December 2024

ASH1L gene encodes a histone lysine methyltransferase, highly expressed in both embryonic and adult human brain. De novo loss‐of‐function variants in ASH1L are described in an ultrarare monogenic neurodevelopmental disorder, previously called mental retardation type 52 (MRD52). At the same time, a few cases are reported in the literature and DECIPHER with 1q22 microdeletions spanning ASH1L. We report three siblings presenting non‐syndromic intellectual disability (ID) and an ASH1L intragenic deletion extending from exons 2 to 12 detected at SNP‐array. Both parents resulted noncarrier suggesting gonadal/gonosomal mosaicism in one of the parents. This observation restricted the smallest region of overlap of the 1q22 microdeletion to ASH1L, and allowed to consider MRD52 and 1q22 microdeletion the same ASH1L‐related neurodevelopmental disorder. We also reported the first example of gonadal/gonosomal mosaicism for an ASH1L deleterious variant, a fact that should generate the suspicion of recurrence also in sporadic cases of ASH1L‐related neurodevelopmental disorder.
Advance care planning in adults ages 80 years and older with impaired cognition: Using actual conversations to examine best practices
Authors: Abshire Saylor Martha , Hanna Valecia , Zhang Peiyuan , Thai Glory Huynh , Green Chase Mulholland , Cagle John G. , Wolff Jennifer L.
Published: December 2024

INTRODUCTION

Recommendations for advance care planning (ACP) in persons with cognitive impairment are based on expert input without insight from actual ACP conversations.

METHODS

We used thematic analysis to analyze transcripts of ACP conversations for 88 older adults with normal cognition (n = 15), mild cognitive impairment (n = 13), and scores consistent with dementia (n = 60).

RESULTS

Patients with dementia were least verbally active; however, some shared values and identified surrogates. We identified three themes: (1) cognitive impairment inhibits participation in ACP, but individuals with dementia are able to contribute; (2) care partners have a key role in supporting ACP across the spectrum of cognitive impairment; and (3) structured questions about values and tailored communication strategies can facilitate engagement of older adults with dementia.

DISCUSSION

Our findings reinforce best practice recommendations for early ACP and identify strategies to increase patient engagement among older adults with cognitive impairment with support of care partners.

Highlights

Data from actual ACP conversations involving older adults with a range of cognitive function and their care partners reinforce best practice recommendations and suggest practical implications for education and training.

Family involvement in ACP was valued by older adults and improved engagement.

ACP initiatives should prioritize eliciting values of older adults with dementia and improving skills for communication to increase engagement.
A Turn‐On Fluorescence Probe Based on GSH‐Protected Silver Nanoclusters for the Selective Detection of Pb2+
Authors: Yang Taiqun , Li Lei , Ye Cheng , Ma Chaoqun , Gao Hui , Zhu Chun , Chen Guoqing
Published: December 2024

Glutathione‐protected silver nanoclusters (GSH‐AgNCs) with good photostability were successfully synthesized through a one‐pot heating process. The resultant GSH‐AgNCs with an average diameter of ~1.6 nm exhibit red fluorescence (λem = 650 nm), and the fluorescence is excitation independent. Strong aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) effect was observed in GSH‐AgNCs, which can be induced by solvent and metal ions. In particular, a specific fluorescence enhancement was detected upon interaction with lead ions (Pb2+). A fluorescent probe was designed for off–on detection of Pb2+ based on as‐synthesized GSH‐AgNCs. Under the optimum parameters, two linear response intervals were found between the relative fluorescence intensity and the concentration of Pb2+ in the range of 10–250 μM (R2 = 0.9900) and 400–1000 μM (R2 = 0.9930). Significant fluorescence color evolutions observed under UV light, resulting in a semiquantitative visual detection of Pb2+. A possible detection mechanism based on the interaction between GSH‐AgNCs and Pb2+ is discussed.
Increased Mevalonate Production Using Engineered Citrate Synthase and Phosphofructokinase Variants of Escherichia coli
Authors: Dodelin Jeffrey K. , Rose Abigail E. , Rajpurohit Hemshikha , Eiteman Mark A.
Published: December 2024

Mevalonate is a biochemical precursor to a wide range of isoprenoids. The mevalonate pathway uses three moles of acetyl‐CoA, and therefore native pathways which metabolize acetyl‐CoA compete with mevalonate synthesis. Moreover, the final step in mevalonate formation, mediated by hydroxymethylglutaryl‐CoA reductase, requires NADPH as a co‐substrate. This study focuses on chromosomal modification of citrate synthase (GltA) involved in acetyl‐CoA utilization and phosphofructokinase (PfkA) involved in NADPH formation to increase the yield and productivity of mevalonate in Escherichia coli overexpressing the three genes of the heterologous mevalonate pathway. Nine GltA variants were compared for mevalonate production with the ΔgltA knockout and the wild‐type GltA strain in shake flasks in the absence and presence of casamino acids. In the presence of casamino acids, all variants generated mevalonate at a greater yield than the wild‐type control, but less than the GltA knockout. In the absence of casamino acids, the strain expressing wild‐type GltA generated the greatest yield of mevalonate, while most variants instead accumulated primarily acetate. Using the wild‐type strain and two citrate synthase variants, four phosphofructokinase variants were also compared with the ΔpfkA knockout and the wild‐type strain, but PfkA variants generated less mevalonate than the corresponding wild‐type PfkA strain. Controlled processes at the 1‐liter scale comparing five strains demonstrated the inverse relationship between yield and productivity, with the GltA[K167A] variant showing the best balance for the yield (0.20 g/g) and productivity (0.87 g/L h). A nitrogen‐limited process using the GltA[K167A] variant generated 36.9 g/L mevalonate in 31 h at a yield of 0.31 g/g. This study demonstrates that GltA variants offer a means to affect intracellular acetyl‐CoA pools for the generation of acetyl‐CoA derived products and that the acetyl‐CoA pool rather than NADPH availability is the important limiting factor for mevalonate production.
New insights into the phylogenetic relationships of tribe Astragaleae (Fabaceae subfamily Papilionoideae) and Astragalus—the largest genus of angiosperm
Authors: Duan Lei , Su Chun , Wen Jun , Ji Yu‐Wen , Jiang Yan , Zhang Ting , Charboneau Joseph L. M. , Fu Lin , Yi Qi‐Fei , Wang Fa‐Guo , Tu Tie‐Yao , Li Shi‐Jin , Jiang Kai‐Wen , Fang Yu‐Han , Chen Hong‐Feng
Published: December 2024

Astragaleae is one of the largest tribes in the legume family, harboring the most species‐rich genus in Angiosperm, Astragalus. The tribal and generic delimitation of Astragaleae remains unclear. With samples from 19 genera/dubious genera of the tribe represented by 272 species, as well as with nuclear and chloroplast data, we re‐delimited and described the tribe based on the Erophaca‐Astragalean clade. We recognized 16 genera within Astragaleae: Astragalus, Biserrula, Carmichaelia, Clianthus, Colutea, Eremosparton, Erophaca, Lessertia, Montigena, Oxytropis, Phyllolobium, Podlechiella, Smirnowia, Sphaerophysa, Streblorrhiza, and Swainsona, and a generic key was proposed. Our results may lay a foundation for future studies on the taxonomy and biogeography of Astragaleae, and deepen the public's understanding of angiosperm diversity.