bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biotic and abiotic factors predict the biogeography of soil microbes in the Serengeti
Authors: Stevens Bo Maxwell , Lee Sonderegger Derek , Johnson Nancy Collins
Published: February 2020

Field-based observational research is the first step in understanding the factors that predict the biogeography and community structure of soil microbes. The Serengeti National Park in Tanzania is an ideal location for this type of research because active volcanoes generate strong environmental gradients due to ash deposition and a rain shadow. Also, as one of the last remaining naturally grazed ecosystems on Earth, the Serengeti provides insights about the influence of herbivory on microbial communities. We used 16S rRNA amplicons to characterize bacterial and archaeal communities in soils from a 13-year herbivore removal experiment to study the influence of environmental factors and grazing on the natural distribution of soil microbes. We collected soil samples from seven sites, each with three naturally grazed plots and three plots that were fenced to prevent grazing by large mammalian herbivores. Soil fertility (phosphorus, nitrogen, iron, calcium, organic matter), texture, and pH were measured at each plot. Beta diversity of bacterial and archaeal communities was most strongly correlated with soil texture (R2= 32.4%). The abundance of many operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were correlated with soil texture, and the evenness of taxa within samples increased with fine-textured soil. Removal of grazing shifted community structure, with 31 OTUs that were significant indicator taxa of the ungrazed treatment and three OTUs that were significant indicators of the grazed treatment.

Importance

Our results show that in this regional scale study, soil texture was the best environmental predictor, and grazing by large mammals also structures bacterial and archaeal communities. When large mammals are removed, as humans have been doing for millenia, there are cascading effects into the microbial world that can influence ecosystem functions like carbon and nitrogen cycles. These empirical findings from a natural tropical savannah can help inform models of the global distribution and function of soil microbes.
NSC348884 cytotoxicity is not mediated by inhibition of nucleophosmin oligomerization
Authors: Šašinková Markéta , Heřman Petr , Holoubek Aleš , Strachotová Dita , Otevřelová Petra , Grebeňová Dana , Kuželová Kateřina , Brodská Barbora
Published: February 2020

Oligomerization of the nucleolar phosphoprotein nucleophosmin (NPM) is mediated by its N-terminal domain. In acute myeloid leukemia, a frequent NPM mutation occurring at the C-terminus causes NPM delocalization to the cytoplasm. Due to formation of NPM heterooligomers, the wild-type NPM as well as many of NPM interaction partners are also delocalized. Proper localization and function of mislocalized proteins in the cells with mutated NPM may be restored by targeting NPM oligomerization. We introduce a reliable set of complementary methods for monitoring NPM oligomerization in both cell lysates and live cells. Using this methodological background we show that a putative inhibitor of NPM oligomerization, NSC348884, does not prevent formation of NPM oligomers in leukemia cells. Instead, we reveal that the observed cytotoxic effect of NSC348884 is associated with changes in cell adhesion signaling.
Study ofStaphylococcus aureusBiofilm Ability to Destroy Bone Matrix in Absences of Host Immunity
Authors: Al Ghaithi ahmed , Al Mastari Sultan , Husband John , al kindi Mohammed , Al Bimani Atika
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Osteomyelitis is an infectious bone process leading to bone necrosis and destruction. Published reports on pathogen biofilm thus far have focused on indirect bone resorption mediated by host cells and factors secondary to immune system activation. However, direct bone resorption due to biofilm pathogen has not been adequately studied yet. This study aims to investigate the effect of biofilm pathogen in ex-vivo human bones in the absence of the host immune response using Raman spectroscopy and Scanning electron microscopy.

Methods

Bone samples collected from patients who underwent knee replacement surgeries were inoculated withStaphylococcus aureusbacteria. Bacterial direct effects on the bone quality were then examined, at various time intervals, using Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy.

Results

Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron demonstrated the destruction of bone structure and drop in bone quality.

Conclusion

This experiment shows the direct effect of bacteria on bone during osteomyelitis in addition to the recognised destruction caused by the host immune system.
Brucellaspecies circulating in wildlife in Serengeti ecosystem, Tanzania
Authors: Sambu R. M. , Mathew C. , Nonga H.E. , Lukambagire A. S. , Yapi Richard B. , Fokou G. , Keyyu J. , Bonfoh B. , Kazwala R. R
Published: February 2020

Background

Brucellosis is a bacterial zoonosis of public health and economic importance world-wide. It affects a number of domestic animals, wildlife and humans. This study was carried out to determine circulatingBrucellaspecies in wildlife in Serengeti ecosystem using molecular techniques.

Methodology

A total of 189 samples including EDTA blood, serum and amniotic fluid from buffalos, lions, wildebeest, impala, zebra and hyena that were collected in relation to different cross-sectional studies conducted in the Serengeti ecosystem in Tanzania were used. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction AMOS-PCR and quantitative Real-Time PCR (qPCR) targeting the genus specific surface protein bcsp31 gene and the insertion sequence IS711element downstream of thealkBgene forB. abortusandBMEI1162 gene forB. melitensiswere employed on the samples.

Results

Results indicated that out of 189 samples examined, 12 (6.4%) and 22 (11.6%) containedBrucellaDNA as detected by AMOS-PCR and qPCR, respectively. Most of the positive samples were from lions (52.6%) and buffaloes (19.6%). Other animals that were positive included wildebeest, impala, zebra and hyena. Out of 22 positive samples, 16 (66.7%) were identified asB. abortusand the rest wereB. melitensis.

Conclusion

Detection of zoonoticBrucellaspecies in wildlife suggests that livestock and humans at the interface areas where there is high interaction are at risk of acquiring the infection. Therefore, public education to interrupt risky transmission practices is needed. The findings also shed light on the transmission dynamics around interface areas and the role of wildlife in transmission and maintenance ofBrucellainfection in the region.
Non-linear Computation Between Neighboring Dendritic Hotspots in Rat CA1 Hippocampal Interneurons
Authors: Kaszás Attila , Szadai Zoltán , Spitzer Klaudia , Katona Gergely , Tóth Éva , Tamás Gábor , Rózsa Balázs
Published: February 2020

Dendritic hotspots have been shown to play a determining role as local activity foci during sensory information coding and memory formation in cortical neuronsin vivo. Here we aim to reveal the characteristics of co-activating more dendritic hotspots themselves within a dynamic time window. Using electrical stimulation and patterned two-photon uncaging for the coincident activation of two neighboring dendritic hotspots in rat hippocampal CA1 interneurons, the evoked local dendritic Ca2+and the associated excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) summed supralinearly. Between active hotspots, supralinearity was present in a relatively broad temporal (∼10 ms) and spatial (∼30 µm) window, mediated by NMDA receptors. Though at larger inter-hotspot distances (>30 µm) supralinear summation of EPSPs was replaced by sublinear integration, the summation of dendritic Ca2+responses remained supralinear. The inter-hotspot integration represents a novel signal integration state, extending the interaction distance between dendritic inputs, and allowing long-range coincidence detection.
The Arabidopsis geneRGOmediates cytokinin responses and increases seed yield
Authors: Murmu Jhadeswar , Allard Ghislaine , Chabot Denise , Nambara Eiji , Datla Raju , Hepworth Shelley , Subramaniam Rajagopal , Singh Jas
Published: February 2020

A novel gene,At1g77960, fromArabidopsis thalianawas characterized.At1g77960transcripts accumulate to very high levels in plants ectopically overexpressing theGolden2-like1(GLK1) transcription factor and is designated as aResponse toGLK1Overexpression(RGO) gene.RGOencodes a protein with domains of tandem QH and QN repeats. Transcripts and promoter GUS reporter analyses indicated thatRGOis expressed in roots, leaves, stems, floral and siliques tissues but not in seeds. Expression of the RGO:YFP fusion protein demonstrated thatRGOis localized to the endoplasmic reticulum. MicroRNA mediated silencing ofRGOresulted in severe reductions in vegetative and root growth, delayed flowering and reduced seed yield and viability, suggesting thatRGOis essential for plant development. Conversely, ectopic overexpression ofRGOresulted in enhanced vegetative growth including increased axillary bud formation and a 20% higher seed yield. Stable overexpression ofRGOinBrassica napusalso produced a similar increase in seed yield. Cytokinin (CK) response assays including root growth, green calli formation from excised hypocotyls and chlorophyll retention during dark-induced senescence suggest that one role ofRGOis to mediate CK responses in plant development. These results suggest thatRGOcould be a target gene for increasing crop seed yields.

One-sentence summary

RGO, a novel gene from Arabidopsis, is essential for plant development, mediates CK signaling and increases seed yield in Arabidopsis and rapeseed when overexpressed.
Time-restricted feeding from adulthood to old age improves biconditional associative learning in geriatric rats regardless of macronutrient composition
Authors: Hernandez Abbi R. , Federico Quinten P. , Burke Sara N.
Published: February 2020

Declining health and cognition are hallmarks of advanced age that reduce both the quality and length of the lifespan. While caloric restriction has been highlighted as a dietary intervention capable of improving the healthspan by restoring metabolic function in late life, time-restricted feeding and changes in dietary macronutrient composition may be more feasible alternatives with similar health outcomes. To investigate the potential of these two interventions, a pilot cohort of fully mature adult rats were placed on a time-restricted feeding regimen of a ketogenic or micronutrient and calorically matched control diet from 8 to 21 months of age. A third group of rats was permitted to eat standard chowad libitum. At 22 months, all rats were then placed on time-restricted feeding and tested on a biconditional association task. While the data presented here are preliminary (small sample size of 3-4/diet group), additional animals are currently undergoing the feeding regimen, and will be added into the behavioral studies at a later date. For the current data, regardless of dietary composition, time-restricted-fed rats performed significantly better thanad libitum-fed rats. This observation could not be accounted for by differences in motivation, procedural or sensorimotor impairments, indicating that mid-life dietary interventions capable of preventing metabolic impairments may also serve to prevent age-related cognitive decline.
Comparative transcriptomics across nematode life cycles reveal gene expression conservation and correlated evolution in adjacent developmental stages
Authors: Lu Min R. , Lai Cheng-Kuo , Liao Ben-Yang , Tsai Isheng Jason
Published: February 2020

Nematodes are highly abundant animals with diverse habitats and lifestyles. Some are free-living while others parasitize animals or plants, and among the latter, infection abilities change across developmental stages to infect hosts and complete life cycles. Although parasitism has independently arisen multiple times over evolutionary history, common pressures of parasitism—such as adapting to the host environment, evading and subverting the host immune system, and changing environments across life cycles—have led phenotypes and developmental stages among parasites to converge. To determine the relationship between transcriptome evolution and morphological divergences among nematodes, we compared 48 transcriptomes of different developmental stages across eight nematode species. The transcriptomes were clustered broadly into embryo, larva, and adult stages, suggesting that gene expression is conserved to some extent across the entire nematode life cycle. Such patterns were partly accounted for by tissue-specific genes—such as those in oocytes and the hypodermis—being expressed at different proportions. Although nematodes typically have 3-5 larval stages, the transcriptomes for these stages were found to be highly correlated within each species, suggesting high similarity among larval stages across species. For theCaenorhabditis elegans-C. briggsaeandStrongyloides stercoralis-S. venezuelensiscomparisons, we found that around 50% of genes were expressed at multiple stages, whereas half of their orthologues were also expressed in multiple but different stages. Such frequent changes in expression have resulted in concerted transcriptome evolution across adjacent stages, thus generating species-specific transcriptomes over the course of nematode evolution. Our study provides a first insight into the evolution of nematode transcriptomes beyond embryonic development.
New approaches to psychographic consumer segmentation
Authors: Pitt Christine S. , Bal Anjali Suniti , Plangger Kirk
Published: February 2020

Purpose

While the motivation for collecting art has received considerable attention in the literature, less is known about the characteristics of the typical art collector. This paper aims to explore these characteristics to develop a typology of art consumers using a mixed method approach over several studies.

Design/methodology/approach

This is achieved by analyzing qualitative data, gathered via semi-structured interviews of art collectors, and quantitatively by means of natural language processing analysis and automated text analysis and using correspondence analysis to analyze and present the results.

Findings

The study’s findings reveal four distinct clusters of art collectors based on their “Big Five” personality traits, as well as uncovering insights into how these types talk about their possessions.

Research limitations/implications

In addition to contributing to the arts marketing literature, the findings provide a more nuanced understanding of consumers that managers can use for market segmentation and target marketing decisions in other markets. The paper also offers a methodological contribution to the literature on correspondence analysis by demonstrating the “doubling” procedure to deal with percentile data.

Practical implications

In addition to contributing to the arts marketing literature, the findings provide a more nuanced understanding of art collectors that managers can use for market segmentation and target marketing decisions. The paper also offers a methodological contribution to the literature on correspondence analysis by demonstrating a non-traditional application of correspondence analysis using the “doubling” procedure. Buyer behavior in the fine art market is not exhaustively studied. By understanding the personality traits of consumers in the art market, sales forces can better provide assistance and product to consumers. Further, understanding the personalities of consumers is better for art retail spaces to better serve consumers.

Originality/value

This paper demonstrates a unique mixed methods approach to analyzing unstructured qualitative data. It shows how text data can be used to identify measurable market segments for which targeted strategies can be developed.
The readiness of Batang Hari district as a district of human rights care: case study of the Anak Dalam tribe
Authors: Ayuningtyas Dumilah , Utami Raden Roro Mega , Maulidya Asri Nur
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The Regulation of the Minister of Justice and Human Rights of the Republic of Indonesia No 34, 2016 was issued to regulate the criteria of districts/municipalities care about human rights. Anak-Dalam Tribe (Suku Anak Dalam – SAD), a remote indigenous community in Batanghari, Jambi Province, faces its own challenges in health services. This study aims to assess the readiness of Batanghari as the District of Human Rights Care to fulfill the health care of SAD.

Design/methodology/approach

Using qualitative approach, this study explored the viewpoints of relevant stakeholders equipped with secondary data, literature review and analysis of relevant news in mass media as a form of triangulation.

Findings

Generally, Batanghari District Government has fulfilled the criteria of preparedness of the District of Human Rights Care about the distribution of health services. Nevertheless, there are still obstacles, such as difficulties in registering the SAD community – the Residence Registration Number and the strong customs in SAD's beliefs and traditions. Local government tries to overcome these problems with affirmative policies that facilitate member of the SAD community.

Originality/value

This study was supported by the Directorate of Research and Community Service of Universitas Indonesia. The authors have no conflicts of interest with the material presented in this manuscript. The authors declare that no ethical issues may arise after the publication of this manuscript.
Plant ecological indicator values as predictors of fine‐root trait variations
Authors: Fort Florian , Freschet Grégoire T.
Published: February 2020

Fine roots play key roles in the capacity of plants to face environmental constraints and their traits reflect adaptations to the environment, including soil structure, resource availability and climate. However, the inaccuracy of global soil and climate databases to account for the large environmental variation occurring at small spatial scale prevents accurate estimations of the linkages between environmental variables and fine‐root strategies.

Here, using two global databases on fine‐root traits (Rhizopolis‐db) and species phylogenetic relatedness, and a regional database of species ecological indicator values (Baseflor), we quantified the predictive value of ecological indicator values, as an alternative to classical coarse soil and climate indicators, on the variation in four major fine‐root traits.

A strong phylogenetic signal was found among species for fine‐root mean diameter, specific root length (SRL) and root tissue density (RTD), but less so for root nitrogen concentration (RNC). After accounting for this relatedness, ecological indicators still explained a large part of trait variation in our dataset for SRL, RTD and RNC. Multi‐indicators best model R2 reached .40 for SRL and RTD, and .44 for RNC, whereas it was only 0.10 for diameter. Ecological indicators of nutrient availability and soil texture were those that most strongly related to SRL, RTD and RNC. Specifically, plant fast resources use strategies characterized by high SRL, RNC and low RTD occurred more frequently in nutrient‐rich soils and in soils with light sandy textures. Additionally, light availability and atmospheric temperature were negatively related with SRL and continentality negatively influenced RNC.

With respect to both nutrient and water availability ecological indicator values, opposite adaptations were observed between growth forms, particularly between woody and herbaceous species, limiting our ability to define simple, widely applicable patterns of trait–environment relationships.

Synthesis. Our analysis demonstrates that species ecological indicator values are valuable predictors of plant below‐ground strategies. It provides original evidence that herbaceous species with fine‐root traits representative of fast resource use strategies typically occur in more favourable soil habitats (high nutrient and water availability); meanwhile, woody species may show the opposite trend. Other important environmental parameters concomitantly influence fine‐root trait variation in contrasting ways.
Ovary and ovarian bursa in dromedary camels: Clinical relevance of the topographical features
Authors: Ali Ahmed , Derar Derar R.
Published: February 2020

This study aimed to associate ovarian characteristics with the efficiency of clinical examination and occurrence of genital diseases in dromedary camels. The reproductive tract of 870 female camels was examined through standard transrectal palpation and by ultrasonography during the breeding season. The ovaries were examined for structures and dimensions. The follicles were categorized according to size, the thickness of the wall and contents. Follicle aspiration was carried out from females with overgrown follicles (OVGF, n = 127), and the obtained follicular fluids were examined. At the slaughterhouse, 100 genital tracts were examined in situ and after dissection. Ovarian bursae were examined for patency and the presence of fluid (ovarian hydrobursitis, OVHB). Risks associated with the development of OVGF and OVHB were identified by the logistic regression. The results showed that, due to topographical difference, the right ovary was more accessible at rectal palpation than the left ovary (98.9% vs. 96.1%, p = .0005). Time needed for rectal palpation of the right ovary was shorter than the left ovary (25.1 ± 25 s vs. 34.6 ± 34.5 s, p = .03). Significant relationships were found between OVGF and OVHB (Odds ratio = 10.5, p = .001), OVGF and clinical endometritis (Odds ratio = 21.1, p = .001), OVGF and vaginal adhesion (Odds ratio = 4.4, p = .03), and OVHB and clinical endometritis (Odds ratio = 11.3, p = .001). Ultrasonographic examination was imperative for the differentiation between active corpus luteum, old non‐active corpus luteum and small luteinized follicle. In conclusion, anatomical arrangement of the ovary and ovarian bursa in dromedary camels affects the likelihood of their accessibility during clinical examination and predisposes to unusual genital disorders.
Composite and sequential lymphoma between classical Hodgkin lymphoma and primary mediastinal lymphoma/diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma, a clinico‐pathological series of 25 cases
Authors: Aussedat Guillaume , Traverse‐Glehen Alexandra , Stamatoullas Aspasia , Molina Thierry , Safar Violaine , Laurent Camille , Michot Jean‐Marie , Hirsch Pierre , Nicolas‐Virelizier Emmanuelle , Lamure Sylvain , Regny Caroline , Picquenot Jean‐Michel , Ledoux‐Pilon Albane , Tas Patrick , Chassagne‐Clément Catherine , Manson Guillaume , Lemal Richard , Fontaine Juliette , Le Cann Marie , Salles Gilles , Ghesquières Hervé , Copie‐Bergman Christiane , Sarkozy Clémentine
Published: February 2020

Composite and sequential lymphomas involving both classical Hodgkin lymphoma (CHL) and primary mediastinal B‐cell lymphoma (PMBCL) are rare phenomena. Beyond the relevant biological interest raised by these cases, treatments and outcome data are poorly covered in the recent literature. This retrospective analysis describes the pathological and clinical characteristics of 10 composite and 15 sequential cases included after a central pathological review. At diagnosis, 70% of the composite lymphomas presented a disseminated and extranodal disease. Among the 15 sequential lymphomas, 12 were CHL at first occurrence and three were PMBCL. Based on their clinical evolution, these sequential lymphomas could be divided into early (i.e., diagnosis of second lymphoma within a year) and late [(i.e., a second lymphoma occurrence occurring after a long period of complete remission]). All composite cases were alive in complete remission after a median follow‐up of 34 months. If the early sequential lymphoma presented a particularly poor outcome with a median overall survival shorter than one year, the late cases were efficiently salvaged. Further molecular studies are needed to describe the underlying biology of these rare diseases, possibly representing the extreme of tumour cell plasticity found in grey‐zone lymphoma.
What is “shared” in shared decision‐making? Philosophical perspectives, epistemic justice, and implications for health professions education
Authors: Thomas Aliki , Kuper Ayelet , Chin‐Yee Benjamin , Park Melissa
Published: February 2020

Background

Drawing from the philosophical work of Hans‐Georg Gadamer and the perspectives of theorists Mikhail Bakhtin and Kenneth Burke, the aim of this paper is to critically reflect on the meaning of the word “shared.”

Method

The authors draw on the concept of epistemic justice, which they argue permeates the clinical encounter, to discuss how various forms of, and claims to, knowledge may influence the attainement of shared decision‐making in health care contexts. The specific objectives are twofold: first, the authors draw key concepts from key Gadamerian, Burkean, and Bakhtinian philosophical perspectives to consider shared decision‐making in relation to two types of epistemic injustice: testimonial and hermeneutic epistemic injustice. Second, building on philosopher Paulo Freire's critical pedagogy, the authors emphasize that major changes in educational structures and systems are required to promote the critical reflexivity required to address issues of epistemic justice, in the broader pursuit of authentic shared decision‐making.

Results

They propose three main areas of focus for helath professions education: (a) changes in content (moving from a focus on biomedical knowledge to more content on social sciences) and methods of teaching (more dialogue and the creation of moments of dissonance); (b) a re‐examination of teachers' role in promoting epistemic justice; and (c) inclusion of patients as partners.

Conclusions

Without major transformation in what, how, and with whom we teach, future clinicians may be unprepared to enact shared decision‐making in a manner that does justice to the various ways of knowing.
Differential Behavioral and Neural Profiles in Youth With Conduct Problems During Risky Decision‐Making
Authors: van Hoorn Jorien , McCormick Ethan M. , Perino Michael T. , Rogers Christina R. , Telzer Eva H.
Published: February 2020

Neuroimaging work has examined neural processes underlying risk taking in adolescence, yet predominantly in low‐risk youth. To determine whether we can extrapolate from current neurobiological models, this functional magnetic resonance imaging study investigated risk taking and peer effects in youth with conduct problems (CP; N = 19) and typically developing youth (TD; N = 25). Results revealed higher real‐life risk taking, lower risky decisions, and no peer effects on a risk‐taking task in CP youth. CP youth showed greater ventral striatum (VS) activity during safe than risky decisions, whereas TD youth showed greater VS activation during risky decisions. Differential VS activity explained higher real‐life risk taking in CP youth. Findings provide preliminary evidence that risk‐taking behavior in youth with CD problems is characterized by differential neural patterns.
CRISPR takes on cancer
Authors: Couzin-Frankel Jennifer
Published: February 2020

Gene edits appear safe in first three patients.
Underground oil fires liberate carbon-free fuel
Authors: Hand Eric
Published: February 2020

Company ignites heavy oil fields to make green hydrogen while leaving carbon trapped.
Genetic and biochemical variability among Moringa oleifera Lam. accessions collected from different agro-ecological zones
Authors: Panwar Apurva , Mathur Jyoti
Published: February 2020

Genomic DNA polymorphism and variation in biologically active components of Moringa oleifera were investigated by two different techniques: RAPD-PCR and HPLC analysis. The concentrations of phenolic compounds (cinnamic, caffeic, ferulic, and coumaric acids) and the content of flavonoids (rutin) were quantified by HPLC analysis. Among 20 RAPD primers, 13 were selected to generate polymorphic amplicons producing an average of 5028 bands, of which 83.7% were found to be polymorphic among 57 accessions of M. oleifera (MO 1 to MO 57) and one outgroup (ACB 58) from Banasthali region, India. In total, 57 accessions were clustered into five major groups within the dendrogram. The results of this analysis were further confirmed by principal coordinate analysis (PCoA). There was also high diversity in the concentration of active compounds in the collected samples as revealed by HPLC analysis. The data revealed that the content of polyphenolic compounds varied between 0.06 (sample KVKB) and 210.5 mg/kg (sample BG). The results suggest that there is a strong correlation between phytochemical variables and DNA polymorphism. The study concludes that the results of the genetic, morphological, and phytochemical diversity could be used to select the best accessions of M. oleifera for agricultural cultivation and breeding.
Bosonic Schwinger model for spinning Feshbach–Villars particle in step potential
Authors: Boudjedaa T. , Merad M.
Published: February 2020

Propagator for spinning particle described in the Feshbach–Villars formalism is set up using the bosonic coherent state path integral. The boson model for the charge-spin symmetry is presented following the Schwinger recipe. The calculations are explicitly evaluated in the case of the step potential. The perturbation technique is used and the series are exactly summed.
Conventional Military Doctrines and U.S.-China Military Engagement in the West Pacific
Authors: Baig Muhammad Ali
Published: February 2020

This article explores how conventional military doctrines shape U.S.-China military engagement in the West Pacific under varying degrees of cooperation, competition and potential conflicts. Although military doctrines possess a certain level of influence on the ways and means of engaging each other in military terms, such engagement is not confined to using deadly force with a clear aim to destroy the other party. Instead, these doctrines can act as an instrument to forestall conflicts by maintaining credible deterrence. As rational actors that follow clear rules of military engagement, both the United States and China are fully aware of the defensive, offensive and deterrent value of their respective military doctrines, as well as the consequences of a potential conflict; and they have tried to expand cooperation on a number of non-traditional security issues. However, given their forward deployment-oriented military doctrines and the rising role of non-state actors, the United States and China are very likely to be engaged in an unintended escalation of conflicts if each holds a rigid view toward the other’s military doctrine and fails to maintain stable military ties based on timely communication and constructive interaction.
Encoding Transfer Events in Surinamese Javanese
Authors: Villerius Sophie , Moro Francesca , Klamer Marian
Published: February 2020

This paper examines the influence of language contact and multilingualism on the encoding of transfer events in the heritage variety of Javanese spoken in Suriname. Alongside Javanese, this community also speaks Sranantongo and Dutch, of which Sranantongo had the longest contact history with Javanese. It is shown that this long period of contact had a structural influence on the expression of transfer events in Surinamese Javanese: Surinamese speakers use double object constructions and two-predicate constructions more frequently than homeland Javanese speakers, a change which we argue to be due to contact with Sranantongo. In addition, Surinamese Javanese speakers overgeneralize one of the two applicative suffixes found in transfer constructions, a phenomenon that results from simplification processes.
Retraining for prevention of peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis patients: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ljungman Susanne , Jensen Jørgen E , Paulsen Dag , Petersons Aivars , Ots-Rosenberg Mai , Saha Heikki , Struijk Dirk G , Wilkie Martin , Heimbürger Olof , Stegmayr Bernd , Elung-Jensen Thomas , Johansson Ann-Cathrine , Rydström Margareta , Gudmundsdottir Helga , Petzold Max ,   on behalf of the Peritonitis Prevention Study (PEPS) Trial Investigators
Published: February 2020

Background:

Peritonitis is more common in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients nonadherent to the PD exchange protocol procedures than in compliant patients. We therefore investigated whether regular testing of PD knowledge with focus on infection prophylaxis could increase the time to first peritonitis (primary outcome) and reduce the peritonitis rate in new PD patients.

Methods:

This physician-initiated, open-label, parallel group trial took place at 57 centers in Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom from 2010 to 2015. New peritonitis-free PD patients were randomized using computer-generated numbers 1 month after the start of PD either to a control group ( n = 331) treated according to center routines or to a retraining group ( n = 340), which underwent testing of PD knowledge and skills at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, and 36 months after PD start, followed by retraining if the goals were not achieved.

Results:

In all, 74% of the controls and 80% of the retraining patients discontinued the study. The groups did not differ significantly regarding cumulative incidence of first peritonitis adjusted for competing risks (kidney transplantation, transfer to hemodialysis and death; hazard ratio 0.84; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.65–1.09) nor regarding peritonitis rate per patient year (relative risk 0.93; 95% CI 0.75–1.16).

Conclusions:

In this randomized controlled trial, we were unable to demonstrate that regular, targeted testing and retraining of new PD patients increased the time to first peritonitis or reduced the rate of peritonitis, as the study comprised patients with a low risk of peritonitis, was underpowered, open to type 1 statistical error, and contamination between groups.
Social acceptance of alcohol use in Uganda
Authors: Ssebunnya Joshua , Kituyi Caroline , Nabanoba Justine , Nakku Juliet , Bhana Arvin , Kigozi Fred
Published: February 2020

Background

Alcohol use is part of many cultural, religious and social practices, and provides perceived pleasure to many users. In many societies, alcoholic beverages are a routine part of the social landscape for many in the population. Relatively low rates were reported for Alcohol Use Disorders (AUD) in a community-based survey and facility detection survey conducted in the study site contrary to findings in earlier formative studies where alcohol use was reported to be a major health problem. The aim of this study was to understand the reasons for under-reporting and the low detection rate for AUDs, exploring societal perceptions of alcohol use in the study district.

Methods

The study was conducted in Kamuli District (implementation site for the PRIME project). Semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with purposively selected participants that included local and religious leaders, lay people, health workers as well as heavy alcohol drinkers and their spouses. Interviews were tape-recorded and transcribed verbatim. The analysis followed four thematic areas, which include the extent and acceptability of alcohol use, patterns of alcohol use, perceived health problems associated with alcohol use and help-seeking behavior for persons with alcohol related problems.

Results

The findings indicate that alcohol consumption in the study site was common and widely acceptable across all categories of people and only frowned upon if the person becomes a nuisance to others. These findings suggest that the health problems associated with alcohol use are overlooked except when they are life-threatening. Help-seeking for such problems was therefore reported to be relatively rare.

Conclusion

Alcohol was readily available in the community and its consumption widely acceptable, with less social sanctions despite the legal restrictions to the minors. The social acceptance results in low recognition of alcohol use related health problems, consequently resulting in poor help-seeking behavior.
Tuberculosis screening during the 2015 European refugee crisis
Authors: Tewes Susanne , Hensen Bennet , Jablonka Alexandra , Gawe Dana , Kastikainen Maija , Happle Christine , Carlens Julia , Berthold Lars-Daniel , Wacker Frank
Published: February 2020

Background

The purpose of our study was to describe and evaluate management, performance and results of Tuberculosis (TB)-screening among refugees and asylum seekers in a rural area in Germany in 2015.

Methods

Refugees or asylum seekers, staying in shared-accommodation are obligated to participate on screening chest X-ray (CXR) in order to screen for signs of potentially infectious pulmonary TB (German Protection against Infection Act and German Asylum Procedure Act). n = 705 individuals underwent screening chest X-ray (CXR) to detect pulmonary TB in September and October 2015 on site. One experienced radiologist interpreted and reported each CXR within 24 h after the enrollment in the screening program and results were sent to the local Public Health Department for potential further medical care. Image abnormalities suggestive for TB were defined according to established radiographic criteria such as pleural effusion, cavitation, consolidation, fibrous scarring or calcification. Only in case of TB-suggestive findings on CXR, further diagnostics were arranged (pulmonological examination, follow-up CXR, sputum culture, interferon-gamma release assay, bronchoscopy). Follow-up data was collected in collaboration with the local Public Health Department. Descriptive statistics were calculated using GraphPad Prism software.

Results

n = 637 CXR examinations (90%) did not show abnormal findings, n = 54 CXR (8%) showed incidental findings, and n = 14 CXR (2%) were suspicious for acute TB. Of these, n = 14 individuals, eight underwent further TB diagnostics. Active TB was confirmed in one individual (0.001% of the screening cohort).

Conclusions

Our cohort reflects current immigrations statistics in Europe and illustrates an overall low TB prevalence amongst individuals entering Germany in 2015. However, our findings support the improvement of diagnostic algorithms.
Publisher Correction: Co-opted transposons help perpetuate conserved higher-order chromosomal structures
Authors: Choudhary Mayank N. K. , Friedman Ryan Z. , Wang Julia T. , Jang Hyo Sik , Zhuo Xiaoyu , Wang Ting
Published: February 2020

Following publication of the original paper [1], an error was reported in the processing of Fig. 2. The correct Fig. 2 is supplied below and the original article [1] has been corrected. The publishers apologize for the error.
Statistical model calculations of the 7Li +11 Β reaction
Authors: Tsabaris C. , Papadopoulos C. T. , Vlastou R. , Pakou A. A. , Assimakopoulos P. A. , Adamides E. , Kalfas C. A. , Xenoulis A. C.
Published: February 2020

The 7Li + 11 Β reaction has been studied in the energy range from a little below to about three times the Coulomb barrier by measuring the cross section of the 7- ray transitions in the residual nuclei produced. Statistical compound nucleus calculations have been performed in order to interpret the experimental data as well as to extract cross sections of the individual exit channels. The statistical compound nucleus theory can reproduce rather well the absolute j - ray and the various reaction channel excitation functions.
Cross sections of the 89Y(p,γ) reaction relevant to the p process
Authors: Tsagari P. , Kokkoris M. , Skreti E. , Demetriou P. , Galanopoulos S. , Karydas A. G , Zarkadas Ch. , Harissopulos S. , Paradellis T. , Kunz R. , Hammer J. W.
Published: February 2020

The cross section of the 89Y(p,7)90Zr reaction was determined at Ep=l.4-4.8 MeV via angle-integrated measurements carried out by means of a 4π Nal summing detector as well as via angular distribution measurements using an array of 4 HPGe detectors with 100% relative efficiency. The resulting cross sections vary from 0.5 to 5 mb. Astrophysical S factors and reaction rates have also been derived. A good agreement between the experimental rates and and the predictions of statistical theory has been found.
6Li+28Si reaction cross sections at sub-barrier energies
Authors: Pakou A. , Musumarra A. , Pierroutsakou D. , Alamanos N. , Assimakopoulos P. A. , Divis N. , Doukelis G. , Harissopulos S. , Kalyva G. , Lagoyannis A. , Mertzimekis T. J. , Nicolis N. G. , Papaxristodoulou C. , Perdikakis G. , Roubos D. , Russek K. , Spyrou A. , Zarkadas Ch.
Published: February 2020

Total reaction cross sections at near barrier energies (9-13 MeV) were measured for the system 6Li+28Si adopting a new technique. The results will be discussed in terms of the threshold anomaly at barrier
A rapid method for screening 90Sr activity in water and milk samples using Cherenkov radiation
Authors: Stamoulis K. C. , Ioannides K. G. , Karamanis D. T. , Patiris D. C.
Published: February 2020

Strontium-90 is one of the most dangerous fission products that enter the food chain. Because of its similar chemistry to calcium, it is deposited to bones posing a high risk for human health. 90Sr is a pure ^-emitter and decays to 90Y also a /3-emitter. The fast moving electrons emitted by the 90Y decay, produce Cherenkov radiation, which can be detected by a Liquid Scintillation Counter (LSC). Water and milk samples spiked with various concentrations of 9 0Sr/90Y in equilibrium were measured in a LSC (Tricarb 3170 TR/SL). The derived efficiencies were 50% for water samples and 13 % for milk samples. The minimum detectable activities (MDA) for measuring 90Sr in water and milk samples, without any pretreatment were calculated 240 mBq/L and 1 Bq/L respectively. The intervention levels for 90Sr contamination in water and milk samples, established by the European Union are 125 Bq/L and 75-125 Bq/L depending on age, respectively. The interference of 40K, which is present in milk due to its natural potassium content,was also investigated.
Monte Carlo calculation of the response of He-3 counter with Geant4
Authors: Manolopoulou M. , Fragopoulou M. , Stoulos S. , Petalas S. , Zamani M.
Published: February 2020

Monte Carlo calculations with Geant4 were performed to calculate the response of He-3 proportional counters for neutrons of the energy region of 230 keV – 7 MeV. The results are compared with experimental data obtained by irradiation of the detectors with monoenergetic neutron beams produced by 7Li(p,n)7Be and 2H(d,n)3He reactions in the Tandem accelerator, NSCR Demokritos Athens.
ΔJ = 2 Staggering in Rotational Bands of Diatomic Molecules
Authors: Bonatsos Dennis , Daskaloyannis C. , Drenska S. B. , Lalazissis G. A. , Minkov N. , Raychev P. P. , Roussev R. P.
Published: February 2020

It is shown that the recently observed ΔJ = 2 staggering seen in superdeformed nuclear bands is also occurring in rotational bands of diatomic molecules
Natural Radioisotopes Determination in Groundwater and Tap Water using Gamma Spectrometry
Authors: Trabidou G. , Florou H. , Angelopoulos A. , Sakelliou L.
Published: February 2020

Samples of underground drinking water -tap water, water from drilled wells and springs- have been collected from selected sites in Ikaria island. Concentration levels of 226Ra, 228Ra and 222Rn have been analysed by gamma spectrometry. The effective dose equivalents from ingestion of water are in the range 0.1-114μSv.y-1 for 222Rn and 25-175 μSν-1 for 226Ra. The respective range from inhalation of 2 2 2Kn released from water is 0.36-85 μSν.y-1.
The Deformation Dependent Mass Davidson Model
Authors: Bonatsos D. , Georgoudis P. E. , Lenis D. , Minkov N. , Quesne C.
Published: February 2020

The Deformation Dependent Mass Davidson Model is an extension of the well known Bohr-Mottelson Hamiltonian for the atomic nuclei. It primarily refers to the mass dependence on the deformation and secondary to the Davidson behavior for the potential of the Ø-vibration. This article will be devoted solely in the solution of the radial equation. Fitting results for the 162Dy and 238U ground state, β1 and γ1 bands are also presented.
ИННОВАЦИОННАЯ ПОЛИТИКА ГЕРМАНИИ В НОВЫХ ЗЕМЛЯХ В 1990-Х ГОДАХ
Authors: Pilavov Georgii Pavlovich
Published: February 2020

Цель. Статья посвящена рассмотрению инновационной политики и перечня федеральных программ поддержки научно-исследовательских и опытно-конструкторских работ (далее – НИОКР), которые действовали в восточной части Германии с 1990 г. Автор ставит целью обозначить основные этапы инновационной политики ФРГ после объединения, определить направления инновационной политики в этих этапах, охарактеризовать особенности принятых программ, их основные цели и период реализации.Метод или методология проведения работы. Автором были применены сравнительно-исторический, проблемно-хронологический, системный и институциональный методы.Результаты. На основе отечественных и иностранных источников была рассмотрена инновационная политика в новых землях ФРГ в 1990-х гг., проведен обзор федеральных программ поддержки НИОКР. Основное внимание уделялось программам поддержки федерального правительства, которые были разработаны специально для новых федеральных земель. Кроме того, были изучены и общенациональные программы. Выяснено, что главной целью инновационной политики было создание условий для перехода земель бывшей ГДР в общегерманскую инновационную политику и политика преодоления экономического отставания от старых земель. Были выделены три взаимосвязанных между собой этапа реализации инновационной политики. В соответствии с целями программ, принятых федеральным министерством, каждый из этапов имел свою периодизацию и направление.Область применения результатов. Инновационный опыт такой экономически ведущей страны как Германии становится все более актуальным для многих стран и регионов мира. Кроме этого, инновационная политика в новых землях после объединения Германии вызывает особенный интерес у стран с бывшей плановой экономикой, поэтому, так важно изучить инновационный опыт Германии в период трансформации экономики, ведь этот опыт, считается одним из самых успешных. Результаты могут быть также применены в образовательной и научной-исследовательской деятельности.
СВОЕОБРАЗИЕ ОТКРЫТОЙ ЛЕКЦИИ ПИСАТЕЛЯ КАК РАЗНОВИДНОСТИ ПУБЛИЧНОГО ДИСКУРСА (НА МАТЕРИАЛЕ РИТОВСКИХ ЛЕКЦИЙ Х. МАНТЕЛ)
Authors: Bondarenko Lidia Valeriyevna , Polkhovskaya Elena Vasiliyevna
Published: February 2020

Цель данной работы – выявить особенности коммуникативной структуры публичного дискурса на материале открытых лекций Хилари Мэнтел, прочитанных в 2017 г. для ВВС RADIO 4.Методы или методология исследования. Исследование публичного дискурса проводилось на основе метода структурного анализа с использованием интертекстуального метода, методов семантического и стилистического анализа, а также элементов дискурсивного анализа.По форме и содержанию ритовские лекции можно отнести к жанровой разновидности публичного дискурса, предполагающего речевое взаимодействие выступающего и аудитории с целью сообщения слушателям какой-либо информации и представления научных, гуманитарных и социально-политических проблем в определенном аспекте. В работе опираемся на структурную модель публичного дискурса, предложенную О.Ф. Русаковой, и содержащую следующие взаимосвязанные элементы: интенцию, актуальный план, виртуальный план и контекстуальный план. В публичных лекциях Х. Мэнтел интенция реализуется в виде устного дискурса – «перформанса» посредством использования необычного начала, образно-игровой манеры повествования, интерактивной формы для поддержания контакта с аудиторией, употребления формальной и сниженной лексики, лингвостилистических приемов – аллюзий, метафор, сравнений, эпитетов, повторов. Важное значение приобретает контекстуальный план, определяющий место и порядок проведения лекций, присутствие ведущего, вопросы слушателей по окончании и заключительное слово лектора.Результаты исследования. Исследование показало, что структура открытой лекции писателя представляет собой взаимодействие интенционального, виртуального, контекстуального и психологического планов, определяющих выбор нарративных стратегий выступающего. В зависимости от интенции и индивидуального стиля лектора актуализируются определенные элементы публичного дискурса.Область применения результатов. Результаты данной работы могут быть полезны при выборе коммуникативных стратегий при подготовке публичного выступления, а также для знакомства с творчеством Хилари Мэнтел – одного из наиболее значимых писателей современности и прекрасного лектора.