bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of implant macrodesign and insertion connection technology on the accuracy of static computer‐assisted implant surgery
Authors: El Kholy Karim , Ebenezer Supriya , Wittneben Julia‐Gabriela , Lazarin Rafael , Rousson Dominique , Buser Daniel
Published: August 2019

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of three different macrodesigns and two different insertion devices on the accuracy of static computer‐assisted implant surgery (sCAIS).

Materials and Methods

Ninety implant replicas with three different macrodesigns: Soft tissue level (TL), bone level (BL), and bone level tapered (BLT) were placed in 30 dental models with two implant insertion devices: Guided adapter and guided screwed‐in mount. Preoperative and postoperative positions of implants were compared and the mean angular deviation, crestal, and apical three‐dimensional (3D) deviation were calculated for each implant macrodesign and each insertion device. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance, post hoc t‐tests and Bonferroni‐Holm's adjustment method. P values less than .05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

BLT implants had lower mean 3D deviation values at the crest and the apex when compared with 3D deviations with BL and TL implants (P < .05). Also, BLT implants had lower angular deviations, when compared with BL and TL Implants, however, angular deviations were not statistically significant (P > .05). Considering the insertion device method, no significant differences were noted between insertion devices irrespective of the deviation analyzed.

Conclusion

The macrodesign of dental implants may have an influence on the accuracy of sCAIS, with tapered designs offering slightly better positional accuracy than parallel‐walled macrodesigns independent on the method of insertion used.
Research progress of vagus nerve stimulation in the treatment of epilepsy
Authors: Fan Jing‐Jing , Shan Wei , Wu Jian‐Ping , Wang Qun
Published: August 2019

The International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) defined drug‐resistant epilepsy (DRE) that epilepsy seizure symptoms cannot be controlled with two well‐tolerated and appropriately chosen antiepileptic drugs, whether they are given as monotherapy or in combination. According to the WHO reports, there is about 30%‐40% of epilepsy patients belong to DRE. These patients need some treatments other than drugs, such as epilepsy surgery, and neuromodulation treatment. Traditional surgical approaches may be limited by the patient's clinical status, pathological tissue location, or overall prognosis. Thus, neuromodulation is an alternative choice to control their symptoms. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is one of the neuromodulation methods clinically, which have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In this review, we systematically describe the clinical application, clinical effects, possible antiepileptic mechanisms, and future research directions of VNS for epilepsy.
Rapid recalibration of temporal order judgements: Response bias accounts for contradictory results
Authors: Keane Brendan , Bland Nicholas S. , Matthews Natasha , Carroll Timothy J. , Wallis Guy
Published: August 2019

Recent history influences subsequent perception, decision‐making and motor behaviours. In this article, we address a discrepancy in the effects of recent sensory history on the perceived timing of auditory and visual stimuli. In the synchrony judgement (SJ) task, similar timing relationships in consecutive trials seem more synchronous (i.e. less like the repeated temporal order). This effect is known as rapid recalibration and is consistent with a negative perceptual aftereffect. Interestingly, the opposite is found in the temporal order judgement (TOJ) task (positive rapid recalibration). We aimed to determine whether a simple bias to repeat judgements on consecutive trials (choice‐repetition bias) could account for the discrepant results in these tasks. Preliminary simulations and analyses indicated that a choice‐repetition bias could produce apparently positive rapid recalibration in the TOJ and not the SJ task. Our first experiment revealed no evidence of rapid recalibration of TOJs, but negative rapid recalibration of associated confidence. This suggests that timing perception was rapidly recalibrated, but that the negative recalibration effect was obfuscated by a positive bias effect. In our second experiment, we experimentally mitigated the choice‐repetition bias effect and found negative rapid recalibration of TOJs. We therefore conclude that timing perception is negatively rapidly recalibrated, and this is observed consistently across timing tasks. These results contribute to a growing body of evidence that indicates multisensory perception is constantly undergoing recalibration, such that perceptual synchrony is maintained. This work also demonstrates that participants’ task responses reflect judgements that are contaminated by independent biases of perception and decision‐making.
‘The referring court asks, in essence’: Is reformulation of preliminary questions by the Court of Justice a decision writing fixture or a decision‐making approach?
Authors: Šadl Urška , Wallerman Anna
Published: August 2019

The Court of Justice can rephrase or otherwise depart from the questions referred to it by national courts under Article 267 of the Treaty of the Functioning of the European Union. It does so routinely: a practice known as reformulation. Legal literature often argues that reformulation is used to clarify national court questions and bring them within the scope of European Union law. The aim of the present article is to explore this claim systematically. To this end, it compiles a unique dataset consisting of the Orders for Reference, in which the referring courts embed the preliminary questions, and the judgments, in which the Court of Justice communicates the answers. The findings suggest that reformulation is a decision‐making approach rather than a fixture of decision writing. It's main function is to neutralize conflicts and Europeanise disputes. It underlines the Court's power to shape the preliminary ruling procedure and its outcomes.
Long‐term change of phytoplankton in Lake Kivu: The rise of the greens
Authors: Rugema Edouard , Darchambeau François , Sarmento Hugo , Stoyneva‐Gärtner Maya , Leitao Maria , Thiery Wim , Latli Adrien , Descy Jean‐Pierre
Published: August 2019

Phytoplankton time‐series enable the observation of recurrent seasonal patterns on community composition, but drastic shifts in community structure are rarely observed, unless linked to anthropogenic impacts (e.g. changes in nutrient inputs). Here, we report a unique case of non‐seasonal, multiannual regime shift of phytoplankton community structure in Lake Kivu, East Africa, and explore the possible causes for such changes.

We recorded phytoplankton biomass every 2 weeks over a period of 12 years (from 2002 to 2015). Phytoplankton community previously dominated by cyanobacteria and diatoms changed considerably from 2012, with a conspicuous rise in the biomass of green algae (from 3 to 33% lake‐wide), and a decline of cryptophytes and cyanobacteria along with an increase in total chlorophyll a concentration. Concomitantly, we observed significant differences in the mixed layer depth between the two periods, resulting from changes in the thermal gradient. The euphotic zone depth was also reduced in 2012–2015, probably from the higher phytoplankton biomass. Moreover, mean particulate nitrogen and phosphorus increased as well as the particulate N:P ratio.

Desmids (Cosmarium laeve) now dominate the mixolimnion, probably due to atelomixis, observed in high‐frequency temperature measurements. We believe that decadal or multidecadal variability of climate on the Indian Ocean may be the reason for this regime shift in thermal stratification, with a strong impact in phytoplankton community structure.

In conclusion, our study demonstrates that tropical lakes may be subject to non‐seasonal fluctuations that generate multiannual regime shifts. These regime shifts have probably never been reported previously because of the lack of long phytoplankton time‐series in low latitudes.
Bacterial Type I CRISPR‐Cas systems influence inflammasome activation in mammalian host by promoting autophagy
Authors: Wu Qun , Wang Biao , Zhou Chuanmin , Lin Ping , Qin Shugang , Gao Pan , Wang Zhihan , Xia Zhenwei , Wu Min
Published: August 2019

The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR‐associated systems (CRISPR‐Cas) systems in prokaryotes function at defending against foreign DNAs, providing adaptive immunity to maintain homeostasis. CRISPR‐Cas may also influence immune regulation ability in mammalian cells through alterations of pathogenic extent and nature. Recent research has implied that Type I CRISPR‐Cas systems of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain UCBPP‐PA14 impede recognition by Toll‐like receptor 4, and decrease pro‐inflammatory responses both in vitro and in vivo. However, the molecular mechanism by which CRISPR‐Cas systems affect host immunity is largely undemonstrated. Here, we explored whether CRISPR‐Cas systems can influence autophagy to alter the activation of inflammasome. Using the wild‐type PA14 and total CRISPR‐Cas region deletion (∆TCR) mutant strain, we elucidated the role and underlying mechanism of Type I CRISPR‐Cas systems in bacterial infection, and showed that CRISPR‐Cas systems impacted the release of mitochondrial DNA and induction of autophagy. CRISPR‐Cas deficiency led to an increase of mitochondrial DNA release, a decrease in autophagy, an increase of inflammasome activation and, ultimately, an elevation of pro‐inflammatory response. Our findings illustrate a new important mechanism by which Type I CRISPR‐Cas systems control their virulence potency to evade host defense.
International Council of Nurses: putting nurses at the centre of the world’s policymaking has benefits for us all
Authors: Catton Howard
Published: August 2019

This year’s International Council of Nurses Congress in Singapore was an opportunity for nurses from around the world to discuss and shape policy and practice around the world. The World Health Organization recognises ICN’s unique ability to influence its policies, represent nursing and help with the challenges that lie ahead, including a potential shortfall of nine million nurses by 2030. All nurses can get involved in efforts to raise the profile of the profession and attract a new generation who will continue to maintain the high standards expected of registered nurses for decades to come.
Ulcer‐free survival days and ulcer healing in patients with diabetic foot ulcers: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Akturk Afram , van Netten Jaap J. , Scheer Rene , Vermeer Marloes , van Baal Jeff G.
Published: August 2019

Healing rates may not give a complete indication of the effectiveness and management of diabetic foot ulcers because of high recurrence rates. The most important outcome for patients is remaining ulcer‐free; however, this has hardly been investigated. The aim of our study was to prospectively investigate ulcer‐free survival days and ulcer healing in patients with diabetic foot ulcers. This was a prospective cohort study of all referrals to our diabetic foot expertise centre from December 2014 to April 2017. Outcomes were determined after a minimum follow‐up period of 12 months. Primary outcomes were ulcer‐free survival days and 12‐month healing percentages. Predictors for ulcer‐free survival days and healing were investigated in multivariate analyses. A total of 158 patients were included. Median ulcer‐free survival days in the healed group were 233 days (interquartile range [IQR] 121‐312) and 131 days (IQR 0–298) in the overall population. The healing rate at 12‐month follow up was 67% (106/158), and the recurrence rate was 31% (33/106). Independent predictors of ulcer‐free survival days were duration of diabetes, peripheral artery disease (PAD), cardiovascular disease, end‐stage renal disease (ESRD), and infection. Ulcer‐free survival days are related to PAD and cardiovascular disease, and ulcer‐free survival days should be the main outcome when comparing the effectiveness of management and prevention of the diabetic foot ulcers.
Fish Fingers and Measles? Assessing Complex Gender Equality in the Scenarios for the Future of Europe
Authors: Ahrens Petra , van der Vleuten Anna
Published: August 2019

In 2017, at a time when the EU was experiencing a triple crisis, the European Commission published a White Paper containing five scenarios outlining potential ways out of it. In his State of the Union address Commission President Juncker added a sixth. Although the Commission refers to fundamental values it neglects gender equality and reduces equality to the harmonization of the quantity of fish in fish fingers and EU‐wide access to vaccination against measles. Despite the neglect of gender equality, the scenarios are not gender neutral. A feminist institutionalist analysis unpacks the potential direct and indirect positive and negative gendered consequences of each scenario and illuminates how the choice of scenario makes a difference as to their gendered impacts and as to the access for feminist actors to bring gender issues to the table.
Advancing the Science of Deprescribing: A Novel Comprehensive Conceptual Framework
Authors: Linsky Amy , Gellad Walid F. , Linder Jeffrey A. , Friedberg Mark W.
Published: August 2019

Polypharmacy is common in older adults and associated with inappropriate medication use, adverse drug events, medication nonadherence, higher costs, and increased mortality compared with those without polypharmacy. Deprescribing, the clinically supervised process of stopping or reducing the dose of medications when they cause harm or no longer provide benefit, may improve outcomes. Although potentially beneficial, clinicians struggle to overcome structural, organizational, technological, and cognitive barriers to deprescribing, limiting its use in clinical practice. Deprescribing science would benefit from a unifying conceptual framework to prioritize research. Current deprescribing conceptual frameworks have made important contributions to the field but often with a focus on specific medication classes or aspects of deprescribing. To further this relatively nascent field, we developed a broader deprescribing conceptual framework that builds on prior frameworks and includes patient, prescriber, and system influences; the process of deprescribing; outcomes; and dissemination. Patient factors include patients' biology, experience, values, and preferences. Prescriber factors include rational (eg, based on explicit knowledge) and nonrational (eg, behavioral tendencies, biases, and heuristics) decision making. System factors include resources, incentives, goals, and culture that contribute to deprescribing. The framework separates the deprescribing decision from the deprescribing process. The framework captures the results of deprescribing by examining changes in clinical structures, performance processes, patient experience, health outcomes, and cost. Through testing and refinement, this novel, more comprehensive conceptual framework has the potential to advance deprescribing research by organizing the existing evidence, identifying evidence gaps, and categorizing deprescribing interventions and the settings in which they are applied. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:2018–2022, 2019
Critical care nurses' experiences of providing care for adults in a highly technological environment: A qualitative evidence synthesis
Authors: Crilly Geraldine , Dowling Maura , Delaunois Isabelle , Flavin Mary , Biesty Linda
Published: August 2019

Aims and objectives

To synthesise the available body of qualitative evidence relating to nurses' perceptions and experiences of care provision in adult critical care environments.

Methods

The study adhered to ENTREQ (Confidence in Evidence of Reviews of Qualitative Research) guidelines. See Appendix S1. A systematic search of the literature in nine databases was undertaken: CINAHL, Web of Science, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Campbell Collaboration, ProQuest A & I, DART and Lenus. Blind screening to select relevant studies was undertaken, and each selected study was assessed for quality using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme framework. Guided by Thomas and Harden's three‐stage approach to thematic analysis, line‐by‐line coding of participants' verbatim accounts and the researchers' interpretations in the selected studies' findings was undertaken and then organised into higher order analytical themes. Confidence in the findings was reviewed using GRADE‐CERQual.

Results

Twelve studies reported in thirteen papers, including 122 nurses, were selected in the final sample for synthesis. Three analytical themes were identified: (a) sometimes machines get all the attention, (b) with experience the patient becomes the focus and (c) technology can't save everybody.

Conclusions

Providing care for adult patients in a highly technological environment is challenging particularly for novice nurses, who face the potential of technology drawing all their attention. Experienced critical care nurses learn to keep technology in abeyance and deliver person‐centred care within the bounds of a technological environment.

Relevance to clinical practice

The review supports Locsin's theory of technological competence and highlights that providing care in critical care requires nurses to actively balance attention for the person while managing machines. Experienced nurses achieve this balance and can offer support to novice nurses. Critical care nurse orientation programmes should be underpinned by a holistic approach which addresses the dualism of technology and care.
Culture protocols for the gulf coast pygmy sunfish,Elassoma gilberti
Authors: Lipscomb Taylor N. , Tuckett Quenton M. , Wood Amy L. , Patterson Joshua T. , Ramee Shane W. , Watson Craig A. , DiMaggio Matthew A.
Published: August 2019

Increasing interest in native North American fishes for ornamental use provides opportunities for novel aquaculture endeavors.Elassoma gilbertiis a brightly colored, small‐bodied, warm water fish native to the southeast United States that is currently traded as an ornamental species. Little information is available on the biology and ecology ofElassomaspecies, and empirical culture protocols have yet to be established. Here, we develop and experimentally evaluate culture protocols forE. gilberti, including spawning substrate preference, egg incubation and disinfection, larval dietetics, and larval growth and development. Broodfish preferentially spawned in artificial floating vegetation (yarn mops) when compared to benthically oriented bottle brushes and gravel beds. Embryos exhibited significantly higher hatch rates in static incubators (71.25 ± 22.5%) when compared to upwelling incubators (13.75 ± 7.5%). Hatch rates did not vary significantly following the exposure of embryos to various concentrations of formalin, iodine, and hydrogen peroxide, indicating the potential for safe use of these chemicals in production protocols. Larvae fedArtemianauplii from first feeding to 18 days posthatch exhibited significantly higher growth than those fed three manufactured microparticulate diets, although survival did not vary among treatments. The results of these trials provide necessary information for the successful culture ofE. gilberti, as well as valuable baseline data for captive rearing of other members of the genus.
Effects of a Teacher‐Designed and Teacher‐Led Numerical Board Game Intervention: A Randomized Controlled Study with 4‐ to 6‐Year‐Olds
Authors: Hawes Zachary , Cain Michelle , Jones Shelly , Thomson Nicole , Bailey Cristol , Seo Jisoo , Caswell Beverly , Moss Joan
Published: August 2019

The purpose of the current pilot study was to examine the effects of a teacher‐designed and teacher‐led numerical board game intervention. Fifty‐four 4‐ to 6‐year‐olds were randomly assigned to either the number board game intervention or an active control group. Relative to the control group, children who received the number game intervention demonstrated significant improvements on a numeral identification task. This finding is significant in so far as numeral identification skills play a critical role in more advanced numerical and mathematical reasoning. There was no evidence of training‐related improvements on any of the other tasks. In addition to the intervention effects, the present study provides an example of a successful teacher‐researcher collaboration, providing new insights into the making of bidirectional relations between research and practice.
The Competition Account of Achievement‐Value
Authors: Dunkle Ian D.
Published: August 2019

A great achievement makes one's life go better independently of its results, but what makes an achievement great? A simple answer is—its difficulty. I defend this view against recent, pressing objections by interpreting difficulty in terms of competitiveness. Difficulty is determined not by how hard the agent worked for the end but by how hard others would need to do in order to compete. Successfully reaching a goal is a valuable achievement because it is difficult, and it is difficult because it is competitive. Hence, both virtuosic performances and lucky successes can be valuable achievements.
Effects of relational transgressions on idealization of and disillusionment with one's romantic partner: A three‐wave longitudinal study
Authors: Niehuis Sylvia , Reifman Alan , Oldham Cary Rebecca
Published: August 2019

In this three‐wave study (n = 121 couples), we tested whether one couple‐member's relational transgressions (high and low severity) at Wave 1 predicted less idealization on warmth and competence traits and greater disillusionment by the partner at the next two waves. It was hypothesized that (a) greater frequency of the target partner's severe transgressions in 1 month would be needed to reduce how much the other partner idealized the target in the competence domain, (b) higher frequency of even relatively less severe transgressions would lower the partner's idealization of the target in the warmth domain, and (c) any transgressions would raise perceivers' disillusionment. Longitudinal analyses (controlling for earlier idealization and disillusionment) substantially supported predictions.
Temperature‐ and food‐dependent foraging gene expression in foragers of the red imported fire ant Solenopsis invicta Buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: Zhou Yangyang , Lei Yanyuan , Lu Lihua , He Yurong
Published: August 2019

The behavioural plasticity and adaptability of some insects, allowing them to adapt to diverse habitats, is strongly associated with foraging genes (for). The role of the foraging gene is closely related to insect polyphenism and some abiotic and biotic factors. The red imported fire ant Solenopsis invicta Buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) has successfully expanded its global range and is considered as a model insect because of its adaptability to a range of environmental factors. We use a quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction to study levels of S. invicta foraging (Sifor) gene expression in foragers after changes in temperature and food availability. Sifor expression levels are down‐regulated in colonies kept at 18 °C and up‐regulated in colonies kept at 35 °C after transferring individuals from a colony kept at 26 °C. Moreover, Sifor expression levels decrease when food is deprived and increase when food is restored in comparison with the control. This shows that Sifor is linked to temperature to a great extent and to food transformations to some extent, and suggests that Sifor may explain the ability of fire ant foragers to acclimatize to daily temperature fluctuations. Further research on for gene functions will generate more data with respect to eliciting its role in ecological adaptation to environmental change.
A new model of the development of deception: Disentangling the role of false‐belief understanding in deceptive ability
Authors: Jakubowska Joanna , Białecka‐Pikul Marta
Published: August 2019

“Deception” is defined predominantly as the intentional attempt to create false‐beliefs in others. However, the intentionality behind early acts of deception and its relation to false‐belief understanding remain unresolved. In this article, we offer a three‐stage theoretical model of the development of deception in human ontogeny. We posit that at any age, human deception is an intentional action, but its form changes according to the level of the deceiver's intentionality. As the primary function of deception is to influence the behaviour of others, we argue that first‐stage deceptions‐in‐action involves only in the analysis of behaviours and perceptual access, not beliefs. In our view, the ability to deceive and false‐belief understanding are eventually inter‐connected, but false‐belief understanding is not essential for the earliest form of deception. Based on empirical findings, which suggest that by observing the results of early deceptions children build their knowledge of mental states as causes of human actions, we claim that the second stage of deception is representational deception. Further, as the understanding of beliefs becomes more advanced, the effectiveness of children's deception increases, and new forms of reflective deception (the third stage) emerge. Future directions for research are outlined, and limitations of the current model are discussed.
The impacts of housing factors on deprivation in a world city: The case of Hong Kong
Authors: Wong Hung , Chan Siu‐ming
Published: August 2019

Hong Kong is a typical example of a world city that faces escalating poverty and housing problems. Problems related to housing are crucial in determining deprivation. By means of hierarchical linear regression on a representative survey of Hong Kong residents in 2014, this study examines the impacts of household income and housing factors on the deprivation of residents in Hong Kong. The study indicates that income level has a crucial effect on the deprivation level of households; whereas housing cost per capita, living area per capita, and living quarter problems significantly influence deprivation. A small interacting effect exists between household income and housing factors, which do not influence the independent effects of living area per capita and living quarter problems on deprivation. For the public rental housing residents, only the effect of living quarter problem on deprivation is significant, whereas for private rental housing residents, living area per capita and living quarter problem have a significant effect. Among all the models, housing expense per capita is a significant factor only in model for overcrowded households. The study recommends that improving the maintenance and renovation schemes for public and private housing with poor living environment is a good strategy to improve housing conditions and deprivation. The study suggests that anti‐poverty policies must consider strategies and measures that can improve the housing factors, including housing expenses, living density and living quarter maintenance problems, especially for those residents with high living density, such as those living in bed spaces, cubicles, and subdivided flats.
Poverty affects access to regular source of primary care among the general population in Hong Kong
Authors: Chung Roger Yat‐Nork , Chan Dicken , Chau Nancy Nam‐Sze , Huang Suki , Wong Hung , Wong Samuel Yeung‐Shan
Published: August 2019

A territory‐wide two‐stage stratified random sample of 2,282 community‐dwelling Hong Kong adults were surveyed between 2014 and 2015 to investigate the association between poverty and regular source of primary care utilization. Poverty was operationalized by income‐poverty and deprivation. About 94% of our sample reported having regular source of primary care (Western and/or Chinese medical practitioner) and about 69% among them were in private sector. Multivariable logistic regression showed that people who were income‐poor and deprived were less likely to have regular source of primary care (income‐poor: OR = 0.523,p= .027; deprived: OR = 0.488,p= .007) and visit private primary care doctors (income‐poor: OR = 0.445, deprived: OR = 0.222, bothp< .0001). Those who had chronic diseases were more likely to have regular source of primary care (multimorbid: OR = 10.709,p< .0001), but less likely to access care in the private sector (one chronic disease: OR = 0.690,p= .019; multimorbid: OR = 0.374,p< .0001) than those without. Further, being older and less skilled were significantly associated with less likelihood of visiting a private doctor. Path analysis showed that the number of chronic diseases had significant indirect effect on having regular source of primary care with being income‐poor and deprived as the mediators (β= −.0183,p= .0016). Therefore, despite a public health‐care system that aims to deny no one from adequate health care for lack of means, regular source of primary care in Hong Kong is found to be pro‐rich. Future policies should tackle the problem of health‐care inequalities to meet the needs of the underprivileged.
Simulating climate change impacts on T. aman (BR‐22) rice yield: a predictive approach using DSSAT model
Authors: Hasan Mohammad Mehedi , Rahman Md. Mohaimanur
Published: August 2019

Climate change has added a new dimension to the uncertainty in rice (Oryza sativa L.) yield worldwide, and Bangladesh in particular. The present study estimated the potential impacts of climate change on the yield of T. aman (Transplanted aman, BR‐22) rice variety for 12 representative districts in Bangladesh using the DSSAT 4.0 (Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer) model. Available data on soil and typical crop management practice for T. aman rice were used in the simulations. The daily weather inputs required for this model were generated using the PRECIS (Predicting Regional Climate Impact Studies) model. The model predicted an average yield of T. aman cultivars for selected locations in comparison to the baseline year 2008 are +5.04, +6.06 and −32.43% for the year 2030, 2050 and 2070, respectively. Changes of monthly average temperatures were found to be primarily responsible for the reduction in rice yield. Variability in rainfall pattern over the growing period of T. aman rice also affected the yield. Furthermore, model outcomes envisaged that climate change may make rice yield more susceptible to its transplanting date, forecasting a significant change in yield as the transplanting date is shifted from beginning to the end of July. These outcomes may provide valuable insight into the potential impacts of climate change on rice yield and adequate adaptive measures to mitigate the adverse effect of future climate change in Bangladesh as well as other rice‐growing countries.
CREATORS AND CREATURES: THE CREATION ACCOUNT IN GENESIS AND THE IDEA OF THE ARTIFICIAL HUMANOID
Authors: Ambrus Gábor
Published: August 2019

Science fiction, this article argues, provides an imaginative domain which can offer a unique understanding of the interaction between science and religion. Such an interaction is particularly present in the idea of the artificial humanoid as brought to life in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein and the recent television series Westworld. Both revolve around the theme of a moral relation between scientist creator and humanoid creature in accord with a norm that first took shape in the biblical account of God's creation of the first human beings. At the same time, these works of fiction cast light on the contrast between the biblical account and the Mesopotamian myths of creation. In the manner of Frankenstein and Westworld, science fiction can integrate the perspective of science with that of the biblical tradition.
IN DEFENSE OF PUBLICS: PROJECTION, BIAS, AND CULTURAL NARRATIVES IN SCIENCE AND RELIGION DEBATES
Authors: Elsdon‐Baker Fern
Published: August 2019

John H. Evans's recent book Morals Not Knowledge is a timely argument to recognize broader social and cultural factors that might impact what U.S. religious publics think about the relationship between science and religion and their attitudes toward science and/or religion. While Evans's focus is primarily on what can be classed as moral issues, this response argues that there are other factors that sit within neither the older epistemic conflict model approach nor a moral conflict model approach that also merit further investigation. There is a significant need for further research that examines the social, psychological, (geo)political, and broader cultural factors shaping people's social identities in relation to science and religion debates. When undertaking such research, we need to be wary of creating a binary between scholarly and public space discourse. Social scientific research in this field should be led by public perceptions, attitudes, and views, not by concepts or frameworks that we project onto them.
Emerging of cardiovascular metal stent: A review on drug-eluting stent towards the utilisation of herbal coating
Authors: Lukman Siti Khadijah , Hussien Al-Ashwal Rania , Md. Khudzari Ahmad Zahran , Saidin Syafiqah
Published: August 2019

Metal stents used in the treatment of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have revolutionized in treating atherosclerosis disease. Starting from the emergence of bare metal stent (BMS), this stent has been progressively developed into drug-eluting stent (DES) and biodegradable stent. By focusing on DES, various drugs have been used to coat metal stent with the aims to overcome in-stent restenosis and stent thrombosis. Even though, both problems are covered successfully by DES, however, DES projects long term complications including late stent thrombosis and delayed endotheliasation. Therefore, the utilisation of various drugs and polymers as a coating material was reviewed in this study to identify possible alternative to overcome the current DES problems. Ginseng is one of the drugs which possess several beneficial properties for the development of DES. Review on its implementation in cardiovascular applications suggests its potential in promoting endotheliasation while inhibiting the growth of smooth muscle cell to prevent late stent thrombosis.
Effect of temperature on the embryronic development of Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Awang Mohd Fadzil , Anak Rogie Alicia Mindy , Hussain Hazilia , Che Dom Nazri
Published: August 2019

Aedes albopictus (Skuse) is known to be an invasive species and it becomes the main concern on the changes of climate that will cause the expansion and spreading of the mosquito populations. Therefore, this study was designed to determine the development cycles of Ae. albopictus larval at different water temperatures and water holding containers in a controlled environment by using temperature regulated water bath to cover a range of temperature from 25ºC to 35ºC. The experiment was completely randomized in factorial 3 x 5 design (15 treatments), three populations (Selangor-strain, Malacca-strain and Sabah-strain) and three replications. The analysis was based on the observation of the immature stages development (days) in response to different water temperature regimes and types of water containers. The development between three different strains showed no significant difference (p-value: 0.594), however the effect of water temperature on local strains showed that the temperature might shorten the development period of Ae. albopictus. This study concluded that the information on the larval development could act as a preliminary warning in recognizing the pattern of outcome due to seasonal changes throughout the year in Malaysia.
Mitochondrial function in vitrified versus slow-frozen murine embryos
Authors: Dasiman Razif , Sarbandi Mimi-Sophia , Abdul Rahman Nor-Shahida , Othman Salina , Malek Mastura , Abdullah Fathiah , Zakaria Fatin Nadzirah , Hashim Nina Keterina , Mohamed Noor Khan Nor-Ashikin
Published: August 2019

The effects of vitrification and slow-freezing on mitochondrial functions of in vitro produced murine embryos at various developmental stages were investigated using the Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope (CLSM). Oocytes were obtained from superovulated females, fertilized with sperm and cultured. Resulting 2-, 4- and 8-cell embryos were collected and cryopreserved by vitrification and slow-freezing. Mitochondria were stained with MitoTracker Red (CMXRos). Images were viewed by CLSM and analyzed using QWin SoftwareV.3. Fluorescent intensities were used to indicate viability. Results showed that mitochondrial fluorescence intensities of cryopreserved embryos were significantly lower as compared to non-cryopreserved embryos (p<0.01). Vitrification was found to be superior to slow-freezing at all developmental stages, based on mitochondrial function.
Biosynthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles by using fruits extracts of Ananas Comosus and its antibacterial activity
Authors: Raja Ahmad Raja Adibah , Harun Zawati , Othman Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan , Basri Hatijah , Yunos Muhamad Zaini , Ahmad Azlinnorazia , Mohd Akhair Siti Hajar , Abd Rashid Abdul Qaiyyum , Azhar Faiz Hafeez , Alias Siti Salwa , Ainuddin Ainun Rahmahwati
Published: August 2019

Biosynthesis of metallic nanoparticles using plants, enzymes, and microorganism have been known as eco-friendly alternatives to conventional physical and chemical methods. Recently, the biological synthesis of nanoparticles has been a keen interest amongst researchers and scientist due to its simple technique, eco-friendliness, non-toxic, inexpensive and potential to perform in antibacterial activity. Thus, in this current work, the synthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles using reduction agent from fruit extracts of Ananas Comosus is reported. The biosynthesized zinc oxide was characterized using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) with Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The average size of the nanoparticles was found to be in the range of 30-57nm. The antibacterial activity of ZnO nanoparticles was carried out via agar diffusion method against pathogenic organisms. It is observed that the biosynthesized ZnO in the process has the efficient antibacterial activity. In conclusion, the green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles using the fruit extract of Ananas Comosus is considered as a potential additive to substitute other metal oxides such as silver (Ag) and titanium dioxide (TiO2)but also provide antibacterial effect that able to enhance the nanoparticle performance.
Water-soluble chitosan preparation from marine sources
Authors: Ni'mah Yatim Lailun , Harmami Harmami , Ulfin Ita , Suprapto Suprapto , Welny Saleh Clarissa
Published: August 2019

Water-soluble chitosan (WSC) has been derived from different marine sources such as squid pen, shrimp, mussel, and crab shells. Chitosan was obtained by deacetylation of chitin. Degradation of chitosan by hydrogen peroxide would produce WSC. Demineralization process was optimized by varying incubation time and temperature to minimize the mineral content in chitin. WSC that obtained was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to calculate the deacetylation degree. Deacetylation degree of WSC was also studied by titrimetric method. The ash content of chitin from marine sources was measured to obtain the optimum demineralization incubation time. The optimum incubation time for demineralization process was 12 hours and stirred at 50 rpm. Recovery and deacetylation degree of WSC were found to be varied and depended on the source of WSC. Each sample of WSC from shrimp shell, mussel shell, squid pen and crab shell has the degree of deacetylation of 64.18%, 35.03%, 58.04% and 53.91% respectively. The presence of amine group was confirmed from FTIR spectra ofsynthesized WSC.
The HIV-1 Antisense Protein ASP Is a Transmembrane Protein of the Cell Surface and an Integral Protein of the Viral Envelope
Authors: Affram Yvonne , Zapata Juan C. , Gholizadeh Zahra , Tolbert William D. , Zhou Wei , Iglesias-Ussel Maria D. , Pazgier Marzena , Ray Krishanu , Latinovic Olga S. , Romerio Fabio
Published: August 2019

The HIV-1 genome contains a gene expressed in the opposite, or antisense, direction to all other genes. The protein product of this antisense gene, called ASP, is poorly characterized, and its role in viral replication remains unknown. We provide evidence that the antisense protein, ASP, of HIV-1 is found within the cell nucleus in unstimulated cells. In addition, we show that after PMA treatment, ASP exits the nucleus and localizes on the cell membrane. Moreover, we demonstrate that ASP is present on the surfaces of viral particles. Altogether, our studies identify ASP as a new structural component of HIV-1 and show that ASP is an accessory protein that promotes viral replication. The presence of ASP on the surfaces of both infected cells and viral particles might be exploited therapeutically.
Posttranslational Regulation of IL-23 Production Distinguishes the Innate Immune Responses to Live Toxigenic versus Heat-Inactivated Vibrio cholerae
Authors: Weil Ana A. , Ellis Crystal N. , Debela Meti D. , Bhuiyan Taufiqur R. , Rashu Rasheduzzaman , Bourque Daniel L. , Khan Ashraful I. , Chowdhury Fahima , LaRocque Regina C. , Charles Richelle C. , Ryan Edward T. , Calderwood Stephen B. , Qadri Firdausi , Harris Jason B.
Published: August 2019

An episode of cholera provides better protection against reinfection than oral cholera vaccines, and the reasons for this are still under study. To better understand this, we compared the immune responses of human cells exposed to live
Vibrio cholerae
with those of cells exposed to heat-killed
V. cholerae
(similar to the contents of oral cholera vaccines). We also compared the effects of active cholera toxin and the inactive cholera toxin B subunit (which is included in some cholera vaccines). One key immune signaling molecule, IL-23, was uniquely produced in response to the combination of live bacteria and active cholera holotoxin. Stimulation with
V. cholerae
that did not produce the active toxin or was killed did not produce an IL-23 response. The stimulation of IL-23 production by cholera toxin-producing
V. cholerae
may be important in conferring long-term immunity after cholera.
mSphere of Influence: Resolution of the Structure of an Influenza Virus Polymerase Is a Game Changer
Authors: Richard Mathilde
Published: August 2019

Mathilde Richard works in the field of virology, more specifically on the evolution and pathogenesis of influenza viruses. In this mSphere of Influence article, she reflects on how the two articles “Structure of Influenza A Polymerase Bound to the Viral RNA Promoter” by A. Pflug, D. Guilligay, S. Reich, and S. Cusack (Nature 516:355–360, 2014,
https://doi.org/10.1038/nature14008
) and “Structural Insight into Cap-Snatching and RNA Synthesis by Influenza Polymerase” by S. Reich, D. Guilligay, A. Pflug, H. Malet, I. Berger, et al. (Nature 516:361–366, 2014,
https://doi.org/10.1038/nature14009
) made an impact on her by providing new grounds to study the influenza virus polymerase and its role in virus biology and evolution.
Trypanosoma brucei L11 Is Essential to Ribosome Biogenesis and Interacts with the Kinetoplastid-Specific Proteins P34 and P37
Authors: Jaremko Daniel , Ciganda Martin , Christen Linda , Williams Noreen
Published: August 2019

The human-pathogenic, eukaryotic parasite
Trypanosoma brucei
causes human and animal African trypanosomiases. Treatments for
T. brucei
suffer from numerous hurdles, including adverse side effects and developing resistance. Ribosome biogenesis is one critical process for
T. brucei
survival that could be targeted for new drug development. A critical checkpoint in ribosome biogenesis is formation of the 5S RNP, which we have shown involves the trypanosome-specific proteins P34 and P37 as well as homologues of Rpf2, Rrs1, and L5. We have identified parasite-specific characteristics of these proteins and involvement in key parts of ribosome biogenesis, making them candidates for future drug development. In this work, we characterized the
T. brucei
homologue of ribosomal protein L11. We show that it is essential for parasite survival and is involved in ribosome biogenesis and rRNA processing. Furthermore, we identified novel interactions with P34 and P37, characteristics that make this protein a potential target for novel chemotherapeutics.
Reconciling thermal regimes and tectonics of the early Earth
Authors: Capitanio F.A. , Nebel O. , Cawood P.A. , Weinberg R.F. , Chowdhury P.
Published: August 2019

Thermomechanical models of mantle convection and melting in an inferred hotter Archean Earth show the emergence of pressure-temperature (P-T) regimes that resemble present-day plate tectonic environments yet developed within a non–plate tectonics regime. The models’ P-T gradients are compatible with those inferred from evolving tonalite-trondhjemite-granodiorite series rocks and the paired metamorphic belt record, supporting the feasibility of divergent and convergent tectonics within a mobilized, yet laterally continuous, lithospheric lid. “Hot” P-T gradients of 10–20 °C km–1 form along asymmetric lithospheric drips, then migrate to areas of deep lithospheric downwelling within ∼300–500 m.y., where they are overprinted by high-pressure warm and, later, cold geothermal signatures, up to ∼8 °C km–1. Comparisons with the crustal production and reworking record suggest that this regime emerged in the Hadean.
Feasibility and performance of a patient-oriented discharge instruction tool for heart failure
Authors: Schofield Toni , Ross Heather , Bhatia R Sacha , Okrainec Karen
Published: August 2019

Background

The provision of patient-centred discharge instructions is a pivotal goal for improving quality of care for patients with heart failure (HF) during care transitions. We tested the feasibility and performance of a novel discharge instruction tool co-designed with patients and adapted for HF; the patient-oriented discharge summary (PODS-HF) with the aim of improving communication, comprehension and adherence to discharge instructions.

Methods

An iterative process was used to adapt and implement an existing patient instruction tool for patients with HF (PODS-HF). A mixed methods approach was then used to explore patient experience, feasibility and performance using a pre–post study design among eligible patients admitted for HF over a 6-month period. Outcome measures included: the documentation of patient-centred instructions, a locally derived Average Discharge Score (ADS) based on the inclusion of instructions in nine key areas, patient satisfaction and understanding and adherence to instructions at 72 hours and 30 days determined using follow-up phone calls.

Results

19 patients were enrolled. The ADS increased by 68% with more consistent documentation. Patient satisfaction remained high. Patients provided PODS-HF reported receiving written information about HF related signs and symptoms to watch for (two out of five patients in the usual care group vs seven out of seven patients in the PODS-HF group; p=0.045). Patients also felt more confident to manage their own health and 30-day adherence to diet and exercise instructions improved while reducing the need for unscheduled visits. Quantitative results were supported by themes identified during follow-up calls, namely, the utility of written instructions and the importance of a follow-up call.

Conclusion

PODS-HF is a feasible tool for the delivery of patient-centred discharge instructions for patients with HF. The individual benefits of clarification and reinforcement made during follow-up calls among patients receiving this tool remains to be clarified.