bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and implementation of an LGBT initiative at a health sciences library: the first eighteen months
Authors: Petrey Jessica
Published: October 2019

Background: The University of Louisville School of Medicine is the pilot site for the eQuality project, an initiative to integrate training for providing care to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) patients into the standard medical school curriculum. Inspired by and in support of this School of Medicine initiative, Kornhauser Health Sciences Library staff have developing our own initiative. Because of past and current lack of competent provider training and the resulting need for patients to be knowledgeable self-advocates, however, our initiative was broadened to include the goal of providing LGBT individuals in our communities—both on campus and in the broader public—with the resources and tools that they need to access information about their own health.Case Presentation: This paper describes the development of that twofold initiative and the tangible methods used in its implementation, including collection development, interdepartmental collaboration, electronic resource guide creation, and community engagement through outreach.Conclusions: Outcomes of the initiative to date will also be discussed, along with plans for further development.
Evaluating a historical medical book collection
Authors: McElfresh Karen R. , Gleasner Robyn M.
Published: October 2019

Background: After several years of storing a large number of historical medical books that had been weeded from the general collection, the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Library and Informatics Center developed a set of evaluation criteria to determine whether the material should be kept and included in the library catalog or discarded. The purpose of this article is to share lessons learned in evaluating and processing a historical medical book collection. The authors share how we determined review criteria as well as cataloging and processing procedures.Case Presentation: Best practices for evaluating, cataloging, and processing historical library material were determined through a literature search and then reviewed and adapted for application to this project. Eight hundred sixty-two titles were selected to add to the catalog and were added to a shelving location in our offsite storage facility.Conclusions: These materials are now discoverable in the library’s catalog for library users who are interested in historical research, and the materials have been processed for easy retrieval as well as preservation purposes.
Benchmarking veterinary librarians’ participation in systematic reviews and scoping reviews
Authors: Toews Lorraine
Published: October 2019

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to benchmark roles that veterinary librarians at universities and colleges play in systematic reviews (SRs) and scoping reviews that are conducted by faculty and students at their institutions, to benchmark the level of training that veterinary librarians have in conducting SRs, to identify barriers to their participation in SRs, and to identify other types of literature reviews that veterinary librarians participate in.Methods: Sixty veterinary librarians in universities and colleges in Canada, the United States, England, Scotland, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand were surveyed online about their roles and training in conducting SRs, barriers to participation in SRs, and participation in other types of literature reviews.Results: Veterinary librarians’ highest participation was at an advising level in traditional librarian roles as question formulator, database selector, search strategy developer, and reference manager. Most respondents reported pretty good to extensive training in traditional roles and no or some training in less traditional roles. Sixty percent of respondents received few or no requests to participate in SRs, and only half of respondents had participated in SRs as a review team member. Sixty percent of respondents stated that their libraries had no policies regarding librarian roles and participation in SRs.Conclusions: The surveyed veterinary librarians participated in SRs to a lesser degree than human health sciences librarians, experienced low demand from veterinary faculty and students to participate in SRs, and participated as review team members at significantly lower rates than human health sciences librarians. The main barriers to participation in SRs were lack of library policies, insufficient training, and lack of time.
3D Printing in Medical Libraries: A Crash Course in Supporting Innovation in Health Care
Authors: Norton Melanie J.
Published: October 2019

In 3D Printing in Medical Libraries: A Crash Course in Supporting Innovation in Health Care, Jennifer Herron shares her firsthand knowledge of establishing a 3D printing lab. The fourteen chapters in Herron’s book are packed with practical information based on her experience at the Indiana University School of Medicine’s Ruth Lilly Medical Library.
La inclusión socioeducativa en la Universidad de Minho. Percepciones y actitudes sobre el alumnado con discapacidad
Authors: Hernández Garre Carmen María , Fernández Martínez María del Mar , Carrión Martínez José Juan , Avilés Soler Borja
Published: October 2019

La inclusión socioeducativa efectiva de estudiantes con discapacidad supone para la universidad uno de los grandes retos a los que debe hacer frente, por lo que se requiere la aceptación y el reconocimiento de toda la comunidad universitaria. En este sentido, para dar continuidad a investigaciones precedentes en otros países europeos, se plantea el presente estudio en el contexto portugués con la finalidad de analizar las concepciones que el alumnado tiene acerca de la inclusión de sus compañeros con discapacidad. Los participantes fueron 173 estudiantes de la Facultad de Ciencias de la Educación y Psicología de la Universidad de Minho (Portugal). Los resultados, organizados según las categorías de análisis sobre indicadores de atención a la discapacidad en la universidad, indican una actitud positiva hacia este grupo. No obstante, se pone de manifiesto la necesidad de introducir mejoras relativas a la adaptación de la metodología y recursos, así como sobre la disponibilidad de los medios necesarios para su participación de forma activa en la vida universitaria.
Social capital and subjective well-being: The mediating role of social networking sites
Authors: Hwang Li-Ann , Ng Jason Wei Jian , Vaithilingam Santha
Published: October 2019

Many studies have examined the separate impacts of social capital (bonding and bridging) and the use of social networking sites (SNSs) on subjective well-being (SWB). However, few studies address the mediating role that SNS use has on the relationship between social capital and SWB. The current study addresses this research gap, examining the extent to which SNS use mediates the relationship between social capital and SWB. Moreover, this study theorizes SNS use to be a behavioural outcome of social capital, as opposed to the widespread view that SNSs are a tool to generate social capital. Using primary data from a sample of 307 undergraduate students, the partial least squares structural equation modelling technique was used to analyze the data via a sequential mediating mechanism. The findings highlight the importance of the utilitarian use of SNS in mediating the relationship between bridging social capital and SWB. On the other hand, the direct effect of bonding social capital on SWB was found to be stronger than the indirect effects, indicating that SNS use is not crucial in mediating this particular relationship. Theoretical and practical implications of the study are subsequently discussed.
The Mediating Role of Learning Strategy in the Relationship between Achievement Goals and Academic Achievement
Authors: Obura Caroline Atieno
Published: October 2019

The study examined the mediating role of learning strategies in the relationship between achievement goals and academic achievement. The study sample consisted of 597 students selected from 13 schools using purposive, stratified, proportionate and simple random sampling procedures. The study adopted a correlational research design to establish mediation of learning strategy in the relationships between achievement goals on academic achievement. Students’ achievement goals and learning strategy scales were adapted to measure achievement goals and learning strategies. Results of the study showed that there was a partial mediation of deep learning in the relationship between mastery goals and academic achievement. Partial mediation of surface learning strategy was equally reported, in the relationship between performance-approach goals and academic achievement.
Dietary analysis of three migratory bats in eastern Pennsylvania
Authors: Newbern Jessica L. , Whidden Howard P.
Published: October 2019

This article compares the stomach contents of 16 eastern red, 18 hoary, and 11 silver-haired bats from eastern Pennsylvania. Eastern red bats contained six insect orders (Coleoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera, Lepidoptera, Neuroptera, and Trichoptera), with lepidopterans as 82.01% of average percentage volume. Hoary bats contained three insect orders (Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, and Neuroptera), with lepidopterans as 88.14% of average percentage volume. Silver-haired bats contained eight insect orders (Coleoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera, Neuroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera), with dipterans as 46.89% of average percentage volume. Silver-haired bats showed the greatest dietary breadth (Levins’s Bˆ = 3.13), and eastern red and hoary bats showed the greatest dietary overlap (Schoener’s D = 0.916). A nonparametric multivariate analysis found that silver-haired bats were significantly different (p < .001) from both eastern red and hoary bats, but eastern red bats were not significantly different from hoary bats, and there was no significant difference between male and female eastern red (p = .858) or hoary bats (p = .369).
Changes in a summer bat community in southeastern Pennsylvania
Authors: Hauer Christopher , Powers Lisa , Mcnaughton David , Paul Carolyn , Sewall Brent
Published: October 2019

Bat population changes are poorly understood, making it difficult to establish management priorities. In 2017, a summer mist-netting survey previously conducted in 2004 at Fort Indiantown Gap was replicated to evaluate temporal changes in the local bat community. The authors hypothesized that captures of species most affected by white-nose syndrome (WNS) would decline between survey periods, and that community structure would shift. The results showed a 100% decline in captures of northern long-eared Myotis (Myotis septentrionalis) and little brown Myotis (M. lucifugus), no change in captures of eastern red bats (Lasiurus borealis), a 276% increase in captures of big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus), and a considerable shift in community structure. These results are consistent with expected effects of WNS on Myotis populations. Increases in big brown bat populations may result from ecological release after the decline of Myotis species, or from local or large-scale habitat change over time.
Barriers and incentives to stream conservation: the influence of culture on buffer design and implementation
Authors: Weaver Trevor , Cole Charles Andrew
Published: October 2019

Agriculture has been cited as one of the leading polluters of streams in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Riparian buffers, including forested riparian buffers, grass riparian buffers, and stream fencing, are often used to promote improved water quality. This article addresses the significance of culture and landscape and the consequent barriers and incentives to stream conservation practices (riparian buffers) in a rural agricultural community of the Kishacoquillas valley in central Pennsylvania. The dominant land use was agriculture, and the valley was home to a diverse set of community groups, including Amish and Mennonites, whose farming methodologies ranged from large mechanized dairy farms with modern farm equipment to smaller farms dominated by traditional horse-drawn implements. Many streams in this watershed are designated as “impaired” by the U.S. EPA. From interviews, the authors determined both barriers and incentives for buffering headwater streams while remaining sensitive to the interests of the landowners and the local culture.
Analysis of dam response for foundation fault rupture
Authors: Mejia Lelio , Dawson Ethan
Published: October 2019

Considerable knowledge and experience has been developed over the past 40 years in the engineering profession regarding the seismic performance and analysis of dams for earthquake shaking. However, comparatively limited experience is available regarding the evaluation of dams for the effects of foundation fault rupture during earthquakes. This paper examines the factors to be considered in the evaluation of embankment dams for foundation faulting, and illustrates the analysis of dam response under foundation faulting by means of a case history, the seismic evaluation of Aviemore Dam.
Assessment of material strain limits for defining plastic regions in concrete structures
Authors: Walker Adam F. , Dhakal Rajesh P.
Published: October 2019

The New Zealand Structural Loadings Standard, until its latest revision, used the structural ductility factor as a measure of the deformation demand of all potential plastic hinges in a structure. In the new version of New Zealand Standard for Earthquake Actions (NZS 1170.5:2004) the detailing of potential plastic regions is determined according to the local deformation demand in these regions. The change has been prompted by evidence that the structural ductility factor gives a poor indication of the demand on individual plastic regions. This new approach has also been adopted by the revised New Zealand Concrete Structures Standard (NZS 3101:2006) which classifies potential plastic regions into three categories (namely ductile, limited ductile and nominally ductile) based upon their inelastic deformation demand specified in terms of material strain limits. The material strain limits currently set in NZS 3101:2006 for the three categories of plastic regions are based on limited experimental evidence and need a closer revision. This paper tries to obtain more justifiable values of material strain limits based on experimental data. In this research, reversed cyclic loading tests of beams are conducted to compensate for a lack of data in the nominally ductile range of detailing. Based on the results of the tests conducted, curvature limits for nominally ductile plastic hinges are derived. Combining the experimental results collected from literature and the tests conducted in this project, updated material strain limits for the three categories of plastic regions are proposed. To unify the design process for all types of plastic regions, curvature limits for nominally ductile plastic hinges are also proposed as the multiple of first yield curvature (similar to the existing approach for the other two categories of plastic regions) rather than the existing approach of specifying allowable compressive (concrete) and tensile (rebar) strain limits for nominally ductile plastic regions. To further simplify the process, the representative value of first yield curvature is approximated as two times the yielding strain to the beam height ratio, thereby relieving the designers from having to conduct section analysis to estimate neutral axis depth.
Indoor Air Pollution (Carbon Dioxide and Total Volatile Organic Compound) and Pulmonary Disorders in Junior High School Students in Depok, West Java
Authors: Wispriyono Bambang , Yulaeva Elia , Hartono Budi , Pratama Satria
Published: October 2019

Good indoor air quality in the school environment is crucial for health and productivity of the students. Indoor air pollution needs to be taken into consideration, given that one can spend 90% of their time indoor. CO2 and Total VOC is an indoor pollutant that causes pulmonary disorder. This research is to investigate the relationship between exposure of CO2, concentration, total VOC and pulmonary disorder in Junior High School students. This research used cross-sectional design conducted on March - May 2018. The samples were 139 students taken by using simple random sampling. CO2 value was measured by Q-trak, Total VOC was measured by ppbRAE and the lung function value was spirometry. Indoor CO2 concentration in Junior High School of  Depok is 478.70 ppm, the average total concentration VOC is 6.4 x 10-3 ppm, % KVP = 72.66, % VEP1 = 74.52 and % VEP1/KVP = 93.97 in average, and the proportion of students with pulmonary disorder is 3.6%. There is no relationship found between exposure of indoor CO2 concentration and total VOC with lung disorder VEP1/KVP (CO2, p = 1.000 and total VOC p = 0.374) since the number of students with lung disorder is low in number while CO2 concentration and the total VOC level is below the listed threshold. This study found no evidence that exposure was related to pulmonary disorder. A healthy and clean living behavior in school environment needs to be improved and further research on other indoor air pollutant parameters and respiratory disorders or degenerative disease should be conducted with different methods.
One-Layer Sutures in Abdominal Cavity Surgery
Authors: Tański Zbigniew , Jarząbek Zbigniew , Konowalski Bartosz , Truszkowski Maciej , Biedrzycki Jakub , Kuzaka Bolesław , Kuzaka Piotr
Published: October 2019

The aim of our study was to evaluate of short-term outcomes of 4210 patients underwent open abdominal open surgery with used either single absorbable or continuous layer sutures. Anastomosis were made by seromuscolar layer without mucosa. Fluid therapy: GDT and zero-balance GDT was also discussed. Anastomosis leakage developed in 6 patients. They were treated by creating the stomia. Septic shoc was treated in the same time. Re-anastomosis were made in delayed time. Re-anastomosis was performer after septic shoc treatment. Results of treatment with use of two-layer sutures, which was used before 1978. Analysis of 536 patients treated in the same time, in this group 53 patients developed anastomosis leakage. In this group 2 patients survived. The mode of anastomosis in the literature review was discussed. Attention was payed on advantage one-layer sutures under multi-layer sutures: Effectivness, simplicity and lower cost of treatment. Mechanical ileus was rarely observed since ceasing peritonisation abdominal cavity and softening after-operative course with patients with preoperative prepered intestinal track. Post-operetive complications were discussed. TC and MRI were the main tests of diagnosis of post-operetive complications. The main attention was focused on medical observation and clinical examination by experienced surger In order to serach post-operative complications. Antybiotic treatment in post-operation complications was presented and fluid therapy: GDT, zero-balance GDT and medical treatment of complication, such as: anastomosis leakage, mechanical ileus, inter-peritoneal abscess. Anastomotic stenosis was not observed in this group of patients.
Inner Speech and Metacognition
Authors: Fernández Castro Víctor ,   Romanian Academy - Iasi Branch
Published: October 2019

A widespread view in philosophy claims that inner speech is closely tied to human metacognitive capacities. This so-called format view of inner speech considers that talking to oneself allows humans to gain access to their own mental states by forming metarepresentation states through the rehearsal of inner utterances (section 2). The aim of this paper is to present two problems to this view (section 3) and offer an alternative view to the connection between inner speech and metacognition (section 4). According to this alternative, inner speech (meta)cognitive functions derivate from the set of commitments we mobilize in our communicative exchanges. After presenting this commitment-based approach, I address two possible objections (section 5).
Le golf : activité sportive contre-nature ou opportunité écologique ?Golf: nature-incompatible activity or ecological opportunity?
Authors: ROQUINARC’H Océane , LACOEUILHE Aurélie , GOURDAIN Philippe , CHARRIER Thomas , FOURNIL Catherine
Published: October 2019

Souvent considéré comme impactant pour les ressources en eau et la biodiversité, le golf implique des activités d’entretien des gazons récurrentes et des surfaces de jeu souvent importantes. Plus de 30 000 hectares sur le territoire métropolitain sont ainsi dédiés à des terrains de golf. Le tableau est-il si noir pour l’environnement ? La question des impacts environnementaux des structures golfiques, comme d’autres activités humaines, doit être posée dans un contexte global d’érosion de la biodiversité. Dans la mesure où une activité répond à une demande sociale et économique voire sociétale forte, l’idée n’est pas de se positionner « pour » ou « contre » mais bien de l’accompagner pour qu’elle soit la moins impactante pour l’environnement. La réduction des incidences environnementales est une nécessité pour la filière golfique. Les éléments décrits dans cet article démontrent que dans bien des cas, les golfs peuvent être supports de connaissances scientifiques, jusque-là très parcellaires sur ces sites, voire de restauration ou de conservation de la nature. Fort d’un engagement sur plusieurs années, la Fédération française de golf, avec l’appui scientifique et technique du Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle, a lancé récemment le « Programme golf pour la biodiversité », s’inscrivant dans cette dynamique. Ce programme vise à favoriser les partenariats entre structures golfiques et naturalistes pour mieux connaître et préserver la biodiversité dans les espaces golfiques. Il ne répondra pas à lui seul à l’ensemble des défis actuels de la filière golfique, mais participe à l’adhésion généralisée à cette transition écologique, nécessaire à l’avenir de ce sport « de nature ».
O autor-produtor-artista-etc na era das publicações independentes
Authors:   Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Reginato Gustavo
Published: October 2019

Walter Benjamin já havia anunciado na primeira metade do século XX as consequências do desenvolvimento das técnicas de reprodução de imagens no universo das artes visuais. Na contemporaneidade, a virtualidade da world wide web (www) e as facilidades proporcionadas pelos impressos digitais, têm impactado severamente o universo das artes gráficas e editoriais independentes. Exemplo disso é a proliferação de feiras de impresso em âmbito nacional e internacional, além das facilidades proporcionadas pelas lojas virtuais e redes sociais. Este artigo pretende levantar reflexões sobre o mercado editorial independente, trazendo as experiências em práticas editoriais artesanais. Este texto também pretende abordar brevemente sobre a aura dessas publicações e sua fabricação artesanal. Produzidos um a um, por pessoas, artistas do livro, e não unicamente por máquinas em processos industriais automatizados.
Sexual Harassment in Higher Education - Experiences and Perceptions among Students at a Danish University
Authors: Guschke Bontu Lucie , Busse Kaitlin , Khalid Farhiya , Muhr Sara Louise , Just Sine Nørholm
Published: October 2019

Taking higher education to be an arena in which professional and social interaction has a special propensity to overlap, this paper investigates university students’ experiences and perceptions of sexual harassment. Based on survey data, we find varying responses according to their gender and nationality, indicating that men and Danish students are least likely to experience and perceive situations as sexual harassment. Further, we find a wide-spread normalization of certain potentially offensive acts and behaviours. In addition, students report varying degrees of acceptability of certain acts, depending on context. On this basis, we argue that normalization hinders individual students’ ability to recognize and denounce sexual harassment. The influence of social norms on individual experiences and perceptions, we assert, means sexual harassment is neither an objective category nor an individual responsibility. In consequence, issues of sexual harassment can only be dealt with if and when universities assume responsibility for the norms that prevail within their spheres of influence.
Gender Dynamics in Academic Networks - a Narrative Review
Authors: Cecchini Mathilde , Nielsen Maria Lehmann , Utoft Ea Høg
Published: October 2019

Progress towards gender balance among senior faculty in Danish academia remains slow. Although networks are widely recognized as key to career success, studies on the influence of gender on network dynamics and career advancement in academia are scarce. Until now, scholarship has engaged with the topic of gender and networks in organizations through two co-existing, while unrelated, streams of research, namely the social networks literature and the gendering networks literature. In this narrative review, we ask the following question: What characterizes the social networks literature and the gendering networks literature, and how can they inform each other and advance our understanding of gender dynamics in academic networks? We outline the main findings from the two literatures and discuss the potentials of combining different theoretical perspectives for understanding gender and networks in Danish academia. More specifically, we argue that the social networks literature maps the network structures of men and women, while the gendering networks literature takes us on a journey through these structures. This paper constitutes the first step of a research project entitled Gender and Networks in EarlyCareer Academic Advancement.
Hvad gør vi i Danmark i kampen mod sexchikane - og hvad kan vi gøre bedre?
Authors: Skewes Lea
Published: October 2019

Anmeldelse af Anette Borchorst og Lise Rolandsen Agustín: Seksuel chikane på arbejdspladsen – Faglige, politiske og retlige spor
Challenging and echoing the nuclear family
Authors: Breengaard Michala Hvidt
Published: October 2019

Review essay of Rikke Andreassen: Mediated Kinship. Gender, Race and Sexuality in Donor Families
Community-Driven Knowledge Organization for Cultural Heritage Digital Libraries: The Case of the Inuvialuit Settlement Region
Authors: Farnel Sharon , Shiri Ali
Published: October 2019

The Inuvialuit Digital Library (https://inuvialuitdigitallibrary.ca/) was developed as part of the Digital Library North Project, a four-year collaboration to develop a digital library infrastructure to support preservation of and access to cultural resources in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region in north western Canada. In this paper, we present the methodologies and approaches used in the development of a culturally appropriate metadata and description framework for the digital library. Specifically, we address soliciting community involvement for building knowledge organization systems, culturally appropriate feedback mechanisms for correcting knowledge organization practices, and deciding who will create the structure and format of knowledge organization systems. Specific practical considerations and decisions on culturally appropriate metadata elements are discussed, in particular such description and design elements as subjects, contributors and roles, language and dialects, geographic names and user interface functionalities.
Un settembre molto idrogeologico
Authors: Ducci Daniela , Fabbri Paolo , Petitta Marco , Rusi Sergio
Published: October 2019

Nel settembre 2019 si sono avute molte occasioni di incontri e di riflessioni scientifiche per gli idrogeologi italiani. La rassegna degli eventi IAH o patrocinati da IAH che si sono svolti in questo periodo comincia con il congresso congiunto SIMP-SGI-SOGEI (Società Italiana di Mineralogia e Petrologia, Società Geologica Italiana e Società Geochimica Italiana) dal titolo “Il tempo del pianeta Terra e il tempo dell’uomo: Le geoscienze fra passato e futuro” che si è tenuto a Parma dal 16 al 19 settembre 2019 [...].
Medical Students' Knowledge About Children With Disabilities, Special Education Laws, and Social Services: A Preliminary Scale Development and Pilot Study
Authors: Vitalone-Raccaro Nancy , Sheppard Mary Erin , Kaari Jacqueline M.
Published: October 2019

Context

In order to design undergraduate medical education responsive to the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendation that physicians learn about special education law and practices, it is important to understand medical students’ baseline knowledge about children with disabilities, special education law, available services, and the sources of this information.

Objectives

To develop an instrument to measure what second-year medical students know about children with disabilities, special education law, and available services; to determine the most common sources of this information; and to establish a baseline on which to design curricula that address this topic.

Methods

This study adopted a survey design. The survey took place in 1 school of osteopathic medicine in a Northeastern state of the United States. One hundred fifty medical students in their second year of full-time enrollment were invited to complete the survey. The instrument designed by the authors consisted of 30 items organized into a demographics section and 3 domains: (1) perceived level of knowledge about children with disabilities, (2) sources of information about children with disabilities, and (3) actual knowledge about children with disabilities and special education.

Results

Ninety-eight students (65%) participated. Although students were accurate in self-assessment, their source of knowledge was limited. Medical students who identified personal experiences (t=1.64) and coursework as their source of knowledge had more correct responses (t=2.62).

Conclusion

This preliminary study demonstrated a lack of knowledge among second-year medical students with regard to children with disabilities, special education laws, and social services. Curricula emphasizing disabilities and special education along with longitudinal experiential training may be effective methods to deliver these topics.
Detection and identification ofXanthomonaspathotypes associated with citrus diseases using comparative genomics and multiplex PCR
Authors: Fonseca Natasha P. , Felestrino Érica B. , Caneschi Washington L. , Sanchez Angélica B. , Cordeiro Isabella F. , Lemes Camila G.C. , Assis Renata A.B. , Carvalho Flávia M.S. , Ferro Jesus A. , Varani Alessandro M. , Belasque José , Setubal Joao C. , Telles Guilherme P. , Aguena Deiviston S. , Almeida Nalvo F. , Moreira Leandro M.
Published: October 2019

Background

InCitruscultures, three species ofXanthomonasare known to cause distinct diseases.X. citrisubsp.citripatothype A,X. fuscanssubsp.aurantifoliipathotypes B and C, andX. alfalfaesubsp.citrumelonis, are the causative agents of cancrosis A, B, C, and citrus bacterial spots, respectively. Although these species exhibit different levels of virulence and aggressiveness, only limited alternatives are currently available for proper and early detection of these diseases in the fields. The present study aimed to develop a new molecular diagnostic method based on genomic sequences derived from the four species ofXanthomonas.

Results

Using comparative genomics approaches, primers were synthesized for the identification of the four causative agents of citrus diseases. These primers were validated for their specificity to their target DNA by both conventional and multiplex PCR. Upon evaluation, their sensitivity was found to be 0.02 ng/µlin vitroand 1.5 × 104CFU ml−1in infected leaves. Additionally, none of the primers were able to generate amplicons in 19 other genomes ofXanthomonasnot associated withCitrusand one species ofXylella, the causal agent of citrus variegated chlorosis (CVC). This denotes strong specificity of the primers for the different species ofXanthomonasinvestigated in this study.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that these markers can be used as potential candidates for performingin vivomolecular diagnosis exclusively for citrus-associatedXanthomonas. The bioinformatics pipeline developed in this study to design specific genomic regions is capable of generating specific primers. It is freely available and can be utilized for any other model organism.
Effect of birdsongs and traffic noise on pedestrian walking speed during different seasons
Authors: Franěk Marek , Režný Lukáš , Šefara Denis , Cabal Jiří
Published: October 2019

Many studies have explored the effects of auditory and visual stimuli on the perception of an environment. However, there is a lack of investigations examining direct behavioral responses to noise in specific environments. In this study, a behavioral variable, walking speed, was analyzed, as a response to the sounds and visual features of a specific environment. The study examined the effects of birdsongs compared to traffic noise on walking speed in a real outdoor urban environment. It was supposed that the interaction of audition and vision in the perception of an environment may also be shaped by the perceived congruence of the visual and auditory features of the environment. The participants (N = 87 and N = 65), young university students, walked along a 1.8-km urban route. They listened to a soundtrack of crowded city noise or birdsongs, or they walked in the real outdoor environment without listening to any acoustic stimuli. To investigate the effect of the congruence between acoustic and visual stimuli, the experiment was conducted in two different seasons (fall and spring). The results did not show significant differences between the crowded city noise condition and the real outdoor condition. Listening to the soundtrack with birdsongs decreased walking speed, but this effect was significant only in the experiment conducted in spring. These findings can be explained in terms of the congruence between the sounds and the visual environment. The findings raise questions regarding the restorative function of urban greenery during different seasons.
Bark tissue transcriptome analyses of inverted Populus yunnanensis cuttings reveal the crucial role of plant hormones in response to inversion
Authors: Zhou An-Pei , Gan Pei-Hua , Zong Dan , Fei Xuan , Zhong Yuan-Yuan , Li Si-Qi , Yu Jin-De , He Cheng-Zhong
Published: October 2019

Inverted cuttings of Populus yunnanensis exhibit an interesting growth response to inversion. This response is characterized by enlargement of the stem above the shoot site, while the upright stem shows obvious outward growth below the shoot site. In this study, we examined transcriptome changes in bark tissue at four positions on upright and inverted cuttings of P. yunnanensis: position B, the upper portion of the stem; position C, the lower portion of the stem; position D, the bottom of new growth; and position E, the top of new growth. The results revealed major transcriptomic changes in the stem, especially at position B, but little alteration was observed in the bark tissue of the new shoot. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were mainly assigned to four pathways: plant hormone signal transduction, plant-pathogen interaction, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway-plant, and adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette (ABC) transporters. Most of these DEGs were involved in at least two pathways. The levels of many hormones, such as auxin (IAA), cytokinin (CTK), gibberellins (GAs), ethylene (ET), and brassinosteroids (BRs), underwent large changes in the inverted cuttings. A coexpression network showed that the top 20 hub unigenes at position B in the upright and inverted cutting groups were associated mainly with the BR and ET signaling pathways, respectively. Furthermore, brassinosteroid insensitive 1-associated receptor kinase 1 (BAK1) in the BR pathway and both ethylene response (ETR) and constitutive triple response 1 (CTR1) in the ET pathway were important hubs that interfaced with multiple pathways.
Valence makes a stronger contribution than arousal to affective priming
Authors: Yao Zhao , Zhu Xiangru , Luo Wenbo
Published: October 2019

Background

Recent data suggest that both word valence and arousal modulate subsequent cognitive processing. However, whether valence or arousal makes a stronger contribution to cognitive processing is less understood.

Methods

The present study performed three experiments that varied the valence (positive or negative) and arousal (high or low) of prime-target word pairs in a lexical decision-priming task. Affective priming was derived from pure valence (Experiment 1), pure arousal (Experiment 2), or a combination of valence and arousal (Experiment 3).

Results

By comparing three types of priming effects, we found an effect of valence on affective priming was obvious regardless of whether the relationship of the prime-target varied with valence, arousal, or the combination of valence and arousal. In contrast, an effect of arousal on affective priming only appeared in the condition that based on the arousal relationship of the prime-target pair. Moreover, the valence-driven priming effect, arousal-driven priming effect, and emotional-driven priming effect were modulated by valence type but not by arousal level of word stimuli.

Conclusion

The present results revealed a pattern of valence and arousal in semantic networks, indicating that the valence information of emotional words tends to be more stable than arousal information within the semantic system, at least in the present lexical decision-priming task.
Investigating the relationships among lung function variables in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in men
Authors: Chuang Ming-Lung , Lin I-Feng
Published: October 2019

Background

In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the independent contributions of individual lung function variables to outcomes may be lower when they are modelled together if they are collinear. In addition, lung volume measurements may not be necessary after spirometry data have been obtained. However, these hypotheses depend on whether forced vital capacity (FVC) can predict total lung capacity (TLC). Moreover, the definitions of hyperinflation and air trapping according to lung function variables overlap and need be clarified. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the relationships among various lung function parameters to elucidate these issues.

Methods

Demographic data and 26 parameters of full lung function were measured in 94 men with COPD and analyzed using factor and correlation analyses.

Results

Factor analysis revealed five latent factors. Inspiratory capacity (IC)/TLC and residual volume (RV)/TLC were most strongly correlated with all other lung volumes. IC/TLC, RV/TLC, and functional residual capacity (FRC)/TLC were collinear and were potential markers of air trapping, whereas TLC%, FRC%, and RV% were collinear and were potential markers of hyperinflation. RV/TLC >0.4 (or IC/TLC <0.4) was comparable with the ratio of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and FVC <0.7. FVC% and FEV1% were poorly correlated with TLC%. The correlation study showed that TLC%, RV/TLC, and FEV1% could be used to represent individual latent factors for hyperinflation, air trapping, inspiration, expiration, and obstruction. Combined with diffusion capacity%, these four factors could be used to represent comprehensive lung function.

Conclusions

This study identified collinear relationships among individual lung function variables and thus selecting variables with close relationships for correlation studies should be performed with caution. This study also differentiated variables for air trapping and lung hyperinflation. Lung volume measurements are still required even when spirometry data are available. Four out of 26 lung function variables from individual latent factors could be used to concisely represent lung function.
Medical Acupuncture in Raynaud's Disease: Protocol Development for Conducting Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Qureshi Naseem Akhtar , Salahuddin Nasreen Khawer
Published: October 2019

Background: Idiopathic Raynaud’s disease is twice common in women than their counterparts, and secondary Raynaud’s disease co-occurs with a variety of medicosurgical conditions. Both diseases are managed by several medications which are invariably associated with various adverse effects.

Objective: This study aimed to describe several standardized SPIRIT and PRISMA steps and items that help in the development of research protocol directed towards systematic review and meta-analysis conduction concerning Raynaud’s phenomenon managed by clinical acupuncture. Methods and Results: Statements, guidelines, list of items and processes related to SPIRIT and PRISMA and their extensions and updated versions are ideal methodological tools in framing Raynaud’s disease and acupuncture research protocols for scientifically conducting not only randomized controlled trials but also systematic review and meta-analysis. By extension, these methodological tools could also be applied to develop research protocols for other diseases and nontraditional treatment interventions with some modifications. A total of 53 studies were included in this study protocol.

Discussion: In line with Traditional Chinese Medicine, the pattern of Raynaud’s disease and pros and cons of medical acupuncture should make an important component of discussion, besides the details of included randomized clinical interventions in systematic review and meta-analysis, which are but not limited to treatment effects, their strengths and limitations, quality, heterogeneity and endpoints.

Conclusion: The development of research protocol for conducting systematic review and meta-analysis is an art and while framing the draft researchers must take into account various SPIRIT and PRISMA statements and guidelines and their latest versions applicable to various diseases including Raynaud’s phenomenon managed by traditional and modern medications across the world.
A Cross Sectional Clinical Analysis of Hemiplegia (Pakkavatham) Related to Diabetes Mellitus (Mathumeham) and Hypertension (Erathakothippu)
Authors: Sujeethasai K. , Manoharan A. , Rajarajeshwari A.
Published: October 2019

Background: Stroke (Pakkavatham) is the second leading mortality cause in global and death occurrence rates, rising in middle to older aged people. This condition is increased due to the dietary pattern and lifestyle modifications.

Aim: To determine about the interrelationship of Type II Diabetes Mellitus DM) and Systemic Hypertension (SHT) associated with hemiplegia.

Study Design: Cross Sectional Descriptive Observational Study.

Place and Duration of Study: This study work was carried out in 50 patients in Government Siddha Medical College and Hospital, Palayamkottai, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu from April 2019 to September 2019.

Materials and Methods: This study was carried in 50 subjects (30 subjects in Out Patient Department (OPD) and 20 subjects in In Patient Department (IPD) were randomly selected and the data were collected by interviewing with a structured questionnaire. The ethical clearance was attained from the Institutional Ethical Committee.

Results: The highest incidence was male patients (38%) than female patients, the affected age group was 51-60 years. The prevalence was seen in male alcoholic consumers (46%), chronic smokers (44%) respectively. The incidence was mostly seen in hypertensive (70%) and non-diabetic (46%) male patients. Among the 50 patients, 14 patients (28%) had both SHT and DM. The most prevalence was seen in hypertensive patients than DM or SHT combined with DM patients. The moderate improvement was seen in the patients (32%) of control blood pressure and serum glucose level.

Conclusion: The SHT may influence in the prevalence of Pakkavatham and control blood pressure and serum glucose level may be improved the good prognosis in Pakkavatham patients.
Transcriptome analysis of roots from resistant and susceptible rice varieties infected with Hirschmanniella mucronata
Authors: Sun Xiaotang , Zhang Lei , Tang Ziqing , Shi Xugen , Ma Jian , Cui Ruqiang
Published: October 2019

Hirschmanniella mucronata is a plant‐parasitic nematode that is widespread in rice production areas and causes 10–25% yield losses a year on average. Here, we investigated the mechanism of resistance to this nematode by comparing the transcriptomes of roots from resistant (Jiabali) and susceptible (Bawangbian) varieties of rice. Of 39 233 unigenes, 2243. exhibited altered total expression levels between control and infected resistant and susceptible varieties. Significant differences were observed in the expression levels of genes related to stress, peptidase regulation or inhibition, oxidoreductase activity, peroxidase activity and antioxidant activity. The up‐regulated genes related to plant secondary metabolites, such as phenylpropanoid, lignin, cellulose or hemicellulose, may result in an increase in the degree of resistance of Jiabali to the H. mucronata infection compared with that of Bawangbian by affecting cell wall organization or biogenesis. Of the genes that responded similarly to H. mucronata infection, ~252 (~76.59%) showed greater changes (whether induced or suppressed) in RN155 (susceptible varieties infected by rice root nematode) than in RN51 (resistance varieties infected by rice root nematode). Nineteen pathogenesis‐related genes belonging to nine pathogenesis‐related gene families were significantly induced by H. mucronata in the infected roots of Jiabali and Bawangbian, and 13 differentially expressed genes showed changes in their abundance only in the susceptible Bawangbian variety. This study may help enhance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying plant resistance to nematodes.
Evaluation of skin dose calculation factors in interventional fluoroscopy
Authors: DeLorenzo Matthew C. , Goode Allen R.
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to measure fluoroscopic dose calculation factors for modern fluoroscopy‐guided interventional (FGI) systems, and to fit to analytical functions for peak skin dose (PSD) calculation.

Methods

Table transmission factor (TTF), backscatter factor (BSF), and a newly termed kerma correction factor (KCF) were measured for two interventional fluoroscopy systems. For each setup, air kerma rates were measured using a small ionization chamber in fluoroscopic service mode while selecting kVp, copper (Cu) filter thickness, incident angle, and x‐ray field size at the assumed patient skin locations. Angle dependency on KCF was measured on the GE system at isocenter for angles of 0, 15, 30, and 40 degrees, using a range of kVp, Cu filters, and one field size. An analytical equation was created to fit the data to facilitate PSD calculation.

Results

For the GE system, oblique incidence measurements show KCF decreased by about 2%, 8%, and 13% for incident angles of 15, 30, and 40°, respectively, relative to KCF at 0 degree. The GE and Siemens systems' KCFs ranged from 0.89 to 1.45, and 0.64 to 1.44, respectively. The KCFs increased with a power of field size, and generally increased with kVp and Cu filter. The average percentage difference between TTF × BSF × f and KCF was 16% at normal incidence. The KCF data were successfully fitted to function of angle, field size, kVp, and Cu filter thickness using seven parameters, with an average R‐squared value of 0.98 and maximum percentage difference of 6.0%.

Conclusions

This study evaluated scatter factors for two fluoroscopy systems, and dependencies on angle, kVp, Cu filter, and field size, with emphasis on under table beam orientations. Analytical fitting of the data with exposure parameters may facilitate PSD calculations, and more accurately determine the potential for radiation‐induced skin injury.