bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of competition intensity on recruitment of palatable and unpalatable grasses
Authors: García Andrés , Scarfó María Cecilia , Loydi Alejandro , Distel Roberto Alejandro
Published: October 2019

In this study, we made an attempt to reveal how competition intensity from established plants impacts on palatable and unpalatable grass seedlings recruitment, in a natural mesic grassland of central Argentina. Our objective was to assess the seedling recruitment of a palatable species (Chascolytrum subaristatum) and an unpalatable species (Nassella trichotoma) in microsites differing in competition intensity from established plants. Identity (C. subaristatum and N. trichotoma) and defoliation severity were used as surrogate for competition intensity. In March 2017, we permanently marked established individuals of N. trichotoma and C. subaristatum and placed two circular plots adjacent to each individual. In one plot we added seeds of N. trichotoma and in the other seeds of C. subaristatum. After seeding, established plants were randomly assigned to one of three level of defoliation: without defoliation, low defoliation severity and high defoliation severity. From April to November 2017 (i.e. over a complete annual growing cycle), we measured seedling density, recruitment and growth. Our results supported the hypothesis that seedlings of palatable grasses are more competitive than seedlings of unpalatable grasses. Seedling of the palatable grass C. subaristatum recruited successfully regardless the intensity of competition from established plants, whereas seedlings of the unpalatable grass N. trichotoma recruited better under low competitive pressure from established plants. Our results suggest that the availability of microsites with low competitive pressure from the established vegetation, created by selective grazing of palatable grasses, promotes the recruitment of unpalatable grass seedlings. This mechanism may contribute to the species replacement process commonly observed in heavy grazed grasslands.
Head to health: Practitioner perceptions of the new digital mental health gateway
Authors: Sturk Heidi , Crowther Ruth , Kavanagh David J.
Published: October 2019

Objective

To understand health practitioners' attitudes towards the acceptability and usability of the Head to Health digital gateway.

Design

Feedback surveys were completed by health care practitioners to identify experiences with and perceptions of the digital mental health gateway Head to Health. Data from the surveys were evaluated via thematic analysis.

Settings and participants

Health care practitioners working in mental health settings participated in three digital mental health workshops facilitated by Queensland University of Technology in 2018. A total of 43 participants explored key features of the Head to Health site and provided feedback via a post‐workshop survey.

Main outcome measures

Clinician feedback about usability, utility, barriers to integration and promotion of the Head to Health digital mental health gateway.

Results

Practitioner feedback highlighted that although many were unaware of the website, overall perceptions were positive with 79% stating they will recommend the site to clients in the future. Thematic analysis revealed four overarching thematic headings; “utility of the Head to Health portal,” “usability,” “clinician recommendations” and “clinician‐led” promotional strategies. Health professionals identified a number of roles they can play in assisting to promote Head to Health more widely.

Conclusion

Overall Head to Health is perceived to be a quality resource of value to health practitioners. There is a need for ongoing government and clinician‐led promotion of Head to Health both generally and in the rural setting. Guidelines are required on integration of digital mental health resources into clinical practice.
Effectiveness of medication review on the number of drug‐related problems in patients visiting the outpatient cardiology clinic: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Huiskes Victor Johan Bernard , van den Ende Cornelia Helena Maria , Kruijtbosch Martine , Ensing Hendrik Tinus , Meijs Marieke , Meijs Veronique Maria Mathea , Burger David Marinus , van den Bemt Bartholomeus Johannes Fredericus
Published: October 2019

Aims

To assess the effectiveness of medication review on the number of drug‐related problems (DRPs) in outpatient cardiology patients.

Methods

In this randomized controlled trial, a computer‐assisted and pharmacist‐led medication review with patient involvement (questionnaire and telephone call with pharmacist) was conducted in intervention patients prior to their visit to the cardiologist. The control group received usual care. Adult outpatient cardiology patients without support concerning the administration of medication, without a medication review in the past 6 months and who gave permission to access their electronic medication record were included. The primary outcome measure was the number of DRPs 1 month after the visit. Secondary outcome measures concerned the type of DRP and the type of medication involved in the DRPs.

Results

In total, 75 patients (mean [standard deviation, SD] age 66.0 [12.5] years, 41% female) were included. Intervention (n = 90) and control group (n = 85) were comparable at baseline. The mean (SD) number of drugs used per patient was 7.9 (3.9). After 1 month, the mean (SD) number of DRPs was 0.3 (0.7) and 0.8 (1.0) and the median (range) number of DRPs was 0 (0–4) and 0 (0–4) in the intervention group and control group, respectively (P < .001). In the intervention group, 74% of the DRPs identified at T0 were solved at T1 vs 14% in the control group.

Conclusion

This randomized controlled trial suggests that a pharmacist‐led medication review in patients with a scheduled visit to the outpatient cardiology clinic decreases the number of DRPs.
Risk factors associated with biochemically detected and hospitalised acute kidney injury in patients prescribed renin angiotensin system inhibitors
Authors: Mark Patrick B. , Papworth Richard , Ramparsad Nitish , Tomlinson Laurie A. , Sawhney Simon , Black Corri , McConnachie Alex , McCowan Colin
Published: October 2019

Aims

Therapy with angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) is a mainstay of treatment for heart failure (HF), diabetes mellitus (DM) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). These agents have been associated with development of acute kidney injury (AKI) during intercurrent illness. Risk factors for AKI in patients prescribed ACEi/ARB therapy are not well described.

Methods

We captured the incidence of AKI in patients commencing ACEi/ARB during 2009–2015 using anonymised patient records. Hospital‐coded AKI was defined from hospital episode statistics; biochemical AKI was ascertained from laboratory data. Risk factors for biochemically detected and hospitalised AKI were investigated.

Results

Of 61,318 patients prescribed ACEi/ARB, with 132 885 person years (py) follow‐up, there were 1070 hospitalisations with AKI as a diagnosis recorded and a total of 4645 AKI events, including AKI episodes indicated by biochemical KDIGO‐based creatinine change criteria. Incidence of any AKI event was 35.0 per 1000‐py, hospital‐coded AKI was 7.8 per 1000‐py and biochemical AKI was 33.7 per 1000‐py. Independent risk factors in a multivariable model for hospital‐coded AKI events were age, male gender, HF, diabetes, cerebrovascular disease, lower estimated glomerular filtration rate, socioeconomic deprivation, diuretic or non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory use (all P < 0.001).

Conclusion

In patients prescribed ACEi/ARB, the highest risk of AKI is associated with conditions which are considered strong evidence‐based indications for their prescription. Socio‐economic status is an under‐reported risk factor for AKI with these agents. Strategies targeted at prevention of AKI may be of benefit, such as enhanced awareness based on higher risk comorbidities.
Antibodies against neo-epitope of microbial and human transglutaminase complexes as biomarkers of childhood celiac disease
Authors: Agardh D , Matthias T , Wusterhausen P , Neidhöfer S , Heller A , Lerner A
Published: October 2019

Tissue transglutaminase (tTG) and microbial transglutaminase (mTG) cross-link gliadins to form complexes that expose immunogenic neo-epitopes to produce tTG and mTG-neo-epitope antibodies. The aim of this study was to test the diagnostic performance of antibodies against non-complexed and complexed forms of transglutaminases, to correlate their activities to the intestinal damage and to explore age group dependency in celiac disease (CD). A total of 296 children with untreated CD and 215 non-celiac disease controls were checked by in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays detecting immunoglobulin (Ig)A, IgG or combined detection of IgA and IgG (check) against tTG, AESKULISA® tTG New Generation (tTG-neo) and mTG-neo (RUO), IgA and IgG antibodies against deamidated gliadin peptide (DGP) and human IgA anti-endomysium antibodies (EMA) using AESKUSLIDES® EMA. Intestinal pathology was graded according the revised Marsh criteria, and age dependencies of the antibody activities were analysed. Using cut-offs estimated from receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, the highest area under curve (AUC) of the TG assays was 0·963 for tTG-neo check, followed by tTG check (0·962) when the diagnosis was based on enteric mucosal histology. tTG-neo check was the most effective to reflect the intestinal abnormalities in CD (r = 0·795, P < 0·0001). High levels of anti-mTG-neo IgG and anti-tTG-neo IgG appeared in the earlier age groups, as compared to anti-tTG IgG (P < 0·001). Considering antibody diagnostic performance based on AUC, enteric damage reflection and predictability at an early age, the anti-neo tTG check was the most effective diagnostic biomarker for pediatric CD. The mTG neo check might represent a new marker for CD screening, diagnosis and predictability.
Addressing identity‐related barriers to collaboration for conservation through self‐affirmation theory and moral foundations theory
Authors: Hurst Kristin , Stern Marc J. , Hull R. Bruce , Axsom Danny
Published: October 2019

The natural resource management literature documents many reasons for pursuing collaborative processes, offering useful insights on how to manage conflict and facilitate productive deliberation in complex multistakeholder collaborative efforts. Moral foundations theory and self‐affirmation theory can further help collaborative efforts mitigate conflicts caused by identity threats and the identity‐protective reasoning these threats provoke. Moral foundations theory suggests an approach to increase collaboration by minimizing triggering language and helping people appreciate opposing viewpoints. Self‐affirmation theory suggests a practical intervention that could be used to increase collaboration by desensitizing people to identity threats and reducing defensiveness. Taken together, these theories can contribute substantially to the understanding and practice of collaboration and conflict management for conservation.
Shift in size of bumblebee queens over the last century
Authors: Gérard Maxence , Martinet Baptiste , Maebe Kevin , Marshall Leon , Smagghe Guy , Vereecken Nicolas J. , Vray Sarah , Rasmont Pierre , Michez Denis
Published: October 2019

Species can respond differently when facing environmental changes, such as by shifting their geographical ranges or through plastic or adaptive modifications to new environmental conditions. Phenotypic modifications related to environmental factors have been mainly explored along latitudinal gradients, but they are relatively understudied through time despite their importance for key ecological interactions. Here we hypothesize that the average bumblebee queen body size has changed in Belgium during the last century. Based on historical and contemporary databases, we first tested if queen body sizes changed during the last century at the intraspecific level among four common bumblebee species and if it could be linked to global warming and/or habitat fragmentation as well as by the replacement by individuals from new populations. Then, we assessed body size changes at the community level, among 22 species, taking into account species population trends (i.e. increasing, stable or decreasing relative abundance). Our results show that the average queen body size of all four bumblebee species increased over the last century. This size increase was significantly correlated to global warming and habitat fragmentation, but not explained by changes in the population genetic structure (i.e. colonization). At the community level, species with stable or increasing relative abundance tend to be larger than declining species. Contrary to theoretical expectations from Bergmann's rule (i.e. increasing body size in colder climates), temperature does not seem to be the main driver of bumblebee body size during the last century as we observed the opposite body size trend. However, agricultural intensification and habitat fragmentation could be alternative mechanisms that shape body size clines. This study stresses the importance of considering alternative global change factors when assessing body size change.
The audit committee chair's abilities: Beyond financial expertise
Authors: Khemakhem Hanen , Fontaine Richard
Published: October 2019

The audit committee chair can play a key role in the success of audit committee outcomes. The role of the chair is different than that of the other audit committee members. However, most of the research on audit committees does not distinguish the role of the chair from that of the other committee members. Moreover, research does not give any insight into the necessary abilities to fulfill this role. Our study investigates the audit committee chair's abilities. Based on 27 interviews, we find that the chair manages multiple relationships and possesses well‐developed leadership abilities that go beyond financial expertise, such as various types of communication skills. Our research sheds light on the unique role of the audit committee chair. It also provides useful insights to corporate boards and policy‐makers to help them identify the audit committee chair with the right abilities.
Interleukin‐33 polymorphisms and serum concentrations in mycosis fungoides
Authors: Rustowska‐Rogowska Alicja , Gleń Jolanta , Jarząbek Tomasz , Rogowski Wojciech , Rębała Krzysztof , Zabłotna Monika , Czajkowska Katarzyna , Nowicki Roman , Kowalczyk Anna , Sokołowska‐Wojdyło Małgorzata
Published: October 2019

Background

Mycosis fungoides (MF) skin lesions are characterized by low‐grade inflammation, which may be sustained by proinflammatory cytokines as probably interleukin‐33 (IL‐33). We compared serum concentrations of IL‐33 and its receptor ST2 and the frequency of selected IL‐33 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) between patients with MF and healthy controls.

Methods

In 88 patients with MF and 66 healthy controls, we analyzed SNPs in the 9894 and 11877 loci of theIL‐33gene. Moreover, we measured serum concentrations of IL‐33 and its receptor ST2.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences in the frequencies of both IL‐33 SNPs between patients and controls. Compared with controls, patients with MF had similar IL‐33 serum concentrations (P = 0.71) but significantly increased ST2 concentrations (P < 0.001). Patients in MF‐IA stage had significantly lower ST2 serum concentrations than those with the remaining MF stages (P = 0.002). The studied variables were not related to pruritus severity. Patients with the C(+) IL‐33 11877 SNP had lower ST2 serum concentrations than patients with the C(−) 11877 SNP (P = 0.043).

Conclusions

It was published before that the knockout of theST2gene after injection of IL‐33 is associated with a reduced inflammatory reaction in the skin, as well as that IL‐33 plays a role in allergic and neoplastic disorders. Concerning the difference in ST2 concentration between control and MF group, and C IL‐33 11877 SNP possibly influencing the ST2 concentration, the role of IL‐33/ST2 signaling, needs further studies.
Comparison of hydrothermal corrosion behavior of SiC with Al2O3 and Al2O3 + Y2O3 sintering additives
Authors: Xie Xin , Liu Bing , Liu Rongzheng , Zhao Xiaofeng , Ni Na , Xiao Ping
Published: October 2019

Fully dense SiC bulks with Al2O3 and Al2O3 + Y2O3 sintering additives were prepared by spark plasma sintering and the effect of sintering additives on the hydrothermal corrosion behavior of SiC bulks was investigated in the static autoclave at 400°C/10.3 MPa. The SiC specimen with Al2O3 sintering additive exhibited a higher weight loss and followed a linear law. However, the SiC specimen with Al2O3 + Y2O3 additive exhibited a lower weight loss and followed a parabolic law, indicating that the corrosion kinetic and mechanism were different for these two SiC bulks. Further examination revealed that, a deposited layer was formed on the surface of SiC specimen with Al2O3 + Y2O3 sintering additive after corrosion, which can effectively protect the SiC specimen from further corrosion, and thereby improved the corrosion resistance of the SiC specimen with Al2O3 + Y2O3 sintering additive.
Morphological features of mucous secretory organ and mucous secretion of loach Misgurnus anguillicaudatus skin for friction drag reduction
Authors: Seo Eunseok , Yoon Gun‐Young , Kim Hae‐Nyeok , Lim Jae H. , Kim Seonghan , Kim Bumju , Kim Ki H. , Lee Sang J.
Published: October 2019

We examined the functional morphology of loach Misgurnus anguillicaudatus skin by using synchrotron X‐ray micro‐computed tomography (SR‐μCT) and high‐contrast staining using osmium tetroxide or phosphotungstic acid (PTA), which enhances the image contrast of soft tissues. The captured high‐spatial resolution images revealed that the surface ornamentations were stuck in the basement membrane of the loach scales. The ornamentations consisting of grooves (radii) and ridges (circuli) that can move freely and bend flexibly. The cross‐sectional lateral microstructures of flat, concave and convex loach skins were observed from a live image of loach skin obtained through dark‐field optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging. The thickness of loach skin was changed with varying empty space between the mucous‐cell layer and the scales by bending motion of loach. In addition, through direct measurement of drag reduction of loach skin, the mucous layer was found to have a strong influence on the reduction of skin friction. The present results enhance the understanding of the functional morphologies of mucous layer of loach to secrete mucus for skin friction reduction.
Evolutionary history of Spalacidae inferred from fossil occurrences and molecular phylogeny
Authors: HE Ya , Hu Shuzhan , Ge Deyan , Yang Qisen , Connor Thomas , Zhou Caiquan
Published: October 2019

The Spalacidae is a family of strictly subterranean rodents with a long evolutionary history. It is unclear how ecological changes have influenced the evolutionary history of these mammals, and the phylogenetic relationship of the subfamilies within Spalacidae is controversial.

Through compiling fossil records, reconstructing molecular phylogeny from molecular data, determining the date of divergence, and analysing their geographical evolution based on molecular data and fossil taxa, we explore the origin and evolutionary process of Spalacidae in detail. Diversification within Spalacidae dates to the Late Oligocene, approximately 25 million years ago, based on molecular data.

This family originated in South and East Asia in the Late Oligocene, and then split into four clades. The first clade includes Rhizomyinae, which was highly diversified in South Asia in the Early‐to‐Middle Miocene. Then Rhizomyinae from Asia migrated to northern Africa in multiple waves through the Afro‐Eurasian land bridge. Its range largely contracted in the Late Miocene, notably in Central Asia. The second clade includes the extinct Tachyoryctoidinae, which was confined to East and Central Asia, and survived from the Late Oligocene to the Late Miocene. The third clade includes Spalacinae, which have remained around the Mediterranean region since the Late Oligocene with slight trend of northward expansion. The fourth clade is Myospalacinae. Ancient genera of this subfamily in East Asia dispersed eastward during the Late Miocene and reached northern China and south‐east Russia.

The general distribution pattern of Spalacidae has persisted since the Late Miocene. Extinction of Tachyoryctoidinae and clear range contraction of Rhizomyinae in Central and East Asia are likely to have resulted from increased aridification, while the slight northward expansion of Myospalacinae and Spalacinae since the Quaternary was probably a response to a similar northward expansion of suitable vegetation for these animals.
Language Education and ‘Conflicted Heritage’: Implications for Teaching and Learning
Authors: CHARALAMBOUS CONSTADINA
Published: October 2019

This article revisits discussions of the relationship between language and heritage, bringing into the picture processes and experiences of (in)security and conflict. It draws largely on critical heritage studies literature, as well as on literature that deals with managing heritage in postconflict situations, and uses insights and concepts from this literature to inform current debates in modern language education and heritage language education in particular. Using the notion of conflicted heritage, it focuses on a particular type of language class, Turkish classes in Greek‐Cypriot educational settings, where the target language has been part of a long history of conflict. The discussion of these classes reveals the role that language education can potentially play in wider social and political processes of managing a conflicted heritage as a society attempts to move beyond a conflict‐troubled past. Finally, the article points to the implications for language education when a language is associated with a conflicted heritage and discourses of (in)security.
Radon as a natural tracer of gas transport through trees
Authors: Megonigal J. Patrick , Brewer Paul E. , Knee Karen L.
Published: October 2019

Trees are sources, sinks, and conduits for gas exchange between the atmosphere and soil, and effectively link these terrestrial realms in a soil–plant–atmosphere continuum.

We demonstrated that naturally produced radon‐222 (222Rn) gas has the potential to disentangle the biotic and physical processes that regulate gas transfer between soils or plants and the atmosphere in field settings where exogenous tracer applications are challenging.

Patterns in stem radon emissions across tree species, seasons, and diurnal periods suggest that plant transport of soil gases is controlled by plant hydraulics, whether by diffusion or mass flow via transpiration.

We establish for the first time that trees emit soil gases during the night when transpiration rates are negligible, suggesting that axial diffusion is an important and understudied mechanism of plant and soil gas transmission.
Postoperative Pain Management in Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Li Jing‐wen , Ma Ye‐shuo , Xiao Liang‐kun
Published: October 2019

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is one of the most common surgeries performed to relieve joint pain in patients with end‐stage osteoarthritis or rheumatic arthritis of the knee. However, TKA is followed by moderate to severe postoperative pain that affects postoperative rehabilitation, patient satisfaction, and overall outcomes. Historically, opioids have been widely used for perioperative pain management of TKA. However, opioids are associated with undesirable adverse effects, such as nausea, respiratory depression, and retention of urine, which limit their application in daily clinical practice. The aim of this review was to discuss the current postoperative pain management regimens for TKA. Our review of the literature demonstrated that multimodal analgesia is considered the optimal regimen for perioperative pain management of TKA and improves clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction, through a combination of several types of medications and delivery routes, including preemptive analgesia, neuraxial anesthesia, peripheral nerve blockade, patient‐controlled analgesia and local infiltration analgesia, and oral opioid/nonopioid medications. Multimodal analgesia provides superior pain relief, promotes recovery of the knee, and reduces opioid consumption and related adverse effects in patients undergoing TKA.
Performance Assessment as an Application of Causal Inference
Authors: Longford Nicholas T.
Published: October 2019

Institutions in healthcare, education and other public services are under constant pressure to perform to high standards and with efficiency. Assessment of their performance is often problematic because it either ignores important background variables of their patients, students or clients (the casemix), or adjusts for them in a way that is not equitable or transparent. We apply a method of indirect standardization motivated by the potential outcomes framework, in which we consider the hypothetical scenario of an institution's case-load being dispersed for treatment throughout the domain of assessment (the country's institutions). The target of estimation is the difference of the means of the outcomes in the realized and hypothetical settings. The method is applied to estimating the prevalence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in extremely preterm-born infants in the neonatal units and their networks in Great Britain in 2017. The prevalence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia is an audit measure in the UK National Neonatal Audit Programme.
Baseline characteristics of the HAARLEM study: 100 male amateur athletes using anabolic androgenic steroids
Authors: Smit Diederik L. , de Hon Olivier , Venhuis Bastiaan J. , den Heijer Martin , de Ronde Willem
Published: October 2019

Background

The use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) is common among visitors of fitness centers. Knowledge about health risks of AAS use is limited due to lack of clinical studies.

Methods

One hundred men, at least 18 years old, intending to start a cycle of AAS were recruited. Baseline demographical data and reasons for AAS use were recorded. Subjects provided samples of AAS for analysis with UPLC‐QTOF‐MS/MS.

Results

One hundred and eleven men were seen for a baseline visit. Nineteen percent had competed in bodybuilding competitions. Recent illicit drug use was reported by 56%. Seventy‐seven percent of participants had used AAS in the past, and 97% of them had experienced side effects. After exclusion, 100 men comprised the cohort for follow‐up. The AAS cycle performed had a median duration of 13 weeks (range 2‐52), and the average dose of AAS equivalents was 901 mg per week (range 250‐3.382). Subjects used other performance and image–enhancing drugs (PIEDs) such as growth hormone (21%). In total, 272 AAS samples were analyzed and 47% contained the AAS indicated on the label. The principal reason for AAS use was gain of muscle mass (44%). Forty‐eight percent self‐reported to being addicted to AAS.

Conclusion

The HAARLEM study cohort shows that strength athletes use AAS in a wide variety of cycles and often also use illicit drugs and other potentially harmful PIEDs. The quality of the AAS used is strikingly low. Follow‐up of the cohort will provide novel data regarding health risks of AAS use.
Association between social determinants of health and trends in prevalence of hypertension in patients of the Peruvian Ministry of Health
Authors: Herrera‐Añazco Percy , Amaya Elard , Atamari‐Anahui Noé , Ccorahua‐Rios Maykol , Hernandez Adrian V.
Published: October 2019

Objective

To evaluate the association between social determinants of health and trends in the prevalence of hypertension among patients of the Peruvian Ministry of Health 2007–2016.

Methods

We conducted an ecological study with secondary data sources using health care and death records obtained from the Peruvian Ministry of Health, data from the Peruvian National Household Survey and data from the Regional Information System for Decision Making. We determined the standardised prevalence of hypertension at national and region level, conducted a geospatial exploratory analysis at region level, and applied generalised linear mixed models to evaluate the association between social determinants of health and the prevalence of HT, according to the domains suggested by Healthy People 2020.

Results

The prevalence of hypertensive patients of the Peruvian Ministry of Health increased from 966.8/100 000 in 2007 to 1619.1/100 000 in 2016. The prevalence of hypertension rose by 17.7/100 000 per 1% increase of insurance coverage and by 2.2/100 000 per 1% increase in the number of hospitals. In contrast, it decreased by 12.3/100 000 per 1% increase of the poverty rate, by 9.8/100 000 per 1% increase of the proportion of people with native language, by 3.6/100 000 per 1% increase of GDP per capita and by 3/100 000 per 1% increase in the number of local health centres.

Conclusions

The growing trend of HT prevalence in Peru is directly associated with insurance coverage and number of hospitals, and inversely associated with poverty rate, proportion of people with native language, GDP per capita and number of local health centres.
Digestive exophagy: Phagocyte digestion of objects too large for phagocytosis
Authors: Maxfield Frederick R. , Barbosa‐Lorenzi Valeria C. , Singh Rajesh K.
Published: October 2019

Mammalian phagocytes carry out several essential functions, including killing and digesting infectious organisms, clearing denatured proteins, removing dead cells and removing several types of debris from the extracellular space. Many of these functions involve phagocytosis, the engulfment of a target in a specialized endocytic process and then fusion of the new phagosome with lysosomes. Phagocytes such as macrophages can phagocytose targets that are several micrometers in diameter (eg, dead cells), but in some cases they encounter much larger objects. We have studied two such examples in some detail: large deposits of lipoproteins such as those in the wall of blood vessels associated with atherosclerosis, and dead adipocytes, which are dozens of micrometers in diameter. We describe a process, which we call digestive exophagy, in which macrophages create a tight seal in contact with the target, acidify the sealed zone and secrete lysosomal contents into the contact zone. By this process, hydrolysis by lysosomal enzymes occurs in a compartment that is outside the cell. We compare this process to the well characterized digestion of bone by osteoclasts, and we point out key similarities and differences.
The cost of blood: a study of the total cost of red blood cell transfusion in patients with β‐thalassemia using time‐driven activity‐based costing
Authors: McQuilten Zoe K. , Higgins Alisa M. , Burns Kelly , Chunilal Sanjeev , Dunstan Terri , Haysom Helen E. , Kaplan Zane , Rushford Kylie , Saxby Karinna , Tahiri Renas , Waters Neil , Wood Erica M.
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

To accurately quantify the costs of care for patients with transfusion‐dependent thalassemia (TDT), and to evaluate cost‐effectiveness of new treatments, data are required on costs of regular red blood cell (RBC) transfusions. However, no previous studies have evaluated the costs of RBC transfusion specifically in chronically transfused patients.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

We performed a time‐driven activity‐based costing (TDABC) study using a health care provider perspective. This was performed over a 1‐month period, capturing every step of the transfusion pathway for patients with TDT at a designated provider of specialist thalassemia services in Australia. Detailed process maps were developed to outline treatments and processes directly related to transfusion. For each process map, detailed data collection, including timing of activities, was performed multiple times to account for variation in practice. Costs associated with RBC transfusion were broken down into fixed, process, and RBC procurement costs.

RESULTS

The total per‐unit cost was US$695.59 (95% confidence interval, US$694.45‐US$696.73). Approximately 40% of cost was for procurement of the RBC unit, with process costs accounting for 55%. The single largest contributor to process costs was attributed to iron chelation medication (approximately 80%). In sensitivity analyses, seniority of staff, time to perform processes, and probabilities of different processes occurring did not substantially influence the RBC transfusion cost; however the number of RBC units per transfusion episode did impact the overall cost per RBC unit.

CONCLUSIONS

We found significant costs associated with RBC transfusion for TDT, with the product cost contributing less than one‐half of the total cost.
CYCLIC PERFORMANCE OF HDR HOOK-END PRECAST BEAM-COLUMN JOINT: A FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS
Authors: Siong Woon Kai , Hejazi Farzad , Jaafar Mohd Saleh , Nora Aznieta Abd. Aziz Farah
Published: October 2019

Small concrete cover to dowel’s diameter reduces the cyclic performance of precast concrete frame with pinned dowel beam-column connection due to brittle concrete splitting failure around the dowel joint. Besides, utilisation of bearing pad thicker than half of dowel’s diameter causes the dowel bar to sustain greater tensile stress and plastic elongation up to their breaking point due to larger inclination of the dowel bar, particularly under the action of cyclic loading. Hence, a new precast beam-column joint with hook-end configuration and utilizing the advantage of high damping rubber (HDR), was proposed as the alternative for precast structures. Therefore, this study presented the horizontal and vertical cyclic performances of the precast frames with the proposed joint, through numerical analysis using finite element software. The numerical results were compared with a numerical modelled single pinned dowel connected precast frame, which was verified with the experimental results under horizontal cyclic loading. In terms of accumulative energy dissipation capacity, the numerical results showed that precast frames with the proposed joint demonstrated approximately 230% and 120% of improvement at 40 mm of horizontal cyclic level and 7 mm of vertical cyclic level, respectively, than the precast frame with single pinned dowel connection. It indicates that the viscoelastic behavior of HDR has contributed the benefit in this improvement.
A REVIEW OF USING NATURAL RUBBER IN THE MODIFICATION OF BITUMEN AND ASPHALT MIXTURES USED FOR ROAD CONSTRUCTION
Authors: Al-Sabaeei Abdulnaser , Yussof Nur Izzi Md. , Napiah Madzlan , Sutanto Muslich
Published: October 2019

A comprehensive review using natural rubber in the modification of bitumen used for road construction is presented in this paper. The sources, types and properties of natural rubber are discussed briefly. The methods used by researchers to add natural rubber as a modifier for bitumen are also discussed. A literature review of the effects of natural rubber on the physical, mechanical and rheological properties of bitumen and the performance of asphalt mixtures over the past three decades is presented along with the cost analysis of using natural rubber as a modifier in comparison to using other polymers. Researchers in the field of the highway and pavement engineering need to find a method to deal with the most common pavement distress by using local additives such as natural rubber. It is expected that a special, cost effective and long lasting natural rubber modified flexible for road pavements, which is also fatigue and rut resistant, will be developed in the near future. This will reduce the amount of expenses required for the annual maintenance of asphalt mixtures around the world.
NUMERICAL MODELLING OF MULTIPLE TUNED MASS DAMPER EQUIPPED WITH MAGNETO RHEOLOGICAL DAMPER FOR ATTENUATION OF BUILDING SEISMIC RESPONSES
Authors: Ahmad Afham Zulhusmi , Abu Aminudin , Kee Quen Lee , Othman Nor A’zizi , Che In Faridah
Published: October 2019

The Tuned Mass Damper (TMD) is generally as a passive vibration control device consisting of added auxiliary mass with functioning spring and damping elements. TMD is basically designed to be tuned to the dominant frequency of a structure which the excitation of frequency will resonate the structural motion out of phase to reduce unwanted vibration. However, a single unit TMD is only capable of suppressing the fundamental structural mode. In order to control multimode vibrations and to cater wide band seismic frequency, more than one TMD is required to improve the effectiveness of a control mechanism. For the purpose of this study, a 3-storey benchmark reinforced structural building subjected to El Centro seismic ground motion is modelled as uncontrolled Primary Structure (PS) by considering appropriate structural properties such as stiffness and damping. Mathematical modelling of uncontrolled PS is developed and further evaluated numerically by assuming the PS as an equivalent lumped system. For the case of controlled PS which the passive mechanism is included to the system, optimum parameters of both TMD and Multiple TMD (MTMD) are designed to be tuned to the dedicated structural modes where the performance is dependent on specified parameters such as auxiliary mass ratio, optimum damping ratio, and optimum frequency ratio. The eigen value analysis is carried out by assuming that the structure is a linear time-invariant system. The input and output components of structural system arrangements are then characterized in the transfer function manner and then converted into state space function. To enhance structural control effectiveness, the adaptive system is incorporated by the attachment of Magneto-Rheological (MR) damper to both single TMD and MTMD passive system. The response analysis of the control system arrangements is executed using both time history and frequency response analysis. The main objectives of the design are to minimize both structural peak and Root Mean Square (RMS) displacements. From the analysis, the designed control mechanisms are concluded as highly effective in reducing all structural floor displacements for the semi-active cases with 99% displacement reduction for the third and second floors, and 98% for the first floor, compared to the uncontrolled case. It is concluded that the MR damper significantly contributed to the enhancement of the passive system to mitigate structural seismic vibration.
Solar Irradiance Fluctuation Prediction Methodology Using Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Kamadinata Jane Oktavia , Ken Tan Lit , Suwa Tohru
Published: October 2019

Renewable energy is an attractive alternative source of energy to fossil fuels, as it can help prevent global warming and air pollution. Solar energy, one of the most promising renewable energy sources, can be converted into electricity using photovoltaic power generation systems. Anywhere on the Earth, solar irradiance generally fluctuates during the day but depends on atmospheric conditions. Thus, when a photovoltaic power generation system is connected to a conventional electricity network, predicting near-future global solar irradiance, especially its drastic increases and decreases, is critical to stabilize the network. In this research, a simple method utilizing artificial neural networks to predict large increases and decreases in global solar irradiance is developed. The red–blue ratio (RBR) values, which are extracted from a set of sampling points in images of the sky, as well as the corresponding global solar irradiance values, are used as the artificial neural network inputs. The direction of the movement of clouds is predicted using RBR data at the sampling points. Then, solar irradiance is predicted using the RBR values along the axis closest to the predicted cloud movement direction and the corresponding solar irradiance measurements. The proposed methodology is able to predict both large increases and decreases in solar irradiance greater than 50 through 100 W/m2 1 min in advance with a 40% prediction error. A significant reduction in computational effort is achieved compared to existing sky image-based methodologies using limited sky image data.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Nosocomial Pathogen Acinetobacter nosocomialis Strain M2
Authors: Pehde Bailey , Lizer Nicholas , Carruthers Michael
Published: October 2019

Acinetobacter nosocomialis
is an opportunistic human pathogen that is part of the
Acinetobacter calcoaceticus
/
Acinetobacter baumannii
(ACB) complex. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of
Acinetobacter nosocomialis
strain M2.
Nearly Complete Genome Sequence of an Echovirus 30 Strain from a Cluster of Aseptic Meningitis Cases in California, September 2017
Authors: Pan Chao-Yang , Huynh Thalia , Padilla Tasha , Chen Alice , Ng Terry Fei Fan , Marine Rachel L. , Castro Christina J. , Nix W. Allan , Wadford Debra A.
Published: October 2019

We report the nearly complete genome sequence of a human enterovirus, a strain of echovirus 30, obtained from a cerebrospinal fluid specimen from a teenaged patient with aseptic meningitis in September 2017.
Transcobalamin deficiency: vitamin B12deficiency with normal serum B12levels
Authors: Khera Sanjeev , Pramanik Suman Kumar , Patnaik Saroj Kumar
Published: October 2019

Transcobalamin (TC) deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive inborn error of cobalamin transport which clinically manifests in early infancy. We describe a child with TC deficiency who presented with classical clinical and lab stigmata of inborn error of vitamin B12metabolism except normal serum B12levels. He was started on empirical parenteral cobalamin supplements at 2 months of age; however, the definitive diagnosis could only be established at 6 years of age when a genetic evaluation revealed homozygous nonsense variation in exon 8 of the TCN2 gene (chr22:g.31019043C>T).
Influence of grass roots on shear strength of pyroclastic soils
Authors: Foresta Vito , Capobianco Vittoria , Cascini Leonardo
Published: October 2019

This paper investigates the effects of indigenous vegetation on the shear strength of loose pyroclastic soils of the Campania region (southern Italy); these soils are frequently affected by shallow landslides 1–2 m deep that experience static liquefaction during the post-failure stage. Perennial graminae grasses were seeded in a one-dimensional column 2 m high and filled by pyroclastic soils, allowing the root to grow under atmospheric conditions. A noninvasive sampling procedure was adopted to take the vegetated soil samples, in which the roots were in their natural geometrical distribution. For each rooted sample, the root biomass, RM, was measured and the root volume density, RVD, was calculated. Isotropic consolidated triaxial tests in both drained and undrained conditions were performed on the rooted specimens, as well as on bare specimens as a control. The obtained results showed that the roots generally provided an increment to the soil strength. In drained conditions a reduction in the volumetric deformation was observed, which, under undrained conditions, was reflected in a general reduction of the excess pore-water pressures with a possible inhibition of the static liquefaction occurrence. This study highlights the potential role of grass roots as bio-engineering practice for stabilizing shallow covers of pyroclastic soils.
In situ preparation of FeFx•yH2O/C composite as cathode material for Li batteries
Authors: Gao Yuning , Sun Hongxu , Zhou Xiangyang , Zhou Haochen , Ding Jing , Xu Zhanglin , Tang Jingjing , Jia Ming , Yang Juan , Wang Hui
Published: October 2019

FeF[Formula: see text]H2O/C composite is prepared by using ferric citrate (FeC6H5O[Formula: see text] as precursor via carbonization and fluoridation. When evaluated as cathode materials for lithium batteries, the as-prepared FeF[Formula: see text]H2O/C composite can retain a capacity of 116[Formula: see text]mAh[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text] at 40[Formula: see text]mA[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text] after 300 cycles in the voltage range of 2.0–4.5 V. The cycling performance should be attributed to Fe2F[Formula: see text]H2O as a main component and carbon decoration. The electrical conductivity of Fe2F[Formula: see text]H2O is higher than other iron fluorides, and it also possesses an open framework in its crystal structure for facilitating the transport of Li[Formula: see text]. The simple preparation, unique crystal structure and superior electrochemical performance of FeF[Formula: see text]H2O/C composite show its great potential of being an alternative cathode material for lithium batteries.
Investigating the utility of adult zebrafish ex vivo whole hearts to pharmacologically screen hERG channel activator compounds
Authors: Hull Christina M. , Genge Christine E. , Hobbs Yuki , Rayani Kaveh , Lin Eric , Gunawan Marvin , Shafaattalab Sanam , Tibbits Glen F. , Claydon Tom W.
Published: October 2019

There is significant interest in the potential utility of small-molecule activator compounds to mitigate cardiac arrhythmia caused by loss of function of hERG1a voltage-gated potassium channels. Zebrafish ( Danio rerio) have been proposed as a cost-effective, high-throughput drug-screening model to identify compounds that cause hERG1a dysfunction. However, there are no reports on the effects of hERG1a activator compounds in zebrafish and consequently on the utility of the model to screen for potential gain-of-function therapeutics. Here, we examined the effects of hERG1a blocker and types 1 and 2 activator compounds on isolated zkcnh6a (zERG3) channels in the Xenopus oocyte expression system as well as action potentials recorded from ex vivo adult zebrafish whole hearts using optical mapping. Our functional data from isolated zkcnh6a channels show that under the conditions tested, these channels are blocked by hERG1a channel blockers (dofetilide and terfenadine), and activated by type 1 (RPR260243) and type 2 (NS1643, PD-118057) hERG1a activators with higher affinity than hKCNH2a channels (except NS1643), with differences accounted for by different biophysical properties in the two channels. In ex vivo zebrafish whole hearts, two of the three hERG1a activators examined caused abbreviation of the action potential duration (APD), whereas hERG1a blockers caused APD prolongation. These data represent, to our knowledge, the first pharmacological characterization of isolated zkcnh6a channels and the first assessment of hERG enhancing therapeutics in zebrafish. Our findings lead us to suggest that the zebrafish ex vivo whole heart model serves as a valuable tool in the screening of hKCNH2a blocker and activator compounds.
Response inhibition in humans: a whistle stop review
Authors: Nikitenko Tess , Chowdhury Nahian , Puri Rohan , He Jason L.
Published: October 2019

This Neuro Forum presents insights from recent literature on the neurophysiology and pathoneurophysiology of reactive (speed of action stopping) and proactive (slowing of action in anticipation of stopping) response inhibition. We discuss recent studies using novel brain stimulation and spectroscopy techniques that reveal the role of cortico-subcortical networks and the neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and how these mechanisms are influenced by healthy aging. Furthermore, we also briefly discuss computational modeling approaches, which assist in establishing meaningful differences in response inhibition.