bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Das Risiko für Erwerbsminderungsrente bei Herz-Kreislauf-Erkrankungen nach medizinischen Rehabilitationen: Eine ereignisdatenanalytische Studie auf Basis von Daten der Deutschen Rentenversicherung
Authors: Barth Alexander , Aretz Benjamin , Doblhammer Gabriele
Published: March 2019

Ziel der Studie Bislang fehlen diagnosespezifische Analysen zum Risiko für Erwerbsminderungsrente (EMR). Unsere Studie konzentriert sich auf Personen, die bereits eine medizinische Rehabilitation (Reha) aufgrund von Herz-Kreislauf-Krankheiten absolviert haben.

Methodik Wir nutzen den für Forschungszwecke verfügbaren Datensatz „Abgeschlossene Rehabilitationen im Versicherungsverlauf 2006–2013“ der Deutschen Rentenversicherung (DRV). Mittels Ereignisdatenanalyse haben wir die Übergänge in Erwerbsminderungsrente diagnoseübergreifend sowie diagnosespezifisch untersucht. Dabei nutzen wir Kaplan-Meier-Schätzer und altersstandardisierte sowie geschlechtsspezifische Übergangsraten. Multivariat schätzen wir mittels Cox-Regressionen die Effekte von soziodemografischen Determinanten auf das Risiko für EMR, um besonders relevante Risikofaktoren herauszuarbeiten.

Ergebnisse Besonders rasche Übergänge in EMR nach der Reha wurden für die Diagnosegruppen Hirninfarkt, Kardiomyopathie sowie zerebrovaskuläre Krankheiten festgestellt. Besonders relevante Risikofaktoren für EMR sind eine niedrige Bildung, Teilzeit- oder keine Erwerbstätigkeit vor der Reha sowie ein ostdeutscher Wohnort.

Schlussfolgerung Besonderer Bedarf erfolgreicher medizinischer Rehabilitation zeigt sich für Patienten mit Hirninfarkt, Kardiomyopathie oder zerebrovaskulären Krankheiten. Bei Multimorbiditäten sollte gerade auf diese Diagnosen ein besonderes Augenmerk gelegt werden. Die Reintegration sozial schwacher Personengruppen in das Erwerbsleben zur Vermeidung von EMR scheint sich darüber hinaus als besonders schwierig darzustellen.
What is the Impact of Positive Airway Pressure in Nasal Polyposis? An Experimental Study
Authors: Balsalobre Leonardo , Pezato Rogerio , Mangussi-Gomes Joao , Gregorio Luciano , Haddad Fernanda Louise Martinho , Gregorio Luiz Carlos , Fujita Reginaldo
Published: March 2019

Introduction It has been hypothesized that increasing the interstitial hydrostatic pressure within the sinonasal mucosa of patients with nasal polyposis (NP) might decrease the size of nasal polyps.

Objective To evaluate the effects of positive airway pressure, delivered by a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device, in patients with NP and in control subjects.

Methods Twelve patients with NP and 27 healthy subjects were exposed to CPAP (20 cm H2O) for 2 hours. Visual analog scale (VAS), Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale, acoustic rhinometry (AR), peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) and nasal endoscopy (NE—Meltzer polyp grading system) were performed before and after the intervention, for all patients.

Results The control group showed a significant worsening in nasal obstruction symptoms, as measured by VAS and NOSE (p < 0.01), and a significant decrease in nasal patency, as measured by the PNIF and AR (p < 0.01). For the NP group, VAS, NOSE, and AR did not differ significantly (p = 0.72, p = 0.73, and p = 0.17, respectively), but PNIF values worsened (p = 0.04) after exposure to CPAP. There was a statistically significant reduction in the nasal polyps' size (p = 0.04).

Conclusions Positive pressure worsened the nasal obstruction symptoms and decreased objective parameters of nasal patency in control subjects. In patients with NP, exposure to CPAP reduced the nasal polyps' size, and the nasal patency, as measured by PNIF. However, it had no significant effects in AR and in nasal obstruction symptoms.
Problem of Pin Breakage in Equine Transfixation Pin Casting: Biomechanical Ex Vivo Testing of Four Different Pins
Authors: Keller Sara , Valet Sebastian , Martens Ann , Weisse Bernhard , Fürst Anton , Kümmerle Jan
Published: March 2019

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate cyclic fatigue behaviour of a new pin with a thread run-out design in comparison with three other types of pins commonly used for equine transfixation pin casting.

Materials and Methods Twenty-four pairs of equine cadaveric third metacarpal bones (MC3) equipped with one transfixation pin placed horizontally in the distal metaphysis were tested using a simplified model, mimicking the biomechanical situation of equine transfixation pin casting. A 6.3/8.0-mm Imex Duraface pin with thread run-out design (ITROP) was compared with a 6.1-mm smooth Steinmann pin (SSP), a Securos 6.2-mm, positive-profile pin (SPPP) and an Imex 6.3-mm, positive-profile pin (IPPP) under cyclic loading until failure in axial compression of MC3.

Results All pins broke at clinically relevant load levels and cycle numbers. The SSP endured significantly (p = 0.0025) more cycles before failure (mean: 48685) than the ITROP (mean 25889). No significant differences in cycles to failure were observed comparing the SPPP versus ITROP, and the IPPP versus ITROP, respectively.

Clinical Significance A thread run-out design does not necessarily lead to higher resistance against pin breakage under cyclic loading conditions. The SSP was most resistant against cyclic failure in these testing conditions, even though it was associated with more lateromedial displacement and cortical wear-out. This could outweigh reported disadvantages of the SSP such as reduced resistance to axial extraction and pin loosening.
The Effect of Non-penicillin Antibiotic Regimens on Neonatal Outcomes in Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes
Authors: Siegel Anne , Heine Robert , Dotters-Katz Sarah
Published: March 2019

Objective A 7-day course of a penicillin (PCN) and macrolide is standard of care (SAR) in preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). Data regarding alternative antibiotic regimens are limited. We sought to assess the impact of non-PCN regimens on neonatal outcomes.

Study Design Secondary analysis of randomized controlled trial of antenatal magnesium sulfate. Singleton, nonanomalous pregnancies complicated by PPROM at > 24 weeks of gestation receiving the SAR were compared with women receiving a non-β-lactam regimen and a macrolide (NPCR). Primary outcome was a neonatal composite. Secondary outcomes included pregnancy latency, endometritis, and chorioamnionitis.

Results A total of 949 women met inclusion criteria; 821(56%) received the SAR and 128(8.8%) received NPCR. Adjusted models did not demonstrate worse outcomes (AOR [adjusted odds ratio] = 0.50; 95% CI [confidence interval]: 0.22–1.11). Neonates receiving SAR were less likely to have bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD; p = 0.03) but more likely to have severe necrotizing enterocolitis (sNEC; p = 0.04). Risk for chorioamnionitis and median latency did not differ between groups but women receiving the SAR were less likely to get endometritis (AOR = 0.35; 95% CI: 0.14–0.91).

Conclusions In this cohort, receiving NPCR in the setting of PPROM did not impact the overall risk of adverse neonatal outcomes or latency, but did increase the risk of endometritis. Alterations in individual neonatal morbidities suggest follow-up studies are needed.
Graphene-assisted quasi-van der Waals epitaxy of AlN film for ultraviolet light emitting diodes on nano-patterned sapphire substrate
Authors: Chang Hongliang , Chen Zhaolong , Li Weijiang , Yan Jianchang , Hou Rui , Yang Shenyuan , Liu Zhiqiang , Yuan Guodong , Wang Junxi , Li Jinmin , Gao Peng , Wei Tongbo
Published: March 2019

We report the growth of high-quality AlN films on nano-patterned sapphire substrates (NPSSs) by graphene-assisted quasi-van der Waals epitaxy, which enables rapid coalescence to shorten the growth time. Due to the presence of graphene (Gr), AlN tends to be two-dimensional laterally expanded on the NPSS, leading to the reduction of dislocation density and strain release in the AlN epitaxial layer. Using first-principles calculations, we confirm that Gr can reduce the surface migration barrier and promote the lateral migration of metal Al atoms. Furthermore, the electroluminescence results of deep ultraviolet light emitting diodes (DUV-LEDs) have exhibited greatly enhanced emission located at 280 nm by inserting the Gr interlayer. The present work may provide the potential to solve the bottleneck of high efficiency DUV-LED.
Velocity derivative skewness and its budget in non-equilibrium time-reversed turbulence
Authors: Liu Feng , Liu Yangwei
Published: March 2019

The velocity derivative skewness and its budget equation are analysed in non-equilibrium time-reversed turbulence. We show that the positive skewness is related to the behaviors of backward energy transfer and enstrophy divergence during the non-equilibrium procedure. A dynamic equilibrium state of the turbulence corresponds to a balanced budget of the skewness, whereas the balance is destroyed when the turbulence is perturbed and with a non-equilibrium phenomenon. Production and pressure terms are dominant to the evolution of the skewness compared to the viscosity term. Furthermore, based on this budget equation, a theoretical value of the skewness is derived for sufficiently high-Reynolds turbulent flows. The budget presented here might inspire future investigations for the modeling of non-equilibrium turbulence.
Microenvironment tailors nTreg structure and function
Authors: Schiavon Valérie , Duchez Sophie , Branchtein Mylène , How-Kit Alexandre , Cassius Charles , Daunay Antoine , Shen Yimin , Dubanchet Sylvie , Colisson Renaud , Vanneaux Valérie , Pruvost Alain , Roucairol Camille , Setterblad Niclas , Bouaziz Jean-David , Boissier Marie-Christophe , Semerano Luca , Graux Carlos , Bensussan Armand , Burny Arsène , Gallo Robert , Zagury Daniel , Le Buanec Hélène
Published: March 2019

Significance

Taking advantage of two markers critically associated with ATP metabolism, CD39 ectonucleotidase and the adenosine deaminase binding factor CD26, we found that natural regulatory T cells (nTregs) are heterogenous, composed of five major structurally and genetically distinct cell subsets, each representing a stage of nTreg maturation. Three major outcomes are foreseeable from these studies: (i) immunologically, microenvironmental factors dictate nTreg developmental evolution and govern their distinct functional capacity; (ii) clinically, the CD39/CD26 profile is a useful blood biomarker, as illustrated for dermatomyositis, rheumatoid arthritis, and acute myelogenous leukemia; and (iii) therapeutically, FOXP3 Tregs transdetermined from TH0 cells are an optimal source of T cells for nTreg-based adoptive immunotherapy because they do not produce IL-17.
Evolutionarily informed deep learning methods for predicting relative transcript abundance from DNA sequence
Authors: Washburn Jacob D. , Mejia-Guerra Maria Katherine , Ramstein Guillaume , Kremling Karl A. , Valluru Ravi , Buckler Edward S. , Wang Hai
Published: March 2019

Deep learning methodologies have revolutionized prediction in many fields and show potential to do the same in molecular biology and genetics. However, applying these methods in their current forms ignores evolutionary dependencies within biological systems and can result in false positives and spurious conclusions. We developed two approaches that account for evolutionary relatedness in machine learning models: (
i
) gene-family–guided splitting and (
ii
) ortholog contrasts. The first approach accounts for evolution by constraining model training and testing sets to include different gene families. The second approach uses evolutionarily informed comparisons between orthologous genes to both control for and leverage evolutionary divergence during the training process. The two approaches were explored and validated within the context of mRNA expression level prediction and have the area under the ROC curve (auROC) values ranging from 0.75 to 0.94. Model weight inspections showed biologically interpretable patterns, resulting in the hypothesis that the 3′ UTR is more important for fine-tuning mRNA abundance levels while the 5′ UTR is more important for large-scale changes.
Performing graysexuality
Authors: Coombs Fine Julia
Published: March 2019

While recent work in sociophonetics has focused on the speech of gay men (Gaudio 1994; Podesva 2007; Podesva, Roberts & Campbell-Kibler 2002), lesbian women (Camp 2009; Van Borsel Vandaele & Corthals 2013), and transgender people (Zimman 2017a), the speech styles of asexual individuals remain understudied. This study analyzes an
interview with a graysexual and homoromantic cisgender student at a research university in California, examining the segmental and
prosodic characteristics of three voices he uses to construct and position his graysexual identity: a questioning voice, a
judgmental voice, and a non-desiring voice. The analysis finds that the questioning voice is characterized by decreased speech
rate, high F0, and modal phonation; the judgmental voice, by low F0; and the non-desiring voice, by low F0, narrow F0 range, low
intensity, reduced gesture, flat facial expression, and a centralized vowel space. The results emphasize the importance of
stylistic reticence to the construction of graysexuality.
Making ‘yes’ stronger by saying ‘no’
Authors: Nishi Hironori
Published: March 2019

The present study examined the recordings of naturally occurring conversations among native speakers of Japanese, and analyzed the cases of iya ‘no’ that are uttered in response to yes-no questions. The analysis has shown that iya can be uttered in response to a yes-no question even when the response to the question is ‘yes,’ as long as the propositional information that follows iya signals ‘yes’ to the question. When iya prefaces a response of ‘yes,’ the speaker can express a stronger message of ‘yes’ since it creates a pragmatic effect of expressing needless to ask… along with signaling ‘yes’ with the propositional information that follows iya.
Rejecting and challenging illocutionary acts
Authors: Chankova Mariya
Published: March 2019

This paper examines aspects of strategic interaction and the construction of the social actor in a neo-Austinian
framework of illocutionary acts. The basic premise of the neo-Austinian framework is conventionality, according to which
illocutionary acts depend on social agreement. An important part of the framework is the felicity condition of entitlement,
directly related to the hearer’s understanding of the conventions that should hold for an act performance. Two strategies of
challenging and/or rejecting illocutionary acts are then identified tentatively dubbed looping and backfiring, related to the
hearer’s perception of when the entitlement felicity condition is flouted. Both strategies can be overtly or covertly
confrontational and demonstrate that in their social quality illocutionary acts serve to construct the social actor and build up
interpersonal relations.
GEOTROPIC CURVATURE OF AVENA COLEOPTILES
Authors: Navez A. E. , Robinson T. W.
Published: March 2019

Vol. 16, No. 1, September 20, 1932

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See PDF for Equation

The attached slip may be cut in half on the vertical line, and the corrected ordinates should be pasted over the present incorrect ones.
Complex interplay of ancient vicariance and recent patterns of geographical speciation in north-western North American temperate rainforests explains the phylogeny of jumping slugs (Hemphillia spp.)
Authors: Rankin Andrew M , Wilke Thomas , Lucid Michael , Leonard William , Espíndola Anahí , Smith Megan L , Carstens Bryan C , Sullivan Jack
Published: March 2019

The history of the currently disjunct temperate rainforests of the Pacific Northwest of North America has shaped the evolution and diversity of endemics. This study focuses on how geological and climatic perturbations have driven speciation in the area by isolating lineages. We investigated the phylogenetic relationships and historical biogeography of the endemic jumping slugs (genus Hemphillia) using a multi-locus phylogeny. We evaluated the spatial distribution and divergence times of major lineages, generated ancestral area probabilities and inferred the biogeographical history of the genus. Our study revealed eight genetic lineages that formed three clades: one clade consisting of two Coast/Cascade lineages, and two reciprocally monophyletic clades that each contain a Coast/Cascade and two Rocky Mountains taxa. The results of the biogeographical analysis suggest that the ancestral range of the genus occupied Coast/Cascade habitats and then spread across into Northern Rocky Mountain interior habitats with subsequent fragmentations isolating coastal and inland lineages. Finally, there have been more recent speciation events among three lineage pairs that have shaped shallow structures of all clades. We add to our knowledge of the biogeographical history of the region in that we discovered diversification and speciation events that have occurred in ways more complex than previously thought.
Palaeointensity of the 1.3 billion-yr-old Gardar basalts, southern Greenland revisited: no evidence for onset of inner core growth
Authors: Kodama Kenneth P , Carnes Lorraine K , Tarduno John A , Berti Claudio
Published: March 2019

The age of the inner core nucleation is a first-order problem in the thermal evolution of the Earth that can be addressed with palaeomagnetism. We conducted a palaeointensity study on the 1.3 Ga Gardar basalts from southern Greenland to investigate previously reported high ancient geomagnetic field intensities. Biggin et al. used the earlier result to identify nucleation of Earth's solid inner core at 1.3 Ga. We collected 106 samples from 39 flows from the lavas of the Eriksfjord Formation, sampling 17 of the lower flows, 8 of the middle flows and 14 of the upper flows. Rock magnetic analyses, including magnetic hysteresis, first-order reversal curves and magnetic susceptibility versus temperature measurements, suggest that the predominate magnetic mineral in the lower basalts is low Ti titanomagnetite, whereas the middle and upper flows have varying amounts of hematite. The magnetic hysteresis data suggest that magnetic grains range from multidomain to single domain in character, with an apparent dominance of pseudo-single behaviour. Thellier–Thellier double heating experiments using the IZZI methodology yielded vector endpoint diagrams and Arai plots showing two components of magnetization, one up to approximately 450 °C and the higher temperature component typically from 450°C up to 580°C, but sometimes to as high as 680°C. We attribute the lower temperature component, to partial overprinting by the nearby Ilimaussaq intrusion, and acquisition of viscous remanent magnetization. We use the Thellier autointerpreter assigning standard selection criteria vetted by cumulative distribution plots. This approach yields a palaeointensity of 6.5 ± 5.9 μT (1 SD) based on 27 samples from 13 flows and a nominal virtual dipole moment (VDM) of 1.72 × 1022 Am2. However, we cannot exclude the possibility of bias in this value related to chemical remanent magnetization (CRM) and multidomain effects. We isolate a conservative upper bound on palaeointensity as the highest palaeointensity result that is free of CRM effects. This yields a palaeointensity of ∼18 μT, and a VDM of ∼4.5 × 1022 Am2, which is a field strength similar to many other Proterozoic values. Thus, our analysis of the Gardar basalts supports the conclusion of Smirnov et al. that there is no palaeointensity signature of inner core growth 1.3 billion yr ago.
Thrombocyte Inhibition Restores Protective Immunity to Mycobacterial Infection in Zebrafish
Authors: Hortle Elinor , Johnson Khelsey E , Johansen Matt D , Nguyen Tuong , Shavit Jordan A , Britton Warwick J , Tobin David M , Oehlers Stefan H
Published: March 2019

Background

Infection-induced thrombocytosis is a clinically important complication of tuberculosis infection. Recent studies have highlighted the utility of aspirin as a host-directed therapy modulating the inflammatory response to infection but have not investigated the possibility that the effect of aspirin is related to an antiplatelet mode of action.

Methods

In this study, we utilize the zebrafish-Mycobacterium marinum model to show mycobacteria drive host hemostasis through the formation of granulomas. Treatment of infected zebrafish with aspirin markedly reduced mycobacterial burden. This effect is reproduced by treatment with platelet-specific glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors demonstrating a detrimental role for infection-induced thrombocyte activation.

Results

We find that the reduction in mycobacterial burden is dependent on macrophages and granuloma formation, providing the first in vivo experimental evidence that infection-induced platelet activation compromises protective host immunity to mycobacterial infection.

Conclusions

Our study illuminates platelet activation as an efficacious target of aspirin, a widely available and affordable host-directed therapy candidate for tuberculosis.
Structured override reasons for drug-drug interaction alerts in electronic health records
Authors: Wright Adam , McEvoy Dustin S , Aaron Skye , McCoy Allison B , Amato Mary G , Kim Hyun , Ai Angela , Cimino James J , Desai Bimal R , El-Kareh Robert , Galanter William , Longhurst Christopher A , Malhotra Sameer , Radecki Ryan P , Samal Lipika , Schreiber Richard , Shelov Eric , Sirajuddin Anwar Mohammad , Sittig Dean F
Published: March 2019

Objective

The study sought to determine availability and use of structured override reasons for drug-drug interaction (DDI) alerts in electronic health records.

Materials and Methods

We collected data on DDI alerts and override reasons from 10 clinical sites across the United States using a variety of electronic health records. We used a multistage iterative card sort method to categorize the override reasons from all sites and identified best practices.

Results

Our methodology established 177 unique override reasons across the 10 sites. The number of coded override reasons at each site ranged from 3 to 100. Many sites offered override reasons not relevant to DDIs. Twelve categories of override reasons were identified. Three categories accounted for 78% of all overrides: “will monitor or take precautions,” “not clinically significant,” and “benefit outweighs risk.”

Discussion

We found wide variability in override reasons between sites and many opportunities to improve alerts. Some override reasons were irrelevant to DDIs. Many override reasons attested to a future action (eg, decreasing a dose or ordering monitoring tests), which requires an additional step after the alert is overridden, unless the alert is made actionable. Some override reasons deferred to another party, although override reasons often are not visible to other users. Many override reasons stated that the alert was inaccurate, suggesting that specificity of alerts could be improved.

Conclusions

Organizations should improve the options available to providers who choose to override DDI alerts. DDI alerting systems should be actionable and alerts should be tailored to the patient and drug pairs.
Level of agreement on health information technology adoption and use in survey data: a mixed-methods analysis of ambulatory clinics in 1 US state
Authors: Rudin Robert S , Shi Yunfeng , Fischer Shira H , Shekelle Paul , Amill-Rosario Alejandro , Shaw Bethany , Ridgely M Susan , Damberg Cheryl L
Published: March 2019

Objective

Adoption of health information technology (HIT) is often assessed in surveys of organizations. The validity of data from such surveys for ambulatory clinics has not been evaluated. We compared level of agreement between 1 ambulatory statewide survey and 2 other data sources: a second survey and interviews with survey respondents.

Materials and methods

We used 2016 data from 2 surveys of ambulatory providers in Minnesota—the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) survey and the Minnesota HIT Ambulatory Clinic Survey—and primary data collected through qualitative interviews with survey respondents. We conducted a concurrent triangulation mixed-methods assessment of the Minnesota HIT survey by assessing level of agreement between it and HIMSS, and a thematic analysis of interview data to assess the respondent’s understanding of what was being asked and their approach to responding.

Results

We find high agreement between the 2 surveys on questions related to common HIT functionalities—such as computerized provider order entry, medication-based decision support, and e-prescribing—which were widely adopted by respondents’ organizations. Qualitative data suggest respondents found wording of items about these functionalities clear but encountered multiple challenges including interpreting items for less commonly adopted functionalities, estimating degree of HIT usage, and indicating relevant barriers. Respondents identified multiple errors in responses and likely reported greater within-group homogeneity than actually existed.

Conclusions

Survey items related to the presence or absence of widely adopted HIT functionalities may be more valid than items about less common functionalities, degree of usage, and barriers.
Modelling annual and orbital variations in the scintillation of the relativistic binary PSR J1141−6545
Authors: Reardon D J , Coles W A , Hobbs G , Ord S , Kerr M , Bailes M , Bhat N D R , Venkatraman Krishnan V
Published: March 2019

We have observed the relativistic binary pulsar PSR J1141−6545 over a period of ∼6 yr using the Parkes 64 m radio telescope, with a focus on modelling the diffractive intensity scintillations to improve the accuracy of the astrometric timing model. The long-term scintillation, which shows orbital and annual variations, allows us to measure parameters that are difficult to measure with pulsar timing alone. These include: the orbital inclination i, the longitude of the ascending node Ω, and the pulsar system transverse velocity. We use the annual variations to resolve the previous ambiguity in the sense of the inclination angle. Using the correct sense, and a prior probability distribution given by a constraint from pulsar timing (i = 73 ± 3°), we find Ω = 24.8 ± 1.8° and we estimate the pulsar distance to be $D=10^{+4}_{-3}$ kpc. This then gives us an estimate of this pulsar’s proper motion of μαcos δ = 2.9 ± 1.0 mas yr−1 in right ascension and μδ = 1.8 ± 0.6 mas yr−1 in declination. Finally, we obtain measurements of the spatial structure of the interstellar electron-density fluctuations, including: the spatial scale and anisotropy of the diffraction pattern, the distribution of scattering material along the line of sight, and spatial variation in the strength of turbulence from epoch to epoch. We find that the scattering is dominated by a thin screen at a distance of (0.724 ± 0.008)D, with an anisotropy axial ratio Ar = 2.14 ± 0.11.
Monitoring of the D doublet of neutral sodium during transits of two ‘evaporating’ planets
Authors: Gaidos E , Hirano T , Ansdell M
Published: March 2019

Spectroscopic transit detection of constituents in winds from ‘evaporating’ planets on close-in transiting orbits could provide desperately needed information on the composition, formation, and orbital evolution of such objects. We obtained high-resolution optical spectra of the host stars during a single transit of Kepler-1520b and two transits of K2-22b to search for transient, Doppler-shifted absorption in the D lines of neutral sodium. Sodium should be released in the same silicate vapour wind that lofts the dust responsible for the periodic ‘dips’ in the light curve. We do not detect any absorption lines with depths >30 per cent at the predicted Doppler-shifted wavelengths during any of the transits. Detection sensitivity is limited by instrumental resolution that dilutes the saturated lines, and blurring of the lines by Doppler acceleration due to the short orbital period of the planet and long integration times for these faint stars. A model of neutral sodium production, escape, and ionization by UV radiation suggests that clouds of partially ionized sodium that are comparable in size to the host stars and optically thick in the D lines could accompany the planets. We consider the prospects for future detections brought about by the TESS all-sky survey of brighter stars and the advent of high-resolution spectrographs on Extremely Large Telescopes.
Searches for Population III pair-instability supernovae: Predictions for ULTIMATE-Subaru and WFIRST
Authors: Moriya Takashi J , Wong Kenneth C , Koyama Yusei , Tanaka Masaomi , Oguri Masamune , Hilbert Stefan , Nomoto Ken’ichi
Published: March 2019

ULTIMATE-Subaru (Ultra-wide Laser Tomographic Imager and MOS with AO for Transcendent Exploration on Subaru) and WFIRST (Wide Field Infra-Red Survey Telescope) are the next generation of near-infrared instruments that have a large field-of-view. They allow us to conduct deep and wide transient surveys in the near-infrared. Such a near-infrared transient survey enables us to find very distant supernovae that are redshifted to the near-infrared wavelengths. We have performed mock transient surveys with ULTIMATE-Subaru and WFIRST to investigate their ability to discover Population III pair-instability supernovae. We found that a five-year 1 deg2K-band transient survey with a point-source limiting magnitude of 26.5 mag with ULTIMATE-Subaru may find about two Population III pair-instability supernovae beyond the redshift of 6. A five-year 10 deg2 survey with WFIRST reaching 26.5 mag in the F184 band may find about seven Population III pair-instability supernovae beyond the redshift of 6. We also find that the expected numbers of the Population III pair-instability supernova detections increase by about a factor of 2 if the near-infrared transient surveys are performed towards clusters of galaxies. Other supernovae, such as Population II pair-instability supernovae, would also be detected in the same survey. This study demonstrates that these future wide-field near-infrared instruments allow us to investigate the explosions of first-generation supernovae by performing deep and wide near-infrared transient surveys.
Use of a Novel Functional Electrical Stimulation Gait Training System in 2 Adolescents With Cerebral Palsy: A Case Series Exploring Neurotherapeutic Changes
Authors: Behboodi Ahad , Zahradka Nicole , Alesi James , Wright Henry , Lee Samuel C K
Published: March 2019

Background and Purpose

Cerebral palsy (CP) is characterized by decreased passive joint range-of-motion and impaired walking, resulting in progressive loss of function. Typical gait training interventions for children with CP appear insufficient to mitigate these effects. The purpose of this case report is to describe the use of a new treadmill-based gait training intervention using active correction with functional electrical stimulation (FES) in 2 adolescents with CP.

Case Description

Two participants with CP (13-year-old girls, Gross Motor Function Classification System [GMFCS] level II and III) trained by walking on a treadmill, with FES assistance, for 30 minutes, 3 times per week, for 12 weeks. The intervention used a feedback control system to detect all 7 phases of gait in real time and triggered FES to the appropriate muscle groups (up to 5 bilaterally) based on the detected gait phase. Joint kinematics, step width, stride length, walking endurance, peak oxygen uptake ($\dot{v}^{o}_{2}$), and oxygen (O2) cost of walking were evaluated preintervention and postintervention.

Outcomes

Both participants showed improved knee and ankle angles and step width relative to children who are typically developing, and both exhibited increased stride length. One participant (GMFCS III) improved peak $\dot{v}^{o}_{2}$and walking endurance but not O2 cost of walking at her original self-selected walking speed. The other participant (GMFCS II) improved O2 cost of walking but not peak $\dot{v}^{o}_{2}$ or walking endurance. These differences are partly explained by differences in gait type, functional abilities, and initial fitness levels. Most improvements persisted at follow-up, indicating short-term neurotherapeutic effects.

Discussion

Most improvements persisted at follow-up, suggesting short-term neurotherapeutic effects. This case series demonstrates the promising utility of FES-assisted gait-training interventions, tailored to target individual gait deviations, in improving walking performance.
Predictors of Walking Efficiency in Children With Cerebral Palsy: Lower-Body Joint Angles, Moments, and Power
Authors: Noorkoiv Marika , Lavelle Grace , Theis Nicola , Korff Thomas , Kilbride Cherry , Baltzopoulos Vasilios , Shortland Adam , Levin Wendy , Ryan Jennifer M
Published: March 2019

Background

People with cerebral palsy (CP) experience increased muscle stiffness, muscle weakness, and reduced joint range of motion. This can lead to an abnormal pattern of gait, which can increase the energy cost of walking and contribute to reduced participation in physical activity.

Objective

The aim of the study was to examine associations between lower-body joint angles, moments, power, and walking efficiency in adolescents with CP.

Design

This was a cross-sectional study.

Methods

Sixty-four adolescents aged 10 to 19 years with CP were recruited. Walking efficiency was measured as the net nondimensional oxygen cost (NNcost) during 6 minutes of overground walking at self-selected speed. Lower-body kinematics and kinetics during walking were collected with 3-dimensional motion analysis, synchronized with a treadmill with integrated force plates. The associations between the kinematics, kinetics, and NNcost were examined with multivariable linear regression.

Results

After adjusting for age, sex, and Gross Motor Function Classification System level, maximum knee extension angle (β = −0.006), hip angle at midstance (β = −0.007), and maximum hip extension (β = −0.008) were associated with NNcost. Age was a significant modifier of the association between the NNcost and a number of kinematic variables.

Limitations

This study examined kinetic and kinematic variables in the sagittal plane only. A high interindividual variation in gait pattern could have influenced the results.

Conclusions

Reduced knee and hip joint extension are associated with gait inefficiency in adolescents with CP. Age is a significant factor influencing associations between ankle, knee, and hip joint kinematics and gait efficiency. Therapeutic interventions should investigate ways to increase knee and hip joint extension in adolescents with CP.
Utilizing the RE-AIM framework to understand adoption of nutrition policies at food pantries across the USA
Authors: Helmick Meagan J , Yaroch Amy L , Parks Courtney A , Estabrooks Paul A , Hill Jennie L
Published: March 2019

One in five food pantries had a formal nutrition policy, and informal nutrition policies existed for half of the food pantries that responded to the survey.
Genome-Wide Association Mapping of Resistance to Fusarium Head Blight Spread and Deoxynivalenol Accumulation in Chinese Elite Wheat Germplasm
Authors: Wu Lei , Zhang Yu , He Yi , Jiang Peng , Zhang Xu , Ma Hongxiang
Published: March 2019

Improving resistance to Fusarium head blight (FHB) in wheat is crucial in the integrated management of the disease and prevention of deoxynivalenol (DON) contamination in grains. To identify novel sources of resistance, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed using a panel of 213 accessions of elite wheat germplasm of China. The panel was evaluated for FHB severity in four environments and DON content in grains in two environments. High correlations across environments and high heritability were observed for FHB severity and DON content in grains. The panel was also genotyped with the 90K Illumina iSelect single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array and 11,461 SNP markers were obtained. The GWAS revealed a total of six and three loci significantly associated with resistance to fungal spread and DON accumulation in at least two environments, respectively. QFHB-2BL.1 tagged by IWB52433 and QFHB-3A tagged by IWB50548 were responsible for resistance to both fungal spread and DON accumulation. In summary, this study provided an overview of FHB resistance resources in elite Chinese wheat germplasm and identified novel resistance loci that could be used for wheat improvement.
Bipedicle Dermis Fat Graft for Orbital Volume Augmentation and Repair of Lower Eyelid Retraction in an Anophthalmic Socket With Prior Orbital Implant Placement
Authors: Godfrey Kyle J. , Tooley Andrea A. , Kazim Michael
Published: March 2019

Buphthalmos can create treatment challenges for socket rehabilitation following enucleation due to compression atrophy and mechanical stretching of adnexal tissues. The authors report a case demonstrating a surgical technique for simultaneous volume augmentation of the anophthalmic socket, expansion of the conjunctival fornix, and repair of lower eyelid retraction in a patient with history of buphthalmos and a previously placed 22 mm orbital implant at the time of enucleation. The authors utilized a single-stage, bipedicle dermis fat graft. Postoperatively, the patient demonstrated improvement in lower eyelid position, lower eyelid volume, improved prosthesis fit, improved three-dimensional projection of the ocular prosthesis, and an improvement in the superior sulcus deformity. Bipedicle dermis fat grafts are an option for surgical rehabilitation of the anophthalmic socket when orbital volume deficiency, conjunctival fornix contracture, and eyelid retraction are present and an adequately sized orbital implant has previously been placed.
The Business Case for Surgical Quality—Using a Multidisciplinary Team to Drive Pediatric Surgery Quality Improvement
Authors: Wolcott Kori , Schriefer Jan , Michels Julie , Meyers Jeffrey , Hilt Suzanne , Gitzelmann Christopher , Pegoli Walter , Caserta Mary , McGuire Anna , Thirukumaran Caroline , Pulhamus Marsha , Foito Theresa , Sanders James
Published: March 2019

Background

Quality improvement efforts in pediatric surgery can positively impact both outcomes and cost.

Purpose

The use of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP)–Pediatrics was essential in determining where to focus our efforts.

Methods

Utilizing risk-adjusted outcomes data is the key driver behind our successes as a multidisciplinary team. This team, which now includes a parent representative, meets at least monthly to review data, identify trends and problems, propose new change ideas, identify barriers to change, and celebrate success. Detailed agendas and minutes are circulated to all team members to ensure a shared mental model.

Results

Since initiation in 2011, our efforts have resulted in a decrease in multiple morbidities, including surgical site infections, blood transfusions, preoperative Computerized Tomography use for patients undergoing appendectomy, unplanned reintubations, shorter lengths of stay, and fewer readmissions. Our improvement efforts resulted in an estimated cost savings of $1.5 million over a 2-year period (2015–2016).

Conclusions

Our team used NSQIP data to direct and guide quality improvements in patient care.

Implications

The business case for surgical quality comes from getting a return on investment in NSQIP with multidisciplinary teams led by surgeons and nurses.
HiVA: an integrative wet- and dry-lab platform for haplotype and copy number analysis of single-cell genomes
Authors: Esteki Masoud Zamani , Ardeshirdavani Amin , Alcaide Daniel , Masset Heleen , Ding Jia , Sifrim Alejandro , Kumar Parveen , Dimitriadou Eftychia , Aerts Jan , Voet Thierry , Moreau Yves , Vermeesch Joris Robert
Published: March 2019

Haplotyping is imperative for comprehensive analysis of genomes, imputation of genetic variants and interpretation of error-prone single-cell genomic data. Here we present a novel sequencing-based approach for whole-genome SNP typing of single cells, and determine genome-wide haplotypes, the copy number of those haplotypes as well as the parental and segregational origin of chromosomal aberrations from sequencing- and array-based SNP landscapes of single cells. The analytical workflow is made available as an interactive web application HiVA (https://hiva.esat.kuleuven.be).
Time-series genome-centric analysis unveils bacterial response to operational disturbance in activated sludge
Authors: Pérez María Victoria , Guerrero Leandro D. , Orellana Esteban , Figuerola Eva L. , Erijman Leonardo
Published: March 2019

Understanding ecosystem response to disturbances and identifying the most critical traits for the maintenance of ecosystem functioning are important goals for microbial community ecology. In this study, we used 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and metagenomics to investigate the assembly of bacterial populations in a full-scale municipal activated sludge wastewater treatment plant over a period of three years, including a period of nine month of disturbance, characterized by short-term plant shutdowns. Following the reconstruction of 173 metagenome-assembled genomes, we assessed the functional potential, the number of rRNA gene operons and thein situgrowth rate of microorganisms present throughout the time series. Operational disturbances caused a significant decrease in bacteria with a single copy of the ribosomal RNA (rrn) operon. Despite only moderate differences in resource availability, replication rates were distributed uniformly throughout time, with no differences between disturbed and stable periods. We suggest that the length of the growth lag phase, rather than the growth rate, as the primary driver of selection under disturbed conditions. Thus, the system could maintain its function in the face of disturbance by recruiting bacteria with the capacity to rapidly resume growth under unsteady operating conditions.

IMPORTANCE

In this work we investigated the response of microbial communities to disturbances in a full-scale activated sludge wastewater treatment plant over a time-scale that included periods of stability and disturbance. We performed a genome-wide analysis, which allowed us the direct estimation of specific cellular traits, including the rRNA operon copy number and the in situ growth rate of bacteria. This work builds upon recent efforts to incorporate growth efficiency for the understanding of the physiological and ecological processes shaping microbial communities in nature. We found evidence that would suggest that activated sludge could maintain its function in the face of disturbance by recruiting bacteria with the capacity to rapidly resume growth under unsteady operating conditions. This paper provides relevant insights into wastewater treatment process, and may also reveal a key role for growth traits in the adaptive response of bacteria to unsteady environmental conditions.
High prevalence of antibiotic resistance inHelicobacter pyloriisolates from Iran: importance of functional and mutational analysis of resistance genes and virulence genotyping
Authors: Farzi Nastaran , Yadegar Abbas , Aghdaei Hamid Asadzadeh , Sadeghi Amir , Zali Mohammad Reza
Published: March 2019

The high prevalence of antibiotic resistance inHelicobacter pylorihas become a great challenge in Iran. The genetic mutations that contribute to the resistance have yet to be precisely identified. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of antibiotic resistance and virulence markers in IranianH. pyloriisolates and to analyze if there is any association between resistance and genotype. Antibiotic susceptibility patterns of 33H. pyloriisolates were investigated against metronidazole, clarithromycin, amoxicillin, rifampicin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin and tetracycline by the agar dilution method. ThefrxA, rdxA, gyrA, gyrBand 23S rRNA genes of the isolates were sequenced. The virulence genotypes were also determined using PCR. Metronidazole resistance was present in 81.8% of the isolates, followed by clarithromycin (36.4%), ciprofloxacin (36.4%), amoxicillin (30.3%), rifampicin (30.3%), levofloxacin (27.3%) and tetracycline (6.1%). Most of the metronidazole-resistant isolates carried frameshift mutations in bothfrxAandrdxAgenes, and premature termination was occurred in positions Q5Stop and Q50Stop, respectively. Amino acid substitutions M191I, G208E, and V199A were predominantly found ingyrAgene of fluoroquinolone-resistant isolates. A2143G and C2195T mutations of 23S rRNA were found in four isolates. Interestingly, significant associations were demonstrated between intactcagPAI and resistance to rifampicin (P= 0.027), and between susceptibility to amoxicillin andcagPAI intactness (P= 0.016). The prevalence ofH. pyloriantibiotic resistance is high in our region, particularly that of metronidazole, clarithromycin, ciprofloxacin and multidrug resistance. Occurrence of mutations in resistance genes were involved in the development of resistance, especially in less virulent isolates.
Notch signaling and taxis mechanims regulate early stage angiogenesis: A mathematical and computational model
Authors: Vega Rocío , Carretero Manuel , Travasso Rui D.M. , Bonilla Luis L.
Published: March 2019

During angiogenesis, new blood vessels sprout and grow from existing ones. This process plays a crucial role in organ development and repair, in wound healing and in numerous pathological processes such as cancer progression or diabetes. Here, we present a mathematical model of early stage angiogenesis that permits exploration of the relative importance of mechanical, chemical and cellular cues. Endothelial cells proliferate and move over an extracellular matrix by following external gradients of Vessel Endothelial Growth Factor, adhesion and stiffness, which are incorporated to a Cellular Potts model with a finite element description of elasticity. The dynamics of Notch signaling involving Delta-4 and Jagged-1 ligands determines tip cell selection and vessel branching. Through their production rates, competing Jagged-Notch and Delta-Notch dynamics determine the influence of lateral inhibition and lateral induction on the selection of cellular phenotypes, branching of blood vessels, anastomosis (fusion of blood vessels) and angiogenesis velocity. Anastomosis may be favored or impeded depending on the mechanical configuration of strain vectors in the ECM near tip cells. Numerical simulations demonstrate that increasing Jagged production results in pathological vasculatures with thinner and more abundant vessels, which can be compensated by augmenting the production of Delta ligands.

Author Summary

Angiogenesis is the process by which new blood vessels grow from existing ones. This process plays a crucial role in organ development, in wound healing and in numerous pathological processes such as cancer growth or in diabetes. Angiogenesis is a complex, multi-step and well regulated process where biochemistry and physics are intertwined. The process entails signaling in vessel cells being driven by both chemical and mechanical mechanisms that result in vascular cell movement, deformation and proliferation. Mathematical models have the ability to bring together these mechanisms in order to explore their relative relevance in vessel growth. Here, we present a mathematical model of early stage angiogenesis that is able to explore the role of biochemical signaling and tissue mechanics. We use this model to unravel the regulating role of Jagged, Notch and Delta dynamics in vascular cells. These membrane proteins have an important part in determining the leading cell in each neo-vascular sprout. Numerical simulations demonstrate that increasing Jagged production results in pathological vasculatures with thinner and more abundant vessels, which can be compensated by augmenting the production of Delta ligands.