bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictive and concurrent validity of the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool using mid‐upper arm circumference instead of body mass index
Authors: Gottschall C. , Tarnowski M. , Machado P. , Raupp D. , Marcadenti A. , Rabito E. I. , Silva F. M.
Published: May 2019

Background

Considering the difficulty in obtaining weight and height measurements of patients at hospital admission, the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) proposes the use of mid‐upper arm circumference (MUAC) instead of body mass index (BMI) as an alternative for screening of malnutrition risk. The present study aimed to evaluate the performance of MUST with MUAC in place of BMI to identify nutritional risk and predict prolonged hospitalisation and mortality in hospitalised patients.

Methods

The prospective cohort study involved ambulant patients aged ≥18 years who were admitted to the emergency department of a public hospital. A questionnaire concerning clinical and socio‐demographic data was applied and anthropometric measurements were performed (weight, height, BMI and MUAC). Nutritional risk screening was performed using the original MUST (BMI) and MUST‐MUAC tools. The outcomes were length of hospital stay and death.

Results

Seven hundred and fifty‐two patients were included and followed‐up for 13.5 (interquartile range 3.00–19.00) days. The frequency of patients at nutritional risk was higher according to MUST‐MUAC (48.9%) compared to the original MUST (37.1%). MUST‐MUAC showed concurrent validity, demonstrating good agreement with the original MUST (k = 0.690), high sensitivity (95.3%) and accuracy (area under the curve = 0.868; 95% confidence interval = 0.841–0.895) with respect to identifying nutritional risk. The presence of nutritional risk detected by the MUST‐MUAC increased the chance of prolonged hospital stay by 1.9 (95% CI. 1.4–2.7)‐fold and mortality by 3.2 (95% CI. 1.1–9.4)‐fold.

Conclusions

MUST‐MUAC showed satisfactory concurrent and predictive validity. Considering that MUAC measurement is easier to perform than BMI, the MUST‐MUAC should be used for screening of nutritional risk in hospitalised patients.
The effectiveness of a self‐efficacy‐focused structured education programme on adults with type 2 diabetes: A multicentre randomised controlled trial
Authors: Jiang Xin‐Jun , Jiang Hua , Lu Yan‐Hui , Liu Shu‐Ling , Wang Jing‐Pin , Tang Rong‐Song , Li Ming‐Zi
Published: May 2019

Aims and objectives

To evaluate the effectiveness of a self‐efficacy‐focused structured education programme on outcomes in adults with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) without insulin therapy.

Background

Structured education regarding metabolic control in T2DM adults without insulin therapy has not always been effective, and this lack of effectiveness might be due to overlooking self‐efficacy. Whether a self‐efficacy‐focused structured education programme could improve metabolic and psychosocial outcomes for T2DM adults more effectively remains unknown.

Design

A multicentre parallel randomised controlled concealed label trial.

Methods

The study conducted in outpatients of four hospitals in China. A total of 265 T2DM adults without insulin therapy were randomly assigned to an intervention group of a self‐efficacy‐focused structured education programme (n = 133), or to a control group of routine education (n = 132). The differences in metabolic and psychosocial outcomes were investigated at baseline, three‐ and 6‐month follow‐ups.

Results

The primary outcome of A1C and the secondary outcomes of weight, body mass index, waist circumference, diastolic pressure, self‐efficacy, self‐management behaviours and knowledge improved significantly in the intervention group compared with the control group at 6‐month follow‐up. The differences in A1C between groups for patients with a low educational background at 6‐month follow‐up were significant. No significant differences were found in other secondary outcomes of systolic pressure, the blood lipid profile and diabetes distress between groups at 6‐month follow‐up.

Conclusions

This programme can improve glycaemic control, weight control, diastolic pressure, self‐efficacy, self‐management behaviours and diabetes knowledge for T2DM adults.

Relevance to clinical practice

This self‐efficacy‐focused structured education programme is effective and can be incorporated into regular clinical care and led by trained staff (e.g. nurses), and it can be implemented in patients with low educational backgrounds.
Temperature mediates secondary dormancy in resting cysts ofPyrodinium bahamense(Dinophyceae)
Authors: Lopez Cary B. , Karim Aliza , Murasko Susan , Marot Marci , Smith Christopher G. , Corcoran Alina A.
Published: May 2019

High‐biomass blooms of the toxic dinoflagellatePyrodinium bahamenseoccur most summers in Tampa Bay, Florida, USA, posing a recurring threat to ecosystem health. Like many dinoflagellates,P. bahamenseforms immobile resting cysts that can be deposited on the seafloor—creating a seed bank that can retain the organism within the ecosystem and initiate future blooms when cysts germinate. In this study, we examined changes in the dormancy status of cysts collected from Tampa Bay and applied lessons from plant ecology to explore dormancy controls.Pyrodinium bahamensecysts incubated immediately after field collection displayed a seasonal pattern in dormancy and germination that matched the pattern of cell abundance in the water column. Newly deposited (surface) cysts and older (buried) cysts exhibited similar germination patterns, suggesting that a common mechanism regulates dormancy expression in new and mature cysts. Extended cool‐ and warm‐temperature conditioning of field‐collected cysts altered the cycle of dormancy compared with that of cysts in nature, with the duration of cool temperature exposure being the best predictor of when cysts emerged from dormancy. Extended warm conditioning, on the other hand, elicited a return to dormancy, or secondary dormancy, in nondormant cysts. These results directly demonstrate environmental induction of secondary dormancy in dinoflagellates—a mechanism common and thoroughly documented in higher plants with seasonal growth cycles. Our findings support the hypothesis that a seasonal cycle in cyst germination drivesP. bahamensebloom periodicity in Tampa Bay and point to environmentally induced secondary dormancy as an important regulatory factor of that cycle.
Maternal nutrition practices in Uttar Pradesh, India: Role of key influential demand and supply factors
Authors: Nguyen Phuong Hong , Kachwaha Shivani , Avula Rasmi , Young Melissa , Tran Lan Mai , Ghosh Sebanti , Agrawal Rajeev , Escobar‐Alegria Jessica , Patil Sumeet , Menon Purnima
Published: May 2019

Despite strong policy and program commitment, essential maternal nutrition services are not reaching enough women in many countries. This paper examined multifactorial determinants (personal, family, community, and health services) associated with maternal nutrition practices in Uttar Pradesh, India. Data were from a household survey of pregnant (n = 667) and recently delivered women (n = 1,835). Multivariable regression analyses were conducted to examine the determinants of four outcomes: consumption of diverse diets, consumption of iron folic acid (IFA) and calcium tablets, and weight monitoring during pregnancy. Population attributable risk analysis was used to estimate how much the outcomes can be improved under optimal program implementation. During pregnancy, women consumed 28 IFA and 8 calcium tablets, 18% consumed diverse diet, and 17% were weighed ≥3 times. Nutrition knowledge was associated with consumption of diverse diet (odds ratio [OR] = 2.2 times), IFA (2.3 times), calcium (11.7 times), and weight monitoring (1.3 times). Beliefs and self‐efficacy were associated with IFA (OR = 2.0) and calcium consumption (OR = 4.6). Family support and adequate health services were also associated with better nutrition practices. Under optimal program implementation, we estimate that 51% of women would have adequate diet diversity, an average consumption of 98 IFA, and 106 calcium tablets, and women would be weighed 4.9 times during pregnancy. Strengthening existing program operations and increasing demand for services has the potential to result in large improvements in maternal nutrition practices from current baseline levels but may not be sufficient to meet World Health Organization‐recommended levels without creating an enabling environment including improvements in education and income levels to support behaviour change.
The pericyte microenvironment during vascular development
Authors: Payne Laura B. , Zhao Huaning , James Carissa C. , Darden Jordan , McGuire David , Taylor Sarah , Smyth James W. , Chappell John C.
Published: May 2019

Vascular pericytes provide critical contributions to the formation and integrity of the blood vessel wall within the microcirculation. Pericytes maintain vascular stability and homeostasis by promoting endothelial cell junctions and depositing extracellular matrix (ECM) components within the vascular basement membrane, among other vital functions. As their importance in sustaining microvessel health within various tissues and organs continues to emerge, so does their role in a number of pathological conditions including cancer, diabetic retinopathy, and neurological disorders. Here, we review vascular pericyte contributions to the development and remodeling of the microcirculation, with a focus on the local microenvironment during these processes. We discuss observations of their earliest involvement in vascular development and essential cues for their recruitment to the remodeling endothelium. Pericyte involvement in the angiogenic sprouting context is also considered with specific attention to crosstalk with endothelial cells such as through signaling regulation and ECM deposition. We also address specific aspects of the collective cell migration and dynamic interactions between pericytes and endothelial cells during angiogenic sprouting. Lastly, we discuss pericyte contributions to mechanisms underlying the transition from active vessel remodeling to the maturation and quiescence phase of vascular development.
Early retinal microvascular abnormalities in patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Yeung Ling , Wu I‐Wen , Sun Chi‐Chin , Liu Chun‐Fu , Chen Shin‐Yi , Tseng Chung‐Hsin , Lee Hsin‐Chin , Lee Chin‐Chan
Published: May 2019

Objective

To evaluate early retinal microvascular abnormalities in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) via optical coherence tomography angiography.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study. Two hundred patients with CKD stage ≧3 were enrolled in the CKD group, and 50 age‐matched healthy subjects were enrolled in the control group. Main outcome measures were the differences in parafoveal vessel densities in the superficial vascular plexus (SVP) and deep vascular plexus (DVP) between the CKD and control groups.

Results

The mean ages were 62.7 ± 10.1 in the CKD group and 61.9 ± 9.7 (P = 0.622) in the control group. The CKD group had reduced parafoveal vessel densities in SVP (46.7 ± 4.3 vs 49.7 ± 2.9, P < 0.001) and DVP (50.1 ± 4.1 vs 52. 6 ± 2.9, P < 0.001) when compared to those of the control group. In multiple linear regression models, age, diabetes, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and use of anti‐hypertensive drugs were factors associated with vessel density in SVP, whereas age, diabetes, and smoking were factors associated with vessel density in DVP.

Conclusion

Patients with CKD had reduced vessel densities in parafoveal SVP and DVP, as compared to that of control subjects. Microvasculature in the different retinal layers may be affected by different systemic factors.
Baseline predictors influencing the prognosis of invasive aspergillosis in adults
Authors: Koehler Philipp , Salmanton‐García Jon , Gräfe Stefanie K. , Koehler Felix C. , Mellinghoff Sibylle C. , Seidel Danila , Steinbach Angela , Cornely Oliver A.
Published: May 2019

Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is a serious hazard to haematological and critical care patients. Impactful risk factors for developing IA have been characterised; however, systematic analysis of baseline prognostic factors for treatment course of IA is missing. To understand prognostic variables, we analysed original articles identifying baseline factors that predict treatment outcome in patients with IA. PubMed database was searched for publications since database inception until May 2018. Inclusion criteria were published baseline prognostic factors present at the diagnosis of IA. In total, 58 studies from 267 centres reported 7320 patients with IA and 40 different predictors. Unfavourable predictors in medical history were kidney (7.4%, 10/136) and liver failure (3.7%, 5/136), ICU admission (3.7%, 5/136) and uncontrolled underlying disease (3.7%, 5/136). Regarding state of immunosuppression, negative outcome predictors were prolonged neutropenia (12.5%, 17/136), corticosteroid treatment (8.1%, 11/136) and graft‐vs‐host disease (3.7%, 5/136). On the pathogen side, relevant predictors were galactomannan positivity (8.1%, 11/136), Aspergillus terreus infection (2.2%, 3/136) and lack of amphotericin B susceptibility (1.5%, 2/136). IA‐specific predictors were disseminated disease (5.1%, 7/136) and CNS involvement (2.9%, 4/136). Imaging results associated with negative outcome were multiple consolidations (2.9%, 4/136), bipulmonary lesions (2.2%, 3/136) and pleural effusion (2.2%, 3/136). At diagnosis of IA, most frequently identified predictors of outcome were neutropenia, corticosteroid use, elevated galactomannan, renal failure and disseminated disease. The predictors may be used to identify patients at high risk for treatment failure and to stratify neglected patient groups for clinical trials.
Von Economo neurons are part of a larger neuronal population that are selectively vulnerable in C9orf72 frontotemporal dementia
Authors: Gami‐Patel P. , van Dijken I. , van Swieten J. C. , Pijnenburg Y. A. L. ,   Netherlands Brain Bank, Rozemuller A. J. M. , Hoozemans J. J. M. , Dijkstra A. A.
Published: May 2019

Aims

The behavioural variant of frontotemporal dementia with a C9orf72 expansion (C9‐bvFTD) is characterised by early changes in social‐emotional cognition that are linked to the loss of von Economo neurons (VENs). Together with a subset of neighbouring pyramidal neurons, VENs express the GABA receptor subunit theta (GABRQ). It is not known if the selective vulnerability of VENs in C9‐bvFTD also includes this GABRQ‐expressing population.

Methods

We quantified VENs and GABRQ immunopositive neurons in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) in C9‐bvFTD (n = 16), controls (n = 12) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) (n = 7). Second, we assessed VENs and GABRQ‐expressing populations in relation to the clinicopathological profiles.

Results

We found the number of VENs and GABRQ‐expressing neurons and their ratio over the total layer 5 neuronal population was lower in C9‐bvFTD compared to control and AD. C9‐bvFTD donors with underlying TDP43 type A pathology in the ACC showed the highest loss of GABRQ‐expressing neurons. C9‐bvFTD donors that did not present with motor neuron disease (MND) symptoms in the first half of their disease course showed a prominent loss of GABRQ‐expressing neurons compared to controls. C9‐bvFTD donors with no symptoms of psychosis showed a higher loss compared to controls. Across all donors, the number of VENs correlated strongly with the number of GABRQ‐expressing neurons.

Conclusion

We show that VENs, together with GABRQ‐expressing neurons, are selectively vulnerable in C9‐bvFTD but are both spared in AD. This suggests they are related and that this GABRQ‐expressing population of VENs and pyramidal neurons, is a key modulator of social‐emotional functioning.
High marker density GWAS provides novel insights into the genomic architecture of terpene oil yield in Eucalyptus
Authors: Kainer David , Padovan Amanda , Degenhardt Joerg , Krause Sandra , Mondal Prodyut , Foley William J. , Külheim Carsten
Published: May 2019

Terpenoid‐based essential oils are economically important commodities, yet beyond their biosynthetic pathways, little is known about the genetic architecture of terpene oil yield from plants. Transport, storage, evaporative loss, transcriptional regulation and precursor competition may be important contributors to this complex trait.

Here, we associate 2.39 million single nucleotide polymorphisms derived from shallow whole‐genome sequencing of 468 Eucalyptus polybractea individuals with 12 traits related to the overall terpene yield, eight direct measures of terpene concentration and four biomass‐related traits.

Our results show that in addition to terpene biosynthesis, development of secretory cavities, where terpenes are both synthesized and stored, and transport of terpenes were important components of terpene yield. For sesquiterpene concentrations, the availability of precursors in the cytosol was important. Candidate terpene synthase genes for the production of 1,8‐cineole and α‐pinene, and β‐pinene (which comprised > 80% of the total terpenes) were functionally characterized as a 1,8‐cineole synthase and a β/α‐pinene synthase.

Our results provide novel insights into the genomic architecture of terpene yield and we provide candidate genes for breeding or engineering of crops for biofuels or the production of industrially valuable terpenes.
Nitric oxide and phytoglobin PHYTOGB1 are regulatory elements in the Solanum lycopersicum–Rhizophagus irregularis mycorrhizal symbiosis
Authors: Martínez‐Medina Ainhoa , Pescador Leyre , Fernández Iván , Rodríguez‐Serrano María , García Juan M. , Romero‐Puertas María C. , Pozo María J.
Published: May 2019

The regulatory role of nitric oxide (NO) and phytoglobins in plant response to pathogenic and mutualistic microbes has been evidenced. However, little is known about their function in the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis. We investigated whether NO and phytoglobin PHYTOGB1 are regulatory components in the AM symbiosis.

Rhizophagus irregularis in vitro‐grown cultures and tomato plants were used to monitor AM‐associated NO‐related root responses as compared to responses triggered by the pathogen Fusarium oxysporum. A genetic approach was conducted to understand the role of PHYTOGB1 on NO signaling during both interactions.

After a common early peak in NO levels in response to both fungi, a specific NO accumulation pattern was triggered in tomato roots during the onset of the AM interaction. PHYTOGB1 was upregulated by the AM interaction. By contrast, the pathogen triggered a continuous NO accumulation and a strong downregulation of PHYTOGB1. Manipulation of PHYTOGB1 levels in overexpressing and silenced roots led to a deregulation of NO levels and altered mycorrhization and pathogen infection.

We demonstrate that the onset of the AM symbiosis is associated with a specific NO‐related signature in the host root. We propose that NO regulation by PHYTOGB1 is a regulatory component of the AM symbiosis.
Is there an association between drugs and burning mouth syndrome? A case–control study
Authors: Azzi Lorenzo , Veronesi Giovanni , Tagliabue Angelo , Croveri Fabio , Maurino Vittorio , Reguzzoni Marcella , Tettamanti Lucia , Protasoni Marina , Spadari Francesco
Published: May 2019

Objective

The purpose of this case–control study was to compare the pharmacological anamnesis collected from a group of 150 burning mouth syndrome (BMS) patients with that of a control group of 150 patients matched for age and sex.

Materials and Methods

The patients' medical histories were reviewed, and data on drug therapy were collected. Drugs were classified on the basis of pharmacological effects; the classes were antihypertensives (i.e., ACE inhibitors/ARBs, calcium antagonists, diuretics and beta‐blockers), antiaggregants, anticoagulants, antidiabetics, vitamin D integrators, bisphosphonates, psychotropics (i.e., anxiolytics and antidepressants), gastroprotectors, statins, thyroid hormone substitutes, corticosteroids and immunosuppressants.

Results

The BMS patients and the controls were matched for age (mean age: 69 years) and sex (128 females and 22 males). Antihypertensives, especially ACE inhibitors/ARBs (OR = 0.37, CI: 0.22–0.63, p = 0.0002) and beta‐blockers (OR = 0.36, CI: 0.19–0.68 p = 002), revealed an inverse association with the presence of BMS, whereas anxiolytics (OR = 3.78, CI: 2.12–6.75 p < 0.0001), but neither antidepressants nor antipsychotics, were significantly associated with BMS. There were no correlations with other drug classes.

Conclusion

Our study highlighted that ACE inhibitors, ARBs and beta‐blockers were in inverse relation to BMS and found that anxiolytics, but neither antidepressants nor antipsychotics, were linked to the presence of the syndrome.
Electrospun Mesoporous InVO4/TiO2 Nanobelts with Enhanced Photocatalytic Properties
Authors: Yao Linbing , Guo Enyan , Wei Mingzhi , Wang Qinyu , Lu Qifang
Published: May 2019

In the present paper, mesoporous InVO4/TiO2 nanobelts with diameter about 400 nm have been synthesized by elaborately designed electrospinning process. The microstructures of InVO4/TiO2 nanobelts are characterized in detail, and their photoelectrocatalytic properties are comprehensively investigated by the photocatalytic degradation tests with tetracycline (TTC) and rhodamine B (RhB) waste water. Furthermore, the energy bandgap and density of states of orthorhombic InVO4 and anatase TiO2 are modeled and analyzed by density functional theory. Compared with single InVO4 nanobelts and TiO2 nanofibers, mesoporous InVO4/TiO2 nanobelts possess the extraordinary photocatalytic efficiencies and exceptional cycle performances, which may be ascribed to the successful construction of heterostructures between InVO4 and TiO2 and unique one‐dimensional belt structures.
Improving field success of biocrust rehabilitation materials: hardening the organisms or softening the environment?
Authors: Bowker Matthew A. , Antoninka Anita J. , Chuckran Peter F.
Published: May 2019

Drylands are a widely degraded biome characterized by low productivity and high abiotic stress. Biological soil crust (biocrust) inoculants hold promise as a rehabilitation material in drylands, useful for boosting ecosystem functions including stabilization of eroding soil surfaces. However, biocrust materials cultivated ex situ by humans inconsistently establish under field conditions. We tested two approaches aimed at improving field establishment of biocrust inoculum: exposing the organisms within the inoculum to abiotic stress in an attempt to harden them, and applying habitat ameliorations intended to reduce the stressfulness of the environment. We hypothesized that both approaches in concert would lead to the most consistent field establishment of biocrusts. Overall, addition of biocrust inoculum did enhance biocrust establishment over the 1.5‐year duration of the study but did not result in full recovery. Generally, hardened biocrust inoculum performed no better than inoculum that was not hardened, although one indicator (chlorophyll a) was enhanced by addition of hardened inoculum in some circumstances. Temporary irrigation was initially an effective habitat amelioration but had no effect on biocrust establishment by 1.5 years. In contrast, application of jute net to the soil surface promoted biocrust establishment both in synergy with and in the absence of inoculum addition. We hypothesize that jute net stabilizes the soil surface, reduces abiotic stress, and enhances resource availability, overcoming barriers to establishment of biocrusts. Currently, there is broad support for the efficacy of habitat amelioration approaches in biocrust rehabilitation, but effective hardening techniques remain elusive.
Capital account flows, consumption ratios and the middle‐income trap
Authors: Zhao Daping , Anwar Sajid , Alexander W. Robert J.
Published: May 2019

The existing literature suggests that it is important to understand the factors that may slow the transition of an economy from middle to high income. Many factors have been suggested as promoting or retarding economic growth, but little attention has been paid to the roles of the capital account and consumption ratio. Using panel regressions involving 48 countries over the 1950–2013 period as well as employing extreme bounds analysis, we find that foreign investment outflows are associated with a mature economy and that there is an optimal consumption ratio that must be surpassed to break out of middle‐income status. These findings are robust to an extreme bounds analysis incorporating a wide range of variables potentially related to growth performance.
Compartment syndrome of the muscles of mastication in a working dog following a traumatic training incident
Authors: Brida Amy L. , O’ Toole Therese E. , Sutherland‐Smith James , Pirie Christopher , Kowaleski Michael P.
Published: May 2019

Objective

To describe acute compartment syndrome (CS) of the muscles of mastication in a working dog associated with a traumatic training event.

Case Summary

A 2.5‐year‐old male Belgian Malinois was evaluated for acute blindness, severe diffuse swelling of the head, and inability to close the jaw following a traumatic incident during a bite training drill. During the exercise, the maxillary canine teeth were locked on a bite sleeve. Magnetic resonance imaging of the head and ocular system identified diffuse muscle swelling and hyperintensity, most severe in the muscles of mastication. Ocular abnormalities were not identified. Rhabdomyolysis, CS, and indirect optic nerve injury were supported by measurement of increased intramuscular pressure. Bilateral decompressive fasciotomies over the masseter and temporalis muscles resulted in immediate and marked resolution of the swelling and jaw movement. Blindness, however, did not resolve.

New or Unique Information Provided

CS involving the muscles of mastication may occur as a complication of bite training and may result in irreversible and even life‐threatening complications. Emergent decompressive fasciotomy is indicated to reverse swelling; however, visual deficits may not resolve.
Evaluation of species boundaries in sympatric and parapatric populations of Mesoamerican toads
Authors: Firneno Thomas J. , Townsend Josiah H.
Published: May 2019

Approaches that integrate multiple independent, yet complimentary, lines of evidence have been effectively utilized to identify and evaluate species diversity. Integrative approaches are especially useful in taxa that exhibit cryptic diversity and are highly morphologically conserved, as well as organisms whose distributions may be sympatric or parapatric. The Incilius coccifer complex in Honduras is comprised of three putative taxa: I. coccifer, I. ibarrai and I. porteri. The taxonomy of the I. coccifer complex has been a source of debate among specialists, with some recognizing three species, while others choose to recognize one widespread taxon. To assess species boundaries and evaluate the taxonomic structure for the I. coccifer complex, we utilized a combination of comprehensive field sampling, molecular phylogenetics and macroecological modelling. Using 58 samples representing all three putative taxa, we generated sequence data from the mitochondrial loci 16S and COI in order to assess genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships, and tested putative species boundaries using General Mixed Yule‐Coalescent models. To evaluate macroecological differences in the distribution of putative taxa, we utilized maximum entropy modelling and identified areas of suitable and non‐suitable habitat, as well as identifying potential areas of overlap between species habitats. We recovered three clades that broadly correspond to the three named taxa that, while being monophyletic, are separated by relatively small genetic distances. Species distribution models revealed that I. coccifer is macroecologically different than the other two taxa, but that I. ibarrai and I. porteri are highly similar. We uncovered cases of sympatry between pairs of species in at least three localities in Honduras, suggesting the potential for hybridization in these closely related lineages.
Political Representation In Urban Public Space In Jakarta Child-Friendly Public Space (Ruang Publik Terpadu Ramah Anak – RPTRA)
Authors: Permanasari Eka , Mochtar Sahid , Purisari Rahma
Published: May 2019

The design of public space often embodies the power and political representation of a specific regime. As urban architecture symbolizes and establishes the identity of a regime, authorities often use a top-down approach to implement urban architectural programs. As a result, the spaces constructed often display power and identity, but lack consideration of public use. Public spaces are often exclusionary for public use. They merely stand for the representation of the authority. Accordingly, many public spaces built by the government are abandoned soon after their launch. Big ceremonies and public space displays only last a few days before these spaces are then closed to the public or appropriated for different uses. Most top-down approaches focus on the physical development, overlooking the users’ inclusion in decision making. This research analyses the political representation of public space design in RPTRA Bahari located in the South Jakarta. It analyses the political reason behind the development of RPTRA in Jakarta and the way participative design approach is employed during the design process to get public engagement in public space. Therefore, it investigates how the political representation is perceived in everyday life by analysing how the public space has been used three years since its launch. Through observation and interviews, this paper interrogates the political representation in urban forms and how public spaces become an arena where the government’s intentions and everyday uses meet. It concludes that a participative, bottom-up approach leads to more public use and engagement.
BIM Backed Decision Support System in the Management of Heritage Building
Authors: Mustafa Muhammad Hadi , Ali Maisarah , Mohd Ismail Kamsiah , Has Yun Hashim Khairusy Syakirin , Mohd Suhaimi Mohamad Saifulnizam
Published: May 2019

Historical buildings are always at risk to great danger strike by fire, flood and other potential disasters affecting the building conditions. Thus positive and continuous actions need to be taken to preserve the heritage buildings or else a country might lose its cultural heritage value. In managing historic buildings, managers are often faced with complex decision-making process due to limited or unavailability of reliable information. The absence of such information influenced the way decision making and problem-solving made by the managers. This paper aims to highlight the potentials of Building Information Modelling (BIM) as a decision support system for cultural heritage management. An embedded case study was conducted on Istana Balai Besar Kota Bharu, focusing on the changes of the historical building's layout to demonstrate the ontology. A measured drawing dated back in 1976 was used together with the terrestrial laser scanning activity performed presently on the physical building in creating a model in BIM environment.  The result gives an overview about tracking information on changes within a historical building as part of cultural heritage management. This paper finds that by modelling the data captured by the 3D laser scanner and utilizing the existing data, BIM is capable of helping managers to retrieve, analyze and store important information in a more efficient and productive process. This exploration is substantial as a precursor to a much broader study on BIM for cultural heritage in the Malaysian context. As BIM is set to drive the construction industry, the finding made would be a catalyst for creating awareness to support the development of BIM for cultural heritage management in Malaysia.
Evolución de la vivienda de interés social en Portoviejo
Authors: Couret Dania González , Párraga José Fabián Véliz
Published: May 2019

El acceso a una vivienda digna es un derecho constitucional en El Ecuador, no obstante, la vivienda de interés social actual no se adecua a las necesidades de las familias ni al clima específico de la ciudad objeto de estudio. En el artículo se discuten los resultados de un estudio de ejemplos significativos de urbanizaciones y proyectos de vivienda de interés social de las últimas cinco décadas, con el objetivo de evaluar las transformaciones operadas por los habitantes a lo largo del tiempo. Como resultado se observa que a pesar de que el estándar físico y social ha ido mejorando en el tiempo, existen tendencias negativas con respecto a la ocupación del suelo, que afectan el ambiente térmico interior de las viviendas, tanto las que se transforman de forma progresiva por la población, como los diseños originales de la vivienda estatal.
Infraestructuras verdes vivas: características tipológicas, beneficios e implementación
Authors: Quintero González Laura Estefanía , Quintero González Julián Rodrigo
Published: May 2019

Se presenta una aproximación conceptual del espacio público como componente que estructura la ciudad, así como de la naturaleza de las infraestructuras verdes vivas como parte de la arquitectura verde; sobre estas últimas se exponen características tipológicas, beneficios, desventajas, metodologías de implementación y experiencias de su aplicación en diversos contextos. El objetivo de este trabajo es detallar la importancia de las infraestructuras verdes vivas como parte del espacio público y su función como elemento organizador de las metrópolis. La metodología se orienta a la revisión de los trabajos de investigación más recientes que abordan la temática, desarrollados en el marco global, latinoamericano y colombiano; fueron obtenidos de la consulta de diversas publicaciones especializadas internacionales y revistas científicas regionales. Se concluye que las infraestructuras verdes son versátiles, propias de la arquitectura verde, con importantes beneficios urbanos y ambientales; su aplicación se soporta en metodologías sólidas para evaluar su implementación en proyectos arquitectónicos, de urbanismo y espacio público.
Obstáculos epistemológicos en urbanismo
Authors: Loro Arturo Valdivia
Published: May 2019

El conocimiento en urbanismo está en constante crecimiento, lo que lo vuelve susceptible a errores fundamentales que valen la pena revisar periódicamente. Que no exista esta evaluación abre la posibilidad de una anarquía de conceptos, métodos y, por lo tanto, teorías. La epistemología, entonces, emerge como una herramienta que sirve para valorar la cientificidad construida por los especialistas en cada disciplina: el urbanismo no es -o no debe ser- la excepción. Para tal fin, se emplean los obstáculos epistemológicos propuestos por Gaston Bachelard (2000), los cuales, en conjunto con el método dialéctico, sirven para evaluar diferentes paradigmas en urbanismo, y para exponer la necesidad del uso de las ciencias complejas para distanciar las definiciones entre lo urbano y la ciudad a través de lo material y lo intangible. También, se presenta la necesidad de reevaluar lo que se comprende por sostenibilidad urbana y por espacio público; este último contiene todos los obstáculos epistemológicos expuestos.
Hydrous Ethanol Steam Reforming and Thermochemical Recuperation to Improve Dual-Fuel Diesel Engine Emissions and Efficiency
Authors: Hwang Jeffrey T. , Kane Seamus P. , Northrop William F.
Published: May 2019

Dual-fuel strategies can enable replacement of diesel fuel with low reactivity biofuels like hydrous ethanol. Previous work has shown that dual-fuel strategies using port injection of hydrous ethanol can replace up to 60% of diesel fuel on an energy basis. However, they yield negligible benefits in NOX emissions, soot emissions, and brake thermal efficiency (BTE) over conventional single fuel diesel operation. Pretreatment of hydrous ethanol through steam reforming before mixing with intake air offers the potential to both increase BTE and decrease soot and NOX emissions. Steam reforming can upgrade the heating value of the secondary fuel through thermochemical recuperation (TCR) and produces inert gases to act as a diluent similar to exhaust gas recirculation. This study experimentally investigated a novel thermally integrated steam reforming TCR reactor that uses sensible and chemical energy in the exhaust to provide the necessary heat for hydrous ethanol steam reforming. An off-highway diesel engine was operated at three speed and load settings with varying hydrous ethanol flow rates reaching fumigant energy fractions of up to 70%. The engine achieved soot reductions of close to 90% and minor NOX reductions; however, carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbon emissions increased. A first law energy balance using the experimental data shows that the developed TCR system effectively upgraded the heating value of the secondary fuel. Overall, hydrous ethanol steam reforming using TCR can lead to 23% increase in fuel heating value at 100% conversion, a limit approached in the conducted experiments.
International Sport Federations’ Social Media Communication: A Content Analysis of FIFA’s Twitter Account
Authors: Winand Mathieu , Belot Matthew , Merten Sebastian , Kolyperas Dimitrios
Published: May 2019

This study aimed to analyze the way Twitter is used by international sport federations (ISFs) to interact and engage with their followers. A content analysis of 5,389 online messages tweeted by FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) using NVivo qualitative data-analysis software was conducted between August 2014 and January 2015. Results suggest that FIFA does not use Twitter to its full potential, mainly sharing 1-way information rather than engaging to a greater level with its followers. The research highlights the importance of effectively using Twitter as a potential powerful communication tool for ISFs, which are understood as meta-organizations whose members are organizations themselves. Communicating about social development and engaging followers, including their affiliated national sport associations, could potentially increase ISFs’ reputation and build trust among followers and stakeholders.
Differentiated fibrocytes assume a functional mesenchymal phenotype with regenerative potential
Authors: Ling Changying , Nishimoto Kohei , Rolfs Zach , Smith Lloyd M. , Frey Brian L. , Welham Nathan V.
Published: May 2019

Fibrocytes, easily isolated from peripheral blood, hold potential as a cell source for regenerative medicine.
Number detectors spontaneously emerge in a deep neural network designed for visual object recognition
Authors: Nasr Khaled , Viswanathan Pooja , Nieder Andreas
Published: May 2019

A deep neural network trained only on visual object recognition develops tuned number detectors reminiscent of real neurons.
Causes and Biophysical Consequences of Cellulose Production by Pseudomonas fluorescens SBW25 at the Air-Liquid Interface
Authors: Ardré Maxime , Dufour Djinthana , Rainey Paul B.
Published: May 2019

This work reveals a hitherto unrecognized behavior that manifests at the air-liquid interface that depends on production of cellulose and hints at undiscovered dimensions to bacterial life at surfaces. Additionally, the study links activation of known diguanylate cyclase-encoding pathways to cellulose expression and to signals encountered at the meniscus. Further significance stems from recognition of the consequences of fluid instabilities arising from surface production of cellulose for transport of water-soluble products over large distances.
Complete Genome Sequence of Streptococcus pneumoniae Serotype 19F Strain EF3030
Authors: Junges R. , Maienschein-Cline M. , Morrison D. A. , Petersen F. C.
Published: May 2019

We report the complete genome sequence of
Streptococcus pneumoniae
EF3030, a serotype 19F isolate that colonizes the nasopharynx of mice while being mostly noninvasive. Such attributes make this strain highly attractive in pneumococcal carriage studies.
Complete Genome Sequences of Four Serotypes of Dengue Virus Prototype Continuously Maintained in the Laboratory
Authors: Chin-inmanu Kwanrutai , Suttitheptumrong Aroonroong , Sangsrakru Duangjai , Mairiang Dumrong , Tangphatsornruang Sithichoke , Malasit Prida , Suriyaphol Prapat
Published: May 2019

Dengue prototype strains are widely used for virological study. The strains presented here have been cultured under different laboratory environments, resulting in accumulating genetic variations.
Draft Genome Sequence of a Cold-Adapted
Pseudomonas
sp. Strain, BGI-2, Isolated from the Ice of Batura Glacier, Pakistan
Authors: Ali Pervaiz , Shah Aamer Ali , Hasan Fariha , Cai Haiyuan , Sosa Ana , Chen Feng
Published: May 2019

Pseudomonas
sp. strain BGI-2 is a psychrotrophic bacterium isolated from the ice of Batura Glacier in the Karakoram mountain range.
Whole-Genome Sequence of Acinetobacter baumannii HUMV-3743, Isolated from a Human Wound Exudate
Authors: Chapartegui-González Itziar , Lázaro-Díez María , Redondo-Salvo Santiago , Ocejo-Vinyals Javier Gonzalo , Navas-Méndez Jesús , Ramos-Vivas José
Published: May 2019

Acinetobacter baumannii
strain HUMV-3743 was obtained from wound exudate from an adult patient. Here, we report its complete genome sequence using Illumina-based sequence analysis, which revealed a genome of 4 Mb, which includes 2 predicted plasmids of 78.9 and 107 kb.
Cryptococcal meningitis initially presenting with ST elevations and elevated cardiac biomarkers
Authors: Fahad Fadi , Roddy Kristina , El-Hajjar Mohammad , Schulman-Marcus Joshua
Published: May 2019

Acute neurological events are a common cause of ECG abnormalities and transient elevations in cardiac biomarkers. This case describes an uncommon presentation of cryptococcal meningitis in a non-immunosuppressed patient, presenting with altered sensorium and derangements in cardiac profile. Delay in diagnosing meningitis was avoided by paying close attention to the patient’s presenting symptoms and by pursuing non-cardiac causes of ECG changes and elevations in cardiac troponin. Expeditious treatment and involvement of the infectious disease consultant resulted in excellent clinical response without permanent neurological sequelae.
Lethal multiple pterygium syndrome
Authors: Mohtisham Farzeen Shuaib , Sallam Adel , Shawli Aiman
Published: May 2019

Multiple pterygium syndrome of lethal type is a very rare genetic condition affecting the skin, muscles and skeleton. It is characterised by minor facial abnormalities, prenatal growth deficiency, spine defects, joint contractures, and webbing (pterygia) of the neck, elbows, back of the knees, armpits and fingers. We present a case of lethal multiple pterygium syndrome born at our hospital proven by the genetic analysis showing a double homozygous mutation.
Planning simulation space needs in uncertain contexts
Authors: Tann Catherine , Bates Richard
Published: May 2019

Introduction

King’s College London delivers simulation-based education to approximately 5500 different students who use a Simulation and Interactive Learning (SaIL) centre which was designed for significantly different needs. The management team needs to plan for current and future demand in the context of changing regulatory and curricular requirements, and changing technologies. The authors developed a model to address this challenge.

Methods

We used a structured approach involving university data and interviews with module leaders. Assumptions were needed on target student numbers, group sizes and time spent in a simulation centre. The algorithm at the core of the model applies the targets and assumptions to a profile of room use by type of room, as experienced by a typical student over the course of one year. Individual course results are summed and rounded up, to provide an overall demand for space which can be compared to capacity.

Results

The number of SaIL rooms required is expected to almost double by 2022/2023. The mix of spaces must also change to enable more simultaneous immersive simulation of diverse types, with associated debrief spaces also increasing.

Conclusions

This model helps maximise impact by creating connectivity between a vision, business targets and the physical space. Financial resources are used more effectively by avoiding potential over or underprovision. Flexibility of build will remain important, as no-one can predict the future; however, a detailed, quantified model can help raise the quality of discussion about future aspirations and how closely we might meet them.
Statistical Inference of Second-Order Cone Programming
Authors: Zhang Liwei , Gao Shengzhe , Guo Saoyan
Published: May 2019

In this paper, we study the stability of stochastic second-order programming when the probability measure is perturbed. Under the Lipschitz continuity of the objective function and metric regularity of the feasible set-valued mapping, the outer semicontinuity of the optimal solution set and Lipschitz continuity of optimal values are demonstrated. Moreover, we prove that, if the constraint non-degeneracy condition and strong second-order sufficient condition hold at a local minimum point of the original problem, there exists a Lipschitz continuous solution path satisfying the Karush–Kuhn–Tucker conditions.
Optimal Option Purchasing Decisions for the Risk-Averse Retailer with Shortage Cost
Authors: Xu Xin-Sheng , Chan Felix T. S.
Published: May 2019

To hedge against potential risks, this paper introduces the conditional value-at-risk (CVaR) measure into the option purchasing for the risk-averse retailer with shortage cost. We introduce two models for the risk-averse retailer to select the optimal option purchase quantity. It is found that both two optimal option purchase quantities to two models can be decreasing in the retail price and increasing in the option executing price under certain conditions. This is different from the optimal option purchase quantity for a risk-neutral retailer to maximize the expected profit. It is found that both two optimal option purchase quantities may be increasing or decreasing in the confidence level, which implies a retailer who becomes more risk-averse may purchase more or fewer options to hedge against potential risks. Under both two optimal option purchase quantities, it is proven that the retailer’s expected profit is decreasing in the confidence level. This confirms the fact that high return implies high risk while low risk comes with low return.
Annealing effect on indium tin oxide thin films by DC magnetron sputtering for alkali vapor cell heating
Authors: Li Jianhua , Jiang Zhiyuan , Lin Pingwei , Chen Xinhua , Zhong Lin , Zhang Longfa , Wang Xueshen
Published: May 2019

This paper reports the annealing effect on the DC sputter transparent conducting tin-doped indium oxide (ITO) films for the alkali vapor cell heater of the chip-scale atomic sensors. ITO films with a thickness of 140 nm were deposited on BF33 glass substrates at [Formula: see text], followed by an annealing process in N2 atmosphere for 2 h at different temperatures between [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. The effect of annealing on the crystal structure, surface morphology, optical, and electrical properties of ITO films was characterized. The predominant orientation of crystal face of the as-deposited and annealed ITO thin films was (222) instead of (400). After annealing at [Formula: see text] the ITO film exhibits the highest transmittance ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]90%) to the lights at the wavelength of 780 nm, 795 nm and 894 nm regarding the probe light in a chip scale atomic device. Besides, the lowest sheet resistance and resistivity were obtained as 27.8 [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] separately. The refractive index and extinction coefficients results verified the crystal orientation and the transmittance results. This thin ITO film was expected to be the best candidate for the transparent heater in the chip scale atomic devices.