bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Students’ critical ability of mathematics based on cognitive styles
Authors: Dwi Susandi Ardi , Sa’dijah Cholis , Rahman As’ari Abdur , Susiswo
Published: October 2019

The strategies used in solving problems can be influenced by cognitive style. This research is a qualitative descriptive study. The purpose of this study was to describe the mathematical critical thinking skills of junior high school students based on the cognitive style of Dependent Field and cognitive style Field Independent in solving SPLDV problems. The subject of this study consisted of 1 student who had the field-dependent cognitive style and 1 student who had the field-independent cognitive style chosen by purposive sampling. Data collection techniques were carried out by administering the cognitive style test of the Embedded Figure Test Group, mathematical problem-solving tests, interview guidelines, and documentation. Data were analyzed based on FRISCO critical thinking category indicators (Focus, Reason, Inference, Situation, Clarity, and Overview) in each step of problem-solving, namely understanding problems, arranging plans, implementing plans, and checking again. Data analysis is done by reducing data, presenting data, and drawing conclusions. The results showed that students who had the cognitive style of field-dependent and students who had the cognitive style FI had good critical thinking skills in each step of problem-solving according to Polya.
Improving mathematical habits of mind prospective teachers using metacognitive approach
Authors: Sugandi A.I. , Maya R. , Hutajulu M.
Published: October 2019

Research studied for examine differences in habits of mind students’ candidate teacher between the learners use metacognitive approach with usually approach. Method in this research was a quasi-experiment, because existence manipulation treatment in the form of gift metacognitive approach. Population in research is all students candidate teacher at IKIP Siliwangi, while the sample selected two class from force in 2016. The instrument used in research was a set of questionnaire which contains 32 question. Processing data entirely use Microsoft Excel and SPSS 22. From the results data processing obtained conclusion that habits of mind students’ candidate teacher whose learning using metacognitive approach better than from usually approach
Trends for ‘wiskunde’ or ‘wiskunst’? the case of students’ problem solving on elementary math problem (a little practical review from ‘revisiting mathematics education’)
Authors: Yulianto E , Santika S , Arumsari C , Turmudi
Published: October 2019

This paper is a little practical reflection of the idea proposed by Freudenthal in his book titled ‘Revisiting Mathematics Education’. Theoretically, a fundamental study of more philosophical mathematical meanings was discussed by Freudenthal through the terms ‘wiskunde’ and ‘wiskunst’. In essence, wiskunde means mathematics as an exact science, while wiskunst means an art in mathematics and science. Although there has been a lot of research that shows the success of RME in learning, the results of research that can contrast explicitly how the wiskunde and wiskunst phenomena work in the process of solving mathematical problems are still rarely found. This study aims to see the tendency of students towards the phenomenon of wiskunde or wiskunst in working on elementary math problems then describe the psychological factors and impacts that might be influential. This study used literature review and qualitative methods through the interview process for students who were given two elementary school math problems. Four out of forty students from fourth semester were chosen to be interview respondents to represent variations of the unique answers. Data analysis was carried out through a hermeneutic approach to student answers and interview transcripts. Research shows that the wiskunde phenomenon looks more dominant than wiskunst. This is thought to be related to the symptoms of psychological blockages of student’s college who are predominantly working on elementary math problems still using the very formal formulas, they should still be able to show a way of thinking like an elementary school kid. The impact of this wiskunde tendency indicates the ‘matherate’ of students who have become blunt. The contrast of wiskunde and wiskunst’s character and its reflection to the philosophy of education are discussed boldly in this paper.
Obstacles in Constructing Geometrical Proofs of Mathematics-Teacher-Students Based on Boero’s Proving Model
Authors: Maarif S , Perbowo K S , Noto M S , Harisman Y
Published: October 2019

This study aimed at identifying the obstacles of mathematics-teacher-students based on Boero’s proving model. This study was conducted using a mix method by applying sequential explanatory strategy. The stages of the research were carried out by taking the quantitative data and revealing the qualitative data using semi-structured interviews. In the result of this study, it was found that most of mathematics-teacher-students had difficulties in constructing geometrical proofs of each Boero’s proving model. Even in the phase of writing formal proof, there were only 6.67% of students could write fully in the cases of indirect proving. There were 13.33% of students in the cases of direct proving. This study concluded several obstacles which students faced in constructing the geometrical proofs formally in each phase of Boero’ proving model. The obstacles included: the difficulty in making a diagrammatic sketch of conjecture which was completely made with the correct geometrical notation; the difficulty in knowing of cause-effect of geometrical problems to be proved, if it involved some conditional sentences; inability to write a conjecture made in the form of geometrical symbols, formulas and axiomatic deduction; the difficulty in selecting a valid statement of the conjecture made and the difficulty in writing formal proof.
Effect of knisley’s mathematical model on gender’s mathematical critical thinking ability
Authors: Sari V T A , Nurfauziah P
Published: October 2019

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of Knisley’s mathematical model on students’ mathematical critical thinking skills based on gender. The research sample consisted of two classes in class 2018 in one of the PTS Cimahi. The research instrument was a test of mathematical critical thinking skills. The analysis technique uses ANAVA with IBM SPSS Statistics 24 application. Overall the results of this study are that there is no interaction seen between the learning model carried out with gender differences because there is still a mismatch between the interactions obtained by the significance value and the general average, especially those which indicate the average mathematical thinking ability of male students men who use the Knisley mathematical model are lower than male students who use the normal learning model and the average mathematical thinking ability of male students who use Knisley’s mathematical model is lower than female students.
Analysis of Equilibrium Pre-service Teacher Trough Valsiner Zone Learning
Authors: Madawistama Sri Tirto , Herman T , Turmudi
Published: October 2019

This study aims to thoroughly investigate how the equilibrium of pre-service teacher in the probability theory course through learning based on Valsiner theory. The method used is descriptive qualitative by taking as many as one experimental class as a sample to be traced. It was concluded that through observations and short interviews it could be shown that in the first and second meetings, students were still experiencing cognitive conflict so that there was no equilibirium in students. then at the third, fourth meeting and the next meeting students have shown a positive response so that a balance or equilibrium can be seen from each student representative’s response through the given teaching material and also through inter-group discussions between groups so that there is uniformity of knowledge and no longer heterogeneous
Multiple representations in semiotic reasoning
Authors: Suryaningrum C W , Ningtyas Y D W K
Published: October 2019

Representations play an essential role in solving mathematical problems. By using representations, problems that initially seem difficult and complicated can be seen more easily and simply. Semiotics is simply defined as the sign-using to represent a mathematical concept in a problem-solving. In Peirce’s theory, semiotic consists of three aspects, namely sign, object, and interpretant. Semiotic reasoning is a process of deducing a conclusion based on the object, sign (representamen), and students interpretation in interpreting the meaning of the sign (interpretant). This paper aims to identify students’ mathematical representations of semiotics reasoning in solving fraction problems. This study employed a qualitative approach and used an explorative descriptive type. The participants of the present study were three third grade students. The results show that the first participant used verbal, visual, and symbolic representation. The emerging visual representation was an image. The second participant solved problems by using verbal and visual representations. The visual representation that appears was a diagram. While, the third participant solved problems by using verbal, visual, and symbolic representations. The emerging visual representations were image and diagram. The conclusion is the participants used multiple representations, namely visual, verbal, and symbolic representations in solving problems.
An analysis to student error of algebraic problem solving based on polya and newman theory
Authors: Son A L , Darhim  , Fatimah S
Published: October 2019

This study aims to reveal student algebraic problem-solving errors based on Polya and Newman hierarchical indicator. The subject was a study of 30 students of grade VII in one of the junior high school located in the Timor Tengah Utara, NTT, Indonesian, 2018/2019 period. Process of collecting data used tests and interviews. The result of the student problem-solving ability test was grouped into three parts, namely 5 of the student in the low category, 20 of the student in the medium category, and 5 of students in the high category. The result of the analysis based on Polya indicator indicated that a group of low students made an error on all indicators. The medium of category students made an error in carrying out the plan and looking back. For those in the high category, they make an error in looking back indicator. While the result of the analysis was based on Newman hierarchical indicator that a group of low students made an error ranging from comprehension to encoding. Group medium student makes an error in the process skill and encoding process. For those in the high category, they tend to make an error at the encoding indicator.
Gender reviewed mathematical intuition at 7th grade students through open-ended based-inquiry learning
Authors: Yuni Y , Alghadari F , Wulandari A
Published: October 2019

This study aims to examine the differences in students’ mathematical intuition abilities. Gender was utilized to see the difference through Open-ended Inquiry-Based Learning. The design of this study was a Pretest-Posttest Control Group Experiment. The subject of this study was 156 seventh graders of two Islamic State Junior High Schools in Bekasi, comprising of 77 male and 79 female students. The instrument in this study used 5-item essay with 4 indicators of intuition (globalist, self-evidence, power of synthesis, immediate). SPSS was used to analyze the data. The result of this study showed p-value > α (0.174 > 0.05). That means there was no difference in mathematical intuition ability between male and female students.
Promoting understanding ability of semigroup concept through learning model of concept attainment
Authors: Yumiati  , Haji Saleh
Published: October 2019

This study aimed to improve the ability of the understanding of semigroup concept through Concept Attainment Model. The method of this study is quasi experiment. The design of this study is using one group pre-test & post-test design. Sample of the study is 34 students of mathematics pre-service teacher at Abstract Algebra course. Instrument used in this study is a test about semigroup concept which contain 4 items. Data were analysed qualitatively and quantitatively. This study found that the improvement of students’ ability of the understanding of semigroup concept was 0.68, (medium category) and the achievement of of the concept understanding ability of semigroup was 75.44 (high category). Thus, concept attainment learning model was effective in developing the ability of the understanding of the students about semigroup concept.
Self-reading femtogram microbalance for highly sensitive airborne nanoparticle detection
Authors: Bertke M , Xu J , Setiono A , Hamdana G , Wasisto H S , Peiner E
Published: October 2019

In this paper, a self-reading miniaturized cantilever design for highly sensitive airborne nanoparticle (NP) detection is presented. The cantilever, which is operated in the fundamental in-plane resonance mode, is used as a microbalance with femtogram resolution. For maximum sensitivity and read-out signal amplitude, the geometric parameters of the sensor design were optimized by finite-element modelling (FEM). Piezo-resistive struts at both sides of the cantilever are employed for a Wheatstone half-bridge. This allows the electrical read-out of the phase information of a resonant cantilever of minimum mass. For electrostatic NP collection, the cantilever has a negative-biased electrode located at its free end. Moreover, μ-channels for guiding a particle-laden air flow and a counter-electrode around the cantilever tip are integrated. The presented airborne NP sensor is expected to demonstrate significant improvements in the field of handheld, MEMS-based NP monitoring devices.
In situ electrical characterization of YxTiy getter thin films during thermal activation
Authors: Bessouet C , Lemettre S , Bosseboeuf A , Coste P , Renard Ch , Lecoq H , Sauvage T , Moulin J
Published: October 2019

Transition metals alloys are the most studied getter films for wafer-level vacuum packaging of MEMS. In this work we investigated yttrium and YxTiy alloys films that could possibly overcome the limitations of usual getter materials, i.e. reversible sorption of hydrogen and low sorption ability for hydrocarbon gases. As a preliminary step towards this objective, properties of (co-)evaporated yttrium and YxTiy films were analyzed by SEM, EDS, XPS and in-situ sheet resistance measurements before, after and/or during annealing in vacuum. As deposited and annealed films have a small grain size and a columnar structure. It is shown that yttrium and YxTiy films can be activated after 1 hour of annealing in vacuum at 250 °C if the Y-content is larger than ∼9 %. These results are promising for the use of Y-based films as low temperature getters for vacuum packaging.
Radiation hardness investigation of heterojunction solar cell structures with TCO antireflection films
Authors: Huran J , Boháček P , Perný M , Mikolášek M , Skuratov V A , Kobzev A P , Šály V , Arbet J
Published: October 2019

Phosphorus doped silicon carbide film as emitter in heterojunction structure was deposited on p-type Si(100) wafers at various deposition conditions by means of PECVD technology using silane (SiH4), methane (CH4), hydrogen (H2) and phosphine (PH3, 2 vol.% in H2) gas as precursors. ITO or IZO film was RF magnetron sputtered on top of the different P doped a-SiC:H(n) film. Irradiation of structures with Xe ions to total fluency 5×1011 cm−2 was performed at room temperature. Influence of phosphorus concentration and type of transparent conducting oxide was investigated. A deeper insight on the impact of irradiation on the electrophysical properties of sample was obtained by the analysis of complex impedance spectra.
Regional, seasonal, and inter-annual variations of Antarctic and sub-Antarctic temperature anomalies related to the Mansurov effect
Authors: Freeman Mervyn P , Lam Mai Mai
Published: October 2019

We use National Centers for Environmental Prediction/National Center for Atmospheric Research reanalysis data to show that Antarctic surface air temperature anomalies result from differences in the daily-mean duskward component, B

y
, of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF). We find the statistically-significant anomalies have strong geographical, seasonal, and inter-annual variations. For the interval 1999–2002, regional anomalies poleward of 60°S are of diminishing representative peak amplitude from autumn (3.2 °C) to winter (2.4 °C) to spring (1.6 °C) to summer (0.9 °C). Exploiting apparently simplifying properties in the sub-Antarctic region in autumn 1999–2002, we demonstrate that temperature anomalies in this case are due to geostrophic wind anomalies, resulting from the same B

y
changes, moving air across large meridional gradients in zonal mean air temperature between 50 and 70°S over the 7-hour timescale for which a change in B

y
can be expected to persist. Since the tropospheric pressure anomalies causing these winds have been associated with B

y
-driven anomalies in the electric potential of the ionosphere, we conclude that IMF-induced changes to the global atmospheric electric circuit can cause day-to-day changes in regional surface air temperature of up to several degrees Centigrade.
Testing General Versus Specific Behavioral Focus in Messaging for the Promotion of Sun Protection Behaviors
Authors: Bleakley Amy , Jordan Amy B , Strasser Andrew A , Lazovich Deann , Glanz Karen
Published: October 2019

Background

Recommendations for skin cancer prevention include behaviors such as using sunscreen, seeking shade, and wearing a shirt with sleeves, but the best way to persuasively communicate this information to the public is not clear.

Purpose

To test whether a messaging strategy using videos that focus on one specific behavior at a time versus a more general or multibehavior sun protection message is effective at changing attitudinal beliefs and intention with regard to sun protection behaviors.

Methods

Online experiment among non-Hispanic white 18–49 year old adults in the USA. Participants were randomly assigned to one of four conditions, each one with health messages on a different sun protection prevention behavior: “using sunscreen” (Condition 1, n = 259), “seeking shade” (Condition 2, n = 245), or “covering up” (Condition 3, n = 289). Condition 4 (the control, n = 251) is a multibehavior message that equally promotes sunscreen, seeking shade, and covering up and features a general message on sun safety.

Results

ANOVA and path analysis results suggest that messages which emphasize a single sun protection behavior compared with general sun safety messaging could potentially be a promising approach. The effectiveness of the videos in influencing attitudinal beliefs varied by behavior, with some gender and age moderation. There was an indirect effect on intention to use sunscreen.

Conclusions

This study advances our understanding of strategies for skin cancer prevention campaigns. Specifically, it suggests that focusing on a single sun protection behavior with targeted beliefs may be valuable as a first step in encouraging sun safety.
Developing a Psychological–Behavioral Intervention in Cardiac Patients Using the Multiphase Optimization Strategy: Lessons Learned From the Field
Authors: Huffman Jeff C , Millstein Rachel A , Celano Christopher M , Healy Brian C , Park Elyse R , Collins Linda M
Published: October 2019

Background

The Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST) is an approach to systematically and efficiently developing a behavioral intervention using a sequence of experiments to prepare and optimize the intervention.

Purpose

Using a 6 year MOST-based behavioral intervention development project as an example, we outline the results—and resulting decision-making process—related to experiments at each step to display the practical challenges present at each stage.

Methods

To develop a positive psychology (PP) based intervention to promote physical activity after an acute coronary syndrome (N = 255 across four phases), we utilized qualitative, proof-of-concept, factorial design, and randomized pilot experiments, with iterative modification of intervention content and delivery.

Results

Through this multiphase approach, we ultimately developed a 12 week, phone-delivered, combined PP-motivational interviewing intervention to promote physical activity. Across stages, we learned several important lessons: (a) participant and interventionist feedback is important, even in later optimization stages; (b) a thoughtful and systematic approach using all information sources is required when conflicting results in experiments make next steps unclear; and (3) new approaches in the field over a multiyear project should be integrated into the development process.

Conclusions

A MOST-based behavioral intervention development program can be efficient and effective in developing optimized new interventions, and it may require complex and nuanced decision-making at each phase.
Morbidity and mortality among older people admitted to nursing home
Authors: Reilev Mette , Lundby Carina , Jensen John , Larsen Søren Post , Hoffmann Helene , Pottegård Anton
Published: October 2019

Background

the increasing number of multimorbid older people places high demands on future health care systems. To inform the discussion on how to structure future care strategies, we aimed to describe the temporal relationship between admission, and morbidity and mortality in nursing home residents.

Methods

data on 5,179 older individuals admitted to 94 Danish nursing homes in 12 municipalities during 2015–2017 were linked to the nationwide Danish health registries to retrieve information on the temporal relation between nursing home admission and morbidity and mortality.

Results

at the time of nursing home admission, the majority were women (63%). Male residents were younger than women (median 82 vs 85 years) and had a higher prevalence of comorbidities (median Charlson score 2 vs 1 among women). The median survival after nursing home admission was 25.8 months, with the 3-year survival being 37%. Three-year survival was lower among men (29 vs 43% among women) and among the oldest residents (23% among those aged ≥90 years vs 64% among individuals ≤65 years). In addition to age and sex, predictors of mortality included hospitalisations prior to nursing home admission and a high burden of comorbidity. The rate of hospitalisations, primarily for reasons related to frailty, increased substantially during the 9 months prior to nursing home admission.

Conclusion

we provide detailed information on differences in morbidity and mortality across age span and sex at the time of nursing home admission, thereby contributing to the ongoing discussion of how to structure the future health care system.
Biotic interactions are the dominant drivers of phylogenetic and functional structure in bird communities along a tropical elevational gradient
Authors: Boyce Andy J , Shakya Subir , Sheldon Frederick H , Moyle Robert G , Martin Thomas E
Published: October 2019

Understanding how biotic and abiotic interactions influence community assembly and composition is a fundamental goal in community ecology. Addressing this issue is particularly tractable along elevational gradients in tropical mountains that feature substantial abiotic gradients and rates of species turnover. We examined elevational patterns of avian community structure on 2 mountains in Malaysian Borneo to assess changes in the relative strength of biotic interactions and abiotic constraints. In particular, we used metrics based on (1) phylogenetic relatedness and (2) functional traits associated with both resource acquisition and tolerance of abiotic challenges to identify patterns and causes of elevational differences in community structure. High elevation communities were composed of more phylogenetically and functionally similar species than would be expected by chance. Resource acquisition traits, in particular, were clustered at high elevations, suggesting low resource and habitat diversity were important drivers of those communities. Traits typically associated with tolerance of cold temperatures and low atmospheric pressure showed no elevational patterns. All traits were neutral or overdispersed at low elevations suggesting an absence of strong abiotic filters or an increased influence of interspecific competition. However, relative bill size, which is important for thermoregulation, was larger in low elevation communities, suggesting abiotic factors were also influential there. Regardless of metric, clustered and neutral communities were more frequent than overdispersed communities overall, implying that interspecific competition among close relatives may not be a pervasive driver of elevational distribution and community structure of tropical birds. Overall, our analyses reveal that a diverse set of predominantly biotic factors underlie elevational variation in community structure on tropical mountains.
SynQuant: an automatic tool to quantify synapses from microscopy images
Authors: Wang Yizhi , Wang Congchao , Ranefall Petter , Broussard Gerard Joey , Wang Yinxue , Shi Guilai , Lyu Boyu , Wu Chiung-Ting , Wang Yue , Tian Lin , Yu Guoqiang
Published: October 2019

Motivation

Synapses are essential to neural signal transmission. Therefore, quantification of synapses and related neurites from images is vital to gain insights into the underlying pathways of brain functionality and diseases. Despite the wide availability of synaptic punctum imaging data, several issues are impeding satisfactory quantification of these structures by current tools. First, the antibodies used for labeling synapses are not perfectly specific to synapses. These antibodies may exist in neurites or other cell compartments. Second, the brightness of different neurites and synaptic puncta is heterogeneous due to the variation of antibody concentration and synapse-intrinsic differences. Third, images often have low signal to noise ratio due to constraints of experiment facilities and availability of sensitive antibodies. These issues make the detection of synapses challenging and necessitates developing a new tool to easily and accurately quantify synapses.

Results

We present an automatic probability-principled synapse detection algorithm and integrate it into our synapse quantification tool SynQuant. Derived from the theory of order statistics, our method controls the false discovery rate and improves the power of detecting synapses. SynQuant is unsupervised, works for both 2D and 3D data, and can handle multiple staining channels. Through extensive experiments on one synthetic and three real datasets with ground truth annotation or manually labeling, SynQuant was demonstrated to outperform peer specialized unsupervised synapse detection tools as well as generic spot detection methods.

Availability and implementation

Java source code, Fiji plug-in, and test data are available at https://github.com/yu-lab-vt/SynQuant.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Diagnosing missing always at random in multivariate data
Authors: Bojinov Iavor I , Pillai Natesh S , Rubin Donald B
Published: October 2019

Models for analysing multivariate datasets with missing values require strong, often unassessable, assumptions. The most common of these is that the mechanism that created the missing data is ignorable, which is a two-fold assumption dependent on the mode of inference. The first part, which is the focus here, under the Bayesian and direct-likelihood paradigms requires that the missing data be missing at random; in contrast, the frequentist-likelihood paradigm demands that the missing data mechanism always produce missing at random data, a condition known as missing always at random. Under certain regularity conditions, assuming missing always at random leads to a condition that can be tested using the observed data alone, namely that the missing data indicators depend only on fully observed variables. In this note we propose three different diagnostic tests that not only indicate when this assumption is incorrect but also suggest which variables are the most likely culprits. Although missing always at random is not a necessary condition to ensure validity under the Bayesian and direct-likelihood paradigms, it is sufficient, and evidence of its violation should encourage the careful statistician to conduct targeted sensitivity analyses.
In Their Own Words: Rita Colwell
Authors: Verdier James M
Published: October 2019

In Their Own Words chronicles the stories of scientists who have made great contributions to their fields, particularly within the biological sciences. These short oral histories provide our readers a way to learn from and share their experiences. Each month, we will publish in the pages of BioScience and in our podcast, BioScience Talks (http://bioscienceaibs.libsyn.com), the results of these conversations. This first oral history is with Dr. Rita Colwell, a distinguished environmental microbiologist and scientific administrator, who previously served as president of the American Institute of Biological Sciences. Note: Both the text and audio versions have been edited for clarity and length.
Biallelic DMXL2 mutations impair autophagy and cause Ohtahara syndrome with progressive course
Authors: Esposito Alessandro , Falace Antonio , Wagner Matias , Gal Moran , Mei Davide , Conti Valerio , Pisano Tiziana , Aprile Davide , Cerullo Maria Sabina , De Fusco Antonio , Giovedì Silvia , Seibt Annette , Magen Daniella , Polster Tilman , Eran Ayelet , Stenton Sarah L , Fiorillo Chiara , Ravid Sarit , Mayatepek Ertan , Hafner Hava , Wortmann Saskia , Levanon Erez Y , Marini Carla , Mandel Hanna , Benfenati Fabio , Distelmaier Felix , Fassio Anna , Guerrini Renzo
Published: October 2019

Esposito et al. identify biallelic loss-of-function mutations in DMXL2, encoding a v-ATPase regulatory protein, in three sibling pairs exhibiting Ohtahara syndrome with a progressive course. Patient-derived fibroblasts and Dmxl2-silenced mouse hippocampal neurons show defective lysosomal function and autophagy, resulting in the latter in impaired neuronal development and synapse formation.
Pneumococcal Urinary Antigen Testing in United States Hospitals: A Missed Opportunity for Antimicrobial Stewardship
Authors: Schimmel Jennifer J , Haessler Sarah , Imrey Peter , Lindenauer Peter K , Richter Sandra S , Yu Pei-Chun , Rothberg Michael B
Published: October 2019

Background

The Infectious Diseases Society of America recommends pneumococcal urinary antigen testing (UAT) when identifying pneumococcal infection would allow for antibiotic de-escalation. However, the frequencies of UAT and subsequent antibiotic de-escalation are unknown.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of adult patients admitted with community-acquired or healthcare-associated pneumonia to 170 US hospitals in the Premier database from 2010 to 2015, to describe variation in UAT use, associations of UAT results with antibiotic de-escalation, and associations of de-escalation with outcomes.

Results

Among 159 894 eligible admissions, 24 757 (15.5%) included UAT performed (18.4% of intensive care unit [ICU] and 15.3% of non-ICU patients). Among hospitals with ≥100 eligible patients, UAT proportions ranged from 0% to 69%. Compared to patients with negative UAT, 7.2% with positive UAT more often had a positive Streptococcus pneumoniae culture (25.4% vs 1.9%, P < .001) and less often had resistant bacteria (5.2% vs 6.8%, P < .05). Of patients initially treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics, most were still receiving broad-spectrum therapy 3 days later, but UAT-positive patients more often had coverage narrowed (38.4% vs 17.0% UAT-negative and 14.6% untested patients, P < .001). Hospital rate of UAT was strongly correlated with de-escalation following a positive test. Only 3 patients de-escalated after a positive UAT result were subsequently admitted to ICU.

Conclusions

UAT is not ordered routinely in pneumonia, even in ICU. A positive UAT result was associated with less frequent resistant organisms, but usually did not lead to antibiotic de-escalation. Increasing UAT and narrowing therapy after a positive UAT result are opportunities for improved antimicrobial stewardship.
A market for trading software issues
Authors: Rao Malvika , Link Georg J P , Marti Don , Leak Andy , Bodo Rich
Published: October 2019

The security of software is becoming increasingly important. Open source software forms much of our digital infrastructure. It, however, contains vulnerabilities which have been exploited, attracted public attention, and caused large financial damages. This article proposes a solution to shortcomings in the current economic situation of open source software development. The main idea is to introduce price signals into the peer production of software. This is achieved through a trading market for futures contracts on the status of software issues. Users, who value secure software, gain the possibility to predict outcomes and incentivize work, strengthening collaboration and information sharing in open source software development. The design of such a trading market is discussed and a prototype introduced. The feasibility of the trading market design is corroborated in a proof-of-concept implementation and simulation. Preliminary results show that the implementation works and can be used for future experiments. Several directions for future research result from this article, which contributes to peer production, software development practices, and incentives design.
Facial growth in patients with isolated cleft palate treated with minimal incision technique compared to a normal population—a cephalometric study at 10 and 16 years of age
Authors: Parikakis Konstantinos , Larson Ola , Karsten Agneta
Published: October 2019

Objective

To evaluate the result of a novel palatoplasty (minimal incision technique) for closure of an isolated cleft palate (ICP) at 10 and 16 years of age, concerning facial growth, compared to a normal population.

Subjects

Treated group: 55 non-syndromic Caucasian children born with an ICP between 1987 and 2001. The children were treated surgically with a one-stage palatoplasty at a mean age of 13 months. Control group: 110 Caucasian children with normal occlusion with no history of clefts or orthodontic intervention.

Method

The treated children (25 boys, 30 girls) were matched (gender and age) with the children in the control group. A retrospective evaluation at 10 (mean 10.5) and 16 (mean 16.0) years of age was performed by analysis of lateral cephalograms. Fifteen variables were evaluated. Ninety-nine per cent confidence intervals were calculated. Two-way factorial ANOVA and mixed-model analysis were performed.

Results

Treated patients compared to the control group showed: at 10 years of age, smaller mandible (P = 0.001) and reduced posterior upper and total face heights (P ≤ 0.001); at 10 and 16 years of age, a retrognathic (P ≤ 0.001), smaller (P ≤ 0.006) and with an increased posterior inclination of the maxilla (P < 0.001), as well as a retrognathic mandible (P ≤ 0.006).

Conclusion

The craniofacial morphology at 10 and 16 years of age in patients born with an ICP and treated with the minimal incision technique differs compared to the morphology of a normal control group born without a cleft. Retrognathic maxillas and a smaller and posteriorly inclined maxilla were found in the treated group.
Therapeutic Delivery of Ang(1–7) via Genetically Modified Probiotic: A Dosing Study
Authors: Carter Christy S , Morgan Drake , Verma Amrisha , Lobaton Gilberto , Aquino Victor , Sumners Elaine , Raizada Mohan , Li Qiuhong , Buford Thomas W
Published: October 2019

In recent years a number of beneficial health effects have been ascribed to the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) that extend beyond lowering blood pressure, primarily mediated via the angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2)/angiotensin (1–7) or Ang(1–7)/MAS receptor axis. Moreover, once thought as merely a systemic effector, RAS components exist within tissues. The highest tissue concentrations of ACE2 mRNA are located in the gut making it an important target for altering RAS function. Indeed, genetically engineered recombinant probiotics are promising treatment strategies offering delivery of therapeutic proteins with precision. An Ang(1–7) secreting Lactobacillus paracasei (LP) or LP-A has been described for regulation of diabetes and hypertension; however, we are the first to the best of our knowledge to propose this paradigm as it relates to aging. In this Research Practice manuscript, we provide proof of concept for using this technology in a well-characterized rodent model of aging: the Fisher344 x Brown Norway Rat (F344BN). Our primary findings suggest that LP-A increases circulating levels of Ang(1–7) both acutely and chronically (after 8 or 28 treatment days) when administered 3× or 7×/week over 4 weeks. Our future preclinical studies will explore the impact of this treatment on gut and other age-sensitive distal tissues such as brain and muscle.
The variability of SMCHD1 gene in FSHD patients: evidence of new mutations
Authors: Strafella Claudia , Caputo Valerio , Galota Rosaria Maria , Campoli Giulia , Bax Cristina , Colantoni Luca , Minozzi Giulietta , Orsini Chiara , Politano Luisa , Tasca Giorgio , Novelli Giuseppe , Ricci Enzo , Giardina Emiliano , Cascella Raffaella
Published: October 2019

In this study, we investigated the sequence of (Structural Maintenance of Chromosomes flexible Hinge Domain containing 1) SMCHD1 gene in a cohort of clinically defined FSHD (facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy) patients in order to assess the distribution of SMCHD1 variants, considering the D4Z4 fragment size in terms of repeated units (RUs; short fragment: 1–7 RU, borderline: 8-10RU and normal fragment: >11RU). The analysis of SMCHD1 revealed the presence of 82 variants scattered throughout the introns, exons and 3’untranslated region (3′UTR) of the gene. Among them, 64 were classified as benign polymorphisms and 6 as VUS (variants of uncertain significance). Interestingly, seven pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants were identified in patients carrying a borderline or normal D4Z4 fragment size, namely c.182_183dupGT (p.Q62Vfs*48), c.2129dupC (p.A711Cfs*11), c.3469G>T (p.G1157*), c.5150_5151delAA (p.K1717Rfs*16) and c.1131+2_1131+5delTAAG, c.3010A>T (p.K1004*), c.853G>C (p.G285R). All of them were predicted to disrupt the structure and conformation of SMCHD1, resulting in the loss of GHKL-ATPase and SMC hinge essential domains. These results are consistent with the FSHD symptomatology and the Clinical Severity Score (CSS) of patients. In addition, five variants (c.*1376A>C, rs7238459; c.*1579G>A, rs559994; c.*1397A>G, rs150573037; c.*1631C>T, rs193227855; c.*1889G>C, rs149259359) were identified in the 3′UTR region of SMCHD1, suggesting a possible miRNA-dependent regulatory effect on FSHD-related pathways. The present study highlights the clinical utility of next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms for the molecular diagnosis of FSHD and the importance of integrating molecular findings and clinical data in order to improve the accuracy of genotype–phenotype correlations.
Excursions of Generic Geodesics in Right-Angled Artin Groups and Graph Products
Authors: Qing Yulan , Tiozzo Giulio
Published: October 2019

Motivated by the notion of cusp excursion in geometrically finite hyperbolic manifolds, we define a notion of excursion in any subgroup of a given group and study its asymptotic distribution for right-angled Artin groups (RAAGs) and graph products. In particular, for any irreducible RAAG we show that with respect to the counting measure, the maximal excursion of a generic geodesic in any flat tends to $\log n$, where $n$ is the length of the geodesic. In this regard, irreducible RAAGs behave like a free product of groups. In fact, we show that the asymptotic distribution of excursions detects the growth rate of the RAAG and whether it is reducible.
Predictive Modeling for Personalized Three-Dimensional Burn Injury Assessments
Authors: Desbois Adrien , Beguet Florian , Leclerc Yannick , González Hernández Angel Eduardo , Gervais Sylvie , Perreault Isabelle , de Guise Jacques A
Published: October 2019

For patients with major burn injuries, an accurate burn size estimation is essential to plan appropriate treatment and minimize medical and surgical complications. However, current clinical methods for burn size estimation lack accuracy and reliability. To overcome these limitations, this paper proposes a 3D-based approach—with personalized 3D models from a limited set of anthropometric measurements—to accurately assess the percent TBSA affected by burns. First, a reliability and feasibility study of the anthropometric measuring process was performed to identify clinically relevant measurements. Second, a large representative stratified random sample was generated to output several anthropometric features required for predictive modeling. Machine-learning algorithms assessed the importance and the subsets of anthropometric measurements for predicting the BSA according to specific patient morphological features. Then, the accuracy of both the morphology and BSA of 3D models built from a limited set of measurements was evaluated using error metrics and maximum distances 3D color maps. Results highlighted the height and circumferences of the bust, neck, hips, and waist as the best predictors for BSA. 3D models built from three to four anthropometric measurements showed good accuracy and were geometrically close to gold standard 3D scans. Outcomes of this study aim to decrease medical and surgical complications by decreasing errors in percent TBSA assessments and, therefore, improving patient outcomes by personalizing care.
Enzymes contributing to the hydrogen peroxide signal dynamics that regulate wall labyrinth formation in transfer cells
Authors: Xia Xue , Zhang Hui-Ming , Offler Christina E , Patrick John W
Published: October 2019

Transfer cells are characterized by an amplified plasma membrane area supported on a wall labyrinth composed of a uniform wall layer (UWL) from which wall ingrowth (WI) papillae arise. Adaxial epidermal cells of developing Vicia faba cotyledons, when placed in culture, undergo a rapid (hours) trans-differentiation to a functional epidermal transfer cell (ETC) phenotype. The trans-differentiation event is controlled by a signalling cascade comprising auxin, ethylene, apoplasmic reactive oxygen species (apoROS), and cytosolic Ca2+. Apoplasmic hydrogen peroxide (apoH2O2) was confirmed as the apoROS regulating UWL and WI papillae formation. Informed by an ETC-specific transcriptome, a pharmacological approach identified a temporally changing cohort of H2O2 biosynthetic enzymes. The cohort contained a respiratory burst oxidase homologue, polyamine oxidase, copper amine oxidase, and a suite of class III peroxidases. Collectively these generated two consecutive bursts in apoH2O2 production. Spatial organization of biosynthetic/catabolic enzymes was deduced from responses to pharmacologically blocking their activities on the cellular and subcellular distribution of apoH2O2. The findings were consistent with catalase activity constraining the apoH2O2 signal to the outer periclinal wall of the ETCs. Strategic positioning of class III peroxidases in this outer domain shaped subcellular apoH2O2 signatures that differed during assembly of the UWL and WI papillae.
Alphabet usage pattern, word lengths, and sparsity in seven Indo-European languages
Authors: Rajput Nikhil Kumar , Ahuja Bhavya , Riyal Manoj Kumar
Published: October 2019

An empirical study on about 1.7 million dictionary words from seven languages viz. English, French, Dutch, Spanish, Italian, Hindi, and German has been conducted. Three intriguing characteristic features have been analyzed. First, the alphabet usage pattern in a language was determined which can be used to give an idea on how alphabets have been employed. For instance, the alphabet ‘e’ is highly used in English, while ‘q’ is least used. Second, the average and range of word lengths in the languages were computed and seen to vary from 1 to 37. Average word lengths were computed in the range (6.665–11.14). For comparison, word lengths have been fitted using Gaussian distribution. Third, a new measure was derived; which we termed ‘Language Sparsity’; computed as one minus ratio of number of words of a particular length already existing to the total number of possible words that can be formed. Sparsity hence gives a measure of the scope of fruition in languages. Two such measures have been defined: a weighted and a nonweighted sparsity. Nonweighted sparsity was found to be minimum (0.877) for English and maximum (0.982) for Dutch. The results obtained can play a significant role in propagating the synergy of language evolution.
Conceptual Engineering, Metasemantic Externalism and Speaker-Meaning
Authors: Pinder Mark
Published: October 2019

What is the relationship between conceptual engineering and metasemantic externalism? Sally Haslanger has argued that metasemantic externalism justifies the seemingly counterintuitive consequences of her proposed conceptual revisions. But according to Herman Cappelen, metasemantic externalism makes conceptual engineering effectively impossible in practice. After raising objections to Haslanger’s and Cappelen’s views, I argue for a very different picture, on which metasemantic externalism bears very little on conceptual engineering. I argue that, while metasemantic externalism principally operates at the level of semantic-meaning, we should understand conceptual engineering to operate largely at the level of speaker-meaning. This ‘Speaker-Meaning Picture’ has two key benefits. Firstly, it makes conceptual engineering often easy in practice. Secondly, it suggests a new, normative response to the well known objection that conceptual engineering serves only to change the subject.
The MUSE Ultra Deep Field (MUDF). II. Survey design and the gaseous properties of galaxy groups at 0.5 < z < 1.5
Authors: Fossati M , Fumagalli M , Lofthouse E K , D’Odorico V , Lusso E , Cantalupo S , Cooke R J , Cristiani S , Haardt F , Morris S L , Peroux C , Prichard L J , Rafelski M , Smail I , Theuns T
Published: October 2019

We present the goals, design, and first results of the MUSE Ultra Deep Field (MUDF) survey, a large programme using the Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE) instrument at the ESO Very Large Telescope. The MUDF survey is collecting ≈150 h on-source of integral field optical spectroscopy in a 1.5 × 1.2 arcmin2 region which hosts several astrophysical structures along the line of sight, including two bright z ≈ 3.2 quasars with close separation (≈500 kpc). Following the description of the data reduction procedures, we present the analysis of the galaxy environment and gaseous properties of seven groups detected at redshifts 0.5 < z < 1.5, spanning a large dynamic range in halo mass, $\log (M_h/\rm {M_\odot }) \approx 11 - 13.5$. For four of the groups, we find associated Mg ii absorbers tracing cool gas in high-resolution spectroscopy of the two quasars, including one case of correlated absorption in both sightlines at distance ≈480 kpc. The absorption strength associated with the groups is higher than what has been reported for more isolated galaxies of comparable mass and impact parameters. We do not find evidence for widespread cool gas giving rise to strong absorption within these groups. Combining these results with the distribution of neutral and ionized gas seen in emission in lower redshift groups, we conclude that gravitational interactions in the group environment strip gas from the galaxy haloes into the intragroup medium, boosting the cross-section of cool gas and leading to the high fraction of strong Mg ii absorbers that we detect.