bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photographic validation of target versus nontarget take of brown treesnake baits
Authors: Siers Shane R. , Shiels Aaron B. , Payne Cynthia G. , Chlarson Francine M. , Clark Craig S. , Mosher Stephen M.
Published: November 2019

Use of toxic baits or other tools for managing nuisance species must ensure that the species of interest is adequately targeted while exposure to nontarget species is minimized. Nontarget takes of acetaminophen‐laced baits for control of invasive brown treesnakes (Boiga irregularis) on Guam may put those animals at risk of lethal intoxication and render the bait unavailable to the intended target species. We used wildlife cameras to identify species removing toxic and nontoxic baits from brown treesnake bait stations designed to exclude nontarget taxa in 2015 and 2016. Throughout various sites and habitat types, and balanced by season (wet vs. dry), we monitored 512 bait stations. From those, 140 of the baits were taken and the species taking the bait was successfully identified. Brown treesnakes took 124 (88.6%) of the baits, 13 (9.3%) were taken by small coconut crabs (Birgus latro), and 3 (2.1%) were taken by monitor lizards (Varanus indicus). The greatest incidence of nontarget bait takes was by small coconut crabs at 2 adjacent sites atop the same cliff line during a single season; 96.9% of bait takes at all other sites were by brown treesnakes. Bait takes by brown treesnakes were particularly infrequent (2.3%) at sites associated with endangered swiftlet (Aerodramus bartschi) caves where intensive snake control was employed. Although the majority of baits in bait stations are taken by brown treesnakes, local and temporal pulses in nontarget species activity, particularly by crabs, may bias results, which would not be accounted for without supplemental validation by cameras. © 2019 The Authors. Wildlife Society Bulletin published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of The Wildlife Society. Published 2019. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Evaluating a mustard extraction technique for sampling earthworms
Authors: Starking Melissa D. , Roloff Gary J.
Published: November 2019

We examined efficacy of a mustard extraction technique for quantifying earthworm occupancy and density using a mesocosm experiment. In May 2017, we placed 12 earthworms from 2 ecological groups (6 surface dwelling [epigeic] and 6 deep dwelling [anecic]) into mesocosms (0.144 m2 surface area) constructed from soils typically found in northern hardwood forests of Michigan, USA. We evaluated 2 soil depths (15 and 30 cm) and a soil moisture gradient (dry to wet). We found occupancy of epigeic earthworms was accurately portrayed 92% of the time through leaf searches, and subsequent mustard phase did not improve accuracy. For anecic earthworms, we found that occupancy was accurately portrayed 50% of the time through leaf searches and mustard phase increased accuracy to 92%. We found that mustard extraction produced 0–83% (median = 50%) of epigeic earthworms available for capture, with most recovered through leaf searches (median = 42%). We found that mustard extraction produced 0–67% (median = 33%) of anecic earthworms available for capture, with most (median = 20%) recovered during the mustard phase. Our results lend support for using mustard extraction as a technique for quantifying occupancy of epigeic and anecic earthworms, but caution that density estimates are likely low. © 2019 The Wildlife Society.
A PhotoClick cholesterol‐based quantitative proteomics screen for cytoplasmic sterol‐binding proteins in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Chauhan Neha , Sere Yves Y. , Sokol Anna M. , Graumann Johannes , Menon Anant K.
Published: November 2019

Ergosterol is a prominent component of the yeast plasma membrane and essential for yeast cell viability. It is synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum and transported to the plasma membrane by nonvesicular mechanisms requiring carrier proteins. Oxysterol‐binding protein homologues and yeast StARkin proteins have been proposed to function as sterol carriers. Although many of these proteins are capable of transporting sterols between synthetic lipid vesicles in vitro, they are not essential for ergosterol transport in cells, indicating that they may be functionally redundant with each other or with additional—as yet unidentified—sterol carriers. To address this point, we hypothesized that sterol transport proteins are also sterol‐binding proteins (SBPs), and used an in vitro chemoproteomic strategy to identify all cytosolic SBPs. We generated a cytosol fraction enriched in SBPs and captured the proteins with a photoreactive clickable cholesterol analogue. Quantitative proteomics of the captured proteins identified 342 putative SBPs. Analysis of these identified proteins based on their annotated function, reported drug phenotypes, interactions with proteins regulating lipid metabolism, gene ontology, and presence of mammalian orthologues revealed a subset of 62 characterized and nine uncharacterized candidates. Five of the uncharacterized proteins play a role in maintaining plasma membrane integrity as their absence affects the ability of cells to grow in the presence of nystatin or myriocin. We anticipate that the dataset reported here will be a comprehensive resource for functional analysis of sterol‐binding/transport proteins and provide insights into novel aspects of non‐vesicular sterol trafficking.
Bioinformatic characterization of the extracellular lipases from Kluyveromyces marxianus
Authors: Martínez‐Corona Ricardo , Vázquez Marrufo Gerardo , Cortés Penagos Carlos , Madrigal‐Pérez Luis Alberto , González‐Hernández Juan Carlos
Published: November 2019

Lipases are hydrolytic enzymes that break the ester bonds of triglycerides, generating free fatty acids and glycerol. Extracellular lipase activity has been reported for the nonconventional yeast Kluyveromyces marxianus, grown in olive oil as a substrate, and the presence of at least eight putative lipases has been detected in its genome. However, to date, there is no experimental evidence on the physiological role of the putative lipases nor their structural and catalytic properties. In this study, a bioinformatic analysis of the genes of the putative lipases from K. marxianus L‐2029 was performed, particularly identifying and characterizing the extracellular expected enzymes, due to their biotechnological relevance. The amino acid sequence of 10 putative lipases, obtained by in silico translation, ranged between 389 and 773 amino acids. Two of the analysed putative proteins showed a signal peptide, 25 and 33 amino acids long for KmYJR107Wp and KmLIP3p, and a molecular weight of 44.53 and 58.23 kDa, respectively. The amino acid alignment of KmLIP3p and KmYJR107Wp with the crystallized lipases from a patatin and the YlLip2 lipase from Yarrowia lipolytica, respectively, revealed the presence of the hydrolase characteristic motifs. From the 3D models of putative extracellular K. marxianus L‐2029 lipases, the conserved pentapeptide of each was determined, being GTSMG for KmLIP3p and GHSLG for KmYJR107Wp; besides, the genes of these two enzymes (LIP3 and YJR107W) are apparently regulated by oleate response elements. The phylogenetic analysis of all K. marxianus lipases revealed evolutionary affinities with lipases from abH15.03, abH23.01, and abH23.02 families.
New $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 2 SuperBMS3 algebra and invariant dual theory for 3D supergravity
Authors: Banerjee Nabamita , Bhattacharjee Arindam , Neetu  , Neogi Turmoli
Published: November 2019

Abstract

We have constructed a two dimensional theory dual to 3D asymptotically flat Supergravity in presence of two supercharges with(out) internal R-symmetry. The duals in both the cases are identified with chiral Wess-Zumino-Witten models. Further gauging the theories, we show that the dual of the one without R-symmetry is invariant under the well known $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 SuperBMS3 introduced in Banerjee et al. arXiv:1609.09210, while for the one with R-symmetry, the dual is invariant under the most generic, so far unknown, quantum $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 SuperBMS3 symmetry. We have also commented on the phase space description of the duals.
One-loop quantum gravity from the N particle 4 spinning
Authors: Bastianelli Fiorenzo , Bonezzi Roberto , Corradini Olindo , Latini Emanuele
Published: November 2019

Abstract

We construct a spinning particle that reproduces the propagation of the graviton on those curved backgrounds which solve the Einstein equations, with or without cosmological constant, i.e. Einstein manifolds. It is obtained by modifying the $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 supersymmetric spinning particle by relaxing the gauging of the full SO(4) R-symmetry group to a parabolic subgroup, and selecting suitable Chern-Simons couplings on the worldline. We test it by computing the correct one-loop divergencies of quantum gravity in D = 4.
The evolution of trauma care in the Netherlands over 20 years
Authors: Hietbrink Falco , Houwert Roderick M. , van Wessem Karlijn J. P. , Simmermacher Rogier K. J. , Govaert Geertje A. M. , de Jong Mirjam B. , de Bruin Ivar G. J. , de Graaf Johan , Leenen Loek P. H.
Published: November 2019

Introduction

In 1999 an inclusive trauma system was initiated in the Netherlands and a nationwide trauma registry, including all admitted trauma patients to every hospital, was started. The Dutch trauma system is run by trauma surgeons who treat both the truncal (visceral) and extremity injuries (fractures).

Materials and Methods

In this comprehensive review based on previous published studies, data over the past 20 years from the central region of the Netherlands (Utrecht) was evaluated.

Results

It is demonstrated that the initiation of the trauma systems and the governance by the trauma surgeons led to a region-wide mortality reduction of 50% and a mortality reduction for the most severely injured of 75% in the level 1 trauma centre. Furthermore, major improvements were found in terms of efficiency, demonstrating the quality of the current system and its constructs such as the type of surgeon. Due to the major reduction in mortality over the past few years, the emphasis of trauma care evaluation shifts towards functional outcome of severely injured patients. For the upcoming years, centralisation of severely injured patients should also aim at the balance between skills in primary resuscitation and surgical stabilization versus longitudinal surgical involvement.

Conclusion

Further centralisation to a limited number of level 1 trauma centres in the Netherlands is necessary to consolidate experience and knowledge for the trauma surgeon. The future trauma surgeon, as specialist for injured patients, should be able to provide the vast majority of trauma care in this system. For the remaining part, intramural, regional and national collaboration is essential
Simultaneous detection and quantification of DNA and protein biomarkers in spectrum of cardiovascular diseases in a microfluidic microbead chip
Authors: Dinter Franziska , Burdukiewicz Michał , Schierack Peter , Lehmann Werner , Nestler Jörg , Dame Gregory , Rödiger Stefan
Published: November 2019

The rapid and simultaneous detection of DNA and protein biomarkers is necessary to detect the outbreak of a disease or to monitor a disease. For example, cardiovascular diseases are a major cause of adult mortality worldwide. We have developed a rapidly adaptable platform to assess biomarkers using a microfluidic technology. Our model mimics autoantibodies against three proteins, C-reactive protein (CRP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Cell-free mitochondrial DNA (cfmDNA) and DNA controls are detected via fluorescence probes. The biomarkers are covalently bound on the surface of size- (11–15 μm) and dual-color encoded microbeads and immobilized as planar layer in a microfluidic chip flow cell. Binding events of target molecules were analyzed by fluorescence measurements with a fully automatized fluorescence microscope (end-point and real-time) developed in house. The model system was optimized for buffers and immobilization strategies of the microbeads to enable the simultaneous detection of protein and DNA biomarkers. All prime target molecules (anti-CRP, anti-BNP, anti-LDL, cfmDNA) and the controls were successfully detected both in independent reactions and simultaneously. In addition, the biomarkers could also be detected in spiked human serum in a similar way as in the optimized buffer system. The detection limit specified by the manufacturer is reduced by at least a factor of five for each biomarker as a result of the antibody detection and kinetic experiments indicate that nearly 50 % of the fluorescence intensity is achieved within 7 min. For rapid data inspection, we have developed the open source software digilogger, which can be applied for data evaluation and visualization.
Simultaneous determination of perfluoroalkyl substances and bile acids in human serum using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Salihović Samira , Dickens Alex M. , Schoultz Ida , Fart Frida , Sinisalu Lisanna , Lindeman Tuomas , Halfvarson Jonas , Orešič Matej , Hyötyläinen Tuulia
Published: November 2019

There is evidence of a positive association between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and cholesterol levels in human plasma, which may be due to common reabsorption of PFASs and bile acids (BAs) in the gut. Here we report development and validation of a method that allows simultaneous, quantitative determination of PFASs and BAs in plasma, using 150 μL or 20 μL of sample. The method involves protein precipitation using 96-well plates. The instrumental analysis was performed with ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS), using reverse-phase chromatography, with the ion source operated in negative electrospray mode. The mass spectrometry analysis was carried out using multiple reaction monitoring mode. The method proved to be sensitive, robust, and with sufficient linear range to allow reliable determination of both PFASs and BAs. The method detection limits were between 0.01 and 0.06 ng mL−1 for PFASs and between 0.002 and 0.152 ng mL−1 for BAs, with the exception of glycochenodeoxycholic acid (0.56 ng mL−1). The PFAS measured showed excellent agreement with certified plasma PFAS concentrations in NIST SRM 1957 reference serum. The method was tested on serum samples from 20 healthy individuals. In this proof-of-concept study, we identified significant associations between plasma PFAS and BA levels, which suggests that PFAS may alter the synthesis and/or uptake of BAs.
Fewer tumour draining sentinel nodes in patients with progressing muscle invasive bladder cancer, after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radical cystectomy
Authors: Alvaeus Julia , Rosenblatt Robert , Johansson Markus , Alamdari Farhood , Jakubczyk Tomasz , Holmström Benny , Hemdan Tammer , Huge Ylva , Aljabery Firas , Gabrielsson Susanne , Riklund Katrine , Winqvist Ola , Sherif Amir
Published: November 2019

Purpose

To examine the relationship between the number of tumour draining sentinel nodes (SNs) and pathoanatomical outcomes, in muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), in patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and radical cystectomy (RC).

Materials and Methods

In an ongoing prospective multicenter study, we included 230 patients with suspected urothelial MIBC from ten Swedish urological centers. All underwent TURb and clinical staging. From the cohort, 116 patients with urothelial MIBC; cT2-cT4aN0M0, underwent radical cystectomy (RC) and lymphadenectomy with SN-detection (SNd). 83 patients received cisplatin-based NAC and 33 were NAC-naïve. The number and locations of detected SNs and non-SNs were recorded for each patient. The NAC treated patients were categorized by pathoanatomical outcomes post-RC into three groups: complete responders (CR), stable disease (SD) and progressive disease (PD). Selected covariates with possible impact on SN-yield were tested in uni -and multivariate analyses for NAC-treated patients only.

Results

In NAC treated patients, the mean number of SNs was significantly higher in CR patients (3.3) and SD patients (3.6) compared with PD patients (1.4) (p = 0.034). In a linear multivariate regression model, the number of harvested nodes was the only independent variable that affected the number of SNs (p = 0.0004).

Conclusions

The number of tumor-draining SNs in NAC-treated patients was significantly lower in patients with progressive disease.
Laboratory investigations on the resonant feature of ‘dead water’ phenomenon
Authors: Medjdoub Karim , Jánosi Imre M. , Vincze Miklós
Published: November 2019

Interfacial internal wave excitation in the wake of towed ships is studied experimentally in a quasi-two-layer fluid. At a critical ‘resonant’ towing velocity, whose value depends on the structure of the vertical density profile, the amplitude of the internal wave train following the ship reaches a maximum, in unison with the development of a drag force acting on the vessel, known in the maritime literature as ‘dead water’. The amplitudes and wavelengths of the emerging internal waves are evaluated for various ship speeds, ship lengths and stratification profiles. The results are compared to linear two- and three-layer theories of freely propagating waves and lee waves. We find that despite the fact that the observed internal waves can have considerable amplitudes, linear theories can still provide a surprisingly adequate description of subcritical-to-supercritical transition and the associated amplification of internal waves. We argue that the latter can be interpreted as a coalescence of frequencies of two fundamental stable wave motions, namely lee waves and propagating interfacial wave modes.

Graphic abstract
Contribution of SST change to multidecadal global and continental surface air temperature trends between 1910 and 2013
Authors: Xu Yidan , Li Jianping , Sun Cheng , Lin Xiaopei , Liu Hailong , Wang Lanning , Liang Yishuang , Wang Qiuyun , Zhang Yazhou , Hou Zhaolu , Wang Fuchang
Published: November 2019

The global mean surface air temperature (GMST) shows multidecadal variability over the period of 1910–2013, with an increasing trend. This study quantifies the contribution of hemispheric surface air temperature (SAT) variations and individual ocean sea surface temperature (SST) changes to the GMST multidecadal variability for 1910–2013. At the hemispheric scale, both the Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) observations and the Community Earth System Model (CESM) Community Atmosphere Model 5.3 (CAM5.3) simulation indicate that the Northern Hemisphere (NH) favors the GMST multidecadal trend during periods of accelerated warming (1910–1945, 1975–1998) and cooling (1940–1975, 2001–2013), whereas the Southern Hemisphere (SH) slows the intensity of both warming and cooling processes. The contribution of the NH SAT variation to the GMST multidecadal trend is higher than that of the SH. We conduct six experiments with different ocean SST forcing, and find that all the oceans make positive contributions to the GMST multidecadal trend during rapid warming periods. However, only the Indian, North Atlantic, and western Pacific oceans make positive contributions to the GMST multidecadal trend between 1940 and 1975, whereas only the tropical Pacific and the North Pacific SSTs contribute to the GMST multidecadal trend between 2001 and 2013. The North Atlantic and western Pacific oceans have important impacts on modulating the GMST multidecadal trend across the entire 20th century. Each ocean makes different contributions to the SAT multidecadal trend of different continents during different periods.
Early mobilization versus plaster immobilization of simple elbow dislocations: a cost analysis of the FuncSiE multicenter randomized clinical trial
Authors:   FuncSiE Trial Investigators, Van Lieshout Esther M. M. , Iordens Gijs I. T. , Polinder Suzanne , Eygendaal Denise , Verhofstad Michael H. J. , Schep Niels W. L. , Den Hartog Dennis
Published: November 2019

Introduction

The primary aim was to assess and compare the total costs (direct health care costs and indirect costs due to loss of production) after early mobilization versus plaster immobilization in patients with a simple elbow dislocation. It was hypothesized that early mobilization would not lead to higher direct and indirect costs.

Materials and methods

This study used data of a multicenter randomized clinical trial (FuncSiE trial). From August 25, 2009 until September 18, 2012, 100 adult patients with a simple elbow dislocation were recruited and randomized to early mobilization (immediate motion exercises; n = 48) or 3 weeks plaster immobilization (n = 52). Patients completed questionnaires on health-related quality of life [EuroQoL-5D (EQ-5D) and Short Form-36 (SF-36 PCS and SF-36 MCS)], health care use, and work absence. Follow-up was 1 year. Primary outcome were the total costs at 1 year. Analysis was by intention to treat.

Results

There were no significant differences in EQ-5D, SF-36 PCS, and SF-36 MCS between the two groups. Mean total costs per patient were €3624 in the early mobilization group versus €7072 in the plaster group (p = 0.094). Shorter work absenteeism in the early mobilization group (10 versus 18 days; p = 0.027) did not lead to significantly lower costs for loss of productivity (€1719 in the early mobilization group versus €4589; p = 0.120).

Conclusion

From a clinical and a socio-economic point of view, early mobilization should be the treatment of choice for a simple elbow dislocation. Plaster immobilization has inferior results at almost double the cost.
Investigation of the electrochemical behaviour of lead dioxide in aqueous sulfuric acid solutions by using the in situ EQCM technique
Authors: Broda Balázs , Inzelt György
Published: November 2019

The charge-discharge characteristics and the aging mechanism of PbO2 layers in contact with sulfuric acid solutions of different concentrations (1.5–5.0 M) were studied by using combined cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) techniques. For this purpose, thick lead dioxide layers were electrodeposited on gold substrate from aqueous solutions of Pb(NO3)2 dissolved in nitric acid. Based on the electrochemical and the mass change responses, it was found that in more concentrated solutions of H2SO4, the main reduction reaction was the transformation of lead dioxide to lead sulfate. However, in less concentrated sulfuric acid media, the transformation of lead dioxide to lead(II) ion became the main reaction. These Pb2+ ions transformed into lead sulfate crystals later by a chemical reaction. Because the electrochemical oxidation of lead sulfate is less favourable in sulfuric acid medium of higher concentrations, thus, PbO2 layers cannot be tested by continuous cyclization, which is necessary to study their aging parameters. Therefore, a delay step before each cyclic voltammogram was applied while the non-conductive lead sulfate dissolves or alternatively, by applying a pre-oxidation step prior to each cyclic voltammetry experiment to produce electrochemically significant amount of lead dioxide which can be reduced during the following negative potential sweep.
Comparing rates of atrioesophageal fistula with contact force-sensing and non-contact force-sensing catheters: analysis of post-market safety surveillance data
Authors: Calkins Hugh , Natale Andrea , Gomez Tara , Etlin Alex , Bishara Moe
Published: November 2019

Purpose

There is limited data on the specific incidence of serious adverse events, such as atrioesophageal fistula (AEF), associated with either contact force (CF) or non-CF ablation catheters. Since the actual number of procedures performed with each type of catheter is unknown, making direct comparisons is difficult. The purpose of this study was to assess the incidence of AEF associated with the use of CF and non-CF catheters. Additionally, we aimed to understand the workflow present in confirmed AEF cases voluntarily provided by physicians.

Methods

The number of AEFs for 2014–2017 associated with each type of catheter was extracted from an ablation device manufacturer’s complaint database. Proprietary device sales data, a proxy for the total number of procedures, were used as the denominator to calculate the incidence rates. Additional survey and workflow data were systematically reviewed.

Results

Both CF and non-CF ablation catheters have comparably low incidence of AEF (0.006 ± 0.003% and 0.005 ± 0.003%, respectively,p= 0.69). CF catheters are the catheter of choice for left atrium (LA) procedures which pose the greatest risk for AEF injury. Retrospective analysis of seven AEF cases demonstrated that high power and force and long RF duration were delivered on the posterior wall of the left atrium in all cases.

Conclusions

CF and non-CF ablation catheters were found to have similar AEF incidence, despite CF catheters being the catheter of choice for LA procedures. More investigation is needed to understand the range of parameters which may create risk for AEF.
Reactive Element Effects in High-Temperature Alloys Disentangled
Authors: Babic Vedad , Geers Christine , Panas Itai
Published: November 2019

Reactive elements—REs—are decisive for the longevity of high-temperature alloys. This work joins several previous efforts to disentangle various RE effects in order to explain apparently contradicting experimental observations in alumina forming alloys. At 800–1000 °C, “messy” aluminum oxy-hydroxy-hydride transients initially formed due to oxidation by H2O which in turn undergo secondary oxidation by O2. The formation of the transient oxide becomes supported by dispersed RE oxide particles acting as water equivalents. At higher temperatures, electron conductivity in impurity states owing to oxygen vacancies in grain boundaries (GBs) becomes increasingly relevant. These channels are subsequently closed by REs pinning the said vacancies. The universality of the emerging understanding is supported by a comparative first-principles study by means of density functional theory addressing RE(III): Sc2O3, Y2O3, and La2O3, and RE(IV): TiO2, ZrO2, and HfO2, that upon reaction with water, co-decorate a generic GB model by hydroxide and RE ions. At 100% RE coverage, the GB model becomes relevant at both temperature regimes. Based on reaction enthalpy ΔHr considerations, “messy” aluminum oxy-hydroxy-hydride transients are accessed in both classes. Larger variations in ΔHr are found for RE(III)-decorated alumina GBs as compared to RE(IV). For RE(III), correlation with GB width is found, increasing with increased ionic radius. Similarly, upon varying RE(IV), minor changes in stability correlate with minor structural variations. GB decorations by Ce(III) and Ce(IV) further consolidate the emerging understanding. The findings are used to discuss experimental observations that include impact of co-doping by RE(III) and RE(IV).
Analytic Practical Theory of Education and German Critical Pädagogik: Comparing Their Critical Dimension
Authors: Wei Flora Liuying
Published: November 2019

Two critical theories—both contemporaneous and complementary—in Western philosophy of education spanning the 1960s to the 1980s will first be explicated, and then their significant intellectual values will be discussed on the basis of such a comparative account. These two critical models arethe practical theory of educationin the Anglophone world (typically in the UK) andthe critical theory of educationin the Continental Germany. I will introduce them—namely, analytic practical educational theory and German critical pädagogik—one after another, by focusing on their complementary differences, involving characteristic rationalities, typical forms of criticism, corresponding ways of exercising criticalities, and frames of reference regarding the sources of their criticalities. Based on such distinctions and contrasts, I will in the final section argue for their inherent value of coexistence, their practical value in illustrating the unique construction of academic educational studies which has respectively developed in the Anglo-American world and in the Continental world. As an additional point about their epistemic value to understand educational knowledge and scholarship accumulated in the West, I will further argue that these two philosophical–critical theories of education in parallel constitute peak academic experiences. This is mainly because they are compelling evidence, demonstrating how differently yet legitimately the two camps of Western educational scholarships deal with the same issue of criticality in contrasting yet complementary ways.
Predicting Resistivity and Permeability of Porous Media Using Minkowski Functionals
Authors: Slotte Per Arne , Berg Carl Fredrik , Khanamiri Hamid Hosseinzade
Published: November 2019

Permeability and formation factor are important properties of a porous medium that only depend on pore space geometry, and it has been proposed that these transport properties may be predicted in terms of a set of geometric measures known as Minkowski functionals. The well-known Kozeny–Carman and Archie equations depend on porosity and surface area, which are closely related to two of these measures. The possibility of generalizations including the remaining Minkowski functionals is investigated in this paper. To this end, two-dimensional computer-generated pore spaces covering a wide range of Minkowski functional value combinations are generated. In general, due to Hadwiger’s theorem, any correlation based on any additive measurements cannot be expected to have more predictive power than those based on the Minkowski functionals. We conclude that the permeability and formation factor are not uniquely determined by the Minkowski functionals. Good correlations in terms of appropriately evaluated Minkowski functionals, where microporosity and surface roughness are ignored, can, however, be found. For a large class of random systems, these correlations predict permeability and formation factor with an accuracy of 40% and 20%, respectively.
Psychological Treatment of Depression in Primary Care: Recent Developments
Authors: Cuijpers Pim , Quero Soledad , Dowrick Christopher , Arroll Bruce
Published: November 2019

Purpose of Review

We give an overview of recent developments on psychological treatments of depression in primary care.

Recent Findings

In recent years, it has become clear that psychotherapies can effectively be delivered through e-health applications. Furthermore, several studies in low and middle income countries have shown that lay health counselors can effectively deliver psychological therapies. Behavioral activation, a relatively simple form of therapy, has been found to be as effective as cognitive behavior therapy. Treatment of subthreshold depression has been found to not only reduce depressive symptoms but also prevent the onset of major depression. In addition, therapies are effective in older adults, patients with general medical disorders and in perinatal depression.

Psychological therapies are effective in the treatment of depression in primary care, have longer lasting effects than drugs, are preferred by the majority of patients, and can be applied flexibly with different formats and across different target groups.
Advances in Pluripotent Stem Cells: History, Mechanisms, Technologies, and Applications
Authors: Liu Gele , David Brian T. , Trawczynski Matthew , Fessler Richard G.
Published: November 2019

Over the past 20 years, and particularly in the last decade, significant developmental milestones have driven basic, translational, and clinical advances in the field of stem cell and regenerative medicine. In this article, we provide a systemic overview of the major recent discoveries in this exciting and rapidly developing field. We begin by discussing experimental advances in the generation and differentiation of pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), next moving to the maintenance of stem cells in different culture types, and finishing with a discussion of three-dimensional (3D) cell technology and future stem cell applications. Specifically, we highlight the following crucial domains: 1) sources of pluripotent cells; 2) next-generationin vivodirect reprogramming technology;3) cell types derived from PSCs and the influence of genetic memory; 4) induction of pluripotency with genomic modifications; 5) construction of vectors with reprogramming factor combinations; 6) enhancing pluripotency with small molecules and genetic signaling pathways; 7) induction of cell reprogramming by RNA signaling; 8) induction and enhancement of pluripotency with chemicals; 9) maintenance of pluripotency and genomic stability in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs); 10) feeder-free and xenon-free culture environments; 11) biomaterial applications in stem cell biology; 12) three-dimensional (3D) cell technology; 13) 3D bioprinting; 14) downstream stem cell applications; and 15) current ethical issues in stem cell and regenerative medicine. This review, encompassing the fundamental concepts of regenerative medicine, is intended to provide a comprehensive portrait of important progress in stem cell research and development. Innovative technologies and real-world applications are emphasized for readers interested in the exciting, promising, and challenging field of stem cells and those seeking guidance in planning future research direction.
Modeling of fiber bridging in fluid flow for well stimulation applications
Authors: Ghommem Mehdi , Abbad Mustapha , Aidagulov Gallyam , Dyer Steve , Brady Dominic
Published: November 2019

Accurate acid placement constitutes a major concern in matrix stimulation because the acid tends to penetrate the zones of least resistance while leaving the low-permeability regions of the formation untreated. Degradable materials (fibers and solid particles) have recently shown a good capability as fluid diversion to overcome the issues related to matrix stimulation. Despite the success achieved in the recent acid stimulation jobs stemming from the use of some products that rely on fiber flocculation as the main diverting mechanism, it was observed that the volume of the base fluid and the loading of the particles are not optimized. The current industry lacks a scientific design guideline because the used methodology is based on experience or empirical studies in a particular area with a particular product. It is important then to understand the fundamentals of how acid diversion works in carbonates with different diverting mechanisms and diverters. Mathematical modeling and computer simulations are effective tools to develop this understanding and are efficiently applied to new product development, new applications of existing products or usage optimization. In this work, we develop a numerical model to study fiber dynamics in fluid flow. We employ a discrete element method in which the fibers are represented by multi-rigid-body systems of interconnected spheres. The discrete fiber model is coupled with a fluid flow solver to account for the inherent simultaneous interactions. The focus of the study is on the tendency for fibers to flocculate and bridge when interacting with suspending fluids and encountering restrictions that can be representative of fractures or wormholes in carbonates. The trends of the dynamic fiber behavior under various operating conditions including fiber loading, flow rate and fluid viscosity obtained from the numerical model show consistency with experimental observations. The present numerical investigation reveals that the bridging capability of the fiber–fluid system can be enhanced by increasing the fiber loading, selecting fibers with higher stiffness, reducing the injection flow rate, reducing the suspending fluid viscosity or increasing the attractive cohesive forces among fibers by using sticky fibers.
Updates in Genetic Testing Guidelines for Breast Cancer Susceptibility Genes: a Change in the Paradigm
Authors: Gonzalez Lorena , Kruper Laura
Published: November 2019

Purpose of Review

Up to 10% of all breast cancers are associated with inherited germline mutations. Genetic testing guidelines for hereditary breast cancer susceptibility have changed significantly since their inception in the late 1990s. The purpose of this review is to discuss the changes in technology that have improved our ability to efficiently detect germline mutations, introduce the recent paradigm change towards population-based testing currently supported by the American Society of Breast Surgeons, and highlight the challenges that expansion of testing parameters presents.

Recent Findings

Next-generation sequencing with multi-gene panels has replaced the traditional Sanger method of genetic testing and has quickly become the standard of care for germline mutation analysis. Benefits of this technology include increased efficiency and cost reduction. While National Comprehensive Cancer Network and US Preventive Task Force guidelines maintain family history as the basis for testing in both unaffected and affected women, new evidence supports testing of all newly diagnosed breast cancer patients and thereby cascade testing to increase rate of mutation detection prior to the diagnosis of breast cancer. Furthermore, recent studies of population-based testing in high-risk groups suggest that population-based screening in the general population is feasible and cost effective.

Recent developments in technology and germline mutation testing studies support the expansion of genetic testing criteria for hereditary breast cancer. Consensus guidelines are starting to reflect these changes at a national level. The next great challenge will be determining the effectiveness of population-based testing for all women in an effort to increase breast cancer prevention for all.
Transnational Resort: a Transformative Investment in the Global Knowledge Economy
Authors: Ayala Hana
Published: November 2019

The global ascent of the knowledge economy has opened an unprecedented opportunity to value the earth’s evolutionary and ecological fabric as a transnational reservoir of latent scientific knowledge that could define this emerging economy as profoundly as oil has shaped the industrial economy. It has also uniquely positioned the international resort enterprise to bring science into the heart of a business model in which quality and prestige grow along with investments in geographically unrestrained scientific discoveries and which delivers formidable legacy dividends in its defiance of monopoly over the funded research. The article expands on these original assertions, the accomplishments they ignited, and the academic credentials that fortify them, with an emphasis on the business model’s capacity to build novel economic foundations for global conservation and to empower basic science at the most challenging scale above national jurisdictions where it merits designation as common heritage of mankind. It discloses how the resort sites’ label as premier real estate wastes many of these sites’ worth as crossroads of wonder-packed connections among variously distant ecosystems, geological formations, and other pillars of the earth’s architecture. It translates this disclosure into a blueprint, for new-generation resorts, of the power to align a private enterprise system with appreciation of knowledge as a precursor of future knowledge and, in the process, to chart a transformative course for the global knowledge economy. An island portfolio in the Gulf of Panama and the Hawaiian island of Lanai are profiled in their distinctive potentials to emblematize the rewards.
Analysis of the complete genome sequence of Brevibacterium frigoritolerans ZB201705 isolated from drought- and salt-stressed rhizosphere soil of maize
Authors: Zhang Chun , Li Xianglong , Yin Longfei , Liu Cai , Zou Huawen , Wu Zhongyi , Zhang Zhongbao
Published: November 2019

Purpose

To analyze the complete genome sequence of the Brevibacterium frigoritolerans ZB201705, a Brevibacterium strain was isolated from the maize rhizosphere in drought- and salt-stressed soil, and the activity of the strain under simulated drought and high salt conditions was assessed.

Methods

We used a combination of the PacBio RS and Illumina sequencing platforms to obtain the complete genome sequence of B. frigoritolerans ZB201705.

Results

The genome consists of 5,475,560 bp in a linear chromosome with no gaps, 4,391 protein-coding sequences, 39 ribosomal RNAs, and 81 transfer RNAs. The genome analysis revealed many putative gene clusters involved in defense mechanisms. In addition, an activity analysis of the strain under high-salt and simulated drought conditions helped clarify its potential tolerance to these abiotic stresses.

Conclusions

Our data revealed the complete genome sequence of the new isolated strain, and showed that it produces many proteins involved in drought and salt stress responses, suggesting that B. frigoritolerans ZB201705 may be a potential factor to increase crop yield under abiotic stresses. The information provided here on the genome of B. frigoritolerans ZB201705 provides valuable insight into rhizobacteria-mediated plant salt and drought tolerance and rhizobacteria-based solutions for agriculture under abiotic stress.
A systematic review of biodiversity and demographic change: A misinterpreted relationship?
Authors: Mehring Marion , Mehlhaus Nicolai , Ott Edward , Hummel Diana
Published: November 2019

Demographic change is supposed to be the most important indirect driver for changing biodiversity. In this article, a systematic review of 148 studies was conducted to examine the scientific evidence for this relationship and to identify potential gaps in research. We explored the spatial distribution of studies, the categories addressed with respect to biodiversity and demographic change, and the ways in which their relationships were conceptualised (spatially and temporally) and valued. The majority of studies were carried out in Africa, Europe and North America. Our analysis confirms the trend that demographic phenomena were mostly found to negatively influence biodiversity. However, a considerable number of studies also point towards impacts that were context dependent, either positive or negative under certain circumstances. In addition to that we identified significant gaps in research. In particular, there is a lack of addressing (1) other demographic aspects such as population decline, age structure or gender differences, (2) spatial variability of, e.g. human population growth, (3) long-term effects of demographic processes, and (4) the context dependency (e.g. regulations/law enforcement, type of human activities, and choice of scale or proxy). We conclude there is evidence that the relationship between biodiversity and demographic change is much more complex than expected and so far represented in research. Thus, we call for a social–ecological biodiversity research that particularly focusses on the functional relation between biodiversity and human activities, namely the different types, context, and interdependent dynamics (spatial and temporal) of this complex relation.
Bead by bead study of a multipass shielded metal arc-welded super-duplex stainless steel
Authors: A Hosseini Vahid , Hurtig Kjell , Karlsson Leif
Published: November 2019

The present study aims at investigating bead geometry and the evolution of microstructure with thermal cycles in multipass shielded metal arc welding of a V-groove 13-mm type-2507 super-duplex stainless steel (SDSS) plate. The weld consisted of 4 beads produced with arc energies of 0.81–1.06 kJ/mm. The upper beads showed lower base metal (BM) dilution than the first bead. Thermal cycles were recorded with thermocouples, indicating that the cooling rate decreased in the as-deposited weld zone when adding a new bead. Ferrite fraction in the as-welded condition was lower for the upper beads. The austenite grain morphology in reheated passes varied depending on the local peak temperatures and the number of reheating passes. Sigma phase precipitated in a location reheated by the third and fourth passes that was subjected to a critical peak temperature for sigma precipitation. Ferrite content, measured using image analysis and Fisher FERITSCOPE technique, showed that the ferrite fraction moved toward 50/50% in the weld metal with an increasing number of reheating cycles. Finally, a schematic map showing an overview of the microstructure in the multipass SDSS weld was introduced.
Beyond Social Acceptability: Applying Lessons from CCS Social Science to Support Deployment of BECCS
Authors: Gough Clair , Mander Sarah
Published: November 2019

Purpose of Review

This paper assesses social science research relating to BECCS and considers the applicability of research on CCS to BECCS.

Recent Findings

In recent years, social science research on CCS and BECCS has gone beyond an evaluation of public acceptance to provide a more nuanced analysis of the wider social political, ethical, and governance contexts in which large-scale deployment might be achieved. This raises issues at global, local, and regional scales, requiring a wide array of methods and approaches.

Awareness of the scale and urgency needed to act on climate change is growing and the role of BECCS in delivering carbon dioxide removal forms a central argument for the use of this family of technologies. Here, framing becomes a critical factor in how society responds to BECCS technologies and we argue that making the case for BECCS as a means of extending mitigation to make a ‘net zero’ goal achievable could be the key to its acceptable and sustainable deployment.
A class of particulate problems suited to FDEM requiring accurate simulation of shape effects in packed granular structures
Authors: Latham John-Paul , Xiang J. , Farsi A. , Joulin C. , Karantzoulis N.
Published: November 2019

In many granular material simulation applications, DEM capability is focused on the dynamic solid particulate flow properties and on systems in which millions of particles are involved. The time of relevance is many seconds or even minutes of real time. Simplifying assumptions are made to achieve run completion in practical timescales. There are certain applications, typically involving manufactured particles, where a representative pack is of the order of a thousand particles. More accurate capturing of the influence of complex shape is then often possible. Higher accuracies are necessary to model the topology of the void space, for example, for further CFD simulation and optimisation of fluid flow properties. Alternatively, the accuracy may be critical for structural performance and the force or stress transmission through the contact points is to be controlled to avoid material damage and poor function. This paper briefly summarises methods for simulation of shape effects on packing structures in the granular community and narrows the scope to problems where shape effects are of overriding concern. Two applications of mono-sized, mono-shaped packing problems are highlighted: catalyst support pellets in gas reforming and concrete armour units in breakwater structures. The clear advantages of FDEM for complex-shaped particle interactions in packed systems with relatively few particles are discussed. A class of particulate problems, ‘FDEM-suited’ problems, ones that are ideal to be solved by FDEM rather than by DEM, is proposed for science and engineering use.
The moral case for sign language education
Authors: Bowman-Smart Hilary , Gyngell Christopher , Morgan Angela , Savulescu Julian
Published: November 2019

Here, a moral case is presented as to why sign languages such as Auslan should be made compulsory in general school curricula. Firstly, there are significant benefits that accrue to individuals from learning sign language. Secondly, sign language education is a matter of justice; the normalisation of sign language education and use would particularly benefit marginalised groups, such as those living with a communication disability. Finally, the integration of sign languages into the curricula would enable the flourishing of Deaf culture and go some way to resolving the tensions that have arisen from the promotion of oralist education facilitated by technologies such as cochlear implants. There are important reasons to further pursue policy proposals regarding the prioritisation of sign language in school curricula.