bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal cycling performances of multilayered yttria‐stabilized zirconia/gadolinium zirconate thermal barrier coatings
Authors: Zhou Dapeng , Mack Daniel Emil , Bakan Emine , Mauer Georg , Sebold Doris , Guillon Olivier , Vaßen Robert
Published: October 2019

Gadolinium zirconate (Gd2Zr2O7, GZO) as an advanced thermal barrier coating (TBC) material, has lower thermal conductivity, better phase stability, sintering resistance, and calcium‐magnesium‐alumino‐silicates (CMAS) attack resistance than yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ, 6‐8 wt%) at temperatures above 1200°C. However, the drawbacks of GZO, such as the low fracture toughness and the formation of deleterious interphases with thermally grown alumina have to be considered for the application as TBC. Using atmospheric plasma spraying (APS) and suspension plasma spraying (SPS), double‐layered YSZ/GZO TBCs, and triple‐layered YSZ/GZO TBCs were manufactured. In thermal cycling tests, both multilayered TBCs showed a significant longer lifetime than conventional single‐layered APS YSZ TBCs. The failure mechanism of TBCs in thermal cycling test was investigated. In addition, the CMAS attack resistance of both TBCs was also investigated in a modified burner rig facility. The triple‐layered TBCs had an extremely long lifetime under CMAS attack. The failure mechanism of TBCs under CMAS attack and the CMAS infiltration mechanism were investigated and discussed.
The effect of audit market structure on audit quality and audit pricing in the private‐client market
Authors: van Raak Jeroen , Peek Erik , Meuwissen Roger , Schelleman Caren
Published: October 2019

This study examines whether audit market structure affects audit quality and audit pricing. We analyze two conceptually distinct dimensions of market structure: audit market concentration and client mobility. Focusing on the private‐client segment of the Belgian audit market, we compare the pricing and quality effects of market structure between the segment of small and medium‐sized (SME) clients and the segment of large clients to test how audit complexity moderates such effects. We find that market concentration impairs price and quality competition in the SME‐client segment. Market concentration is unrelated to audit quality in the large‐client segment, where we argue that concentration is endogenous to audit complexity. Furthermore, we find that client mobility stimulates price competition in both segments but improves audit quality only in the large‐client segment. We interpret our findings as evidence that (a) audit market concentration impairs competition especially when audits have low complexity and that (b) the large‐client market segment, characterized by higher audit complexity and higher market concentration, can also be price and quality competitive if clients are sufficiently mobile, and change auditors relatively frequently.
Weekly adalimumab treatment decreased disease flare in hidradenitis suppurativa over 36 weeks: integrated results from the phase 3 PIONEER trials
Authors: van der Zee H.H. , Longcore M. , Geng Z. , Garg A.
Published: October 2019

Background

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic skin disease characterized by inflammatory lesions that flare unpredictably. The impact of weekly adalimumab (ADAew) on HS flare is not well‐characterized.

Objective

To evaluate the impact of disease flare on health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) in moderate‐to‐severe HS patients and to determine the effect of ADAew on disease flare using integrated data from two phase 3 trials over 36 weeks.

Methods

In period A (12 weeks), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score change from baseline was compared in patients who flared and those who did not, regardless of treatment. The proportion of patients experiencing flare, duration of flare and time to flare was evaluated for ADAew vs. placebo (PBO). In period B (24 weeks), proportion of patients experiencing flare who received continuous ADAew treatment through 36 weeks was assessed.

Results

HRQOL was markedly improved among those who did not experience flare. In period A, the proportion of patients who experienced flare was significantly lower with ADAew vs. PBO (12.3% vs. 35.3%, P < 0.001). ADAew patients also had longer time to first flare (101 days vs. 57 days; P < 0.001) and shorter flare duration (18.9 days vs. 32.0 days, respectively; P = 0.001) vs. PBO. Through 36 weeks of treatment, 20.2% of ADAew patients flared, and for those who achieved at least a partial clinical response to ADAew at 12 weeks, only 5.7% flared.

Conclusions

Flare reduction is an important measure in HS that correlates with clinically meaningful improvement in HRQOL. ADAew reduces HS flare through 12 and subsequent 36 weeks of treatment.
Transparency improves concealment in cryptically coloured moths
Authors: Arias Mónica , Elias Marianne , Andraud Christine , Berthier Serge , Gomez Doris
Published: October 2019

Predation is a ubiquitous and strong selective pressure on living organisms. Transparency is a predation defence widespread in water but rare on land. Some Lepidoptera display transparent patches combined with already cryptic opaque patches. A recent study showed that transparency reduced detectability of aposematic prey with conspicuous patches. However, whether transparency has any effect at reducing detectability of already cryptic prey is still unknown. We conducted field predation experiments with free avian predators where we monitored and compared survival of a fully opaque grey artificial form (cryptic), a form including transparent windows and a wingless artificial butterfly body. Survival of the transparent forms was similar to that of wingless bodies and higher than that of fully opaque forms, suggesting a reduction of detectability conferred by transparency. This is the first evidence that transparency decreases detectability in cryptic terrestrial prey. Future studies should explore the organization of transparent and opaque patches in animals and their interplay on survival, as well as the costs and other potential benefits associated with transparency on land.
The first evidence of intrinsic epidermal bioluminescence within ray‐finned fishes in the linebelly swallower Pseudoscopelus sagamianus (Chiasmodontidae)
Authors: Ghedotti Michael J. , Smith W. Leo , Davis Matthew P.
Published: October 2019

External and histological examination of the photophores of the linebelly swallower Pseudoscopelus sagamianus reveal three epidermal layers of cells that form the light‐producing and light‐transmitting components of the photophores. Photophores among the examined photophore tracts are not significantly different in structure but the presence of mucous cells in the superficial layers of the photophore suggest continued function of the epidermal photophore in contributing to the mucous coat. This is the first evidence of intrinsic bioluminescence in primarily epidermal photophores reported in ray‐finned fishes.
Effects of the prone position and kangaroo care on gastric residual volume, vital signs and comfort in preterm infants
Authors: Özdel Deniz , Sarı Hatice Yıldırım
Published: October 2019

Aim

Prone and kangaroo care positioning of preterm infants during intragastric tube feeding were compared with regard to post prandial gastric residual volume, vital signs and infant comfort.

Methods

The study sample included 30 28‐36‐birth‐week old preterm infants who were hospitalized at the neonatal intensive care unit. Infants were fed in two positions: prone and kangaroo care. All the infants were placed in the prone position after feeding. Vital signs and comfort scores were recorded 30 min after feeding, and the gastric residual volume was measured 3 h after feeding.

Results

After 3 h of feeding, the heart rate was lower in the kangaroo care position than in the prone position. After 30 min and 3 h of feeding, the mean comfort scores and the mean distress scores were lower in the kangaroo care position than in the prone position. It was also determined that there was no significant difference between the kangaroo care position and prone position regarding their effects on the residual volume measured 3 h after feeding.

Conclusions

The infants fed in the kangaroo care position have a lower heart rate, better comfort levels and less distress after feeding. These positive effects ensure that preterm infants experience less stress and consume less energy. What is currently known? It has been determined that kangaroo care reduces the pain response and heart rate of the newborn, increases the duration of sleep, reduces the length of stay in the hospital, facilitates breastfeeding, reduces the risk of hypothermia, decreases the mother's anxiety level by initiating the relationship between the mother and infant, and improves the infant's growth and development. What does this article add? While there were no differences between prone and kangaroo positions during feeding with regard to gastric residual volumes, we found that the heart rate, comfort scores and distress scores were lower in the kangaroo care position than in the prone position.
Competency model for public health nurses working on tobacco control in local governments in Japan: A qualitative study
Authors: Michibayashi Chikako , Omote Shizuko , Nakamura Masakazu , Okamoto Rie , Nakada Akie I.
Published: October 2019

Aim

In Japan, public health nurses play a major role in tobacco control at the local government level. However, the competencies required are not clear. This study aimed to identify competencies of public health nurses working on local tobacco control in Japan.

Methods

Twelve expert public health nurses from nine local governments in Japan participated in semi‐structured interviews using the Behavioral Event Interview. Data analysis used the Iceberg Model and qualitative descriptive methods.

Results

The competencies of the public health nurses were driven by three “motives”: strong motivation to pioneer and change tobacco control; unwavering determination to remove barriers to tobacco control; and strong drive to achieve tobacco control. Public health nurses also showed three “attitudes”: a partnership‐oriented stance to delivering tobacco control; enthusiasm for evidence‐based goals; and commitment to developing expertise and roles. These underpinned eight “skills”: advocating to raise awareness of the need for tobacco control; positioning tobacco control as a policy issue based on regional and social situations; creating an organizational system for tobacco control; pioneering opportunities for intervention and delivering effective and locally appropriate activities; evaluating and improving the quality of tobacco control measures; developing and establishing community‐based measures for tobacco‐free communities; expanding activities by strategically collaborating with stakeholders; and coordinating and negotiating to avoid conflicts.

Conclusions

Public health nurses who promote tobacco control share characteristics, despite barriers such as resistance inside and outside the organization. In the future, these could be used as indicators of the competency of public health nurses working on local tobacco control.
Exploring the Link between Mindfulness and Relationship Quality: Direct and Indirect Pathways
Authors: McGill Julianne , Adler‐Baeder Francesca
Published: October 2019

This study serves to advance the empirical research on predictors of relationship quality by considering the role of trait mindfulness in combination with measures of stress and positive relationship behaviors among a diverse sample of men and women in couple relationships. Multi‐group structural equation models tested both direct links and indirect pathways and found stronger evidence for an additive model of trait mindfulness, perceived stress, and positive couple behaviors uniquely associated with men's and women's reports of relationship quality. Furthermore, positive relationship behaviors are comparatively the most closely linked with relationship quality for both men and women in our sample. As more clinicians are incorporating mindfulness training with clients, these types of explorations can serve to inform practices on relative value of intervention strategies and possible pathways for enhancing couple relationship quality.
Re‐evaluation ofAmphidiniopsis(Dinophyceae) Morphogroups Based On Phylogenetic Relationships, and Description of Three New Sand‐dwelling Species From the NW Mediterranean
Authors: Reñé Albert , Satta Cecilia Teodora , López‐García Purificación , Hoppenrath Mona
Published: October 2019

Amphidiniopsisis a diverse genus of thecate heterotrophic dinoflagellates within the benthic, sand‐dwelling species, with more than 20 currently described. Although molecular information about members of this genus is still scarce, morphological heterogeneity suggests the genus is paraphyletic. We investigated the diversity ofAmphidiniopsis species in theNWMediterranean Sea by morphological and molecular approaches, which led to the description of three new species,A. bullasp. nov.,A. erinaceasp. nov., andA. selenesp. nov. Phylogenetic reconstructions based onSSUandLSU rDNAsequences obtained from individual cells and the observed morphological characters confirm, as previously suggested, the paraphyly of the genus and the existence of at least four phylogenetic subgroups, instead of the three main subgroups defined to date. We also morphologically characterizedHerdmania litoralis, suggesting the existence of more than one species belonging to this monotypic genus.Herdmaniais a sister taxon toAmphidiniopsis, both morphologically and phylogenetically, and given the paraphyly of the latter, it should be considered a member of the newly termedAmphidiniopsisgenus complex. The finding of the three new species highlights that the Mediterranean harbors distinctive, sand‐dwelling dinoflagellates and needs further investigations of its unexplored diversity.
Thoracic and cardiovascular surgery patients: Intensive care unit experiences
Authors: Edeer Aylin Durmaz , Bilik Özlem , Kankaya Eda A.
Published: October 2019

Background

Intensive care units are stressful places where patients experience physical and psychological discomfort. Understanding the experience of these patients regarding nursing care is very important.

Aims and objectives

To determine the intensive care experiences of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery patients and the factors that affect them.

Design

The research consists of two phases: quantitative and qualitative.

Methods

This was a descriptive and cross‐sectional study. Its research sample comprised 100 patients who spent at least one night in an intensive care unit after thoracic or cardiovascular surgery. The Intensive Care Experiences Scale (ICES) and the Numeric Rating Scale were used. Two open‐ended questions were asked to the patients to understand what they felt when they were attached to mechanical ventilation and to describe their intensive care experiences.

Results

The ICES mean score was 66.35 ± 6.88. Significant negative relationships were found between length of stay and severity of pain and ICES total scores. A significant difference was found between scale scores and being understood by health care professionals when attached to mechanical ventilation. The patients stated that, when they were attached to mechanical ventilation and during their stay in the intensive care unit, they experienced feelings of helplessness, uncertainty, and fear. They also experienced physical discomfort and reported no longer fearing death.

Conclusion

It was determined that patients partially positively perceived their experiences. It was found that they focused on coming out of surgery alive. The physical discomfort and negative emotions reported can be reduced or relieved by competent care.

Relevance to clinical practice

The intensive care experiences and emotions of intensive care patients are important. Physical discomfort and negative emotions can be mitigated or alleviated by competent nursing care.
Cost‐effectiveness analysis of (Nursery) School Absenteeism Surveillance System
Authors: Kurita Junko , Sugawara Tamie , Matsumoto Kayo , Ohkusa Yasushi
Published: October 2019

Background

Our earlier report reported that the (Nursery) School Absenteeism Surveillance System ((N)SASSy) can decrease numbers of patients. This study evaluates (N)SASSy’s cost‐effectiveness.

Methods

A social perspective is taken for economic evaluation. For simplicity, 8,000 yen is assumed for direct medical costs. We assume the home health care duration to be 6 days, with 30 000 yen as the indirect opportunity cost of family nursing. Benefit‐cost ratios are used as indicators of cost‐effectiveness.

Results

By multiplying the disease burden per patient by the reduced number of patients, the (N)SASSy effect was estimated as 206.9 billion yen, with 95% confidence interval of [67.3,346.6] billion yen. The total cost attributable to (N)SASSy throughout Japan is expected to be 2.63 billion yen. The benefit‐cost ratio is expected to be approximately 60.

Conclusions

The estimated benefit‐cost ratio is much higher than that for the routine immunization of children.
Examining the Influence of Representative Bureaucracy in Public and Private Prisons
Authors: Johnston Jocelyn M. , Holt Stephen B.
Published: October 2019

Representative bureaucracy theory suggests that demographic representation among street‐level bureaucrats will improve outcomes for minority citizens receiving a given public service. Scholars of representation in public bureaucracies argue that the effect of bureaucrats' demographic profile on outcomes for minority citizens becomes particularly salient in contexts where bureaucrats exercise relatively high amounts of discretion. Empirical evidence has documented this relationship in education, policing, and a variety of public programs. We extend this literature to the context of prisons, where street‐level corrections staff exercise considerable discretion over inmates’ daily lives. Using prison violence and disciplinary actions to proxy for the potential effects of a representative staff on the experiences of prison inmates, we find that prisons with greater representation have fewer assaults and exercise fewer disciplinary actions. We offer evidence that the positive effects of demographic representation may not hold in privately managed prisons. We speculate that differential organizational socialization and managerial incentives may help to explain this result.
Generalized solitary waves in the gravity‐capillary Whitham equation
Authors: Johnson Mathew A. , Wright J. Douglas
Published: October 2019

We study the existence of traveling wave solutions to a unidirectional shallow water model, which incorporates the full linear dispersion relation for both gravitational and capillary restoring forces. Using functional analytic techniques, we show that for small surface tension (corresponding to Bond numbers between 0 and 1/3) there exists small amplitude solitary waves that decay to asymptotically small periodic waves at spatial infinity. The size of the oscillations in the far field are shown to be small beyond all algebraic orders in the amplitude of the wave.
Restoration of recent thymic emigrant CD4+ T cells is associated with sustained adherence to antiretroviral treatment in HIV‐infected children
Authors: Barboni Graciela , Balbaryski Jeanette , Urioste Alejandra , Candi Marcela , Laucella Susana , Gaddi Eduardo
Published: October 2019

To evaluate the levels of recent thymic emigrant (RTE) CD4+ T cells in HIV‐infected children and to explore the associations among their frequency, antiretroviral treatment (ART) adherence, and CD4+ T cell restoration. The group evaluated comprised 85 HIV‐infected patients classified as subjects with moderate or severe immunosuppression or as those with no evidence of immunosuppression. To evaluate the association between the frequency of RTE CD4+ T cells and ART adherence, 23 of the 85 patients were evaluated at two different time points during a one‐year follow‐up period. Children with severe immunosuppression had lower frequencies of RTE CD4+ T cells compared with children without evidence of immunosuppression (P < .001). The frequency of RTE CD4+ T cells in children with a high rate of adherence was significantly higher (P < .05) than that observed among those with suboptimal adherence. The latter group presented with infectious intercurrences on admission that decreased after initiation of treatment along with improved CD4+ and RTE naïve CD4+ T cells counts. The adequate ART adherence is essential for immune reconstitution, which might be reflected by the levels of RTE CD4+ T cells.
IL‐17 stimulates the expression of CCL2 in cardiac myocytes via Act1/TRAF6/p38MAPK‐dependent AP‐1 activation
Authors: Du Shiyou , Li Zhuolun , Xie Xin , Xu Congfeng , Shen Xinhe , Wang Nan , Shen Yan
Published: October 2019

IL‐17 participates in the development of many autoimmune diseases by promoting the expression of some chemokines. Chemokine C‐C motif ligand 2 (CCL2) is an important factor at the infiltration of mononuclear cells in the myocardial tissue of viral myocarditis (VMC). It was found that IL‐17 could aggravate myocardial injury by upregulating CCL2. But the underlying mechanism involved in CCL2 secretion induced by IL‐17 in cardiac myocytes remains unclear. This study investigated the role of transcription factor AP‐1 in IL‐17 induced CCL2 expression. The results showed that IL‐17 mediated the activation of Act1, TRAF6, p38MAPK and c‐Jun/AP‐1 not Wnt or PI3K signalling pathway to upregulate CCL2 expression in cardiac myocytes. After blocking Act1/TRAF6/p38MAPK cascade and interfering AP‐1 with Curcumin or c‐Jun siRNA, CCL2 expression induced by IL‐17 was significantly attenuated at both mRNA and protein levels. Furthermore, the phosphorylation of c‐Jun was suppressed when cardiac myocytes were treated with Act1 siRNA, TRAF6 siRNA, SB203580 (p38MAPK inhibitor) or SP600125 (JNK inhibitor) in cardiac myocytes. In conclusion, IL‐17 could stimulate the expression of CCL2 in cardiac myocytes via Act1/TRAF6/p38MAPK‐dependent AP‐1 activation, which may provide a new target for the diagnosis and treatment of VMC.
Change‐point detection in a linear model by adaptive fused quantile method
Authors: Ciuperca Gabriela , Maciak Matúš
Published: October 2019

A novel approach to quantile estimation in multivariate linear regression models with change‐points is proposed: the change‐point detection and the model estimation are both performed automatically, by adopting either the quantile‐fused penalty or the adaptive version of the quantile‐fused penalty. These two methods combine the idea of the check function used for the quantile estimation and the L1 penalization principle known from the signal processing and, unlike some standard approaches, the presented methods go beyond typical assumptions usually required for the model errors, such as sub‐Gaussian or normal distribution. They can effectively handle heavy‐tailed random error distributions, and, in general, they offer a more complex view on the data as one can obtain any conditional quantile of the target distribution, not just the conditional mean. The consistency of detection is proved and proper convergence rates for the parameter estimates are derived. The empirical performance is investigated via an extensive comparative simulation study and practical utilization is demonstrated using a real data example.
Consistent procedures for multiclass classification of discrete diffusion paths
Authors: Denis Christophe , Dion Charlotte , Martinez Miguel
Published: October 2019

The recent advent of modern technology has generated a large number of datasets which can be frequently modeled as functional data. This paper focuses on the problem of multiclass classification for stochastic diffusion paths. In this context we establish a closed formula for the optimal Bayes rule. We provide new statistical procedures which are built either on the plug‐in principle or on the empirical risk minimization principle. We show the consistency of these procedures under mild conditions. We apply our methodologies to the parametric case and illustrate their accuracy with a simulation study through examples.
Risk Factors for Serious Suicide Attempts with High Medical Severity
Authors: Kim Sunghwan , Choi Kyoung Ho , Lee Kang‐Sook , Kim Dai‐Jin , Hong Seung‐Chul , Lee Hae‐Kook , Kweon Yong‐Sil , Lee Chung Tai , Lee Kyoung‐Uk
Published: October 2019

Objectives

his study investigated the risk factors leading to serious suicide attempts with high medical severity.

Methods

Nine hundred and eighty‐two patients who visited the emergency room after attempting suicide were divided into two groups: suicide attempters with high medical severity (25.3%) and those with low medical severity (74.7%). Demographic variables, clinical characteristics, and factors related to each suicide attempt were compared between the two groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to investigate risk factors for high medical severity in patients’ current suicide attempts.

Results

The results show that suicide attempters with high medical severity had more severe depression and psychological disturbances such as agitation, intense emotions, and self‐reproach. Suicide attempters with high medical severity also had more serious risk factors for suicide such as repetitive/intense/continuous thoughts of suicide, suicidal planning, and a stronger wish to die. School/work problems and physical illnesses were related to high medical severity with more lethal methods. Logistic regression demonstrated that school/work problems, total risk rating, severity of suicidal ideation, and agitation were risks for more serious suicide attempts, whereas more frequent lifetime suicide attempts were a protective factor.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that suicide attempters with high medical severity had more severe psychopathologies and risk factors related to suicidal behavior than those with low medical severity.
Analytic Framework to Determine Proximity in Relationship Coffee Models
Authors: Edelmann Hanna , Quiñones‐Ruiz Xiomara Fernanda , Penker Marianne
Published: October 2019

In conventional food systems, there are often large social and geographical distances between production and consumption. Alternative food networks (AFNs) like relationship coffee models aim to shorten these distances through direct contacts, communication, trust, transparency or commitment to improve farmers’ livelihoods. These relationship coffee models appear in diverse shapes with various implications for producers. Therefore, we deductively develop a framework to conceptualise proximity in four dimensions (organisational, institutional, cognitive and social) with subdimensions and three transversal dimensions ((temporary) geographical proximity, power, and communication). The analytic framework is complemented by an illustrative case to empirically test it, showing high geographical, organisational, institutional and cognitive proximity but low social proximity between coffee producer and restaurant owner. For future research, the framework can help to conceptualise proximity or to distinguish different types of relationship coffee models and to unpack conditions under which relationship coffees can increase proximity between coffee producers and buyers, often located far apart.
Evaluating the long‐term effects of tillage systems on soil structural quality using visual assessment and classical methods
Authors: Çelik İsmail , Günal Hikmet , Acar Mert , Acir Nurullah , Bereket Barut Zeliha , Budak Mesut
Published: October 2019

Current agricultural practices and their impacts on the sustainability of crop production can be evaluated by simple and reliable soil structure assessment tools. The study was conducted to determine the effects of long‐term (2006–2017) tillage systems on structural quality of a clayey soil using the visual evaluation of soil structure (VESS) and classical field and laboratory measurements. A field experiment with seven tillage systems, representing both traditional and conservation tillage methods, was conducted on a clayey soil in the Cukurova region, Turkey. Soil samples from 0–10, 10–20 and 20–25 cm depths were analysed for mean weight diameter (MWD), porosity and organic carbon. Penetration resistance (PR) was determined in each treatment plot. The VESS scores (<2) of upper 0–5 cm indicated a good structural quality for all tillage systems. The VESS scores were positively related to PR and MWD and negatively to macroporosity (MaP) and total porosity. In reduced and no‐till systems, poorer soil structures were observed in subsurface layers where firm platy and angular blocky structures were defined. Mean VESS score (3.29) in 20–25 cm depth where PR was 3.01 MPa under no‐till indicated a deterioration of soil structural quality; thus, immediate physical interventions would be needed. Lower VESS scores and PR values under strategic tillage which was created by ploughing half of no‐till plots in November 2015 indicated successful correction of compaction caused by long‐term no‐till. The results suggest that the VESS approach is sensitive and useful in distinguishing compacted layers within the topsoil.
Plant organellar RNA editing: what 30 years of research has revealed
Authors: Small Ian D. , Schallenberg‐Rüdinger Mareike , Takenaka Mizuki , Mireau Hakim , Ostersetzer‐Biran Oren
Published: October 2019

The central dogma in biology defines the flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein. Accordingly, RNA molecules generally accurately follow the sequences of the genes from which they are transcribed. This rule is transgressed by RNA editing, which creates RNA products that differ from their DNA templates. Analyses of the RNA landscapes of terrestrial plants have indicated that RNA editing (in the form of C‐U base transitions) is highly prevalent within organelles (that is, mitochondria and chloroplasts). Numerous C→U conversions (and in some plants also U→C) alter the coding sequences of many of the organellar transcripts and can also produce translatable mRNAs by creating AUG start sites or eliminating premature stop codons, or affect the RNA structure, influence splicing and alter the stability of RNAs. RNA‐binding proteins are at the heart of post‐transcriptional RNA expression. The C‐to‐U RNA editing process in plant mitochondria involves numerous nuclear‐encoded factors, many of which have been identified as pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) proteins that target editing sites in a sequence‐specific manner. In this review we report on major discoveries on RNA editing in plant organelles, since it was first documented 30 years ago.
Cost-effectiveness of antimicrobial treatment for inpatients with carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae infection: a systematic review of economic evidence
Authors: dos Santos Wendel Mombaque , Aromataris Edoardo , Secoli Silvia Regina , Matuoka Jessica Yumi
Published: October 2019

Objectives:

The objective of this review was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of antimicrobial therapy for patients with carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae infection.

Introduction:

Among the main multi-resistant microorganisms, carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae is responsible for the mortality of 40% of patients following 30 days of infection. Treatment for carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae infection entails the use of high-cost antimicrobials. Inappropriate use of antimicrobials can increase the cost of treatment fourfold. This review aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of antimicrobial therapy treatment for patients with carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae infection to better inform decision making in hospital services.

Inclusion criteria:

The review included studies on participants 18 years or over with carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae infection who had undergone antimicrobial therapy in hospital and acute care services. Studies that compared the cost-effectiveness of different antimicrobial therapy for carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae infection were included. Outcome measures were cost per unit of effect expressed in clinical outcome units; this included cost per avoided death, cost per prevention of sepsis and cost per duration of stay. Economic studies with a cost-effectiveness design were considered, as well as modeling studies.

Methods:

A three-step search strategy was utilized to locate studies published in English, Spanish or Portuguese, with no date restrictions. Two independent reviewers screened titles and abstracts and the full texts of potentially relevant studies for eligibility. Methodological quality was assessed by two independent reviewers using the JBI critical appraisal checklist for economic evaluations. Data were extracted from included studies using the standardized JBI data extraction tool. Data were synthesized using narrative, tables and the JBI Dominance Ranking Matrix.

Results:

This review identified eight studies that evaluated the cost-effectiveness of different treatments for carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae infection. The results of this study demonstrated that there was no gold standard treatment for carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae infection, hence treatment was generally directed by colonization pressure and resistance profiles. Furthermore, due to the moderate quality and limited number of studies, there was high uncertainty of the values of the cost-effectiveness ratio.

Conclusions:

Ofloxacin appears to be the most cost-effective treatment; however, conclusions are limited due to the small number and low quality of studies.
Biphasic effects of methanandamide on murine gastric vagal afferent mechanosensitivity
Authors: Christie Stewart , O'Rielly Rebecca , Li Hui , Wittert Gary A. , Page Amanda J.
Published: October 2019

Key points

The fine control of food intake is important for the maintenance of a healthy metabolic state.

Gastric vagal afferents (GVAs) are involved in the peripheral regulation of food intake via signalling the degree of distension of the stomach which ultimately leads to feelings of fullness and satiety.

This study provides evidence that endocannabinoids such as anandamide are capable of regulating GVA sensitivity in a concentration‐dependent biphasic manner.

This biphasic effect is dependent upon interactions between the CB1, TRPV1 and GHSR receptors.

These data have important implications for the peripheral control of food intake.

Gastric vagal afferents (GVAs) signal to the hindbrain resulting in satiety. Endocannabinoids are endogenous ligands of cannabinoid 1 receptor (CB1) and transient receptor potential vanilloid‐1 (TRPV1) channels. The endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA) is expressed in the stomach, and its receptor CB1 is expressed in ghrelin‐positive gastric mucosal cells. Further, TRPV1, CB1 and growth hormone secretagogue receptor (ghrelin receptor, GHSR) are expressed in subpopulations of GVA neurons. This study aimed to determine the interaction between TRPV1, CB1, GHSR and endocannabinoids in the modulation of GVA signalling. An in vitro electrophysiology preparation was used to assess GVA mechanosensitivity in male C57BL/6 mice. Effects of methanandamide (mAEA; 1–100 nm), on GVA responses to stretch were determined in the absence and presence of antagonists of CB1, TRPV1, GHSR, protein kinase‐A (PKA), protein kinase‐C (PKC) and G‐protein subunits Gαi/o, or Gαq. Low doses (1–10 nm) of mAEA reduced GVA responses to 3 g stretch, whereas high doses (30–100 nm) increased the response. The inhibitory and excitatory effects of mAEA (1–100 nm) were reduced/lost in the presence of a CB1 and TRPV1 antagonist. PKA, Gαi/o or GHSR antagonists prevented the inhibitory effect of mAEA on GVA mechanosensitivity. Conversely, in the presence of a PKC or Gαq antagonist the excitatory effect of mAEA was reduced or lost, respectively. Activation of CB1, by mAEA, can activate or inhibit TRPV1 to increase or decrease GVA responses to stretch, depending on the pathway activated. These interactions could play an important role in the fine control of food intake.
El método del caso en la formación de economistas: elaboración y aplicación
Authors: Gutiérrez-Ponce Herenia , Chamizo-González Julián , Cano-Montero Elisa , Arimany-Serrat Nuria
Published: October 2019

El propósito de esta investigación es comprobar que,mediante el Método del Caso (MdC),los estudiantes de Economía adquieren las competencias definidas en los nuevos planes de estudio para la materia de Análisis de Estados Financieros(AEF). La entidad elegida para elaborar el caso es Abengoa,por ser una compañía internacional que desde 2008 atraviesa problemas financieros importantes.Este caso se ha aplicado a una muestra de 114 estudiantes de tres universidades españolas.Los resultados muestran que el MdC contribuye al desarrollo de las competencias académicas y mejora la formación de los futuros economistas.
Ecosistema Universitario de Ciencia, Tecnología, Innovación y Emprendimiento
Authors: Pedroza-Zapata Álvaro Rafael , Silva-Flores Martha Leticia
Published: October 2019

La sociedad demanda de las universidades, además de la educación, su contribución al sistema de innovación para el desarrollo socioeconómico. Utilizando la lente de la arquitectura emprendedora, que incluye los constructos estructura, sistemas, liderazgo, estrategias y cultura, se presenta una investigación cualitativa realizada a través de un estudio de caso único, en una universidad privada y en el parque tecnológico asociado. Los resultados indican que esa institución se está adaptando a la nueva realidad y realiza acciones para integrar un ecosistema universitario de ciencia y tecnología para la generación de innovación y emprendimiento.
Perceptions of Peer Tutoring at a University in Chile
Authors: Zapata Silvina
Published: October 2019

The purpose of this Action Research study is to explore students' perceptions of their experience in an Academic Support Program[i] (ASP) implemented in a Chilean university to align students' lack of competencies to the minimum required to be able to succeed. Focus groups were held with 21 participants who revealed that the ASP increased their self-confidence and academic achievement. However, students' level of awareness regarding the benefits of the ASP needs to be improved to promote their participation. The findings will generate an action plan to improve students' learning outcomes and well-being.   [i] Academic Support Program
Lake sediments with Azorean tephra reveal ice-free conditions on coastal northwest Spitsbergen during the Last Glacial Maximum
Authors: van der Bilt Willem G. M. , Lane Christine S.
Published: October 2019

Lake sediments reveal that parts of the High Arctic were ice free and vegetated during the culmination of the Last Ice Age.
Red blood cell–derived nanoerythrosome for antigen delivery with enhanced cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Han Xiao , Shen Shufang , Fan Qin , Chen Guojun , Archibong Edikan , Dotti Gianpietro , Liu Zhuang , Gu Zhen , Wang Chao
Published: October 2019

We developed an antigen delivery system based on the nanoerythrocyte vehicle combined with anti–PD-L1 for cancer immunotherapy.
Inference and analysis of population-specific fine-scale recombination maps across 26 diverse human populations
Authors: Spence Jeffrey P. , Song Yun S.
Published: October 2019

Recombination rates vary across the genome and across populations in a way that depends on PRDM9 and chromatin structure.
Resolution metabolomes activated by hypoxic environment
Authors: Norris Paul C. , Libreros Stephania , Serhan Charles N.
Published: October 2019

Physiologic hypoxia activates SPM and novel RvE4 biosynthesis that enhances clearance mechanisms.
Soil microbes drive phylogenetic diversity-productivity relationships in a subtropical forest
Authors: Liang Minxia , Liu Xubing , Parker Ingrid M. , Johnson David , Zheng Yi , Luo Shan , Gilbert Gregory S. , Yu Shixiao
Published: October 2019

Forest communities with more distantly related trees have higher productivity, which is regulated by soil fungal pathogens.
Characterization of orally efficacious influenza drug with high resistance barrier in ferrets and human airway epithelia
Authors: Toots Mart , Yoon Jeong-Joong , Cox Robert M. , Hart Michael , Sticher Zachary M. , Makhsous Negar , Plesker Roland , Barrena Alec H. , Reddy Prabhakar G. , Mitchell Deborah G. , Shean Ryan C. , Bluemling Gregory R. , Kolykhalov Alexander A. , Greninger Alexander L. , Natchus Michael G. , Painter George R. , Plemper Richard K.
Published: October 2019

A next-generation, broad-spectrum, orally efficacious influenza A and B virus inhibitor is associated with a high genetic resistance barrier.
Intratumoral CD8
+
T cells with stem cell–like properties: Implications for cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Held Werner , Siddiqui Imran , Schaeuble Karin , Speiser Daniel E.
Published: October 2019

Intratumoral PD-1
+
TCF1
+
CD8
+
T cells with stem cell–like properties mediate cellular expansion and tumor control in response to immunotherapy.
Rapid Shifts in Bacterial Community Assembly under Static and Dynamic Hydration Conditions in Porous Media
Authors: Kleyer Hannah , Tecon Robin , Or Dani
Published: October 2019

The composition and activity of soil bacteria are central to various ecosystem services and soil biogeochemical cycles. A key factor for soil bacterial activity is soil hydration, which is in a constant state of change due to rainfall, drainage, plant water uptake, and evaporation. These dynamic changes in soil hydration state affect the structure and function of soil bacterial communities in complex ways often unobservable in natural soil. We designed an experimental system that retains the salient features of hydrated soil yet enables systematic evaluation of changes in a representative bacterial community in response to cycles of wetting and drying. The study shows that hydration cycles affect community abundance, yet most changes in composition occur with the less-abundant species (while the successful ones remain dominant). This research offers a new path for an improved understanding of bacterial community assembly in natural environments, including bacterial growth, maintenance, and death, with a special focus on the role of hydrological factors.
Methylome Characterization of Burkholderia pseudomallei Strain 982 at Single-Base Resolution
Authors: Hong Kar-Wai , Tee Kok Keng , Yin Wai-Fong , Roberts Richard J. , Chan Kok-Gan
Published: October 2019

Burkholderia pseudomallei
is the etiological agent of melioidosis, which has been studied by transcriptome and secretome analyses. However, little is known about the methylome of this pathogen. Here, we present the complete genome and methylome of melioidosis-causing
B. pseudomallei
strain 982.
Complete Genome Sequence of Original Material Used To Derive the WHO International Standard for Human Polyomavirus BK DNA
Authors: Jenkins Adrian , Govind Sheila , Morris Clare , Berry Neil
Published: October 2019

The complete genomic sequence was determined for the original biological material used to derive the WHO international standard for BK polyomavirus (BKV) DNA. The entire coding sequence and noncoding regions were assigned BKV subtype 1, subgroup 1b-1. This information will aid development and evaluation of human BKV DNA amplification assays.
The Ailao Shan–Red River shear zone revisited: Timing and tectonic implications
Authors: Liu Junlai , Chen Xiaoyu , Tang Yuan , Song Zhijie , Wang Wei
Published: October 2019

Continental strike-slip shear zones that may bear important information about the evolution of convergent tectonics often occur to accommodate plate convergence. When and how shearing along the shear zones responds to plate interactions, however, are often debated. In this study, we investigated the Oligocene–Miocene leucocratic dikes from the Ailao Shan–Red River shear zone, which was active during India-Eurasia plate convergence, to constrain the timing and mechanism of ductile shearing along the shear zone. The dikes are structurally grouped into pre-, syn-, and postkinematic types with respect to ductile shearing. Prekinematic dikes from ca. 41 to 30 Ma have low whole-rock 87Sr/86Sr(i) values (0.707–0.710), generally high εNd(t) values (–3.31∼–7.98), and variable εHf(t) values (–7.9∼+5.7). Their magma sources involved high thermal perturbation inducing partial melting of the lower crust, and contributions from the mantle that were possibly related to extensional collapse of the orogenic belt prior to tectonic extrusion of the Sundaland block. Syn- and postkinematic dikes from ca. 28 to 20 Ma dominantly have high whole-rock 87Sr/86Sr(i) (0.707–0.725) and low εNd(t) (–5.83 to –9.76) values, and either negative or positive zircon εHf(t) values (broadly in the range of –12 to + 7.6) for coeval but separate crustal magma sources. The results imply that major shearing accompanying retrograde metamorphism along the Ailao Shan–Red River shear zone was localized to crustal level. A synthesis of regional structural data suggests that Oligocene–Miocene shearing along the Ailao Shan–Red River shear zone and lateral tectonic extrusion of the Sundaland block proceeded in response to progressive India-Eurasia plate convergence. Distributed and inhomogeneous middle- to lower-crustal flow along the boundaries of and within the Sundaland block occurred during the tectonic extrusion.
Investigating ataxia in childhood
Authors: Petley Emily , Prasad Manish , Ojha Shalini , Whitehouse William P
Published: October 2019

Ataxia is a common presentation to an acute paediatric unit and it can often be difficult to determine the cause. It is important to distinguish between serious causes, for example, brain tumours and encephalitis, and more benign causes in order to guide investigations and treatment. In this review, we describe the different types of ataxia, the causes associated with them, the examination findings and what investigations to perform in order to make a diagnosis.
Severe hand pain as an extracardiac manifestation of transthyretin amyloidosis
Authors: Patel Sneha N , Koyoda Sai Krishna , Schwartz Daniel , Ayesha Bibi
Published: October 2019

Transthyretin amyloidosis is a multisystemic disease caused by the aggregation of amyloid fibrils, resulting in high morbidity and mortality in the presence of cardiac involvement. Patients often experience vague symptoms that make amyloidosis difficult to diagnose. Differential diagnosis for hand pain in a patient with systemic amyloidosis is broad. We present a patient with severe hand cramping and inability to perform activities of daily living. This preceded a new diagnosis of familial amyloid cardiomyopathy. The patient was a poor responder to systemic corticosteroids, anti-inflammatories and anticonvulsant therapy. Her unique presentation gives insight into a rare but debilitating disorder and the potential link between amyloidosis and other disease processes.
A case of metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma confounded by complementary and alternative medicine therapies
Authors: Stern Ken M , Benn Bryan S
Published: October 2019

The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among cancer patients is widespread. Using these therapies may lead to treatment delays or confound the clinical picture when problems arise. Inquiry regarding CAM therapies used is an important part of a thorough history for any cancer patient. A 48-year-old man with a history of stage IV pancreatic adenocarcinoma was referred for a second opinion for a worsening dry cough in the setting of cavitary ground-glass opacities and non-cavitating nodules found on chest CT. Previous workup was non-diagnostic and his CT findings were atypical for pulmonary metastasis. Due to his extensive alternative therapy use, he was diagnosed with interstitial lung disease (ILD). Flexible bronchoscopy with transbronchial cryobiopsies revealed adenocarcinoma with intestinal/pancreatobiliary differentiation, consistent with metastatic pancreatic cancer. Adjacent alveolar parenchyma was without evidence of ILD. Atypical CT patterns of pulmonary metastasis should lead to an investigation regarding other possible causes.