bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experience Transforms Conjunctive Object Representations: Neural Evidence for Unitization After Visual Expertise
Authors: Liang Jackson C , Erez Jonathan , Zhang Felicia , Cusack Rhodri , Barense Morgan D
Published: February 2020

Certain transformations must occur within the brain to allow rapid processing of familiar experiences. Complex objects are thought to become unitized, whereby multifeature conjunctions are retrieved as rapidly as a single feature. Behavioral studies strongly support unitization theory, but a compelling neural mechanism is lacking. Here, we examined how unitization transforms conjunctive representations to become more “feature-like” by recruiting posterior regions of the ventral visual stream (VVS) whose architecture is specialized for processing single features. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging to scan humans before and after visual training with novel objects. We implemented a novel multivoxel pattern analysis to measure a conjunctive code, which represented a conjunction of object features above and beyond the sum of the parts. Importantly, a multivoxel searchlight showed that the strength of conjunctive coding in posterior VVS increased posttraining. Furthermore, multidimensional scaling revealed representational separation at the level of individual features in parallel to the changes at the level of feature conjunctions. Finally, functional connectivity between anterior and posterior VVS was higher for novel objects than for trained objects, consistent with early involvement of anterior VVS in unitizing feature conjunctions in response to novelty. These data demonstrate that the brain implements unitization as a mechanism to refine complex object representations over the course of multiple learning experiences.
Creating benchmark measurements of tropical forest bird communities in large plots
Authors: Robinson W Douglas , Curtis Jenna R
Published: February 2020

An understanding of how tropical bird communities might respond to climate change and other types of environmental stressors seems particularly urgent, yet we still lack, except for a few sites, even snapshot inventories of avian richness and abundances across most of the tropics. Such benchmark measurements of tropical bird species richness and abundances could provide opportunities for future repeat surveys and, therefore, strong insight into degrees and pace of change in community organization over time. The challenges of creating a network of benchmarked sites include high variation in detectability among species, general rarity of many species that creates hurdles for use of modern bird counting methods aimed at controlling for variation in detectability, and lack of a standardized protocol to create repeatable inventories. We argue that reasonably complete inventories of tropical bird communities require use of multiple survey techniques to provide internal calibrations of abundance estimates and require multiple visits to improve completeness of richness inventories. We suggest that a network of large (50–100 ha) plots scattered across the tropics can also provide insights into geographic variation in and drivers of avian community structure analogous to insights provided by the Smithsonian Center for Tropical Forest Science Forest Global Earth Observatory network of forest dynamics plots. Perhaps most importantly, large plots provide opportunities for use of multiple survey techniques to estimate abundances while also using some exactly repeatable survey techniques that can greatly improve abilities to quantify change over time. We provide guidance on establishment of and survey methods for large tropical bird plots as well as important recommendations for collection and archiving of metadata to safeguard the long-term utility of valuable benchmark data.
Health Services as Credence Goods: a Field Experiment
Authors: Gottschalk Felix , Mimra Wanda , Waibel Christian
Published: February 2020

Agency problems are a defining characteristic of healthcare markets. We present the results from a field experiment in the market for dental care: a test patient who does not need treatment is sent to 180 dentists to receive treatment recommendations. In the experiment, we vary the socio-economic status of the patient and whether a second opinion signal is sent. Furthermore, measures of market, practice and dentist characteristics are collected. We observe an overtreatment recommendation rate of 28% and a striking heterogeneity in treatment recommendations. Furthermore, we find significantly fewer overtreatment recommendations for patients with higher socio-economic status compared with lower socio-economic status for standard visits, suggesting a complex role for patients’ socio-economic status. Competition intensity, measured by dentist density, does not have a significant influence on overtreatment. Dentists with shorter waiting times are more likely to propose unnecessary treatment.
Landscape Change and Trade in Ancient Greece: Evidence from Pollen Data
Authors: Izdebski Adam , Słoczyński Tymon , Bonnier Anton , Koloch Grzegorz , Kouli Katerina
Published: February 2020

In this article we use pollen data from six sites in southern Greece to study long-term vegetation change in this region from 1000 BCE to 600 CE. Based on insights from environmental history, we interpret our estimated trends in the regional presence of cereal, olive and vine pollen as proxies for structural changes in agricultural production. We present evidence that there was a market economy in ancient Greece and a major trade expansion several centuries before the Roman conquest. Our results are consistent with auxiliary data on settlement dynamics, shipwrecks and ancient oil and wine presses.
Functional analysis of the agnH gene involved in nicotine-degradation pathways in Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain SCUEC1
Authors: Xia Zhenzhen , Yu Mengfei , Yao Jiacheng , Feng Zhe , Li Dinghua , Liu Tao , Cheng Guojun , He Donglan , Li Xiaohua
Published: February 2020

Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain SCUEC1 is a nicotine-degrading bacterium, which has been recently isolated from the tobacco waste-contaminated field soil. However, the mechanism for nicotine degradation in this strain remains unclear. Here, we analyze the function and biological properties of the agnH gene in the strain SCUEC1. The overexpression of the AgnH protein was detected by SDS-PAGE analysis, and functional insight of the AgnH protein was carried out with monitoring the changes of maleic acid into fumaric acid by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Moreover, the effects of temperature, pH and metal ions on the enzymatic activities of the AgnH protein were also analyzed. The results demonstrated that the agnH gene was successfully ligated to the plasmid pET28a. The optimal condition for the enzymatic activities for the AgnH, approximately 28.0 kDa, was determined as 37 °C, pH 8.0 and 25 µM Mg2+. Conclusively, the agnH gene fulfils an important role in the conversion of maleic acid into fumaric acid involved in nicotine-degradation pathways in Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain SCUEC1.
Social rights and duties in Babeuf and the neo-Babouvists (1786–1848)
Authors: Roza Stéphanie
Published: February 2020

This article examines the conception of social rights found in the writings of François-Noël Babeuf in the late eighteenth century and those of his followers, the neo-Babouvists, in the first half of the nineteenth. Both believed that social rights were to be based on natural needs, which they categorized as physical and moral: while physical needs necessitated the right to subsistence, moral needs encompassed the right to education. Babeuf and the neo-Babouvists also believed that social rights were inseparable from principles of equality and the reciprocity of rights and duties among society’s members. The neo-Babouvists developed this notion of reciprocity into the view that labour laws and the right to work constituted the legitimate and reciprocal counterparts of the property rights of employers. This balancing of property rights and workers’ rights was to be provisional, however, pending the transformation of society towards a community of goods.
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Racial and Ethnic Differences in Dementia Caregivers’ Well-Being
Authors: Liu Chelsea , Badana Adrian N S , Burgdorf Julia , Fabius Chanee D , Roth David L , Haley William E
Published: February 2020

Background and Objectives

Studies comparing racial/ethnic differences on measures of psychological and physical well-being for dementia caregivers have reported differences between minority and white caregivers. Recruitment methods often differ for minority and white participants due to enrollment targets and may lead to biased comparisons, especially in convenience samples. We aimed to examine racial/ethnic differences in dementia caregiver outcomes and to determine whether differences vary between studies with population-based or convenience samples.

Research Design and Methods

We systematically reviewed articles with primary data from PubMed, Google Scholar, and PsycINFO. We included studies comparing African American or Hispanic/Latino to white dementia caregivers on measures of psychological well-being or physical well-being. Reviewers screened titles and abstracts, reviewed full texts and conducted risk-of-bias assessments. Meta-analyses were conducted to assess effects by race/ethnicity and study bias.

Results

A total of 159 effects were extracted from 38 studies, 2 of which were population based. Random-effects models revealed small but statistically significant effects with better psychological well-being in African American caregivers compared with white caregivers in both population-based (d = −0.22) and convenience sample studies (d = −0.21). Hispanics/Latino caregivers reported lower levels of physical well-being than white caregivers (d = 0.12), though these effects varied by level of rated study bias.

Discussion and Implications

Consistency across study methods raises confidence in the validity of previous reports of better psychological well-being in African American caregivers. Future studies should use population-based samples with subgroups of Hispanic/Latino, Asian American, and American Indian caregivers that are culturally distinct on factors such as country of origin and tribe.
Seismic monitoring in the Gugla rock glacier (Switzerland): ambient noise correlation, microseismicity and modelling
Authors: Guillemot Antoine , Helmstetter Agnès , Larose Éric , Baillet Laurent , Garambois Stéphane , Mayoraz Raphaël , Delaloye Reynald
Published: February 2020

A network of seismometers has been installed on the Gugla rock glacier since October 2015 to estimate seismic velocity changes and detect microseismicity. These two processes are related to mechanical and structural variations occurring within the rock glacier. Seismic monitoring thus allows a better understanding of the dynamics of rock glaciers throughout the year. We observed seasonal variations in seismic wave velocity and microseismic activity over the 3 yr of the study. In the first part of our analysis, we used ambient noise correlations to compute daily changes of surface wave velocity. In winter, seismic wave velocities were higher, probably due to refreezing of the permafrost active layer and cooling of the uppermost permafrost layers, leading to increased overall rigidity of the medium. This assumption was verified using a seismic model of wave propagation that estimates the depth of P- and S-wave velocity changes from 0 down to 10 m. During melting periods, both a sudden velocity decrease and a decorrelation of the seismic responses were observed. These effects can probably be explained by the increased water content of the active layer. In the second part of our study, we focused on detecting microseismic signals generated in and around the rock glacier. This seismic activity (microquakes and rockfalls) also exhibits seasonal variations, with a maximum in spring and summer, which correlates principally with an exacerbated post-winter erosional phase of the front and a faster rock glacier displacement rate. In addition, we observed short bursts of microseismicity, both during snowfall and during rapid melting periods, probably due to pore pressure increase.
Single equality in the age of marriage equality
Authors: Chen Chao-ju
Published: February 2020

The twenty-first century has witnessed the rise of a new constitutional jurisprudence of marriage which extends the institution of marriage to include same-sex couples in the name of equality, freedom, and dignity, and an accompanying trend of constitutionalizing marital supremacy. Progressive critics have voiced against the constitutional treatment of marriage as the ideal family form, proposing various approaches to promote equality for diverse families. The inequality of single women without children, however, has not yet received the attention that it deserves in the jurisprudence of non-marriage, despite the globally growing phenomenon of women opting out of marriage and other formal unions and living a legally single life. It is argued that the move beyond marriage equality must include the pursuit of single equality, that is, equal citizenship unmediated by marital, relational, family, or parental status. It is suggested that a feminist agenda of single equality is needed even more, and that public laws’ active role is required to facilitate single equality.
Is a switch to a different electronic health record associated with a change in patient satisfaction?
Authors: North Frederick , Pecina Jennifer L , Tulledge-Scheitel Sidna M , Chaudhry Rajeev , Matulis John C , Ebbert Jon O
Published: February 2020

Objective

Financial impacts associated with a switch to a different electronic health record (EHR) have been documented. Less attention has been focused on the patient response to an EHR switch. The Mayo Clinic was involved in an EHR switch that occurred at 6 different locations and with 4 different “go-live” dates. We sought to understand the relationship between patient satisfaction and the transition to a new EHR.

Materials and Methods

We used patient satisfaction data collected by Press Ganey from July 2016 through December 2019. Our patient satisfaction measure was the percent of patients responding “very good” (top box) to survey questions. Twenty-four survey questions were summarized by Press Ganey into 6 patient satisfaction domains. Piecewise linear regression was used to model patient satisfaction before and after the EHR switch dates.

Results

Significant drops in patient satisfaction were associated with the EHR switch. Patient satisfaction with access (ease of getting clinic on phone, ease of scheduling appointments, etc.) was most affected (range of 6 sites absolute decline: -3.4% to -8.8%; all significant at 99% confidence interval). Satisfaction with providers was least affected (range of 6 sites absolute decline: -0.5% to -2.8%; 4 of 6 sites significant at 99% confidence interval). After 9-15 months, patient satisfaction with access climbed back to pre-EHR switch levels.

Conclusions

Patient satisfaction in several patient experience domains dropped significantly and stayed lower than pre–“go-live” for several months after a switch in EHR. Satisfaction with providers declined less than satisfaction with access.
Applying Core Principles of International Humanitarian Law to Military Operations in Space
Authors: Mawdsley Jack
Published: February 2020

This article looks at how international humanitarian law may apply to military operations in space. Though the laws of war are well established on earth, space poses new challenges to the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution in attack. Future scenarios whereby operations might be directed against moon-based objects, or where military astronauts might be deployed into space raise further questions as to how these principles should apply.

By considering the laws of war as they are enforced on earth, and through engagement with academic opinion, this article seeks to understand the level of protection provided by the law when applied to this new domain. In anticipation of official clarification, this approach leads to reasoned arguments for reform in key areas.

The challenges posed are addressed through both a contemporary and a future lens. Broad conclusions that the law of armed conflict does not shift seamlessly into space are strengthened by the numerous anomalies that ensue.
Risk Stratification of Prostate Cancer Through Quantitative Assessment of PTEN Loss (qPTEN)
Authors: Jamaspishvili Tamara , Patel Palak G , Niu Yi , Vidotto Thiago , Caven Isabelle , Livergant Rachel , Fu Winnie , Kawashima Atsunari , How Nathan , Okello John B , Guedes Liana B , Ouellet Veronique , Picanço Clarissa , Koti Madhuri , Reis Rodolfo B , Saad Fred , Mes-Masson Anne-Marie , Lotan Tamara L , Squire Jeremy A , Peng Yingwei P , Siemens D Robert , Berman David M
Published: February 2020

Background

Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) loss has long been associated with adverse findings in early prostate cancer. Studies to date have yet to employ quantitative methods (qPTEN) for measuring of prognostically relevant amounts of PTEN loss in postsurgical settings and demonstrate its clinical application.

Methods

PTEN protein levels were measured by immunohistochemistry in radical prostatectomy samples from training (n = 410) and validation (n = 272) cohorts. PTEN loss was quantified per cancer cell and per tissue microarray core. Thresholds for identifying clinically relevant PTEN loss were determined using log-rank statistics in the training cohort. Univariate (Kaplan-Meier) and multivariate (Cox proportional hazards) analyses on various subpopulations were performed to assess biochemical recurrence-free survival (BRFS) and were independently validated. All statistical tests were two-sided.

Results

PTEN loss in more than 65% cancer cells was most clinically relevant and had statistically significant association with reduced BRFS in training (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.59 to 3.87; P < .001) and validation cohorts (HR = 4.22, 95% CI = 2.01 to 8.83; P < .001). The qPTEN scoring method identified patients who recurred within 5.4 years after surgery (P < .001). In men with favorable risk of biochemical recurrence (Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment – Postsurgical scores <5 and no adverse pathological features), qPTEN identified a subset of patients with shorter BRFS (HR = 5.52, 95% CI = 2.36 to 12.90; P < .001) who may be considered for intensified monitoring and/or adjuvant therapy.

Conclusions

Compared with previous qualitative approaches, qPTEN improves risk stratification of postradical prostatectomy patients and may be considered as a complementary tool to guide disease management after surgery.
Psychoeducation for Children with Chronic Conditions: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Day Marianne , Clarke Sally-Ann , Castillo-Eito Laura , Rowe Richard
Published: February 2020

Objective

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness of psychoeducational interventions in improving quality of life (QoL) for children with chronic conditions.

Methods

We identified 25 randomized controlled trials of psychoeducational interventions for children with chronic conditions that reported a QoL outcome and were published 1980–2018. Due to small numbers of interventions in other chronic conditions, comparisons between chronic conditions were limited to 17 studies addressing interventions for asthma and diabetes.

Results

Psychoeducational interventions were associated with a small, statistically significant improvement in QoL (standardized mean difference = 0.14; 95% confidence interval: 0.06–0.23). The effect was significantly larger for asthma interventions compared to diabetes interventions, and in interventions delivered to younger (under 12 years) rather than older children (12 years and over).

Conclusions

These results suggest that currently evaluated psychoeducational interventions improve QoL for children with asthma but not for children with diabetes. Children with diabetes may require tailored interventions with additional components alongside psychoeducation. Further intervention studies are needed to generalize to other conditions and to draw conclusions about which settings and modes of delivery are most effective in improving QoL.
The transcription factor MML4_D12 regulates fiber development through interplay with the WD40-repeat protein WDR in cotton
Authors: Tian Yue , Du Jingjing , Wu Huaitong , Guan Xueying , Chen Weihang , Hu Yan , Fang Lei , Ding Linyun , Li Menglin , Yang Duofeng , Yang Qinli , Zhang Tianzhen
Published: February 2020

In planta, a vital regulatory complex, MYB–basic helix–loop–helix (bHLH)–WD40 (MBW), is involved in trichome development and synthesis of anthocyanin and proanthocyanin in Arabidopsis. Usually, WD40 proteins provide a scaffold for protein–protein interaction between MYB and bHLH proteins. Members of subgroup 9 of the R2R3 MYB transcription factors, which includes MYBMIXTA-Like (MML) genes important for plant cell differentiation, are unable to interact with bHLH. In this study, we report that a cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) seed trichome or lint fiber-related GhMML factor, GhMML4_D12, interacts with a diverged WD40 protein (GhWDR) in a process similar to but different from that of the MBW ternary complex involved in Arabidopsis trichome development. Amino acids 250–267 of GhMML4_D12 and the first and third WD40 repeat domains of GhWDR determine their interaction. GhWDR could rescue Arabidopsis ttg1 to its wild type, confirming its orthologous function in trichome development. Our findings shed more light towards understanding the key role of the MML and WD40 families in plants and in the improvement of cotton fiber production.
Extending Gaia  DR2 with HST  narrow-field astrometry – II. Refining the method on WISE J163940.83−684738.6★
Authors: Bedin L R , Fontanive C
Published: February 2020

In the second paper of this series, we perfected our method of linking high-precision Hubble Space Telescope astrometry to the high-accuracy Gaia DR2 absolute reference system to overcome the limitations of relative astrometry with narrow-field cameras. Our test case here is the Y brown dwarf WISE  J163940.83−684738.6, observed at different epochs spread over a 6-yr time baseline with the Infra-Red channel of the Wide Field Camera 3. We derived significantly improved astrometric parameters compared to previous determinations, finding (μαcos δ, μδ, ϖ) = (577.21 ± 0.24 mas yr−1, −3108.39 ± 0.27 mas yr−1, 210.4 ± 1.8 mas). In particular, our derived absolute parallax (ϖ ) corresponds to a distance of 4.75 ± 0.05 pc for the faint ultracool dwarf.
Linking the formation and fate of exo-Kuiper belts within Solar system analogues
Authors: Veras Dimitri , Reichert Katja , Flammini Dotti Francesco , Cai Maxwell X , Mustill Alexander J , Shannon Andrew , McDonald Catriona H , Portegies Zwart Simon , Kouwenhoven M B N , Spurzem Rainer
Published: February 2020

Escalating observations of exo-minor planets and their destroyed remnants both passing through the Solar system and within white dwarf planetary systems motivate an understanding of the orbital history and fate of exo-Kuiper belts and planetesimal discs. Here, we explore how the structure of a 40–1000 au annulus of planetesimals orbiting inside of a Solar system analogue that is itself initially embedded within a stellar cluster environment varies as the star evolves through all of its stellar phases. We attempt this computationally challenging link in four parts: (1) by performing stellar cluster simulations lasting 100 Myr, (2) by making assumptions about the subsequent quiescent 11 Gyr main-sequence evolution, (3) by performing simulations throughout the giant branch phases of evolution, and (4) by making assumptions about the belt’s evolution during the white dwarf phase. Throughout these stages, we estimate the planetesimals’ gravitational responses to analogues of the four Solar system giant planets, as well as to collisional grinding, Galactic tides, stellar flybys, and stellar radiation. We find that the imprint of stellar cluster dynamics on the architecture of ≳100 km-sized exo-Kuiper belt planetesimals is retained throughout all phases of stellar evolution unless violent gravitational instabilities are triggered either (1) amongst the giant planets, or (2) due to a close (≪103 au) stellar flyby. In the absence of these instabilities, these minor planets simply double their semimajor axis while retaining their primordial post-cluster eccentricity and inclination distributions, with implications for the free-floating planetesimal population and metal-polluted white dwarfs.
Study of spider pulsar binary eclipses and discovery of an eclipse mechanism transition
Authors: Polzin E J , Breton R P , Bhattacharyya B , Scholte D , Sobey C , Stappers B W
Published: February 2020

We present a comparative study of the low-frequency eclipses of spider (compact and irradiating binary) PSRs B1957+20 and J1816+4510. Combining these data with those of three other eclipsing systems we study the frequency dependence of the eclipse duration. PSRs B1957+20 and J1816+4510 have similar orbital properties, but the companions to the pulsars have masses that differ by an order of magnitude. A dedicated campaign to simultaneously observe the pulsed and imaged continuum flux densities throughout the eclipses reveals many similarities between the excess material within the two binaries, irrespective of the companion star properties. The observations show that the pulsar fluxes are removed from the line of sight throughout the main body of the eclipses. For PSR J1816 + 4510, we present the first direct evidence of an eclipse mechanism that transitions from one that removes the pulsar flux from the line of sight to one that merely smears out pulsations, and claim that this is a consequence of scattering in a tail of material flowing behind the companion. Inferred mass-loss rates from the companion stars are found to be $\dot{M}_{\text{C}} \sim 10^{-12}$ and $\sim 2 \times 10^{-13}\,\mathrm{M}_\odot$ yr−1 for PSR B1957+20 and PSR J1816 + 4510, respectively; seemingly too low to evaporate the stars within Hubble time. Measurements of eclipse durations over a wide range of radio frequencies show a significant dependence of eclipse duration on frequency for all pulsars, with wider eclipses at lower frequencies. These results provide a marked improvement in the observational constraints available for theoretical studies of the eclipse mechanisms.
Route of intestinal absorption and tissue distribution of iron contained in the novel phosphate binder ferric citrate
Authors: Vaziri Nosratola D , Nunes Ane C F , Said Hyder , Khazaeli Mahyar , Liu Han , Zhao Yitong , Jing Wanghui , Cogburn Kyle , Alikhani Leila , Lau Wei Ling
Published: February 2020

Background

Anemia of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is, in part, caused by hepcidin-mediated impaired iron absorption. However, phosphate binder, ferric citrate (FC) overcomes the CKD-induced impairment of iron absorption and increases serum iron, transferrin saturation, and iron stores and reduces erythropoietin requirements in CKD/ESRD patients. The mechanism and sites of intestinal absorption of iron contained in FC were explored here.

Methods

Eight-week old rats were randomized to sham-operated or 5/6 nephrectomized (CKD) groups and fed either regular rat chow or rat chow containing 4% FC for 6 weeks. They were then euthanized, and tissues were processed for histological and biochemical analysis using Prussian blue staining, Western blot analysis to quantify intestinal epithelial tight junction proteins and real-time PCR to measure Fatty Acid receptors 2 (FFA2) and 3 (FFA3) expressions.

Results

CKD rats exhibited hypertension, anemia, azotemia, and hyperphosphatemia. FC-treated CKD rats showed significant reductions in blood pressure, serum urea, phosphate and creatinine levels and higher serum iron and blood hemoglobin levels. This was associated with marked increase in iron content of the epithelial and subepithelial wall of the descending colon and modest iron deposits in the proximal tubular epithelial cells of their remnant kidneys. No significant difference was found in hepatic tissue iron content between untreated and FC-treated CKD or control groups. Distal colon’s epithelial tight Junction proteins, Occludin, JAM-1 and ZO-1 were markedly reduced in the CKD groups. The FFA2 expression in the jejunum and FFA3 expression in the distal colon were significantly reduced in the CKD rats and markedly increased with FC administration.

Conclusion

Iron contained in the phosphate binder, FC, is absorbed by the distal colon of the CKD animals via disrupted colonic epithelial barrier and upregulation of short chain fatty acid transporters.
Crossing the Cervicothoracic Junction During Posterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion: Is It Necessary?
Authors: Fayed Islam , Toscano Daniel T , Triano Matthew J , Makariou Erini , Lee Christabel , Spitz Steven M , Anaizi Amjad N , Nair M Nathan , Sandhu Faheem A , Voyadzis Jean-Marc
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND

Posterior cervical fusion (PCF) is performed to treat cervical myelopathy, radiculopathy, and/or deformity. Constructs ending at the cervicothoracic junction (CTJ) may lead to higher rates of adjacent segment disease, and much debate exists regarding crossing the CTJ due to paucity of data in the literature.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether extension of PCF constructs across the CTJ decreases incidence of adjacent segment disease and need for revision surgery.

METHODS

A single-center retrospective case series of patients undergoing multilevel PCFs since 2011 with at least 6-mo follow-up was conducted. Outcomes were analyzed and compared based on caudal extent of instrumentation via multivariate regression.

RESULTS

A total of 149 patients underwent PCF, with a mean follow-up of 18.9 mo. A total of 15 (10.1%) revisions were performed, 7 (4.7%) of which were related to the construct. Five (8.3%) revisions were performed for constructs ending at C6, 1 (5.3%) at C7, 1 (2.6%) at T1, and none (0%) at T2 (P = .035). Mean procedure duration was 215 min at C6, 214 min at C7, 239 min at T1, and 343 min at T2 (P = .001). Mean estimated blood loss was 224 mL at C6, 178 mL at C7, 308 mL at T1, and 575 mL at T2 (P = .001). There was no difference in length of stay, disposition, surgical site infection, or radiographic parameters.

CONCLUSION

Extension of PCFs across the CTJ leads to lower early revision rates, but also to increased procedure duration and estimated blood loss. As such, decisions regarding caudal extent of instrumentation must weigh the risk of pseudarthrosis against that of longer procedures with higher blood loss.
High skilled immigration and the occupational choices of native workers: the case of Australia
Authors: Crown Daniel , Faggian Alessandra , Corcoran Jonathan
Published: February 2020

This paper estimates the effect of a major skilled visa programme in Australia on the wages and occupation-specific skills performed by native workers. We combine data from the full population of approved Temporary Work Visa applications with the nationally representative Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) longitudinal survey from 2005–2015. Our findings indicate that skilled international workers increase the wages of natives, and induce native workers to specialize in occupations associated with a high intensity of communication and cognitive skills. We find no evidence of negative effects of the visa programme on the wages of high-skilled or low-skilled native workers, or on previous migrants who may be close substitutes to the skilled visa holders.
Treatment of Staphylococcal Device Infections: Synergistic Daptomycin With Ceftaroline Versus Rifampin-Adjunct Therapy
Authors: Chang Amy T , Cosimi Reese A , Bochan Markian R
Published: February 2020

This is a single-center retrospective observational cohort study comparing daptomycin/ceftaroline combination therapy with rifampin-adjunct therapy for the treatment of staphylococcal device infections. The results of this study support use of the daptomycin/ceftaroline as an alternative or salvage option to standard of care.
Management of a child with primary ciliary dyskinesia
Authors: Kumar Aneeta , Walker Woolf T
Published: February 2020

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is an autosomal recessive condition characterized by dysmotile cilia. Typically associated with defects in the cilia structure, it results in impaired mucociliary clearance of pathogens from the lungs and sinuses. Consequently, patients suffer from recurrent sinopulmonary and middle ear infections. We report on the management of a 5-year-old boy who presented with increased work of breathing, fever and crepitations, with an existing diagnosis of PCD with situs inversus totalis. Chest X-ray imaging revealed right lower lobe collapse. He was managed with intensive physiotherapy, nebulized mucolytic agents and antibiotics. However, due to a poor response, he underwent flexible bronchoscopy, which allowed removal of a mucus plug and subsequent re-expansion of his collapsed lobe. Although there is limited evidence for the management of PCD, here we discuss the accepted strategies for its management, based on expert opinion and guidelines for other suppurative lung diseases.
Mapping of Stripe Rust and Leaf Rust Resistance Quantitative Trait Loci in the Chinese Spring Wheat Line Mianyang351-15
Authors: Gebrewahid Takele Weldu , Zhou Yue , Zhang Peipei , Ren Yong , Gao Pu , Xia Xianchun , He Zhonghu , Li Zaifeng , Liu Daqun
Published: February 2020

Stripe rust and leaf rust cause wheat yield losses of up to 70% worldwide. The employment of resistant cultivars is the major method to reduce losses from these diseases. The objective of this study was to detect quantitative trait loci (QTL) for stripe rust and leaf rust resistance in 150 F6 recombinant inbred lines (RIL) derived from a cross between Mianyang351-15 and Zhengzhou 5389. Both parents and the RIL population were genotyped with the Wheat55K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array and simple sequence repeat markers, and phenotyped for stripe rust severity at Mianyang in Sichuan Province and Baoding in Hebei Province, and for leaf rust severity at Zhoukou in Henan Province and at Baoding in 2014 to 2017 cropping seasons. Seven and four QTL all contributed from Mianyang351-15 were identified for resistance to stripe rust and leaf rust, respectively. Four of these QTL on chromosomes 1BL, 2AS, 2DS, and 7BL conferred resistance to both stripe rust and leaf rust. The QTL on 1BL, 2AS, and 7BL were identified as Lr46/Yr29, Lr37/Yr17, and Lr68, respectively. QYr.hbau-2DS/QLr.hbau-2DS was detected at similar positions to previously reported loci. QYr.hbau-1DL, QYr.hbau-3AS, and QYr.hbau-3DL are likely to be new. Combined effects of QTL in the RIL population indicated RIL combining all QTL had the highest resistance level compared with those of lower numbers or no QTL. These QTL, with their closely linked SNP markers, are applicable for marker-assisted breeding and candidate gene discovery.
Impacts of Manures and Manure-Based Composts on Root Lesion Nematodes and Verticillium dahliae in Michigan Potatoes
Authors: Cole Emilie , Pu Jian , Chung Henry , Quintanilla Marisol
Published: February 2020

The interaction of the root lesion nematode Pratylenchus penetrans and the fungal plant pathogen Verticillium dahliae causes potato early die (PED) complex, which induces premature vine senescence and dramatically reduces yield in potatoes. Management of PED is often achieved through the use of soil fumigants and nematicides, but their adverse effects on soil, human and environmental health, and strict regulations worldwide require alternative control tactics. In this study, we investigated the effects of multiple composts and manures on nematode mortality and PED. In lab assays, root lesion nematodes were exposed to poultry manure, layer ash blend, Dairy Doo, or wood ash for 7 days at rates of 0, 0.1, 1, 10, and 20% by volume of product and assessed for nematode survivorship. Additionally, these products were evaluated for volatile fatty acid content to determine if fatty acid content affects nematode control. In a field trial, the composts and manures were evaluated at two different rates, high (11.2 t/ha) or low (2.8 t/ha), and populations of P. penetrans and V. dahliae were quantified. Our results show that a 1% application rate of poultry manure and layer ash blend provided the greatest nematode control in lab assays with 24.5 and 38.2% reduction, respectively, with greater control at higher rates. In the field, plots treated with poultry manure had significantly higher potato yields and significantly fewer nematodes than control plots. Taken together, our results suggest that poultry manure could be a promising amendment to control PED.
The Longitudinal Effects of Comorbid Health Burden on Functional Outcomes for Adults With Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Kumar Raj G. , Ketchum Jessica M. , Corrigan John D. , Hammond Flora M. , Sevigny Mitch , Dams-O'Connor Kristen
Published: February 2020

Objective:

To evaluate the impact of physical, mental, and total health condition burden on functional outcome and life satisfaction up to 10 years after moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Setting:

Six TBI Model Systems centers.

Participants:

Three hundred ninety-three participants in the TBI Model Systems National Database.

Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Main Measures:

Self-reported physical and mental health conditions at 10 years postinjury. Functional Independence Measure Motor and Cognitive subscales and the Satisfaction With Life Scale measured at 1, 2, 5, and 10 years.

Results:

In 10-year longitudinal individual growth curve models adjusted for covariates and inverse probability weighted to account for selection bias, greater physical and mental health comorbidity burden was negatively associated with functional cognition and life satisfaction trajectories. Physical, but not mental, comorbidity burden was negatively associated with functional motor trajectories. Higher total health burden was associated with poorer functional motor and cognitive trajectories and lower life satisfaction.

Conclusions:

This study offers evidence that comorbidity burden negatively impacts longitudinal functional and life satisfaction outcomes after TBI. The findings suggest that better identification and treatment of comorbidities may benefit life satisfaction, functional outcome, reduce healthcare costs, and decrease reinjury. Specific guidelines are needed for the management of comorbidities in TBI populations.
Visual Field Plots: A Comparison Study Between Standard Automated Perimetry and Eye Movement Perimetry
Authors: Mazumdar Deepmala , Pel Johan J.M. , Kadavath Meethal Najiya S. , Asokan Rashima , Panday Manish , Steen Johannes v.d. , George Ronnie
Published: February 2020

Précis:

This eye movement perimetry (EMP) study describes the development of saccadic reaction time (SRT)-based visual field plots, which could effectively display the presence, location, and extent of glaucomatous defects and support clinical decision-making.

Purpose:

EMP is capable of discriminating normal from glaucomatous visual field defects on the basis of average delays in SRTs. To classify the presence and extent of age-corrected visual field defects, it is required to create SRT-based probability maps.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to create visual field probability plots based on SRTs and to evaluate their clinical applicability by 2 glaucoma specialists.

Materials and Methods:

The development phase included 95 controls segregated into 5 age-bins to estimate normative limits of SRT. Next, for the testing phase, a set of 28 healthy subjects and 24 glaucoma patients were recruited who underwent standard automated perimetry (SAP) and EMP visual field testing. Fifty-two SAP and EMP plots were presented to 2 glaucoma specialists to classify them as normal or abnormal and to identify the defect location and pattern as 1 or more of 7 predefined categories.

Results:

The glaucoma specialists showed a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 93% and 96% for identifying normal versus abnormal visual field. For specialists 1 and 2, 85% and 92%, respectively, of EMP reports were assigned to the same category as SAP. The reports that did not agree with SAP were graded to a higher defect pattern. The intermethod agreement for specialists 1 and 2 was κ 0.92 and 0.96, respectively.

Conclusion:

SRT-based visual field probability plots provided a comprehensive summary of an individual’s visual field status and showed comparable clinical applicability to that of SAP plots.
Podosomes in endothelial cell--microenvironment interactions
Authors: Alonso Florian , Spuul Pirjo , Génot Elisabeth
Published: February 2020

Purpose of review

The discovery of podosomes in endothelial cells during the process of angiogenesisin vivoopens a new era in vascular biology. Podosomes are actin-based microdomains located at the plasma membrane that have been extensively described butin vitroand in other cells. This review focuses on podosomes in endothelial cells and aims to rise hypotheses about when and how these structures mediate cell--microenvironment interactions.

Recent findings

A wealth of new information regarding podosome organization and functioning has been collected in simple 2D models. Characterization of their modular architecture has unravelled their mechanics. However, context matters and podosome characteristics and functioning are shaped by the microenvironment. Although matrix degradation was seen as the typical function of podosomes, mechanosensing now appears equally prominent and involved in setting of the proteolytic machinery. Endothelial podosomes breach the basement membrane, and are thus, involved in vascular remodelling.

In endothelial cells, podosomes are involved in breaking up the basement membrane, giving the cells the opportunity to invade adjacent tissues and to engage in new cell--cell interactions. Such functions are particularly relevant to vascular biology and the exploration of podosomes inin vivosettings should bring clues to many unanswered questions.
Are Pain and Fatigue in Multiple Myeloma Related to Psychosocial Factors?
Authors: Wilson Rogers Luke P. , Rennoldson Mike
Published: February 2020

Background

Fatigue, pain, and psychological distress have been found to be among the most significant quality of life concerns for patients with multiple myeloma. Strong links between these variables have been found in other cancer populations.

Objective

The aim of this study was to systematically review the research literature on the associations between psychosocial factors and pain and/or fatigue in patients with multiple myeloma.

Interventions/Methods

The review followed PRISMA guidelines. A systematic search of 3 databases was conducted. Included studies were appraised for risk of bias. Data were extracted and combined in a narrative synthesis.

Results:

The review identified 11 studies for inclusion, reporting data from a total of 2432 participants. It found consistent evidence of a medium-sized relationship between both global distress and depression on the one hand and pain and fatigue on the other. The included studies were highly varied in the psychosocial factors they investigated.

Conclusions:

There is good evidence that pain and fatigue are related to global distress and depression in patients with multiple myeloma. The evidence on relationships with other psychosocial factors is inconclusive. Research investigating the role of more specific psychosocial processes is called for.

Implications for Practice:

Assessment of pain and fatigue in patients with multiple myeloma should routinely include screening for psychological distress. Interventions for psychological distress may be considered as adjuvant intervention strategies for pain and fatigue in patients with multiple myeloma.
Tau Imaging in the 4-Repeat-Tauopathies Progressive Supranuclear Palsy and Corticobasal Syndrome
Authors: Schröter Nils , Blazhenets Ganna , Frings Lars , Barkhausen Christoph , Jost Wolfgang H. , Weiller Cornelius , Rijntjes Michel , Meyer Philipp T.
Published: February 2020

Background and Objectives

To evaluate tau PET using 11C-pyridinyl-butadienyl-benzothiazole 3 (11C-PBB3) in the 4-repeat (4R)-tauopathies progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and corticobasal syndrome (CBS).

Methods

Retrospective analysis of 11C-PBB3 PET in 2, 7, and 2 patients with CBS, PSP, and Alzheimer dementia (AD), respectively. Normalized 11C-PBB3 uptake in clusters with significant hypometabolism on 18F-FDG-PET and corresponding atlas-based volumes of interest was compared between diagnostic groups.

Results

In accordance with visually appreciable group differences, 11C-PBB3 uptake was significantly higher in dorsolateral frontal and motor cortex in CBS patients and frontal and temporal cortices in AD patients as compared with PSP patients. Patients with PSP showed mildly but significantly higher uptake in midbrain compared with AD patients.

Conclusions

In line with known neuropathological changes, the spatial pattern and magnitude of 11C-PBB3 tau binding differ between CBS, PSP, and AD, which may be of diagnostic utility. Thus, 11C-PBB3 offers a promising lead structure for development of ligands for tau imaging, including 4R-tauopathies.
Case Report 18F-FDG PET/CT of Pseudomyogenic Hemangioendothelioma
Authors: Plouznikoff Nicolas , Mourad Stephanie A. , Turpin Sophie , Turcotte Robert E. , Mitchell David A. , Lambert Raymond
Published: February 2020

Hemangioendotheliomas are a heterogeneous group of vascular neoplasm that may affect the liver, bone, and soft tissues. Among its variants, pseudomyogenic hemangioendothelioma is rarely encountered. Pseudomyogenic hemangioendothelioma is usually characterized by multiple soft tissue lesions, with occasional bone lesions. Fewer than 20 cases with exclusive involvement of bone structures have been reported. We describe a case of pseudomyogenic hemangioendothelioma involving multiple bony structures but without soft tissue involvement in a 7-year-old girl, imaged with 18F-FDG PET/CT at diagnosis and during treatment with mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors.
Paenibacillus larvae bacteriophages: obscure past, promising future
Authors: Tsourkas Philippos K.
Published: February 2020

Paenibacillus larvae

is a Gram-positive, spore-forming bacterium that is the causative agent of American foulbrood (AFB), the most devastating bacterial disease of the honeybee.

P. larvae

is antibiotic resistant, complicating treatment efforts. Bacteriophages that target

P. larvae

are rapidly emerging as a promising treatment. The first

P. larvae

phages were isolated in the 1950s, but as

P. larvae

was not antibiotic resistant at the time, interest in them remained scant. Interest in

P. larvae

phages has grown rapidly since the first

P. larvae

phage genome was sequenced in 2013. Since then, the number of sequenced

P. larvae

phage genomes has reached 48 and is set to grow further. All sequenced

P. larvae

phages encode a conserved N-acetylmuramoyl-l-alanine amidase that is responsible for cleaving the peptidoglycan cell wall of

P. larvae

. All

P. larvae

phages also encode either an integrase, excisionase or Cro/CI, indicating that they are temperate. In the last few years, several studies have been published on using

P. larvae

phages and the

P. larvae

phage amidase as treatments for AFB. Studies were conducted on infected larvae in vitro and also on hives in the field. The phages have a prophylactic effect, preventing infection, and also a curative effect, helping resolve infection.

P. larvae

phages have a narrow range, lysing only

P. larvae

, and are unable to lyse even related

Paenibacillus

species.

P. larvae

phages thus appear to be safe to use and effective as treatment for AFB, and interest in them in the coming years will continue to grow.