bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of facility ownership on nurses’ and care workers’ perceptions of missed care in Australian residential aged care
Authors: Henderson Julie , Blackman Ian , Willis Eileen , Gibson Terri , Price Kay , Toffoli Luisa , Bonner Rob , Hurley Jennifer , Currie Trish
Published: August 2018

The Australian government has reduced restrictions on ownership of residential aged care facilities (RACF) as part of aged care reform enabling the growth of private‐for‐profit ownership. This study explores the impact of private‐for‐profit ownership through comparison of perceptions of the volume of missed care in government, private‐not‐profit and for‐profit RACF in Australia. Data were collected through development and administration of a MISSCARE survey to 3,206 nurses and personal care workers (PCW) working in RACF and hospitals providing aged care services. Employees working within government owned facilities reported levels of missed care that are significantly lower than privately owned facilities on six activities: moving patients who cannot walk; assisting residents’ toileting within 5 min of request; assisting resident mouth care; assessing skin integrity; answering call bells within 5 min and wound care. Staffing levels were identified as the most common reason for missed care across all settings. Of the 27 factors identified as causing missed care, government employees reported significantly lower scores for 16 items. Further research is needed on the impact of facility ownership upon capacity of nurses and personal care workers to deliver care.
Racial disparities in outcomes for high‐grade uterine cancer: A California cancer registry study
Authors: Baskovic Mana , Lichtensztajn Daphne Y. , Nguyen Trung , Karam Amer , English Diana P.
Published: August 2018

Background

Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common gynecologic malignancy. We examined factors affecting overall prognosis and survival among different racial groups diagnosed with high‐grade EC.

Methods

We utilized the California Cancer Registry database (CCR) to identify women with high‐grade II EC from 1998 to 2009. Using the Kaplan‐Meier method, we described disease‐specific survival. Survival by stage, race, and time to treatment category was compared using the log‐rank test. The associations of race with disease‐specific survival were modeled using Cox proportional hazards regression. Covariates were selected a priori.

Results

A total of 10 647 patients met study eligibility criteria. The majority of patients in this cohort of high‐grade EC were non‐Hispanic (NH) white (64.1%), followed by Hispanic (15.7%), Asian (10.4%), and NH black (9.8%). NH black women had higher incidence of certain aggressive histologic subtypes in comparison with NH whites, including serous carcinomas and carcinosarcoma.

Non‐Hispanic black patients had a worse 5‐year disease‐specific survival (DSS) when compared to other racial groups. The five‐year DSS for NH black women was 54% (51%‐57%), compared to NH white women 66% (65%‐67%), Hispanic 67% (64%‐69%), and Asians 69% (67%‐72%) (P < 0.0001). This clear survival disadvantage of NH black women persisted when controlling for other factors.

Conclusions

Non‐Hispanic black women have a higher incidence of more aggressive histologic subtypes even among a cohort of women high‐grade EC and have a disproportionately worse disease‐specific survival after controlling for factors such as age, histologic subtype, stage, time to treatment, and type of treatment.
Coupled Production of Steel and Chemicals
Authors: Bender Michael , Roussiere Thomas , Schelling Heiner , Schuster Sabine , Schwab Ekkehard
Published: August 2018

Within Carbon2Chem® the presented subproject focused on oxymethylene ethers (OME) as possible diesel fuel components. Six different scenarios for CO2emission reduction in steel mills were calculated, in four of which methanol is generated as an OME intermediate from steel mill gases. Potential synergies in raw material and energy streams of the coupled processes were identified. Shared process streams and equipment could lead to savings in capital and operational expenditure. CO2reduction volumes and avoidance costs were calculated for the six scenarios. If coupled with methanol production, natural gas‐based direct reduced iron processes offer the chance for quantitative CO2emission reduction at the lowest CO2avoidance costs. Energy required for this process could be co‐fed, e.g., as renewable electricity.
European Chemistry Partnering: Chemistry Makes the World Go Around!
Authors: Bengs Holger
Published: August 2018

Chemistry continually reinvents itself. Chemical production everywhere is influenced by new disciplines, from industrial biotechnology to the Internet of Things; and every traditional as well as new area of expertise has its specialists. Solutions for the big challenges, however, can only be found in interdisciplinary exchange and in complementary cooperation. Scientific congresses and fairs for existing business follow well established formats. To accelerate finding innovations, an industry speed dating format now exists for the chemical industry. Young start‐ups play a crucial role here.
Persistent postmating, prezygotic reproductive isolation between populations
Authors: Garlovsky Martin D. , Snook Rhonda R.
Published: August 2018

Studying reproductive barriers between populations of the same species is critical to understand how speciation may proceed. Growing evidence suggests postmating, prezygotic (PMPZ) reproductive barriers play an important role in the evolution of early taxonomic divergence. However, the contribution of PMPZ isolation to speciation is typically studied between species in which barriers that maintain isolation may not be those that contributed to reduced gene flow between populations. Moreover, in internally fertilizing animals, PMPZ isolation is related to male ejaculate—female reproductive tract incompatibilities but few studies have examined how mating history of the sexes can affect the strength of PMPZ isolation and the extent to which PMPZ isolation is repeatable or restricted to particular interacting genotypes. We addressed these outstanding questions using multiple populations of Drosophila montana. We show a recurrent pattern of PMPZ isolation, with flies from one population exhibiting reproductive incompatibility in crosses with all three other populations, while those three populations were fully fertile with each other. Reproductive incompatibility is due to lack of fertilization and is asymmetrical, affecting female fitness more than males. There was no effect of male or female mating history on reproductive incompatibility, indicating that PMPZ isolation persists between populations. We found no evidence of variability in fertilization outcomes attributable to different female × male genotype interactions, and in combination with our other results, suggests that PMPZ isolation is not driven by idiosyncratic genotype × genotype interactions. Our results show PMPZ isolation as a strong, consistent barrier to gene flow early during speciation and suggest several targets of selection known to affect ejaculate‐female reproductive tract interactions within species that may cause this PMPZ isolation.
Effect of Alcohol Consumption on Survival in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A National Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Hajifathalian Kaveh , Torabi Sagvand Babak , McCullough Arthur J.
Published: August 2018

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) comprises more than two thirds of patients with chronic liver disease in the United States. The effect of alcohol consumption on survival in patients with NAFLD is not clear. We gathered data on National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey participants from 1988 to 2010, and linked them to the National Death Index for follow‐up of their survival. We diagnosed NAFLD based on a previously validated biochemical model (Hepatic Steatosis Index). We built multivariate Cox proportional hazards models to evaluate the effect of alcohol consumption on survival of patients with NAFLD. After excluding participants with significant alcohol use, viral hepatitis, or increased transferrin saturation, 4,568 participants with NAFLD were included in the analysis. In a Cox model adjusted for age, sex, and smoking history, drinking 0.5‐1.5 drinks per day decreased the risk of overall mortality by 41% (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.59, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.40‐0.85, P = 0.005) compared with not drinking. Drinking ≥1.5 drinks per day showed a trend toward harm (HR = 1.16, 95% CI 0.99‐1.36, P = 0.119). After further adjustment for race, physical activity, education level, diabetes, and fiber and polyunsaturated fatty acid intake, drinking 0.5‐1.5 drinks per day continued to show a significant protective effect (HR = 0.64, 95% CI 0.42‐0.97, P = 0.035), and drinking ≥1.5 drinks per day showed a significant harmful effect on mortality (HR = 1.45, 95% CI 1.01‐2.10, P = 0.047). Among patients with NAFLD, modest alcohol consumption is associated with a significant decrease in all‐cause mortality, whereas drinking ≥1.5 drinks per day is associated with an increase in mortality. These results help to inform the discussion of potential risks and benefits of alcohol use in patients with NAFLD.
JMJD6 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma carcinogenesis by targeting CDK4
Authors: Wan Junhu , Liu Hongyang , Yang Lijun , Ma Liwei , Liu Jun , Ming Liang
Published: August 2018

Jumonji domain‐containing protein 6 (JMJD6), a histone arginine demethylase, plays a multifaceted and significant role in embryonic development and cancer progression. However, the function of JMJD6 and its precise mechanism in regulating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unknown. Here, we show that aberrant JMJD6 overexpression is associated with poor prognosis and aggressive characteristics of HCC. In hepatoma cell lines, we demonstrated that knockdown of JMJD6 inhibited hepatoma cell migration and proliferation. JMJD6 overexpression displays the opposite effects. Interestingly, JMJD6 regulates hepatoma cell cycle and apoptosis progression. Moreover, there was a positive correlation between cell cycle regulatory protein CDK4 and JMJD6 level. Mechanism analysis suggested JMJD6 promotes CDK4 expression by directly targeting to its promoter, and interacts with PCAF to regulate the histone modifications on the promoter of CDK4. Furthermore, we found that inhibiting CDK4 abolished the ability of JMJD6 in enhancing cell proliferation. Taken together, for the first, we demonstrated that JMJD6 is critically involved in HCC carcinogenesis, and indicated that JMJD6 may be a novel potential biomarker for HCC.
UPSCALING MAINTENANCE OPERATIONS IN A LARGE‐SCALE IRRIGATION SCHEME TO SOLVE DRAINAGE ISSUES: GOING BEYOND A MANAGERIAL PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Ducrot Raphaëlle , Otake Masahiro , Riera Asako , Famba Sebastião , Nguenha Rafael
Published: August 2018

In large‐scale irrigation schemes built in flood plains the state of the drainage systems not only affects the performance of irrigation but also the quality of life of the population. However, maintenance of the drainage infrastructure is often neglected. This paper draws from two transdisciplinary interventions dealing with the maintenance of drainage infrastructure in the Chokwe Irrigation Scheme in Mozambique: one tested an experimental intervention that called on farmers and experts to solve local drainage issues. The other used a participatory mapping, modelling and simulation approach to discuss the barriers to upscaling different solutions at scheme levels. Managerial issues such as a good communication between actors, a good match between tasks and resources, and the scheduling of maintenance activities were important, but the most difficult challenge was addressing the underlying economic, social and political drivers that affected the relationships between actors and consequently their willingness to cooperate. Thus, the development of perennial solutions calls for (re)internalization of the social and political dimensions in scheme management and to rethink the issue of equity not as a moral injunction but as a condition for irrigation success. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new perspective on solar dimming over the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Lin Changgui , Wu Huanping , Ou Tinghai , Chen Deliang
Published: August 2018

Solar radiation changes (dimming/brightening) have recently received growing attention within the research community, although there is currently no generally accepted explanation. This article aims to provide a new perspective for identifying the reasons behind solar dimming/brightening by using long‐term measurements of direct and diffuse solar radiation, unlike previous studies which have focused on global solar radiation. We postulate that extinction processes can be more readily revealed by direct and diffuse radiation measurements with the help of a modelling tool that treats the two components separately. An example is presented for Golmud and Lhasa in the northern and southern Tibetan Plateau (TP) respectively, over the period 1957–2013. The following is found: (a) ground‐based observed cloud cover alone hardly explains the observed solar dimming at the two sites; (b) both the cloud‐free direct radiation transmittivity (τ
dir) and diffuse radiation proportion (p
dif) declined; (c) variations in p
dif are overwhelmingly dominated by variations in aerosols, while those in τ
dir are related to variations in both aerosol and water vapour; (d) on top of the suggested reduced aerosol concentrations, decreased snow cover can partly explain declined diffuse radiation via lowered surface albedo; (e) the decline in τ
dir can be partly attributed to the wetting atmosphere via strengthened absorption; and (f) the impact of volcanic eruptions was also identified from such radiative parameters, lasting into the following summer and especially strong in the southern TP.
UV Resistance of bacteria from the Kenyan Marine cyanobacterium Moorea producens
Authors: Dzeha Thomas , Nyiro Constance , Kardasopoulos Dimitris , Mburu David , Mwafaida Joseph , Hall Michael J. , Burgess J. Grant
Published: August 2018

UV resistance of bacteria isolated from the marine cyanobacterium Moorea producens has not been observed previously, findings which highlight how unsafe germicidal UV irradiation for sterilization of air, food, and water could be. Further, UV resistance of Bacillus licheniformis is being observed for the first time. This study focused on bacteria isolated from the marine cyanobacterium M. producens collected off the Kenyan coast at Shimoni, Wasini, Kilifi, and Mida. UV irradiance of isolates (302 nm, 70 W/m2, 0–1 hr) established B. licheniformis as the most UV resistant strain, with the following order of taxon resistance: Bacilli> γ proteobacteria > Actinobacteria. UV resistance was independent of pigmentation. The maximum likelihood phylogenetic distance determined for both B. licheniformis and Bacillus aerius relative to M. producens CCAP 1446/4 was 2.0. Survival of B. licheniformis upon UV irradiance followed first‐order kinetics (k = 0.035/min, R2 = 0.88). Addition of aqueous extracts (2, 10, 20 and 40 mg/ml) of this B. licheniformis strain on the less resistant Marinobacterium stanieri was not significant, however, the commercial sunscreen benzophenone‐3 (BP‐3) positive control and the time of irradiance were significant. Detection of bacteria on M. producens filaments stained with acridine orange confirmed its nonaxenic nature. Although the chemistry of UV resistance in cyanobacteria has been studied in depth revealing for example the role of mycosporine like amino acids (MAAs) in UV resistance less is known about how bacteria resist UV irradiation. This is of interest since cyanobacteria live in association with bacteria.
Examining predictors and outcomes of fertility consults among children, adolescents, and young adults with cancer
Authors: Saraf Amanda J. , Stanek Joseph , Audino Anthony , DaJusta Daniel , Hansen‐Moore Jennifer , McCracken Kate , Whiteside Stacy , Yeager Nick , Nahata Leena
Published: August 2018

Infertility has a negative impact on quality of life among cancer survivors. Studies show establishing a fertility team results in improved patient satisfaction. A review of electronic medical records was performed to examine predictors of fertility referrals, interventions, and the impact of an opt‐out consult mechanism. Findings show many patients, particularly those that are younger, are still not receiving fertility counseling despite the presence of a fertility team. Notably, patients were 3.6 times more likely to receive a consult after the opt‐out. Strategies are needed to improve access to fertility related care, particularly in groups where consults are underutilized.
Factoring in frailty when optimising medication
Authors: Krska Janet
Published: August 2018

The relationship between polypharmacy and frailty was the subject of the 2018 Annual Scientific Meeting of PRIMM (Prescribing and Research in Medicines Management), held in London in January. Professor Janet Krska reports on some of the advice given at the meeting, including identifying frailty and adopting a patient‐centred approach to medicines optimisation.
NiTe Nanorods as Electrode Material for High Performance Supercapacitor Applications
Authors: Manikandan M. , Subramani K. , Sathish M. , Dhanuskodi S.
Published: August 2018

Nickel telluride nanorods (NiTe NRs) have been prepared by hydrothermal method using ascorbic acid as reducing agent and CTAB as surfactant and characterized by XRD, FE‐SEM, HR‐TEM and BET. EDX analysis confirms the formation of NiTe NRs. NiTe electrode material for supercapacitor is characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge‐discharge (GCD) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements. A high specific capacitance of 618 F g−1 at the current density of 1 A g−1 and the cyclic stability with 75% of its specific capacitance retention after 5000 cycles are achieved. During the cyclic process, the coulombic efficiency is better than 99% indicating a good reversibility of NiTe electrode. The combination of high electrical conductivity, porous structure and the synergic effects of nickel play a significant role to obtain supercapacitor electrodes with excellent performances.
Premature placental aging in term small‐for‐gestational‐age and growth‐restricted fetuses
Authors: Paules C. , Dantas A. P. , Miranda J. , Crovetto F. , Eixarch E. , Rodriguez‐Sureda V. , Dominguez C. , Casu G. , Rovira C. , Nadal A. , Crispi F. , Gratacós E.
Published: August 2018

Objective

To perform a comprehensive assessment of the placental aging process in small term fetuses classified as being small‐for‐gestational age (SGA) or having fetal growth restriction (FGR) through analysis of senescence and apoptosis markers.

Methods

This was a prospective nested case–control study of singleton pregnancies delivered at term, including 21 control pregnancies with normally grown fetuses and 36 with a small fetus classified as SGA (birth weight between the 3rd and 9th percentiles and normal fetoplacental Doppler; n = 18) or FGR (birth weight < 3rd percentile and/or abnormal cerebroplacental ratio and/or uterine artery Doppler; n = 18). Telomerase activity, telomere length (quantified by comparing the amount of amplification product for the telomere sequence (T) to that of a single copy of the gene 36B4 (S)) and RNA expression of senescence (Sirtuins 1, 3 and 6) and apoptosis (p53, p21, BAX and Caspases 3 and 9) markers (analyzed using the 2–ΔΔCt method) were determined in placental samples collected at birth and compared between the three groups.

Results

Compared to pregnancies with a normally grown fetus, both SGA and FGR pregnancies presented signs of accelerated placental aging, including lower telomerase activity (mean ± SD, 12.8 ± 6.6% in controls vs 7.98 ± 4.2% in SGA vs 7.79 ± 4.6% in FGR; P = 0.008), shorter telomeres (mean ± SD T/S ratio, 1.20 ± 0.6 in controls vs 1.08 ± 0.9 in SGA vs 0.66 ± 0.5 in FGR; P = 0.047) and reduced Sirtuin‐1 RNA expression (mean ± SD 2–ΔΔCt, 1.55 ± 0.8 in controls vs 0.91 ± 0.8 in SGA vs 0.63 ± 0.5 in FGR; P = 0.001) together with increased p53 RNA expression (median (interquartile range) 2–ΔΔCt, 1.07 (0.3–3.3) in controls vs 5.39 (0.6–15) in SGA vs 3.75 (0.9–7.8) in FGR; P = 0.040). FGR cases presented signs of apoptosis, with increased Caspase‐3 RNA levels (median (interquartile range) 2–ΔΔCt, 0.94 (0.7–1.7) in controls vs 3.98 (0.9–31) in FGR; P = 0.031) and Caspase‐9 RNA levels (median (interquartile range) 2–ΔΔCt, 1.21 (0.6–4.0) in controls vs 3.87 (1.5–9.0) in FGR; P = 0.037) compared with controls. In addition, Sirtuin‐1 RNA expression, telomerase activity, telomere length and Caspase‐3 activity showed significant linear trends across groups as severity of the condition increased.

Conclusions

Accelerated placental aging was observed in both clinical forms of late‐onset fetal smallness (SGA and FGR), supporting a common pathophysiology and challenging the concept of SGA fetuses being constitutionally small. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Public Health and Corporate Avoidance of U.S. Federal Income Tax
Authors: Wiist William H.
Published: August 2018

The amount of U.S. federal revenue affects the government's ability to provide public health services, programs, infrastructure, and research to adequately protect the public's health. Public health funding shortages are chronic. Corporate income tax avoidance is one source of unrealized federal tax revenue that, if collected and allocated to public health, could help offset those shortages. Major corporate methods of tax avoidance, their effect on federal revenue, and recommended policy changes are described. Corporate tax avoidance and government revenue shortages are framed as social determinants of health, and research questions and data sources for public health researchers for examining the issue are suggested. Although there is no guarantee that any additional corporate income tax revenue would be directed to public health, the subject warrants the attention of public health researchers and policy advocates. The United States serves as a case study for public professionals in other countries to conduct similar analyses.
Children with Disabilities at Risk of Poor Oral Health in the Republic of Lithuania: A Retrospective Descriptive Service Evaluation
Authors: Mazecaite‐Vaitilaviciene Laura , Owens Janine
Published: August 2018

This retrospective service evaluation considers the oral health of children with disabilities in post‐Soviet Lithuania. It identifies that they have extensive dental decay and that the predominant course of dental treatment for children with disabilities is tooth extraction under general anesthetic. There is little in the way of specialist service provision, preventative care, or oral health promotion for this group. This study adds to the literature by identifying and emphasizing the impact on oral health of the sweeping economic and political changes, the move toward deinstitutionalization, and new economic trends such as a market economy. In particular, the lack of social welfare support, high levels of child poverty, poor educational outcomes, and the privatization of the oral health‐care system has served to increase oral health inequity for marginalized groups. The outcome is an increase in oral health inequalities for children with disabilities and an urgent need for policy and reform.
Large Eddy Simulations for Indirect Combustion Noise Assessment in a Nozzle Guide Vane Passage
Authors: Ceci Alessandro , Gojon Romain , Mihaescu Mihai
Published: August 2018

The combustion noise in aero-engines is known to originate from two different sources. First, the unsteady heat release in the combustion chamber generates the direct combustion noise. Second, hot and cold spots of air generated by the combustion process are convected and accelerated by the turbine stages and give rise to the so-called indirect combustion noise. The present work targets, by using a numerical approach, the generation mechanism of indirect combustion noise for a simplified geometry of a turbine stator passage. Periodic temperature fluctuations are imposed at the inlet, permitting to simulate hot and cold packets of air coming from the unsteady combustion. Three-dimensional Large Eddy Simulation (LES) calculations are conducted for transonic operating conditions to evaluate the blade acoustic response to the forced temperature perturbations at the inlet plane. Transonic conditions are characterized by trailing edge expansion waves and shocks. It is notably shown that their movement can be excited if disturbances with a particular frequency are injected in the domain.
Solution of combined economic and emission dispatch problem using a novel chaotic improved harmony search algorithm
Authors: Rezaie Hamid , Kazemi-Rahbar M.H. , Vahidi Behrooz , Rastegar Hasan
Published: August 2018

This paper presents a new optimization technique developed based on harmony search algorithm (HSA), called chaotic improved harmony search algorithm (CIHSA). In the proposed algorithm, the original HSA is improved using several innovative modifications in the optimization procedure such as using chaotic patterns instead of uniform distribution to generate random numbers, dynamically tuning the algorithm parameters, and employing virtual harmony memories. Also, a novel type of local optimization is introduced and employed in the algorithm procedure. Applying these modifications to HSA has resulted in enhancing the robustness, accuracy and search efficiency of the algorithm, and significantly reducing the iterations number required to achieve the optimal solution. To validate the effectiveness of CIHSA, it is used to solve the combined economic emission dispatch (CEED) problem, which practically is a complex high-dimensional non-convex optimization task with several equality and inequality constraints. Six test systems having 6, 10, 13, 14, 40, and 140 generators are investigated in this study, and the valve-point loading effects, ramp rate limits and power transmission losses are also taken into account. The results obtained by CIHSA are compared with the results reported in a large number of other research works. Furthermore, the statistical data regarding the CIHSA performance in all test systems is presented. The numerical and statistical results confirm the high quality of the solutions found by CIHSA and its superiority compared to other existing techniques employed in solving CEED problems.

Highlights An innovative and strong optimization technique based on harmony search is proposed. The proposed algorithm is tested on solving economic emission dispatch problem. It has the potential to be applied to many other engineering optimization problems. Six test systems considering valve point effect and transmission losses are studied. High quality solutions are obtained and compared with a large number of other methods.
Subjectivity and Transcendence: The Primacy of Truth and Goodness in Hegel and Levinas
Authors: Clausen Anne
Published: August 2018

The Hegelian concept, with its all-encompassing power, epitomizes the kind of totality-oriented thinking that Levinas, a philosopher of genuine alterity, sharply criticizes. This paper investigates this antagonism by focusing on a notion that is pivotal for both authors, the notion of subjectivity. Hegel makes transcendence into an immanent dimension of the subject whereas Levinas conceives transcendence as the subject’s relation with radical exteriority. The decisive question is whether Levinas falls back into the failures of so-called ‘philosophies of reflection’ or whether the Hegelian dialectic of being and nothing relies on an un-condition for which it does not and indeed cannot account. The paper culminates in the thesis that Hegel and Levinas reverse the order of priority of the Good and the True. While Hegel conceives of the absolute as system of truth, for Levinas the ethical ‘failure’ of totalization constitutes a necessary condition for rationality.
The Fates of the West: Globalization, Populism, and the Prospects for Western Liberalism
Authors: Sargent Daniel J.
Published: August 2018

Tumbling barriers once heralded globalization's ascent. The abolition of capital controls propelled the integration of financial markets from the mid-1970s, and the free movement of capital, goods, services, and labor soon became foundational commitments for the European Union. Multilateral trade reforms, orchestrated after 1995 by the new World Trade Organization, lowered barriers to commerce, while telecommunications and transportation technologies slashed the costs of long-distance transactions. In a stunning development, the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 showcased the incapacity of even totalitarian regimes to contain the desires of ordinary citizens for freedom, openness, and global engagement. Recalling that halcyon moment, when a bifurcated Cold War subsided and a new era of globalization and openness took tangible form, the journalist Edward Luce invokes Wordsworth: “Bliss it was in that dawn to be alive.”
Distribution of Class Numbers in Continued Fraction Families of Real Quadratic Fields
Authors: Dahl Alexander , Kala Vítězslav
Published: August 2018

We construct a random model to study the distribution of class numbers in special families of real quadratic fields ${\open Q}(\sqrt d )$ arising from continued fractions. These families are obtained by considering continued fraction expansions of the form $\sqrt {D(n)} = [f(n),\overline {u_1,u_2, \ldots ,u_{s-1} ,2f(n)]} $ with fixed coefficients u1, …, us−1 and generalize well-known families such as Chowla's 4n2 + 1, for which analogous results were recently proved by Dahl and Lamzouri [‘The distribution of class numbers in a special family of real quadratic fields’, Trans. Amer. Math. Soc. (2018), 6331–6356].
Analysis on the Potential Performance of GPS and Galileo Precise Point Positioning using Simulated Real-Time Products
Authors: Basile Francesco , Moore Terry , Hill Chris
Published: August 2018

With the evolving Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) landscape, the International GNSS Service (IGS) has started the Multi-GNSS Experiment (MGEX) to produce precise products for new generation systems. Various analysis centres are working on the estimation of precise orbits, clocks and bias for Galileo, Beidou and Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) satellites. However, at the moment these products can only be used for post-processing applications. Indeed, the IGS Real-Time service only broadcasts Global Positioning System (GPS) and Globalnaya Navigatsionnaya Sputnikovaya Sistema (GLONASS) corrections. In this research, a simulator of multi-GNSS observations and real-time precise products has been developed to analyse the performance of GPS-only, Galileo-only and GPS plus Galileo Precise Point Positioning (PPP). The error models in the simulated orbits and clocks were based on the difference between the GPS Real-Time and the Final products. Multiple scenarios were analysed, considering different signals combined in the Ionosphere Free linear combination. Results in a simulated open area environment show better performance of the Galileo-only case over the GPS-only case. Indeed, up 33% and 29% of improvement, respectively, in the accuracy level and convergence time can be observed when using the full Galileo constellation compared to GPS. The dual constellation case provides good improvements, in particular in the convergence time (47% faster than GPS). This paper will also consider the impact of different linear combinations of the Galileo signals, and the potential of the E5 Alternative Binary Offset Carrier (AltBOC) signal. Even though it is significantly more precise than E5a, the PPP performance obtained with the Galileo E1-E5a combination is either better or similar to the one with Galileo E1-E5. The reason for this inconsistency was found in the use of the ionosphere free combination with E1. Finally, alternative methods of ionosphere error mitigation are considered in order to ensure the best possible positioning performance from the Galileo E5 signal in multi-frequency PPP.
An Inka Offering at Yayno (North Highlands, Peru): Objects, Subjects and Gifts in the Ancient Andes
Authors: Lau George F.
Published: August 2018

While Marcel Mauss's landmark essay onThe Gifthas been vital in social anthropology, inspiring a vast and influential secondary literature, the gift has been much less prominent in archaeological interpretation. This study considers evidence for an ancient Andean gift economy, a system of reciprocal exchanges focused on making people and ensuring group social relations, rather than accumulating wealth/capital. Excavations at Yayno (north highlands, Ancash, Peru) revealed two features dating to the time of the Inkas: 1) a slab-lined cist burial; and 2) an offering deposit containing abundant long-distance trade and sumptuary items. Besides its mountaintop location, the burial's intrusive character and foreign items indicate that the offerings were made to propitiate the place, ruins and their divine aspect. This essay studies the reciprocal acts that led to the offerings, comparing them to gifting patterns in Inka human sacrifices known ascapac hucha.The key actors in the exchange were children, divinities, Inka bureaucrats, local leaders and state subjects.
Uptake of NHS health check: issues in monitoring
Authors: Riley Victoria A. , Gidlow Christopher , Ellis Naomi J.
Published: August 2018

Within the NHS health check (NHSHC) programme, there is evidence of marked inconsistencies and challenges in practice-level self-reporting of uptake. Consequently, we explored the perceptions of those involved in commissioning of NHSHC to better understand the implications for local and national monitoring and evaluation of programme uptake. Semi-structured, one-to-one, telephone interviews (n=15) were conducted with NHSHC commissioners and leads, and were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. NHSHC data were often collected from practices using online extraction systems but many still relied on self-reported data. Performance targets and indicators used to monitor and feedback to general practices varied between localities. Participants reported a number of issues when collecting and reporting data for NHSHC, namely because of opportunistic checks. Owing to the perceived inaccuracies in reporting, there was concern about the credibility and relevance of national uptake figures. The general practice extraction service will be important to fully understand uptake of NHSHC.
Medical waste management improvement in community health centers: an interventional study in Iran
Authors: Tabrizi Jafar Sadegh , Saadati Mohammad , Heydari Mahdieh , Rezapour Ramin , Zamanpour Roghaie
Published: August 2018

Aim

To improve the medical waste management (MWM) standards in Tabriz community health centers (CHCs) through clinical audit process.

Background

Management of medical waste is not only a legally necessity but also a social responsibility in health systems. Owing to the potential risks for human health and environmental impacts, MWM is a global concern.

Methods

This was an interventional research designed using clinical audit cycle that was implemented in Tabriz CHCs in 2016. MWM was assessed through observation, as well as reviewing relevant documents and interviews with waste workers in CHCs and completion of a researcher-made checklist. Intervention plans were developed and implemented based on the assessment results. To analyze the data, Excel 2016 software was used and information was reported as descriptive statistics through comparison of standards adherence before and after the interventions.

Results

Generally, 30% improvements in MWM standards adherence were experienced (45.8–75.1%) in the CHCs, after the interventions. The greatest improvement was observed in the dimensions of management and education, and separation and collection of medical waste, up to 30 and 28.5%, respectively.

Conclusions

As the results demonstrated, standards of MWM processes were improved in Tabriz CHCs, due to the intervention. Moreover, it was experienced that using systematic method, stakeholders’ participation and evidence-based planning would lead to process improvement. MWM was an ignored issue in primary care that must be more in attention.
Preference of flight morph of Callosobruchus maculatus (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) for three plant legumes
Authors: Ajayi Olufunmilayo E. , Morawo Tolulope O. , Fadamiro Henry Y.
Published: August 2018

We studied host discrimination in flight morph ofCallosobruchus maculatus(F.) among the legume plants Ife-brown (IB) and black-eyed (BE) cowpea,Vigna unguiculata(L. Walp), soybean (SB), andGlycine max(L.) and analysed legume volatiles towards developing an attractant forC. maculatus. Olfactometry studies were conducted to investigate attraction of mated 3–4-day-old femaleC. maculatusto legume plants with the green pod (PGP), green pods (GP), plant with the ripened pod (PRP), ripened pod (RP), and plant without pod (PWP). We also assessed the response of beetles to phenological stages of the most attractive legume. In Y-tube bioassays,C. maculatusshowed greater attraction to individual legumes at three phenological stages: PGP (73–93%), PRP (80–100%), and RP (63–93%) compared with PWP (6–36%). In four-choice bioassays,C. maculatuspreferred IB at all stages to other legumes. SB had an insignificant attraction on the beetle. The RP of IB was the most attractive part of the plant. Gas chromatography (GC) and GC–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analyses of volatiles emitted by RP of the legumes revealed a variation in the compositions of odour blends. Benzaldehyde was found in the volatiles of IB and BE with a higher emission in IB. Octanone was detected only in IB. The two compounds were undetected in SB volatiles. These results reveal that in addition to infesting cowpea plants at RP stage as reported in previous studies,C. maculatuscould also infest cowpea plants at the GP stage.
Elevated H3K79 homocysteinylation causes abnormal gene expression during neural development and subsequent neural tube defects
Authors: Zhang Qin , Bai Baoling , Mei Xinyu , Wan Chunlei , Cao Haiyan , Dan Li  , Wang Shan , Zhang Min , Wang Zhigang , Wu Jianxin , Wang Hongyan , Huo Junsheng , Ding Gangqiang , Zhao Jianyuan , Xie Qiu , Wang Li , Qiu Zhiyong , Zhao Shiming , Zhang Ting
Published: August 2018

Neural tube defects (NTDs) are serious congenital malformations. Excessive maternal homocysteine (Hcy) increases the risk of NTDs, while its mechanism remains elusive. Here we report the role of histone homocysteinylation in neural tube closure (NTC). A total of 39 histone homocysteinylation sites are identified in samples from human embryonic brain tissue using mass spectrometry. Elevated levels of histone KHcy and H3K79Hcy are detected at increased cellular Hcy levels in human fetal brains. Using ChIP-seq and RNA-seq assays, we demonstrate that an increase in H3K79Hcy level down-regulates the expression of selected NTC-related genes including Cecr2, Smarca4, and Dnmt3b. In human NTDs brain tissues, decrease in expression of CECR2, SMARCA4, and DNMT3B is also detected along with high levels of Hcy and H3K79Hcy. Our results suggest that higher levels of Hcy contribute to the onset of NTDs through up-regulation of histone H3K79Hcy, leading to abnormal expressions of selected NTC-related genes.
Active site localization of methane oxidation on Pt nanocrystals
Authors: Kim Dongjin , Chung Myungwoo , Carnis Jerome , Kim Sungwon , Yun Kyuseok , Kang Jinback , Cha Wonsuk , Cherukara Mathew J. , Maxey Evan , Harder Ross , Sasikumar Kiran , K. R. S. Sankaranarayanan Subramanian , Zozulya Alexey , Sprung Michael , Riu Dohhyung , Kim Hyunjung
Published: August 2018

High catalytic efficiency in metal nanocatalysts is attributed to large surface area to volume ratios and an abundance of under-coordinated atoms that can decrease kinetic barriers. Although overall shape or size changes of nanocatalysts have been observed as a result of catalytic processes, structural changes at low-coordination sites such as edges, remain poorly understood. Here, we report high-lattice distortion at edges of Pt nanocrystals during heterogeneous catalytic methane oxidation based on in situ 3D Bragg coherent X-ray diffraction imaging. We directly observe contraction at edges owing to adsorption of oxygen. This strain increases during methane oxidation and it returns to the original state after completing the reaction process. The results are in good agreement with finite element models that incorporate forces, as determined by reactive molecular dynamics simulations. Reaction mechanisms obtained from in situ strain imaging thus provide important insights for improving catalysts and designing future nanostructured catalytic materials.
The cristae modulator Optic atrophy 1 requires mitochondrial ATP synthase oligomers to safeguard mitochondrial function
Authors: Quintana-Cabrera Rubén , Quirin Charlotte , Glytsou Christina , Corrado Mauro , Urbani Andrea , Pellattiero Anna , Calvo Enrique , Vázquez Jesús , Enríquez José Antonio , Gerle Christoph , Soriano María Eugenia , Bernardi Paolo , Scorrano Luca
Published: August 2018

It is unclear how the mitochondrial fusion protein Optic atrophy 1 (OPA1), which inhibits cristae remodeling, protects from mitochondrial dysfunction. Here we identify the mitochondrial F1Fo-ATP synthase as the effector of OPA1 in mitochondrial protection. In OPA1 overexpressing cells, the loss of proton electrochemical gradient caused by respiratory chain complex III inhibition is blunted and this protection is abolished by the ATP synthase inhibitor oligomycin. Mechanistically, OPA1 and ATP synthase can interact, but recombinant OPA1 fails to promote oligomerization of purified ATP synthase reconstituted in liposomes, suggesting that OPA1 favors ATP synthase oligomerization and reversal activity by modulating cristae shape. When ATP synthase oligomers are genetically destabilized by silencing the key dimerization subunit e, OPA1 is no longer able to preserve mitochondrial function and cell viability upon complex III inhibition. Thus, OPA1 protects mitochondria from respiratory chain inhibition by stabilizing cristae shape and favoring ATP synthase oligomerization.
Observation of topologically protected states at crystalline phase boundaries in single-layer WSe2
Authors: Ugeda Miguel M. , Pulkin Artem , Tang Shujie , Ryu Hyejin , Wu Quansheng , Zhang Yi , Wong Dillon , Pedramrazi Zahra , Martín-Recio Ana , Chen Yi , Wang Feng , Shen Zhi-Xun , Mo Sung-Kwan , Yazyev Oleg V. , Crommie Michael F.
Published: August 2018

Transition metal dichalcogenide materials are unique in the wide variety of structural and electronic phases they exhibit in the two-dimensional limit. Here we show how such polymorphic flexibility can be used to achieve topological states at highly ordered phase boundaries in a new quantum spin Hall insulator (QSHI), 1T′-WSe2. We observe edge states at the crystallographically aligned interface between a quantum spin Hall insulating domain of 1T′-WSe2 and a semiconducting domain of 1H-WSe2 in contiguous single layers. The QSHI nature of single-layer 1T′-WSe2 is verified using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy to determine band inversion around a 120 meV energy gap, as well as scanning tunneling spectroscopy to directly image edge-state formation. Using this edge-state geometry we confirm the predicted penetration depth of one-dimensional interface states into the two-dimensional bulk of a QSHI for a well-specified crystallographic direction. These interfaces create opportunities for testing predictions of the microscopic behavior of topologically protected boundary states.
Wheat microbiome bacteria can reduce virulence of a plant pathogenic fungus by altering histone acetylation
Authors: Chen Yun , Wang Jing , Yang Nan , Wen Ziyue , Sun Xuepeng , Chai Yunrong , Ma Zhonghua
Published: August 2018

Interactions between bacteria and fungi have great environmental, medical, and agricultural importance, but the molecular mechanisms are largely unknown. Here, we study the interactions between the bacterium Pseudomonas piscium, from the wheat head microbiome, and the plant pathogenic fungus Fusarium graminearum. We show that a compound secreted by the bacteria (phenazine-1-carboxamide) directly affects the activity of fungal protein FgGcn5, a histone acetyltransferase of the SAGA complex. This leads to deregulation of histone acetylation at H2BK11, H3K14, H3K18, and H3K27 in F. graminearum, as well as suppression of fungal growth, virulence, and mycotoxin biosynthesis. Therefore, an antagonistic bacterium can inhibit growth and virulence of a plant pathogenic fungus by manipulating fungal histone modification.
JunB defines functional and structural integrity of the epidermo-pilosebaceous unit in the skin
Authors: Singh Karmveer , Camera Emanuela , Krug Linda , Basu Abhijit , Pandey Rajeev Kumar , Munir Saira , Wlaschek Meinhard , Kochanek Stefan , Schorpp-Kistner Marina , Picardo Mauro , Angel Peter , Niemann Catherin , Maity Pallab , Scharffetter-Kochanek Karin
Published: August 2018

Transcription factors ensure skin homeostasis via tight regulation of distinct resident stem cells. Here we report that JunB, a member of the AP-1 transcription factor family, regulates epidermal stem cells and sebaceous glands through balancing proliferation and differentiation of progenitors and by suppressing lineage infidelity. JunB deficiency in basal progenitors results in a dermatitis-like syndrome resembling seborrheic dermatitis harboring structurally and functionally impaired sebaceous glands with a globally altered lipid profile. A fate switch occurs in a subset of JunB deficient epidermal progenitors during wound healing resulting in de novo formation of sebaceous glands. Dysregulated Notch signaling is identified to be causal for this phenotype. In fact, pharmacological inhibition of Notch signaling can efficiently restore the lineage drift, impaired epidermal differentiation and disrupted barrier function in JunB conditional knockout mice. These findings define an unprecedented role for JunB in epidermal-pilosebaceous stem cell homeostasis and its pathology.
Dysregulation of the NUDT7-PGAM1 axis is responsible for chondrocyte death during osteoarthritis pathogenesis
Authors: Song Jinsoo , Baek In-Jeoung , Chun Churl-Hong , Jin Eun-Jung
Published: August 2018

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common degenerative joint disease; however, its etiopathogenesis is not completely understood. Here we show a role forNUDT7in OA pathogenesis. Knockdown ofNUDT7in normal human chondrocytes results in the disruption of lipid homeostasis. Moreover,Nudt7−/−mice display significant accumulation of lipids via peroxisomal dysfunction, upregulation ofIL-1βexpression, and stimulation of apoptotic death of chondrocytes. Our genome-wide analysis reveals thatNUDT7knockout affects the glycolytic pathway, and we identifyPgam1as a significantly altered gene. Consistent with the results obtained on the suppression ofNUDT7, overexpression ofPGAM1in chondrocytes induces the accumulation of lipids, upregulation ofIL-1βexpression, and apoptotic cell death. Furthermore, these negative actions ofPGAM1in maintaining cartilage homeostasis are reversed by the co-introduction ofNUDT7. Our results suggest thatNUDT7could be a potential therapeutic target for controlling cartilage-degrading disorders.