bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Affecting the Production of Biosurfactants and their Applications in Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR). A Review
Authors: Sari C N , Hertadi R , Gozan M , Roslan A M
Published: October 2019

Biosurfactants are surface-active compounds synthesized by microbes. They have the ability to reduce the surface tension of a liquid and interfacial tension (IFT) between two different phases. Thus, they can be applied in water-oil emulsification. The development of enhanced oil recovery (EOR) technology has led to increased interest in biosurfactants. The purpose of this review was to compile information on important components of biosurfactant production. Understanding the characteristics of biosurfactants, especially IFT derivation and effects of alterations in the wettability of reservoir rocks can aid the applications in EOR. Both the microbe type and growth substrate influence the yield and type of biosurfactant produced. The type of fermenter also affects the efficiency of surfactant production. The use of batch type fermentors and the use of Pseudomonas and Bacillus bacteria in the previous research was superior whereas the sugar group and plant base oil as substrates. The measurement methods of biosurfactants in microbial culture are of considerable importance to be done prior to characterization of biosurfactant products. Furthermore, some reservoir components discussed in this review are the keys to the success of biosurfactant flooding in the field.
An Efforts to Maintain the Sustainability of Renewable Energy System in Rural Area through Green School Education Model
Authors: Novitasari D , Hidayat S , Puruhito D D , Arruzi R K , Aliyah F , Mahfud A
Published: October 2019

Indonesia has hundreds of renewable energy systems as a source of electrical energy that is spread in rural area. This is done as a government effort to provide electricity access for people who do not have access to electricity from the National Electric Company. The technology built in the village managed by the community. Community preparation in technical and non-technical is needed, thus the renewable energy system can provide electricity for a long time. The Green School is a place for the community to learn from each other and discuss about the renewable energy system in their village. The Green School is designed to have three curricula consisting of Basic Training, Intermediate Training and Advanced Training. The training should consist of participants from various background, education and also notice on gender perspective. Basic training’s main goal is making participants braver to express their opinions in front of the forum. The material is about their daily problem. Intermediate Training’s goal is increasing capacity building of community on managing renewable energy technology, e.g. how to handle the problem. Advanced Training’s goal is networking with outside parties to get more ideas and experiences thus community ready to collaborate in managing technology.
The Study of Morfometric and Meristic of Yellow Tail Fish Landed in Nusantara Fishery Harbour of Sungailiat, Bangka Regency
Authors: Gustomi A , Arizona M O , Akhrianti I
Published: October 2019

Caesionidae is one of the first commodity from a kind of varieties fishes in Nusantara Fishery Harbour (PPN) at Sungailiat, Bangka Regency. Caesionidae is consumption fish and become important food source for human. People call this fish as Yellow tail fish because it has yellow tail and the upper body of this fish is dominate by yellow colour. In scientific name, this fish named as caesiocuning. On local name, yellow tail fish named “delah”.This research aims to analyze the charachter of morphometric and meristic of yellow tail fish in PPN Sungailiat, Bangka Regency on December 2018 to januari 2019. The data was taken using random sampling method. This research takes 23 morfometric and 9 meristicparameters.The character of morphometric showed that the yellow fish tail has Total Length body 12-18,3cm. The characters of meristic of Yellow tail fusilier in PPN Sungailiat Bangka Regency showed has the formula of Dorsal Rays, Anal Rays, Pectoral Rays, Ventral Rays, and Caudal Rays in order are D.IX 15- D.X 15, A.III 9- A.III 11, P.18, V.19-V.20, and C.18-C.22. The final result of classification showsthat the name fish in PPN Sungailiat (Bangka Regency),is Lutjanus vitta (Lutjanidae).
Response statistics of single degree of nonlinear random structure with nonlinear damping characteristic and nonlinear elastic characteristic under white-noise excitations
Authors: Stan P , Stan M
Published: October 2019

The paper investigates the applicability of the path integral solution method for calculating the response statistics of nonlinear dynamic systems whose equations of motion can be modelled by the use linearization differential equations. The present paper consists of discussion on dynamic response of structures under random load. They are random processes and commonly described by spectral density functions. An identification technique is proposed for a nonlinear oscillator excited by response-dependent white noise. Stiffness, damping and excitation are estimated from records of the stationary stochastic response. Assume that a single-degree of freedom structure is excited by a force which is a random process described by the spectral density function.
Automotive rubber part design using machine learning
Authors: Huri D , Mankovits T
Published: October 2019

In rubber products design finite element analysis is a widely used technique. In many cases, the pre-defined operating conditions can be achieved by changing the geometric dimensions of the product which is the well-known iterative design method. Using more than one design parameter the number of possible combinations will increase significantly. The application of Support Vector Machine (SVM) can handle the large number of data in a special way and helps to find the optimal design parameters. In this paper an optimization process of a rubber jounce is presented using nonlinear finite element analysis and SVM.
CAD modeling of the closing HIGH TIBIAL OSTEOTHOMY
Authors: Cofaru N F , Cofaru I I , Marjanović V , Marjanović N , Blagojević M , Petruse R E
Published: October 2019

The article proposes a generalised CAD modeling for a surgical strategy applied to the axial deviations of the human leg. These deviations appear most of the cases from a most common disease nowadays, ghonartrosys characterised by usage of the knee’s articular cartilage. The surgical strategy is HIGH TIBIAL OSTEOTOMY and it is very appropriate in order to correct the axial deviation due several reasons such as: repair with good results the axial deviations, good rate price/quality, strongly recommended method for young patients, not needed a maintenance activity as in case of the prosthesis. In the article it starts with the presentation of the mechanical axis of the lower limb and of the axial deviations that might appear and then using the CAD type modeling tools it is simulated and modelled the surgical procedure: Closing High tibial osteotomy. The approach is very important both from didactically consideration and possible evaluations presurgical, intrasurgical and postsurgical.
Welding method as influential factor of mechanical properties at high-strength low-alloyed steels
Authors: Ilic A , Ivanović L , Lazić V , Josifović D
Published: October 2019

In this paper the analysis of welding technology to mechanical properties of welded joints at high strength low alloyed steel S690QL is presented. Experimental testing was done at models with V-groove butt joints that are done by MMA or MIG for root pass and MAG for other passes of multipass welded joints with related parameters and consumables. Yield and tensile strength, so as answer to load of models are determined experimentally in order to analyses the effect of welding technology to resulted mechanical properties. On the basis of the obtained results it can be concluded that welding parameters have significant influence to mechanical properties of welded joints at high-strength low-alloyed steel. Furthermore, it can be concluded that welded joints with root pass done by MIG and other passes by MAG provide better mechanical properties. Presented research point out that welding parameters at high strength low alloyed steels must be selected and controlled precisely to obtain welding joints with adequate mechanical properties. Welding, as dominant method of joining, is primary factor that provide beneficial application of high-strength low-alloyed steels. The paper highlight the influence of material degradation due to welding. This paper point out the importance of analysing the welded joints at different levels of dimensions, while further, more detailed, research can be continued through development of a numerical model of the welded joints which will complete the experimentally obtained results. As experimentally obtained results correlate to material degradation due to welding it is implicated that future development of high-strength low-alloyed steels must be followed with development and modification of welding processes.
Quality control of closed-cell metal foam produced by direct foaming
Authors: Gábora A , Mankovits T
Published: October 2019

Metal foams have a lightweight cellular structure with excellent mechanical and physical properties. Although metal foams are popular, they are still not sufficiently characterized thanks to their extremely complex structure which is highly stochastic in nature. In this paper the influence of the technological parameters on the structure is analyzed. In laboratorial circumstances the production of closed cell aluminum foams depends on several factor. The purpose of the paper is to analyze the human factor on the quality of the metal foam specimens.
Effect of nanosized particles on the bainitic transformation in austempered ductile irons
Authors: Mishev V P , Kaleicheva J A , Anchev V C , Karaguiozova Z K
Published: October 2019

The austempered ductile iron was austenitized at 900°C for 1 h and quenched in an isothermal quenching furnace at 380 °C, 0,5 h, 1 h, 2 h, 4 h, 6 h. This paper aims to investigate the effects of nanosized particles (50nm) of titanium carbite+titanium nitride (TiCN+TiN), titanium nitride (TiN) and cubic boron nitride (cBN) on the bainitic transformation in austempered ductile irons (ADI). The samples upper bainitic microstructure is studied by metallographic microscope (OM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The influence of the nanosized additives on the kinetic of the bainitic transformation and on the morphology of the bainitic structure is investigated. The abrasive wear testing and hardness measurements are carried out. It is established that the presence of nanoadditives in the bainitic cast irons leads to the changes in their microstructure which increases their abrasive wear resistance. The studied nanocomposite materials expand the potential for new ADI applications in the industry.
Approximation of the bridge deck diffusion coefficient and surface chloride concentration from field data
Authors: Konecny P , Lehner P , Vorechovska D , Somodikova M , Hornakova M , Rovnanikova P
Published: October 2019

The aim of this work is to analyse the data from in-situ measurements performed on 5 reinforced concrete bridges built between 1937 and 1986, that are a part of the road network in the Czech Republic. The bridges were subjected to the field measurements in order to evaluate the ability of the concrete to protect the steel reinforcement from corrosion, namely the pH and the amount of water-soluble chlorides were evaluated on drilled core samples of concrete. Based on the actual chloride content, the diffusion coefficient and surface chloride concentration were determined. All the data were statistically summarized and the correlations among them were provided. The main focus of this study is to evaluate the non-proportional effect of the amount of chlorides per mass of concrete on the risk of corrosion initiation and to determine the unknown parameters of concrete – diffusion coefficient and surface chloride concentration, based on the numerical model of diffusion.
Vehicles optimization regarding to requirements of recycling Example: Bus dashboard
Authors: Milojevic S , Pešić R , Lukić J , Taranović D , Skrucany T , Stojanović B
Published: October 2019

It is very important during production to take into account the requirements regarding to recycling of vehicles. On this manner it is possible reuse of consisting materials and optimization of End-of-Life Vehicles. In European Union has defined targets to be achieved in the future for the recycling rate of vehicles at the end of their service cycle. Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council 2000/53/EC regulate waste management in the vehicle sector. This manuscript presents in global the international legislative in this field, regarding to the situation in Republic of Serbia. As contribution, during production of domestic city bus running on natural gas, performed the replace of material for bus dashboard on the basis of plastic and polyurethane foam, with ecological material with carbon inserts. The requirements for dismantling, reuse and recycling are integrated in the design of new bus.
Determination of the strength of the containers fittings of a flat wagon loaded with containers during shunting
Authors: Fomin O , Gerlici J , Lovska A , Kravchenko K , Fomina Yu , Lack T
Published: October 2019

The article presents the results of the dynamic loading and strength study of the fittings for containers of a flat wagon loaded with containers during shunting. It has been found that with impact interaction of corner castings with fittings, there are increased stresses, both in structural components of a flat wagon and in containers. To provide the strength of the fittings of a flat wagon and corner castings of containers, it has been proposed to install elastic-viscous linkage between them. This solution is implemented by installing elements having appropriate properties in the corner castings. Mathematical modeling has been performed to determine the dynamic loading of the flat wagon and containers. The obtained values of dynamic loads were taken into account when determining of the strength indexes. It has been established that, the maximum equivalent stresses in the fittings and corner castings are within acceptable parameters taking into account the proposed solutions. The studies will contribute to provide the strength of the structural components of flat cars and containers during shunting, to reduce the cost of their unscheduled repairs, as well as to create recommendations for design of rolling stock with improved technical and economic indexes.
Simulation of vehicle’s lateral dynamics using nonlinear model with real inputs
Authors: Miloradovic D , Glišović J , Stojanović N , Grujić I
Published: October 2019

Basic understanding of vehicle’s lateral dynamics may be achieved by using relatively simple mathematical-mechanical models. However, these models are often linearized and do not take into account nonlinear phenomena in vehicle’s lateral dynamics and highly nonstationary nature of vehicle’s vibrations in real driving conditions. One form of nonlinear nonstationary model of vehicle’s lateral dynamics is developed in this paper. Simulations were conducted using experimentally recorded values of the steering wheel angle for generation of the front wheels steer angle, and vehicle longitudinal velocity as inputs to the model. Results of simulations of vehicle angular vibrations around the vertical axis, angular body side slip vibrations, tire slip angles, vehicle lateral acceleration wheel forces and inertial force are presented and discussed. Finally, conclusions regarding possible further use of the developed model were drown.
Effect of 200 MeV Ag16+ swift heavy ion irradiation on structural and magnetic properties of M-type barium hexaferrite
Authors: Packiaraj G , Sakthipandi K , Hossain Aslam
Published: October 2019

M-type barium hexagonal ferrite (BaFe12O19) has been synthesized by sol-gel auto combustion method. The synthesized material was irradiated with 200 MeV Ag16+ ions using the 15UD Pelletron tandem accelerator and the changes in structural and surface morphology of material were investigated. The pristine (as-synthesised) and irradiated samples were characterized using different experimental techniques like x-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscope (TEM) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The strong absorption peak between 580 and 440 cm−1 in the infrared spectrum and XRD confirmed the formation of ferrite structure for both irradiated and pristine samples. XRD peaks for the irradiated barium hexagonal ferrite were slightly broadened when compared pristine ferrite samples. The crystallite size of the irradiated barium hexagonal ferrite was higher than that of pristine barium hexagonal ferrite and is consistent with TEM images. Both saturation magnetization and coercivity were decreased with irradiation.
Life as a new Nobel laureate
Authors: Durrani Matin
Published: October 2019

What’s it like to win a Nobel Prize for Physics? Donna Strickland, the Canadian laser physicist who shared the 2018 prize, talks to Matin Durrani about her experiences over the last year
Jailed physicist released following corruption protest
Authors: Dauenhauer Nenad Jarić , Tatalović Mićo
Published: October 2019

A Croatian theoretical physicist has been released from prison after he was jailed in August following a two-month sit-in at the science ministry in Zagreb.
The big idea
Authors: McKenzie James
Published: October 2019

Big ideas can change the world, says James McKenzie, who reflects on the huge commercial prospects for LiFi technology
Complex contractions
Authors: Sheldon Eric , Padman Rachel
Published: October 2019

In reply to David Appell’s feature “The invisibility of length contraction” (August pp41–45), which explained why a 3D object moving at relativistic speeds would appear rotated, not Lorentz contracted, when viewed by a stationary observer.
Simple start
Authors: Gomersall Bob
Published: October 2019

In response to James McKenzie’s Transactions column “From humble beginnings” (August p19), in which he discussed hi-tech start-ups that began life in garages, and asked readers to share their stories about starting businesses.
Meet the pup stars
Authors: Gardner Kate
Published: October 2019

Part art book, part popular science, Space Dogs: the Story of the Celebrated Canine Cosmonauts evolved from a private collection of objects, which turned into a photography project.
Heavenly vistas
Authors: Commissariat Tushna
Published: October 2019

In Cosmos: the Art and Science of the Cosmos, art historian Roberta Olson and astronomer Jay Pasachoff join forces to put together a treasure trove of astronomy art.
Graphene-based fabric blocks mosquitoes
Authors: Jarman Sam
Published: October 2019

Fabrics made from graphene could protect people against mosquitoes, according to researchers in the US.
How Do I Help My Partner in Pain? Partners’ Helping Behaviors Are Linked to Lower Pain and Greater Perceived Validation During an Experimental Pain Task
Authors: Pester Bethany D , Caño Annmarie , Kostecki Toni , Wurm Lee H
Published: October 2019

Background

Observers’ responses to people with illness are important predictors of quality of life, yet findings are mixed regarding the types of responses that affect illness-related suffering.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine whether perspective taking positively affects observers’ responses to their romantic partner experiencing experimentally induced pain and whether responses based in Self-Determination Theory and communication models of illness are related to perceived validation and pain outcomes.

Methods

Undergraduate romantic couples (N = 122) completed baseline questionnaires; then one partner was randomly assigned to complete the cold pressor task, whereas the other partner observed. Couples were randomly assigned to one of two groups: a perspective-taking group in which observers were privately instructed to take the perspective of the pain participant or a control group. Afterward, both partners completed surveys, and pain participants completed a video recall task in which they recalled partner behaviors that were coded by trained raters using a theoretically derived manual.

Results

Pain participants in the perspective-taking group identified significantly less invalidating communication from their partners, fewer behaviors that thwarted their competence, and more behaviors that supported their autonomy. Across groups, pain participants who received more normalizing communication that supported their competence felt more validated by their partners, had lower pain intensity, and exhibited greater pain tolerance, whereas those who received more invalidation showed worse outcomes.

Conclusions

The results from this study suggest that attention to different types of partner behaviors is essential when developing behavioral medicine treatments for pain and illness.
Blood School
Authors: Riveira Melora C , Louzon Max J , Tuott Erin E , Monoski Teadora J , Cruz-Cody Virginia G , Tesfamariam Abby , Hess John R
Published: October 2019

Objectives

To describe and evaluate a laboratory-based nursing education activity on transfusion to improve patient safety, an often-neglected opportunity.

Methods

Our transfusion service developed a day-long “Blood School” to provide knowledge, skills, and behaviors to nurses in four aspects of transfusion: blood ordering, sample collection, transfusion procedures, and recognition and reporting of transfusion reactions. We collected survey data on methods and effects of training and hard data on the number of reported patient safety events.

Results

Nurses want more hands-on experience to understand transfusion concepts, practice hospital procedures, recognize latent problems, and have behaviors to act effectively. We observed that engagement and understanding are best where participation is highest. Reported patient safety events were lower even as self-reported nursing mistakes increased.

Conclusions

Blood School is a well-received and effective site for nursing education in transfusion. We seek ways to extend and improve laboratory-based nursing training to improve patient safety.
New Detours in American Intellectual History
Authors: Woessner Martin
Published: October 2019

US intellectual history is at something of a crossroads. Situated between the longstanding methodological debates of its disciplinary past and current aspirations for a more diverse, democratic, and inclusive future, the recent works surveyed in this essay suggest a field in transition. Once dismissed as elitist—as being exclusively interested in the lives and writings of dead, white males, for example—intellectual history now encompasses an ever-widening range of topics and concerns. It is far more interdisciplinary, far more transnational, and far more interested in popular culture than it has ever been before, but whether the new pathways currently being charted by a new generation of scholars will allow intellectuals to continue to thrive in an increasingly restructured and underfunded academic setting remains to be seen.
Computational resources and strategies to assess single-molecule dynamics of the translation process in S. cerevisiae
Authors: T Magalhães Beatriz , Lourenço Anália , Azevedo Nuno F
Published: October 2019

This work provides a systematic and comprehensive overview of available resources for the molecular-scale modelling of the translation process through agent-based modelling. The case study is the translation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, one of the most studied yeasts. The data curation workflow encompassed structural information about the yeast (i.e. the simulation environment), and the proteins, ribonucleic acids and other types of molecules involved in the process (i.e. the agents). Moreover, it covers the main process events, such as diffusion (i.e. motion of molecules in the environment) and collision efficiency (i.e. interaction between molecules). Data previously determined by wet-lab techniques were preferred, resorting to computational predictions/extrapolations only when strictly necessary. The computational modelling of the translation processes is of added industrial interest, since it may bring forward knowledge on how to control such phenomena and enhance the production of proteins of interest in a faster and more efficient manner.
Enzyme annotation in UniProtKB using Rhea
Authors: Morgat Anne , Lombardot Thierry , Coudert Elisabeth , Axelsen Kristian , Neto Teresa Batista , Gehant Sebastien , Bansal Parit , Bolleman Jerven , Gasteiger Elisabeth , de Castro Edouard , Baratin Delphine , Pozzato Monica , Xenarios Ioannis , Poux Sylvain , Redaschi Nicole , Bridge Alan ,   The UniProt Consortium
Published: October 2019

Motivation

To provide high quality computationally tractable enzyme annotation in UniProtKB using Rhea, a comprehensive expert-curated knowledgebase of biochemical reactions which describes reaction participants using the ChEBI (Chemical Entities of Biological Interest) ontology.

Results

We replaced existing textual descriptions of biochemical reactions in UniProtKB with their equivalents from Rhea, which is now the standard for annotation of enzymatic reactions in UniProtKB. We developed improved search and query facilities for the UniProt website, REST API and SPARQL endpoint that leverage the chemical structure data, nomenclature and classification that Rhea and ChEBI provide.

Availability and implementation

UniProtKB at https://www.uniprot.org; UniProt REST API at https://www.uniprot.org/help/api; UniProt SPARQL endpoint at https://sparql.uniprot.org/; Rhea at https://www.rhea-db.org.
WPMIAS: Whole-degradome-based Plant MicroRNA–target Interaction Analysis Server
Authors: Fei Yuhan , Mao Yiyang , Shen Chengji , Wang Rui , Zhang Hongsheng , Huang Ji
Published: October 2019

A critical aspect for exploring the biological function of a microRNA (miRNA) lies on exact detection and validation of its target mRNAs. However, no convenient and efficient web-based server is available for plant biologists to identify the experimentally verified target mRNAs of miRNAs. In this work, we built a comprehensive web-based platform for miRNA–target analysis, named as Whole-degradome-based Plant MiRNA–target Interaction Analysis Server (WPMIAS), for validation of predicted interactions of miRNAs and their target mRNAs (MTIs) by user-submitted data or all available pre-loaded degradome data. Besides, the server can construct degradome-based miRNA regulatory networks (MRNs) based on the validated MTIs to help study the functions and relations among miRNAs and target mRNAs. WPMIAS is also suitable for other small RNAs (sRNAs), such as 21-nt phased siRNAs and natural antisense siRNAs, which direct cleavage of target mRNAs. Currently, WPMIAS supports 68 plant species with 189 cDNA and 271 pre-loaded plant degradome datasets. The user can identify all validated MTIs by analyzing all degradome data at a time and understand when and where MTIs take place and their cleavage levels. With the data obtained from WPMIAS, the user can build a plant miRNA–target map, where it is convenient to find interesting research ideas on miRNAs. In summary, WPMIAS is able to support a comprehensive web-based plant miRNA–target analysis and expected to greatly promote future research on plant miRNAs.

Availability and implementation

It can be freely accessed at https://cbi.njau.edu.cn/WPMIAS/.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
RNASeq_similarity_matrix: visually identify sample mix-ups in RNASeq data using a ‘genomic’ sequence similarity matrix
Authors: Kist Nicolaas C , Power Robert A , Skelton Andrew , Seegobin Seth D , Verbelen Moira , Bonde Bushan , Malki Karim
Published: October 2019

Mistakes in linking a patient’s biological samples with their phenotype data can confound RNA-Seq studies. The current method for avoiding such sample mix-ups is to test for inconsistencies between biological data and known phenotype data such as sex. However, in DNA studies a common QC step is to check for unexpected relatedness between samples. Here, we extend this method to RNA-Seq, which allows the detection of duplicated samples without relying on identifying inconsistencies with phenotype data.

Results

We present RNASeq_similarity_matrix: an automated tool to generate a sequence similarity matrix from RNA-Seq data, which can be used to visually identify sample mix-ups. This is particularly useful when a study contains multiple samples from the same individual, but can also detect contamination in studies with only one sample per individual.

Availability and implementation

RNASeq_similarity_matrix has been made available as a documented GPL licensed Docker image on www.github.com/nicokist/RNASeq_similarity_matrix.
Rat Retrosplenial Cortical Involvement in Wayfinding Using Visual and Locomotor Cues
Authors: Chinzorig Choijiljav , Nishimaru Hiroshi , Matsumoto Jumpei , Takamura Yusaku , Berthoz Alain , Ono Taketoshi , Nishijo Hisao
Published: October 2019

The retrosplenial cortex (RSC) has been implicated in wayfinding using different sensory cues. However, the neural mechanisms of how the RSC constructs spatial representations to code an appropriate route under different sensory cues are unknown. In this study, rat RSC neurons were recorded while rats ran on a treadmill affixed to a motion stage that was displaced along a figure-8-shaped track. The activity of some RSC neurons increased during specific directional displacements, while the activity of other neurons correlated with the running speed on the treadmill regardless of the displacement directions. Elimination of visual cues by turning off the room lights and/or locomotor cues by turning off the treadmill decreased the activity of both groups of neurons. The ensemble activity of the former group of neurons discriminated displacements along the common central path of different routes in the track, even when visual or locomotor cues were eliminated where different spatial representations must be created based on different sensory cues. The present results provide neurophysiological evidence of an RSC involvement in wayfinding under different spatial representations with different sensory cues.
A Fast Visual Recognition Memory System in Humans Identified Using Intracerebral ERP
Authors: Despouy Elodie , Curot Jonathan , Deudon Martin , Gardy Ludovic , Denuelle Marie , Sol Jean-Christophe , Lotterie Jean-Albert , Valton Luc , Barbeau Emmanuel J
Published: October 2019

One key item of information retrieved when surveying our visual world is whether or not objects are familiar. However, there is no consensus on the respective roles of medial temporal lobe structures, particularly the perirhinal cortex (PRC) and hippocampus. We considered whether the PRC could support a fast recognition memory system independently from the hippocampus. We recorded the intracerebral electroencephalograph activity of epileptic patients while they were performing a fast visual recognition memory task, constraining them to use their quickest strategy. We performed event-related potential (ERP) and classification analyses. The PRC was, by far, the earliest region involved in recognition memory. This activity occurred before the first behavioral responses and was found to be related to reaction times, unlike the hippocampus. Single-trial analyses showed that decoding power was equivalent in the PRC and hippocampus but occurred much earlier in the PRC. A critical finding was that recognition memory-related activity occurred in different frontal and parietal regions, including the supplementary motor area, before the hippocampus. These results, based on ERP analyses, suggest that the human brain is equipped with a fast recognition memory system, which may bypass the hippocampus and in which the PRC plays a critical role.
The benefits of using topographic features to predict climate-resilient habitat for migratory forest landbirds: An example for the Rusty Blackbird, Olive-sided Flycatcher, and Canada Warbler
Authors: Bale Shannon , Beazley Karen F , Westwood Alana , Bush Peter
Published: October 2019

Maintaining a functionally connected network of high-quality habitat is one of the most effective responses to biodiversity loss. However, the spatial distribution of suitable habitat may shift over time in response to climate change. Taxa such as migratory forest landbirds are already undergoing climate-driven range shifts. Therefore, patches of climate-resilient habitat (also known as “climate refugia”) are especially valuable from a conservation perspective. Here, we performed maximum entropy (Maxent) species distribution modeling to predict suitable and potentially climate-resilient habitat in Nova Scotia, Canada, for 3 migratory forest landbirds: Rusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus), Olive-sided Flycatcher (Contopus cooperi), and Canada Warbler (Cardellina canadensis). We used a reverse stepwise elimination technique to identify covariates that influence habitat suitability for the target species at broad scales, including abiotic (topographic control of moisture and nutrient accumulation) and biotic (forest characteristics) covariates. As topography should be relatively unaffected by a changing climate and helps regulate the structure and composition of forest habitat, we posit that the inclusion of appropriate topographic features may support the identification of climate-resilient habitat. Of all covariates, depth to water table was the most important predictor of relative habitat suitability for the Rusty Blackbird and Canada Warbler, with both species showing a strong association with wet areas. Mean canopy height was the most important predictor for the Olive-sided Flycatcher, whereby the species was associated with taller trees. Our models, which comprise the finest-scale species distribution models available for these species in this region, further indicated that, for all species, habitat (1) remains relatively abundant and well distributed in Nova Scotia and (2) is often located in wet lowlands (a climate-resilient topographic landform). These findings suggest that opportunities remain to conserve breeding habitat for these species despite changing temperature and precipitation regimes.
The association of nodal upstaging with surgical approach and its impact on long-term survival after resection of non-small-cell lung cancer
Authors: Hennon Mark W , DeGraaff Luke H , Groman Adrienne , Demmy Todd L , Yendamuri Sai
Published: October 2019

OBJECTIVES

Proponents of open thoracotomy (OPEN) and robot-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) claim its oncological superiority over video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) in terms of the accuracy of lymph node staging.

METHODS

The National Cancer Database was queried for patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) undergoing lobectomy without neoadjuvant therapy from 2010 to 2014. Nodal upstaging rates were compared using a surgical approach. Overall survival adjusted for confounding variables was examined using the Cox proportional hazards model.

RESULTS

A total of 64 676 patients fulfilled the selection criteria. The number of patients who underwent lobectomy by RATS, VATS and OPEN approaches was 5470 (8.5%), 17 545 (27.1%) and 41 661 (64.4%), respectively. The mean number of lymph nodes examined for each of these approaches was 10.9, 11.3 and 10 (P < 0.01) and upstaging rates were 11.2%, 11.7% and 12.6% (P < 0.01), respectively. For patients with clinical stage I disease (N = 46 826; RATS = 4338, VATS = 13 416 and OPEN = 29 072), the mean lymph nodes examined were 10.6, 10.8 and 9.4 (P < 0.01), and upstaging rates were 10.8%, 11.1% and 12.1% (P < 0.01), respectively. A multivariable analysis suggested an association with improved survival with RATS and VATS compared with OPEN surgery [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.89 and 0.89, respectively; P < 0.01] for patients with all stages. In stage I disease, VATS but not RATS was associated with increased overall survival compared with the OPEN approach (HR = 0.81; P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

RATS lobectomy is not superior to VATS lobectomy with respect to lymph node yield or upstaging of NSCLC. Increased nodal upstaging by the OPEN approach does not confer a survival advantage in any stage of NSCLC and may be associated with decreased overall survival.
Judging International Judgments Anew? The Human Rights Courts before Domestic Courts
Authors: Kunz Raffaela
Published: October 2019

In recent times, instances of contestation against the European Court of Human Rights and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights have made headlines, and, in many of these cases, domestic courts have played a role by refusing to follow the human rights courts or even declaring their judgments to be unconstitutional. This article undertakes an in-depth analysis of these instances of judicial resistance and puts them into context. This shows that domestic courts, even though originally not having been allocated this role, have become important ‘compliance partners’ of the human rights courts and now play an important and autonomous role in the implementation of their judgments. At the same time, they act as ‘gatekeepers’ and limit their effects in the domestic order. Recent cases even suggest a turn to a less open and more national self-perception of domestic courts. While this reflects to some extent the multiple – and sometimes conflicting – roles domestic courts perform at the intersection of legal orders, the article argues that the open and flexible stance many domestic courts take when faced with international judgments is better suited to cope with the complex and plural legal reality than systematically judging anew on matters already decided by the human rights courts.
A systematic review of patient complaints about general practice
Authors: O’Dowd Emily , Lydon Sinéad , Madden Caoimhe , O’Connor Paul
Published: October 2019

Background

Health care complaints are an underutilized resource for quality and safety improvement. Most research on health care complaints is focused on secondary care. However, there is also a need to consider patient safety in general practice, and complaints could inform quality and safety improvement.

Objective

This review aimed to synthesize the extant research on complaints in general practice.

Methods

Five electronic databases were searched: Medline, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Academic Search Complete. Peer-reviewed studies describing the content, impact of and motivation for complaints were included and data extracted. Framework synthesis was conducted using the Healthcare Complaints Analysis Tool (HCAT) as an organizing framework. Methodological quality was appraised using the Quality Assessment Tool for Studies with Diverse Designs (QATSDD).

Results

The search identified 2960 records, with 21 studies meeting inclusion criteria. Methodological quality was found to be variable. The contents of complaints were classified using the HCAT, with 126 complaints (54%) classified in the Clinical domain, 55 (23%) classified as Management and 54 (23%) classified as Relationships. Motivations identified for making complaints included quality improvement for other patients and monetary compensation. Complaints had both positive and negative impacts on individuals and systems involved.

Conclusion

This review highlighted the high proportion of clinical complaints in general practice compared to secondary care, patients’ motivations for making complaints and the positive and negative impacts that complaints can have on health care systems. Future research focused on the reliable coding of complaints and their use to improve quality and safety in general practice is required.
Early Discontinuation of Infliximab in Pregnant Women With Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Truta Brindusa , Leeds Ira L , Canner Joseph K , Efron Jonathan E , Fang Sandy H , Althumari Azah , Safar Bashar
Published: October 2019

Objectives

Early discontinuation of infliximab (IFX) in pregnant women with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) decreases the intrauterine fetal exposure to the drug but may increase the risk of disease flaring leading to poor pregnancy outcomes. In this study, we assessed the impact of early IFX discontinuation on mother’s disease activity and on their at-risk babies.

Methods

In a retrospective study of the Truven Health Analytics MarketScan database from 2011 to 2015, we compared IBD patients who discontinued IFX more than 90 days (“early IFX”) with those who discontinue IFX 90 days or less (“late IFX) before delivery. We evaluated the risk of flaring, defined by new steroid prescriptions, visits to emergency room and/or hospital admissions, the pregnancy outcomes, and the at-risk babies.

Results

After IFX discontinuation, the early IFX group (68 deliveries) required significantly more steroid prescriptions than the late IFX group (318 deliveries) to control disease activity (P < 001). There were more preterm babies in the early IFX group (P < 049), but no difference within the 2 groups was noticed in the rate of intrauterine growth retardation, small for gestation, and stillborn babies. Similarly, there was no increase in acute respiratory infections, development delays, and congenital malformations in babies of the mothers from the late IFX vs early IFX groups.

Conclusions

Steroid-free remission IBD mothers are at risk for disease flares and preterm babies when IFX is discontinued early in pregnancy. Continuation of IFX seems to be safe at least for the first year of life.
Shifting Cost-drivers of Health Care Expenditures in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Click Benjamin , Lopez Rocio , Arrigain Susana , Schold Jesse , Regueiro Miguel , Rizk Maged
Published: October 2019

Background

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are costly, chronic illnesses. Key cost-drivers of IBD health care expenditures include pharmaceuticals and unplanned care, but evolving treatment approaches have shifted these factors. We aimed to assess changes in cost of care, determine shifts in IBD cost-drivers, and examine differences by socioeconomic and insurance status over time.

Methods

The Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS), a nationally representative database that collects data on health care utilization and expenditures from a nationally representative sample since 1998, was utilized. Adult subjects with IBD were identified by ICD-9 codes. To determine changes in per-patient costs or cost-drivers unique to IBD, a control population of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) subjects was generated and matched in 1:1 case to control. Total annual health care expenditures were obtained and categorized as outpatient, inpatient, emergency, or pharmacy related. Temporal cohorts from 1998 to 2015 were created to assess change over time. Per-patient expenditures were compared by disease state and temporal cohort using weighted generalized linear models.

Results

A total of 641 IBD subjects were identified and matched to 641 RA individuals. From 1998 to 2015, median total annual health care expenditures nearly doubled (adjusted estimate 2.20; 95% CI, 1.6–3.0) and were 36% higher in IBD compared with RA. In IBD, pharmacy expenses increased 7% to become the largest cost-driver (44% total expenditures). Concurrently, inpatient spending in IBD decreased by 40%. There were no significant differences in the rate of change of cost-drivers in IBD compared with RA.

Conclusions

Per-patient health care costs for chronic inflammatory conditions have nearly doubled over the last 20 years. Increases in pharmaceutical spending in IBD may be accompanied by reduction in inpatient care. Additional studies are needed to explore patient-, disease-, system-, and industry-level cost mitigation strategies.
Becoming Chapels and Everyday Congregations: How the Repair and Maintenance of London’s Wesleyan Chapels Illustrates Their Communities’ Everyday Practices and Experiences (1851–1932)
Authors: Slatter Ruth
Published: October 2019

This article uses archival references to maintenance and repair to approach nineteenth- and early-twentieth-century Wesleyan chapels and their material contents as ‘becoming’ things. Reflecting on the material changes that made the maintenance or repair of Wesleyan chapels necessary, or occurred because of these processes, it considers what maintenance and repair reveal about everyday practices and experiences within these communities. This article’s approach allows it to draw conclusions about individuals’ personal and mundane engagements with Wesleyanism in London during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. As such, it overcomes some of the problems that historians interested in the everyday have traditionally faced as a result of the shortage of surviving personal testimonies about the everyday nature of church attendance during this period. Using Wesleyan chapels from London’s northern suburbs and East End as case studies, this article particularly focuses on the repair and maintenance of organs and chapel interiors. It uses these examples to reflect on the practicalities of everyday life in Wesleyan communities, demonstrating how considering moments of repair and maintenance highlights the (sometimes fraught) interrelationships between the spiritual, social, and practical priorities of Wesleyan communities.
Development and validation of nomograms for prediction of overall survival and cancer-specific survival of patients of colorectal cancer
Authors: Zhang Jieyun , Yang Yue , Fu Xiaojian , Guo Weijian
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Nomograms are intuitive tools for individualized cancer prognosis. We sought to develop a clinical nomogram for prediction of overall survival and cancer-specific survival for patients with colorectal cancer.

Methods

Patients with colorectal cancer diagnosed between 1988 and 2006 and those who underwent surgery were retrieved from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database and randomly divided into the training (n = 119 797) and validation (n = 119 797) cohorts. Log-rank and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used in our analysis. To find out death from other cancer causes and non-cancer causes, a competing-risks model was used, based on which we integrated these significant prognostic factors into nomograms and subjected the nomograms to bootstrap internal validation and to external validation.

Results

The 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year probabilities of overall survival in patients of colorectal cancer after surgery intervention were 83.04, 65.54, 54.79 and 38.62%, respectively. The 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year cancer-specific survival was 87.36, 73.44, 66.22 and 59.11%, respectively. Nine independent prognostic factors for overall survival and nine independent prognostic factors for cancer specific survival were included to build the nomograms. Internal and external validation CI indexes of overall survival were 0.722 and 0.721, and those of cancer-specific survival were 0.765 and 0.766, which was satisfactory.

Conclusions

Nomograms for prediction of overall survival and cancer-specific survival of patients with colorectal cancer. Performance of the model was excellent. This practical prognostic model may help clinicians in decision-making and design of clinical studies.