bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth Temperature Effects of Chemical Vapor Deposition‐Grown Boron Nitride Layer Using B2H6 and NH3
Authors: Yamada Hisashi , Inotsume Sho , Kumagai Naoto , Yamada Toshikazu , Shimizu Mitsuaki
Published: November 2019

The boron nitride (BN) thin films on Al2O3 substrates grown by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) using alternating supply of B2H6 and NH3 are investigated. A significant reduction in growth rates is observed when the growth temperature (Tg) is decreased from 1360 to 1140 °C, indicating incomplete decomposition of B2H6. The 2θ/ω scans of high‐resolution X‐ray diffraction (HRXRD) reveal that the intensity ratio of 2θ = 26.7°/54.0° is 16, which is close to the theoretical intensity ratio for hexagonal BN (h‐BN) of 17. By reducing Tg, the peak at 2θ = 26.2° is appeared, which is considered to the turbostratic BN (t‐BN). The Raman shift at 1369 cm−1 with a full width at half maximum of 20 cm−1 is analyzed, corresponding to the first‐order E2g symmetry vibrational mode in h‐BN. The high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) confirms aligned 2D stacking of BN layers and the distance between interlayers of 0.3326 nm. The interlayers of 1.0 nm AlON are identified between BN layers and Al2O3 substrate.
4‐Hydroxycinnamic acid suppresses airway inflammation and mucus hypersecretion in allergic asthma induced by ovalbumin challenge
Authors: Ko Je‐Won , Kwon Hyung‐Jun , Seo Chang‐Seob , Choi Seong‐Jin , Shin Na‐Rae , Kim Sung‐Hwan , Kim Yong‐Hyun , Kim Jong‐Choon , Kim Min‐Seok , Shin In‐Sik
Published: November 2019

In this study, we investigated whether 4‐hydroxycinnamic acid (HA) has a palliative effect on asthmatic inflammatory responses using a mouse model of ovalbumin (OVA)‐induced allergic asthma. The mice were divided into five groups, each consisting of seven females (normal control phosphate‐buffered saline); OVA (OVA sensitization/challenge); dexamethasone (DEX, OVA sensitization/challenge + dexamethasone 3 mg/kg); HA‐10 and HA‐20 OVA sensitization/challenge + HA 10 and 20 mg/kg, respectively). Mice treated with HA showed a reduction in airway hyperresponsiveness and in the number of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) compared with asthmatic control. HA treatment also reduced the levels of interleukin (IL)‐5 and IL‐13 in BALF and of OVA‐specific immunoglobulin E in the serum compared with asthmatic control. HA treatment relieved airway inflammation and mucus overproduction caused by OVA exposure. Additionally, HA inhibited the increases in levels of nuclear factor kappa B, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and cyclooxygenase‐2 that normally occur after OVA exposure. HA treatment also reduced the activity and protein level of matrix metalloproteinase‐9. Taken together, HA effectively suppressed asthmatic airway inflammation and mucus production caused by OVA exposure. These findings indicate that HA has the potential to be used as a therapeutic agent for asthma.
Benchmark approach to search of cost‐effective and accurate density functional for homolytic cleavage of C─Mg bond of Grignard reagent
Authors: Kosar Naveen , Ayub Khurshid , Gilani Mazhar A. , Shah Faheem , Mahmood Tariq
Published: November 2019

Grignard reactions are of importance in organic chemistry for the synthesis β‐keto esters and diethyl malonate, alcohols, aldehydes or ketones, monocarboxylic acids, and other organometallic compounds. Generally, the heterolytic dissociation of C─Mg bond in Grignard reagent is the key step in these reactions. Recently, homolytic cleavage of the C─Mg bond in Grignard reagents has been reported in the preparation of stable radicals. These reactive species react with other compounds, which result in the formation of hydrocarbons and their derivatives. Therefore, the study of homolytic cleavage of C─Mg bonds is quite vital to better understand the kinetics and thermodynamics of these reactions. In the current study, a benchmark approach is adopted to find a cost‐effective and accurate density functional (DF) for bond dissociation energies measurement of the C─Mg bond of Grignard reagents. Twenty‐nine DFs from 13 density functional theory (DFT) classes with three types of basis sets (Pople' 6‐31G(d) and 6‐311G(d), Dunning's aug‐cc‐pVDZ, and Karlsruhe' def2‐SVP basis sets) are implemented for the measurement of dissociation energies of the C─Mg bond. Theoretical dissociation energy values are compared with experimental reported values of the C─Mg bond of selected Grignard reagents. TPSSTPSS of the meta‐GGA class with 6‐31G (d) basis set gave accurate results, and its Pearson's correlation is 0.95. SD, root mean square deviation, and mean unsigned error of this method are 2.36 kcal mol−1, 2.33 kcal mol−1, and −0.46 kcal mol−1, respectively. TPSSTPSS of the meta‐GGA class is a one‐electron, self‐interaction, error‐free Tao‐Perdew‐Staroverov‐Scuseria functional that performed better with the 6‐31G(d) basis set.
Spiro‐Linked Molecular Hole‐Transport Materials for Highly Efficient Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Chuan , Hu Jinlong , Li Chaohui , Qiu Shudi , Liu Xianhu , Zeng Linxiang , Liu Chuntai , Mai Yaohua , Guo Fei
Published: November 2019

Spiro‐linked compounds have been used as benchmark hole‐transport materials (HTMs) for the construction of efficient normal architecture (n‐i‐p) perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, the heavy reliance on the use of dopants not only complicates the device fabrication but imposes long‐term stability concern of the devices. Herein, it is reported that solution‐processed dopant‐free spiro molecules can serve as superior HTMs to fabricate efficient inverted (p‐i‐n) PSCs. Rational choice of orthogonal solvent allows us to solution deposit uniform and pinhole‐free perovskite films without compromising the hole‐extraction capability of the spiro‐based interface layers. To illustrate the generality of the strategy, three spiro‐linked molecules are investigated side by side as HTMs in one‐step solution‐processed CH3NH3PbI3 PSCs. Due to the favored energy‐level alignment and high hole mobility, solar cells based on the HTM of spiro‐TTB yield a high efficiency of 18.38% with open‐circuit voltages (VOC) up to 1.09 V. These results suggest that small molecular HTMs commonly developed for normal structure devices can be of great potential to fabricate cost‐effective and highly efficient inverted PSCs.
p,p′‐Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane promotes aerobic glycolysis via reactive oxygen species–mediated extracellular signal‐regulated kinase/M2 isoform of pyruvate kinase (PKM2) signaling in colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Song Li , Dong Ningning , Li Zhuoyu
Published: November 2019

Aerobic glycolysis is crucial to tumor cells to acquire energy for proliferation and metastasis. Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), which is a persistent organic pollutant, has been associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) progressions, but the influence of p,p′‐DDT on CRC cell metabolism remains unclear. This study showed that exposure to low concentrations of p,p′‐DDT from 10−11 to 10−7M for 48 hours significantly increased glucose uptake and lactate production in colorectal adenocarcinoma cells, which were accompanied by the upregulation of proteins associated with aerobic glycolysis including glucose transporter1, lactate dehydrogenase A, and PDH kinase. We found p,p′‐DDT elevated the expression and nucleus translocation of M2 isoform of pyruvate kinase (PKM2), which was responsible for p,p′‐DDT–induced enhancement of aerobic glycolysis. Moreover, extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK1/2) activation by p,p′‐DDT modulated the impacts of p,p′‐DDT on PKM2 and aerobic glycolysis. Treatment of p,p′‐DDT increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine, an ROS inhibitor, prevented p,p′‐DDT–induced promotion of aerobic glycolysis, ERK1/2 activation, upregulation, and nucleus translocation of PKM2. Taken together, these results demonstrated that p,p′‐DDT promotes aerobic glycolysis via ROS‐mediated ERK/PKM2 signaling.
Regional variation in the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) revisited: Morphology of wild and captive populations
Authors: Meachen Julie , Schmidt‐Küntzel Anne , Marker Laurie
Published: November 2019

The cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) is listed as a vulnerable species by the International union for the conservation of nature (IUCN), including two critically endangered subspecies, the Saharan cheetah, and the Iranian cheetah, so it is imperative that we understand variation in cheetah morphology to make good decisions regarding the conservation of this species. Here, we aim to determine whether northeastern African cheetahs have smaller body sizes than southern African cheetahs. This study also adds to our knowledge of cheetah morphology from two cheetah populations that do not yet have comprehensive published data: Kenya, and northeastern Africa, including captive individuals. We calculated means and standard deviations on cranial and body measurements of live or in few cases, freshly dead, cheetahs from the aforementioned populations, plus previously published data on Namibian and Botswanan cheetahs and compared them to one another using multivariate analysis of variance. Results show that northeastern African cheetahs have smaller body sizes than southern and eastern African populations. We also found that captive cheetahs retain the morphological characteristics of their ancestral population‐ captive cheetahs from southern Africa have similar body sizes to wild southern African cheetahs and larger body sizes than captives from northeastern Africa. Other analyses regarding cheetah growth agree with previous studies on Namibian and Botswanan cheetah populations rates. As such, this study can serve as a baseline for the care of captive cheetah populations to maintain healthy weights and body proportions.
Flavoured gauge extension of singlet-doublet fermionic dark matter: neutrino mass, high scale validity and collider signatures
Authors: Barman Basabendu , Borah Debasish , Ghosh Purusottam , Saha Abhijit Kumar
Published: November 2019

Abstract

We propose an Abelian gauged version of the singlet-doublet fermionic dark matter (DM) model where the DM, combination of a vector like fermion doublet and a fermion singlet, is naturally stabilised by the gauge symmetry without requiring any ad-hoc discrete symmetries. In order to have an enlarged parameter space for the DM, accsessible at collider experiments like the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), we consider the additional gauge symmetry to be based on the quantum B − 3L

τ
. The restriction to third generation of leptons is chosen in order to have weaker bounds from the LHC on the corresponding gauge boson. The triangle anomalies arising in this model can be cancelled by the inclusion of a right handed neutrino which also takes part in generating light neutrino masses through type I seesaw mechanism. The model thus offers a potential thermal DM candidate, interesting collider signatures and correct neutrino mass along with a stable electroweak vacuum and perturbative couplings all the way up to the Planck scale. We constrain our model parameters from these requirements as well as existing relevant constraints related to DM and colliders.
Mathematical modelling of telomere length dynamics
Authors: Wattis Jonathan A. D. , Qi Qi , Byrne Helen M
Published: November 2019

Telomeres are repetitive DNA sequences located at the ends of chromosomes. During cell division, an incomplete copy of each chromosome’s DNA is made, causing telomeres to shorten on successive generations. When a threshold length is reached replication ceases and the cell becomes ‘senescent’. In this paper, we consider populations of telomeres and, from discrete models, we derive partial differential equations which describe how the distribution of telomere lengths evolves over many generations. We initially consider a population of cells each containing just a single telomere. We use continuum models to compare the effects of various mechanisms of telomere shortening and rates of cell division during normal ageing. For example, the rate (or probability) of cell replication may be fixed or it may decrease as the telomeres shorten. Furthermore, the length of telomere lost on each replication may be constant, or may decrease as the telomeres shorten. Where possible, explicit solutions for the evolution of the distribution of telomere lengths are presented. In other cases, expressions for the mean of the distribution are derived. We extend the models to describe cell populations in which each cell contains a distinct subpopulation of chromosomes. As for the simpler models, constant telomere shortening leads to a linear reduction in telomere length over time, whereas length-dependent shortening results in initially rapid telomere length reduction, slowing at later times. Our analysis also reveals that constant telomere loss leads to a Gaussian (normal) distribution of telomere lengths, whereas length-dependent loss leads to a log-normal distribution. We show that stochastic models, which include a replication probability, also lead to telomere length distributions which are skewed.
Evaluation of an AI-based, automatic coronary artery calcium scoring software
Authors: Sandstedt Mårten , Henriksson Lilian , Janzon Magnus , Nyberg Gusten , Engvall Jan , De Geer Jakob , Alfredsson Joakim , Persson Anders
Published: November 2019

Objectives

To evaluate an artificial intelligence (AI)–based, automatic coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring software, using a semi-automatic software as a reference.

Methods

This observational study included 315 consecutive, non-contrast-enhanced calcium scoring computed tomography (CSCT) scans. A semi-automatic and an automatic software obtained the Agatston score (AS), the volume score (VS), the mass score (MS), and the number of calcified coronary lesions. Semi-automatic and automatic analysis time were registered, including a manual double-check of the automatic results. Statistical analyses were Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (⍴), intra-class correlation (ICC), Bland Altman plots, weighted kappa analysis (κ), and Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

Results

The correlation and agreement for the AS, VS, and MS were ⍴ = 0.935, 0.932, 0.934 (p < 0.001), and ICC = 0.996, 0.996, 0.991, respectively (p < 0.001). The correlation and agreement for the number of calcified lesions were ⍴ = 0.903 and ICC = 0.977 (p < 0.001), respectively. The Bland Altman mean difference and 1.96 SD upper and lower limits of agreements for the AS, VS, and MS were − 8.2 (− 115.1 to 98.2), − 7.4 (− 93.9 to 79.1), and − 3.8 (− 33.6 to 25.9), respectively. Agreement in risk category assignment was 89.5% and κ = 0.919 (p < 0.001). The median time for the semi-automatic and automatic method was 59 s (IQR 35–100) and 36 s (IQR 29–49), respectively (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

There was an excellent correlation and agreement between the automatic software and the semi-automatic software for three CAC scores and the number of calcified lesions. Risk category classification was accurate but showing an overestimation bias tendency. Also, the automatic method was less time-demanding.

Key Points

• Coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring is an excellent candidate for artificial intelligence (AI) development in a clinical setting.

• An AI-based, automatic software obtained CAC scores with excellent correlation and agreement compared with a conventional method but was less time-consuming.
Pulmonary embolism during pregnancy: a 17-year single-center retrospective MDCT pulmonary angiography study
Authors: Rotzinger David C. , Dunet Vincent , Ilic Vesna , Hugli Olivier W. , Meuli Reto A. , Schmidt Sabine
Published: November 2019

Objectives

To determine the prevalence of pulmonary embolism (PE) and alternative diagnoses detected by computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) in pregnant women; and to assess changes over time regarding radiation dose, technical quality, and examination frequency.

Materials and methods

This retrospective study included all pregnant women referred for CTPA due to clinically suspected PE over 17 years. Two blinded radiologists reviewed the CTPAs in consensus with regard to PE, alternative diagnoses, and technical quality. We retrieved patient data regarding radiation dose metrics and associated clinical and laboratory parameters. Subgroup comparisons were performed (Wilcoxon and Kruskal-Wallis tests).

Results

Of the 237 identified patients, 8 (3.3%) were excluded due to inadequate technical CTPA quality, and 229 patients were analyzed (mean age, 31.7 years; mean gestational age, 28 ± 7 weeks). The four different CT systems used over the study period had similar technical quality (p = 0.28). Of 229 patients 16 (7%) patients had PE, 144 (62.9%) had no abnormal findings, and 69 (30.1%) had an alternative diagnosis (consolidation, other pulmonary opacities, pleural effusion, and basal atelectasis). Gestational age, symptoms, and D-dimer levels were not significantly different between patients with or without PE (p > 0.05). Over time, radiation dose exposure decreased by 30% (p < 0.001), while the number of annual examinations increased by > 4-folds.

Conclusions

In pregnant women, CTPA rarely indicates PE and more often shows alternative diagnoses. Over 17 years, the use of CTPA in pregnancy has notably increased, while the radiation dose exposure has decreased by one third.

Key Points

• The use of CTPA in pregnancy has steadily risen over the last 17 years

• In pregnant women, CTPA rarely reveals PE and more often shows alternative diagnoses

• Recent technical improvements have substantially decreased the radiation dose exposure inherent in CTPA without reducing diagnostic image quality
Analysis of autonomic outcomes in APOLLO, a phase III trial of the RNAi therapeutic patisiran in patients with hereditary transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis
Authors: González-Duarte Alejandra , Berk John L. , Quan Dianna , Mauermann Michelle L. , Schmidt Hartmut H. , Polydefkis Michael , Waddington-Cruz Márcia , Ueda Mitsuharu , Conceição Isabel M. , Kristen Arnt V. , Coelho Teresa , Cauquil Cécile A. , Tard Céline , Merkel Madeline , Aldinc Emre , Chen Jihong , Sweetser Marianne T. , Wang Jing Jing , Adams David
Published: November 2019

Hereditary transthyretin-mediated (hATTR) amyloidosis is a progressive, debilitating disease often resulting in early-onset, life-impacting autonomic dysfunction. The effect of the RNAi therapeutic, patisiran, on autonomic neuropathy manifestations in patients with hATTR amyloidosis with polyneuropathy in the phase III APOLLO study is reported. Patients received patisiran 0.3 mg/kg intravenously (n = 148) or placebo (n = 77) once every 3 weeks for 18 months. Patisiran halted or reversed polyneuropathy and improved quality of life from baseline in the majority of patients. At baseline, patients in APOLLO had notable autonomic impairment, as demonstrated by the Composite Autonomic Symptom Score-31 (COMPASS-31) questionnaire and Norfolk Quality of Life-Diabetic Neuropathy (Norfolk QOL-DN) questionnaire autonomic neuropathy domain. At 18 months, patisiran improved autonomic neuropathy symptoms compared with placebo [COMPASS-31, least squares (LS) mean difference, − 7.5; 95% CI: − 11.9, − 3.2; Norfolk QOL-DN autonomic neuropathy domain, LS mean difference, − 1.1; − 1.8, − 0.5], nutritional status (modified body mass index, LS mean difference, 115.7; − 82.4, 149.0), and vasomotor function (postural blood pressure, LS mean difference, − 0.3; − 0.5, − 0.1). Patisiran treatment also led to improvement from baseline at 18 months for COMPASS-31 (LS mean change from baseline, − 5.3; 95% CI: − 7.9, − 2.7) and individual domains, orthostatic intolerance (− 4.6; − 6.3, − 2.9) and gastrointestinal symptoms (− 0.8; − 1.5, − 0.2). Rapid worsening of all study measures was observed with placebo, while patisiran treatment resulted in stable or improved scores compared with baseline. Patisiran demonstrates benefit across a range of burdensome autonomic neuropathy manifestations that deteriorate rapidly without early and continued treatment.
Climate change adaptation among poultry farmers: evidence from Nigeria
Authors: Liverpool-Tasie Lenis Saweda O. , Sanou Awa , Tambo Justice A.
Published: November 2019

Though climate events pose increasing challenges for crop and animal production in Africa, most climate adaptation studies focus on staple food crops. Few studies have examined climate adaptation for livestock with even fewer looking at small animals such as poultry. Heat stress associated with climate change is a severe challenge to poultry farmers due to its negative effect on chicken growth and productivity. As poultry plays an important food security role across Africa (being a source of livelihood and an important source of animal protein), understanding how farmers deal with the realities of poultry production due to climate change is critical. This study explores the level and determinants of the adoption of climate change adaptation strategies among poultry farmers in Nigeria. A multivariate probit analysis (which allows for the possibility that the decision to adopt various practices are jointly made) reveals that while poultry farmers are adapting to climate change, there is a clear heterogeneity of adaptation strategies at different production scales. Small farms tend to invest in traditional strategies such as the stocking of local breeds while medium and large farms adopt modern technologies such as air and water ventilation as well as the use of low energy bulbs that emit less heat. Our study finds that farmers who have experienced heat-related losses are more likely to adopt modern practices and more likely to adopt multiple adaptation strategies concurrently.
Physical activity and risk of venous thromboembolism: systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies
Authors: Kunutsor Setor K. , Mäkikallio Timo H. , Seidu Samuel , de Araújo Claudio Gil Soares , Dey Richard S. , Blom Ashley W. , Laukkanen Jari A.
Published: November 2019

The inverse association between physical activity and arterial thrombotic disease is well established. Evidence on the association between physical activity and venous thromboembolism (VTE) is divergent. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of published observational prospective cohort studies evaluating the associations of physical activity with VTE risk. MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and manual search of relevant bibliographies were systematically searched until 26 February 2019. Extracted relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the maximum versus minimal amount of physical activity groups were pooled using random effects meta-analysis. Twelve articles based on 14 unique prospective cohort studies comprising of 1,286,295 participants and 23,753 VTE events were eligible. The pooled fully-adjusted RR (95% CI) of VTE comparing the most physically active versus the least physically active groups was 0.87 (0.79–0.95). In pooled analysis of 10 studies (288,043 participants and 7069 VTE events) that reported risk estimates not adjusted for body mass index (BMI), the RR (95% CI) of VTE was 0.81 (0.70–0.93). The associations did not vary by geographical location, age, sex, BMI, and methodological quality of studies. There was no evidence of publication bias among contributing studies. Pooled observational prospective cohort studies support an association between regular physical activity and low incidence of VTE. The relationship does not appear to be mediated or confounded by BMI.
Sprouts of shoot-clipped oak (Quercus alba and Q. robur) germinants show morphological and photosynthetic acclimation to contrasting light environments
Authors: Petersson Linda K. , Löf Magnus , Jensen Anna M. , Chastain Daryl R. , Gardiner Emile S.
Published: November 2019

Sprouting by woody plants can increase species resilience to disturbance and foster regeneration during periods with little recruitment from seed. Though sprouting often plays a critical role in oak forest regeneration, there is little information available on sprouting capacity and sprout physiology at the seedling stage, particularly for new germinants. This study compared sprouting capacity and sprout photosynthesis of shoot-clipped germinants of two temperate oaks established in contrasting light environments. We studied the North AmericanQuercus albaand the EuropeanQ. robur, both are in the sectionQuercusand appear to share similar biological and ecological requirements. Sprouting capacity for both species was enhanced under high light availability (29% more sprouts per plant), a response not previously noted for oak germinants. Seedling sprouts acclimated to high light with a 34% decrease in leaf area ratio, a 56% increase in leaf mass per area, and a 49% increase in the light-saturated maximum photosynthetic rate. Though both species appeared similarly adapted to shoot loss, a greater sprouting capacity (29% more sprouts per plant) and plant-level net photosynthesis (73% higher) was observed forQ. robur, regardless of light environment. As naturally regenerated oak seedlings in forest understories often experience disturbance or stress resulting in shoot loss or die-back, our results highlight the importance of the light environment during early plant development. Our comparison of temperate oaks from different continents should facilitate exchange of successful stand regeneration practices within the range of temperate oak forests.
Stratum Corneum Sampling to Assess Bioequivalence between Topical Acyclovir Products
Authors: Pensado A. , Chiu W.S. , Cordery S. F. , Rantou E. , Bunge A. L. , Delgado-Charro M. B. , Guy R. H.
Published: November 2019

Purpose

To examine the potential of stratum corneum (SC) sampling via tape-stripping in humans to assess bioequivalence of topical acyclovir drug products, and to explore the potential value of alternative metrics of local skin bioavailability calculable from SC sampling experiments.

Methods

Three acyclovir creams were considered in two separate studies in which drug amounts in the SC after uptake and clearance periods were measured and used to assess bioequivalence. In each study, a “reference” formulation (evaluated twice) was compared to the “test” in 10 subjects. Each application site was replicated to achieve greater statistical power with fewer volunteers.

Results

SC sampling revealed similarities and differences between products consistent with results from other surrogate bioequivalence measures, including dermal open-flow microperfusion experiments. Further analysis of the tape-stripping data permitted acyclovir flux into the viable skin to be deduced and drug concentration in that ‘compartment’ to be estimated.

Conclusions

Acyclovir quantities determined in the SC, following a single-time point uptake and clearance protocol, can be judiciously used both to objectively compare product performance in vivo and to assess delivery of the active into skin tissue below the barrier, thereby permitting local concentrations at or near to the site of action to be determined.
A survey of antibiotic administration practices involving patients with sepsis in UK critical care units
Authors: Barton Gregory J. , Morecroft Charles W. , Henney Neil C.
Published: November 2019

Background Alternative administration methods are emerging as a key area of research to improve clinical efficacy of antibiotics and address concerns regarding multi-drug resistance. Extended intermittent infusions or continuous infusions of antibiotics exhibiting time-dependent kill characteristics may be favourable in critically ill septic patients, but more evidence is needed to determine best practice. Objective To find out whether any common practice exists for intravenous antibiotic administration in critical care units across UK NHS Trusts, and identify factors influencing the adoption of extended or continuous infusions. Setting UK hospitals. Method UK critical care pharmacists were invited to participate in a survey on behalf of all 240 critical care units via a UK Clinical Pharmacy Association message board. The survey focused on administration practices for 22 antibacterial agents. Main outcome measure Antibiotic administration method. Results Responses were received covering 64 units, a response rate of 26.2%. Common, but not uniform administration methods were apparent for 17/22 antibiotics. Four antibiotics (piperacillin/tazobactam, doripenem, meropenem and vancomycin) were more likely to be administered as continuous or extended-intermittent infusions. Choice of administration method was especially influenced by altered pk/pd properties in sepsis or severe burns patients, or by the presence of organisms requiring high minimal inhibitory concentrations. Conclusion Unlicensed alternative practices of antibiotic administration are widespread but only weak evidence exists of any patient benefit, such as reduced length of stay in critical care, and none showing improvement in mortality. Further research is needed to determine whether extended infusion methods offer clinically meaningful advantages over shorter licenced administration methods in patients in critical care units.
The impact of culture on mindreading
Authors: Lavelle Jane Suilin
Published: November 2019

The role of culture in shaping folk psychology and mindreading has been neglected in the philosophical literature. This paper shows that there are significant cultural differences in how psychological states are understood and used by (1) drawing on Spaulding’s recent distinction between the ‘goals’ and ‘methods’ of mindreading (2018) to argue that the relations between these methods vary across cultures; and (2) arguing that differences in folk psychology cannot be dismissed as irrelevant to the cognitive architecture that facilitates our understanding of psychological states. The paper concludes that any good account of social cognition must have the conceptual resources to explain how culture affects our understanding of psychological states, and that this explanandum should not be an after-thought but instead a guiding feature for those accounts.
Teacher interventions to student misbehaviors: The role of ethnicity, emotional intelligence, and multicultural attitudes
Authors: Abacioglu Ceren Su , Volman Monique , Fischer Agneta H.
Published: November 2019

Teachers play an important role in students’ educational trajectories. As a consequence, their approach to diversity in the classroom might contribute to an unfavorable educational position for ethnic minority students. The current study tested whether teachers in Dutch primary schools differed in their interventions towards ethnic minority students compared to ethnic majority students for the same kind of misbehavior and whether this difference was related to their multicultural attitudes and their abilities to recognize and interpret emotions. Teachers responded to scenarios depicted in vignettes, describing student misbehaviors, by providing the frequency with which they would engage in various intervention strategies. Our results yielded no significant differences in teachers’ intervention strategies to student misbehaviors based on student ethnic background. A notable finding was that teachers’ multicultural attitudes were related to their intervention strategies: an increase in teachers’ positive multicultural attitudes predicted an increase in relatively tolerant (e.g., discussing the misbehavior) as opposed to more dismissive intervention strategies (e.g., sending the student out of class). This finding may suggest that demonstrating positive attitudes towards multiculturalism reflects an awareness of and comfort with cultural diversity, as well as general understanding of individual differences between students and their behaviors.
Managing and Surveying the Geological Garden at Tata (Northern Transdanubia, Hungary)
Authors: Szente István , Takács Bence , Harman-Tóth Erzsébet , Weiszburg Tamás G.
Published: November 2019

The Geological Garden at Tata is an open-air geological museum where a spectacular succession of Tethyan Mesozoic sedimentary rocks, characteristic of the Alpine-Carpathian region, is finely exposed in abandoned quarries and cleaned rock surfaces. In addition to geological values, the area houses copper-age chert mines, the only ones accessible to the wider public in Hungary. Due to financial problems, however, maintenance of the site was more or less confined to mowing for more than 20 years. Renewal of the Geological Garden began in 2015 when large-scale cleaning as well as detailed surveying was carried out. Removing the soil and loose rock debris provided opportunity to study the effects of weathering and growth of vegetation. Near 60 m3 of rock debris and soil had been accumulated on approx. 5000 m2 rock surface over the decades of obligate deterioration. Lower Jurassic marl and Middle Jurassic radiolarite chert beds as well as Middle Jurassic limestones proved to be especially deeply weathered. The cleaning action raised the question whether the sub-horizontal rock surfaces can be conserved for a long time in their present state or not. Lessons drawn from the latter can serve as a basis for future maintenance activities as well as for plans aiming at developing geosites.
Optimizing assessors’ mental workload in rater-based assessment: a critical narrative review
Authors: Paravattil Bridget , Wilby Kyle John
Published: November 2019

Introduction Rater-based assessment has resulted in high cognitive demands for assessors within the education of health professionals. Rating quality may be influenced by the mental workload required of assessors to complete rating tasks. The objective of this review was to explore interventions or strategies aimed at measuring and reducing mental workload for improvement in assessment outcomes in health professions education.

Methods A critical narrative review was conducted for English-language articles using the databases PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar from conception until November 2018. To be included, articles were eligible if they reported results of interventions aimed at measuring or reducing mental workload in rater-based assessment.

Results A total of six articles were included in the review. All studies were conducted in simulation settings (OSCEs or videotaped interactions). Of the four studies that measured mental workload, none found any reduction in mental workload as demonstrated by objective secondary task performance after interventions of assessor training or reductions in competency dimension assessment. Reductions in competency dimensions, however, did result in improvements in assessment quality across three studies.

Discussion The concept of mental workload in assessment in medical education needs further exploration, including investigation into valid measures of assessors’ mental workload. It appears that adjusting raters’ focus may be a valid strategy to improve assessment outcomes. Future research should be designed to inform how to best reduce load in assessments to improve quality, while balancing the type and quantity of data needed for judgments.
Watermelon-infesting Tephritidae fruit fly guild and parasitism by Psyttalia phaeostigma (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)
Authors: Layodé Babatoundé Ferdinand Rodolphe , Onzo Alexis , Karlsson Miriam Frida
Published: November 2019

An ecological guild of Tephritidae fruit flies exploits cucurbit vegetable fruits, tremendously reducing their production worldwide. Knowledge of the composition of the guild of infesting flies in the field and information on their natural enemy species, might improve pest management strategies. Our aim was therefore to identify Tephritidae species infesting the watermelonCitrullus lanatus(Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai in the Republic of Benin. Morphological and molecular identification of parasitoid species present in the field collections was also done. Infested watermelons were sampled in one of the main watermelon-production areas in the country. Adult tephritid flies emerging from watermelons were identified asDacus bivittatus(Bigot), D. ciliatusLoew, D. punctatifronsKarsch,D. vertebratusBezzi, Zeugodacus cucurbitae(Coquillet), andCeratitis cosyra(Walker). In this study period,D. vertebratuswas consistently the most abundant species emerging from watermelon.Dacus ciliatuswas the second most common species followed byZ. cucurbitae.The number of emerging fruit flies per kilogram of watermelon varied with collection date and month, and was most variable forD. vertebratus. Parasitism in the fruit flies was 1.6 ± 6.4% and occurred through one wasp species that was identified asPsyttalia phaeostigmaWilkinson (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). This solitary parasitoid is closely related to other members of theP. concolorspecies complex, some of which are used in biological control. Problems associated with identifyingPsyttaliaspecies and possibility of using this wasp as a biological control agent against tephritid flies were discussed.
The effects of urine nitrogen application rate on nitrogen transformations in grassland soils
Authors: Somers C. , Girkin N. T. , Rippey B. , Lanigan G. J. , Richards K. G.
Published: November 2019

Urine is a critical nitrogen (N) input in temperate grazed grasslands and can drive substantial nitrous oxide (N2O) production in soils. However, it remains unclear how differences in the N input rate affect N2O fluxes and vary between different grassland soils. The effect of increasing urine N application on ammonium (NH4+), nitrite (NO2−) and nitrate (NO3−) concentrations and N2O production was tested in two grassland soils, a free-draining loam and an imperfectly drained sandy-loam. It was hypothesized that high-urine N application rates would lead to ammonia/ammonium (NH3/NH4+) accumulation influencing N transformation rates and N2O production which differ between grassland soils. Fresh cattle urine was applied at rates equivalent to 300 and 1000 kg N/ha in an aerobic incubation experiment. Soils were destructively sampled over 80 days to measure changes in inorganic-N and pH. The higher N addition rate was associated with elevated NH3concentrations up to day 35 in soils, probably inhibiting NO2−to NO3−reduction. In contrast, there was no inhibition of nitrification in the 300 kg N/ha treatment. Cumulative N2O fluxes were greatest from the 300 kg N/ha treatment for the loam soil, but were greater for the sandy-loam under the 1000 kg N/ha treatment. The results also show that differences in soil properties, in particular carbon availability, can be important in regulating N transformation and N2O production. Collectively, these results demonstrate the proposed mechanism of nitrification inhibition at high-N input rates, driven by either high NH3/NH4and/or increased levels of NH4HCO3from urea hydrolysis.
Do birds of a feather flock together? Factors for religious heterogamy
Authors: Fieder Martin , Schahbasi Alexander , Huber Susanne
Published: November 2019

Social cohesion – particularly with regard to the integration of migrants – is primarily measured in terms of education, labour market participation, unemployment, income levels and poverty. When seen from a historical long-term perspective (considering the migrations of Homo sapiens in the past 300,000 years) admixture merged members of diverse groups and forged – in addition to social ties – ‘strong biological ties’ of kinship, proposing that religious heterogamy is a long-term layer of social cohesion. Accordingly, this study investigated, on the basis of more than 600,000 men and women aged 26–35 years from Austria 2001, Germany (West) 1987, Ireland 2011, Portugal 2011, Romania 2011 and Switzerland 2000, which demographic characteristics foster religious heterogamy, controlling for various confounding factors using linear mixed modelling. By far the most important factor explaining religious heterogamy was the share of adherents to an individual’s religious group in their area of residence. It can be concluded that the rate of intermarriage declines with the increasing size of an individual’s religious group in their area of residence. From a long-term perspective the lack of familial ties (and conjoint offspring) between religious groups could lead to a lack of social cohesion.
Parental education, health literacy and children’s adult body height
Authors: Jarosz Ewa , Gugushvili Alexi
Published: November 2019

Human anthropometric traits, while significantly determined by genetic factors, are also affected by an individual’s early life environment. An adult’s body height is a valid indicator of their living conditions in childhood. Parental education has been shown to be one of the key covariates of individuals’ health and height, both in childhood and adulthood. Parental functional literacy has been demonstrated to be another important determinant of child health, but this has largely been overlooked in studies on height. The objective of this study was to analyse the associations between parents’ education, their functional literacy and their children’s adult body height. The study used data for 39,240 individuals from the 2016 wave of the nationally representative Life in Transition Survey (LITS) conducted in 34 countries in Southern and Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Central Asia. Using linear and Poisson models, regression adjustment treatment estimators and multilevel mixed-effects linear regressions, the study analysed the links between mother’s and father’s educational attainment, parental functional literacy, measured by the number of books in the childhood home, and children’s adult height. The models also included other individual and contextual covariates of height. The results demonstrated that mother’s educational attainment and parental functional literacy have independent associations with children’s adult body height. Sufficient literacy skills of the parent may have a positive effect on children’s growth even if parental education is low. These associations remained significant across time. The study also provides evidence of a widening of the height gap for men born in the period just before and after systemic transition in post-socialist societies, which may suggest an increase in social differences in early living standards.
The impact of sodium chloride reduction on Grana-type cheese production and quality
Authors: Tidona Flavio , Bernardi Marco , Francolino Salvatore , Ghiglietti Roberta , Hogenboom Johannes A. , Locci Francesco , Zambrini Vittorio , Carminati Domenico , Giraffa Giorgio
Published: November 2019

With the aim to reduce the Na content, hard cheeses manufactured using the same technology as for Grana cheese (Grana-type) were salted using three brines containing different amounts of KCl (K-brines) and compared with control cheeses, salted with marine NaCl. A lower weight loss was observed in cheeses salted with K-brines (K-cheeses), whereas the yield and dry matter did not differ significantly between K-cheeses and controls. After 3 months of ripening (T3), the distribution of the Na cations (Na) was centripetal, with a higher Na concentration in the outer (0–3 cm of depth) layer, whereas the K cations (K) seemed to diffuse into the cheese more rapidly and homogeneously. Starting from the 6th month (T6), the distribution of both Na and K was stabilized through the different cheese layers. The use of the brine with the highest concentration of potassium (53.8% K) enabled us to successfully halve the Na content compared to the controls whereas, with the other brines, the reduction of Na was below 30%. At the end of ripening (T9), all the cheeses were without defects and the partial substitution of Na with K did not impact on the chemical composition, microbiological characteristics and ripening process. The sensory evaluation did not show any difference between K-salted and control cheeses in discriminant analysis.
Friend or Foe? The Bishops of Metz in Monastic Historical Narrative, c. 1000–c. 1200
Authors: HERRICK SAMANTHA KAHN
Published: November 2019

Monks writing at Saint-Clément, Metz, over roughly two hundred years produced conflicting images of Bishop Theodoric I (965–84). In earlier texts, he is the monks’ benefactor, in later sources, their foe. Historians have sought to flatten this contrast, partly because of their assumptions about monastic reform. This paper offers an alternative reading that questions those assumptions. It suggests that the evolution of Theodoric's image reflects changing ideas about monastic reform and the proper relationship between bishops and monks. It also cautions against accepting narratives – medieval or modern – that obscure the fluidity of such ideas and relationships.
Constituting the Trinity
Authors: HASKER WILLIAM
Published: November 2019

Recently several authors have developed accounts of the Trinity employing the metaphysical notion of constitution. I expound one such proposal and defend it against objections from Keith Yandell and Brian Leftow. In the process, I propose an improved definition of the constitution relation as applied to the Trinity. I then compare the resulting trinitarian metaphysics with Leftow's own view.
Arterial switch procedure and hybrid muscular ventricular septal defect closure in a patient with d-transposition of the great arteries and multiple ventricular septal defects: a case report and literature review
Authors: Gibb Jack J. C. , Caputo Massimo , Taliotis Demetris
Published: November 2019

Hybrid cardiac surgery involves simultaneous catheter based and surgical treatment of heart diseases. We report a complete repair of dextro-transposition of the great arteries and perimembranous and muscular ventricular septal defects in a 5-month-old girl. This included an arterial switch operation followed by an off-bypass, echocardiographically guided per-ventricular muscular ventricular septal defect closure.
Sensory Receptors Associated with the Labial Tip and Precibarium ofPhilaenus spumariusL. (Hemiptera: Aphrophoride)
Authors: Ranieri Emanuele , Ruschioni Sara , Riolo Paola , Isidoro Nunzio , Romani Roberto
Published: November 2019

The meadow spittlebug,Philaenus spumarius(Linnaeus) (Hemiptera: Aphrophoridae), is an important vector for the xylem-limited bacteriumXylella fastidiosa(Wells, Raju, Hung, Weisburg, Mandelco-Paul, and Brenner), which is associated with olive quick decline syndrome in southern Italy. The mouthparts of Hemiptera have important roles in host plant selection, feeding behavior and for vectoring pathogens that cause plant diseases. In this study, the functional morphology of the sensory structures located on the labium tip and precibarium ofP.spumariuswas investigated using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The labium tip is composed of two symmetrical sensory complexes, each with five different types of sensilla: aporous sensilla trichodea type 1 and 2; uniporous sensilla chaetica type 1 and 2; and multiporous sensilla basiconica. The precibarium ofP.spumariushas two kinds of sensory structures: bulbous sensilla and papillae sensilla. In particular, two groups of sensilla are located on the epipharynx: a distal group that consists of ten papillae sensilla and a proximal group composed of six papillae sensilla and two bulbous sensilla, while the hypopharynx has only two papillae sensilla. The involvement of these sensory structures in the context of feeding behavior and pathogen transmission is discussed.