bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two different antibiotic protocols as adjuncts to one‐stage full‐mouth ultrasonic debridement to treat generalized aggressive periodontitis: A pilot randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Araujo Cássia F. , Andere Naira M.R.B. , Castro dos Santos Nídia C. , Mathias‐Santamaria Ingrid F. , Reis Aurélio A. , de Oliveira Luciane D. , Jardini Maria A.N. , Casarin Renato C.V. , Santamaria Mauro P.
Published: July 2019

Background

To assess the clinical and microbiological responses of amoxicillin + metronidazole (AMX + MET) versus clarithromycin (CLM) as adjuncts to one‐stage full‐mouth ultrasonic debridement (FMUD) in the treatment of generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP).

Methods

For this parallel, double‐masked, pilot randomized clinical trial, 46 patients with GAgP were selected and randomly assigned into two groups: AMX+MET group (n = 23): FMUD associated with AMX (500 mg three times a day) and MET (400 mg three times a day) for 7 days; and CLM group (n = 23): FMUD associated with CLM (500 mg twice a day) for 7 days. Clinical parameters were evaluated at baseline, 3, and 6 months post‐treatment. The levels of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, and Fusobacterium nucleatum from subgingival biofilm were determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Both treatments significantly improved all clinical parameters compared with baseline and promoted a significant reduction of A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. gingivalis counts (P > 0.05). CLM succeeded in decreasing T. forsythia at 6 months (P < 0.05), but no antibiotic was able to reduce F. nucleatum. There was no difference between the two protocols regarding the reported adverse effects (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

The results suggest that CLM is not superior than AMX + MET in the treatment of GAgP. However, this antibiotic led to good clinical outcomes and may be a possible alternative to AMX+MET in the treatment of severe periodontitis in young patients. Future studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm this statement (NCT02969928).
Evaluating economic resilience for sustainable agri‐food systems: The case of Mexico
Authors: Michel‐Villarreal Rosario , Vilalta‐Perdomo Eliseo , Hingley Martin , Canavari Maurizio
Published: July 2019

Evaluating economic resilience from public data may inform agricultural policy‐makers on rural enterprises' resilience, but such data need to consider profitability, stability of market, safety nets, and product quality and information.
Effect of egg consumption on inflammatory markers: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials
Authors: Sajadi Hezaveh Zohreh , Sikaroudi Masoumeh Khalighi , Vafa Mohammadreza , Clayton Zachary Stephen , Soltani Sepideh
Published: July 2019

There is little evidence about whether eggs affect inflammation. The aim of this meta‐analysis was to explore the effects of egg consumption on inflammation. A systematic search of online databases (Institute for Scientific Information (ISI), Scopus, Ovid, PubMed, Cochrane) was used to gather clinical trials that assessed the effect of egg consumption on circulating inflammatory biomarkers. Using a random‐effects model, pooled weighted mean differences (WMD) and corresponding standard deviations (SD) were calculated. Of the 21 eligible studies found, nine trials were eligible for analysis. Eight trials assessed high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), four trials assessed interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and five trials assessed tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α). Egg consumption did not affect hs‐CRP (WMD 0.24 mg/L; 95% CI: ‐0.43, 0.90; I2 = 53.8;P= 0.48), IL‐6 (WMD 0.20 pg/mL; 95% CI: ‐0.71, 1.11; I2= 69.3;P= 0.50), and TNF‐α(WMD: ‐0.38 pg/mL; 95% CI: ‐0.87, 0.10; I2= 0.00;P= 0.12) relative to controls. Overall, this meta‐analysis revealed that egg consumption had no significant effect on serum biomarkers of inflammation in adults. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Endogenous product substitutability strategy under duopoly
Authors: Wang Chan , Nie Pu‐yan , Cui Ting
Published: July 2019

This article develops endogenous product substitutability theory. With game theory approach, the effects of endogenous product substitutability are characterized. First, equilibrium under endogenous product substitutability is achieved. Second, product substitutability strategy promotes price, total outputs, and social welfare. Outputs under high‐efficiency firm's product substitutability are compared with those under low‐efficiency firm's product substitutability. Third, compared with the other cases, joint product substitutability improves price difference. Finally, the outputs of all firms under endogenous product substitutability are shown to be lower than the social optimality level. The policy implication is to encourage firms investing product substitutability.
Kansas providers work with law firm to address BCBSKS's reimbursement policy
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: July 2019

Though it has been three years since Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS) began implementing policy changes, including its reimbursement practices, providers remain concerned that those practices are compromising patients' care. Some who noted that the insurer's changes are inconsistent with state and federal parity requirements have moved forward with legal representation.
Field inspired by progress of Olmstead decision after 20 years
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: July 2019

Twenty years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court held that people with disabilities have a qualified right to receive state‐funded supports and services in the community rather than institutions. That pronouncement on June 22, 1999, regarding Olmstead v. LC, made for the most important civil rights decision for people with disabilities in this country's history.
On a differential game in a nondamped distributed system
Authors: Rutkas Anatolii , Vlasenko Larisa
Published: July 2019

We study a differential game of approach in a system whose dynamics is described by a Sobolev‐type second‐order operator differential equation in Hilbert spaces. Solutions of the equation are represented by cosine and sine operator functions. To obtain solvability conditions of the game problem, we use support functionals of two sets, which defined by the behaviors of pursuer and evader. The results are applied to the investigation of conflicted‐controlled dynamics of bending waves in a rod.
A low‐profile high‐gain filtering antenna for fifth generation systems based on nonuniform metasurface
Authors: Park Jiwoong , Jeong Minjoo , Hussain Niamat , Rhee Seungyeop , Park Seonggyoon , Kim Nam
Published: July 2019

This article presents a low‐profile filtering antenna based on nonuniform metasurface for fifth generation (5G) systems at 3.5 GHz. A crossed stub, slotted ground, shorting via, and the nonuniform metasurface is used to achieve high gain and filtering response in lower and upper stopbands. The antenna and the metasurface are printed on Rogers RO4003C (εr = 3.38, tan δ = 0.0027) and Taconic TLX‐9 (εr = 2.5, tan δ = 0.0019), respectively. Measured results show that the antenna has an impedance bandwidth of 3.24 to 3.8 GHz (15.91%) below −10 dB with a stable gain having a maximum value of 10.43 dBi and good radiation patterns. Moreover, this antenna passband satisfies the typical bandwidth required for the global 5G spectrum at the 3.5 GHz band. The gain drops significantly and the S11 goes up to 0 dB outside the passband. Due to the excellent filtering characteristics, the proposed antenna is a good candidate for 5G applications.
SmartPulse, a machine learning approach for calibration‐free dynamic RF shimming: Preliminary study in a clinical environment
Authors: Tomi‐Tricot Raphaël , Gras Vincent , Thirion Bertrand , Mauconduit Franck , Boulant Nicolas , Cherkaoui Hamza , Zerbib Pierre , Vignaud Alexandre , Luciani Alain , Amadon Alexis
Published: July 2019

Purpose

A calibration‐free pulse design method is introduced to alleviate artifacts in clinical routine with parallel transmission at high field, dealing with significant inter‐subject variability, found for instance in the abdomen.

Theory and Methods

From a dual‐transmit 3T scanner, a database of and off‐resonance abdominal maps from 50 subjects was first divided into 3 clusters based on mutual affinity between their respective tailored kT‐points pulses. For each cluster, a kT‐points pulse was computed, minimizing normalized root‐mean‐square flip angle deviations simultaneously for all subjects comprised in it. Using 30 additional subjects' field distributions, a machine learning classifier was trained on this 80‐labeled‐subject database to recognize the best pulse from the 3 ones available, relying only on patient features accessible from the preliminary localizer sequence present in all protocols. This so‐called SmartPulse process was experimentally tested on an additional 53‐subject set and compared with other pulse types: vendor's hard calibration‐free dual excitation, tailored static radiofrequency shimming, universal and tailored kT‐points pulses.

Results

SmartPulse outperformed both calibration‐free approaches. Tailored static radiofrequency shimming yielded similar flip angle homogeneity for most patients but broke down for some while SmartPulse remained robust. Although flip angle homogeneity was systematically better with tailored kT‐points, the difference was barely noticeable on in vivo images.

Conclusion

The proposed method paves the way toward an efficient trade‐off between tailored and universal pulse design approaches for large inter‐subject variability. With no need for on‐line field mapping or pulse design, it can fit seamlessly into a clinical protocol.
CTA‐Ausbildung unter Druck
Authors: Zbikowski Frauke
Published: July 2019

Rheinland‐Pfalz plant eine neue Landesverordnung über die Höhere Berufsfachschule. Das hätte Folgen für die Ausbildung in Labortechnik.
Was ist eigentlich Nano?
Authors: Leusmann Eliza
Published: July 2019

Behörden, Wissenschaft und Industrie wollen gemeinsam Kriterien entwickeln, um Gesundheits‐ und Umweltrisiken neuer (Nano‐)Materialien zu bewerten.
Effective Emergency Response Begins Long Before a Storm Hits
Authors: Nardi Pete
Published: July 2019

No water utility operator wants to have to manage through a natural disaster. However, developing effective emergency management expertise can yield benefits for the utility for years to follow.
Build an Effective Valve Operations and Maintenance Program
Authors: Jackson Andrew , Notch Steve , Morgan Kenneth C.
Published: July 2019

Knowing how, when, and why to service critical valve assets can help your utility operate efficiently as well as save time and money.
Successful treatment with eculizumab for posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome due to underlying transplant‐associated thrombotic microangiopathy in patients transplanted for sickle cell disease
Authors: Bhunia Nabanita , Abu‐Arja Rolla , Bajwa Rajinder P.S. , Auletta Jeffery J. , Rangarajan Hemalatha G.
Published: July 2019

Preexisting endothelial dysfunction and vascular injury sustained during allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) increases risk for endothelial injury‐related complications such as posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) and transplant‐associated thrombotic microangiopathy (TA‐TMA) in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). We report two patients with SCD who developed PRES following allogeneic HCT. In both patients, PRES‐related symptoms resolved only after a diagnosis of TA‐TMA was established and eculizumab therapy was initiated. Renal manifestations at diagnosis included non‐nephrotic range proteinuria and hypertension. This report highlights the importance of screening PRES‐affected SCD HCT recipients for TA‐TMA as usual treatment strategies may be inadequate.
The serotonin transporter gene variants modulate acute stress‐induced hippocampus and dorsomedial prefrontal cortex activity during memory retrieval
Authors: Li Shijia , Tang Jun , Gao Yan , Thiel Christiane M. , Wolf Oliver T.
Published: July 2019

The short (s) allele of a polymorphism in the promoter region of the serotonin transporter gene (5‐HTTLPR) is related to reduced serotonin transporter efficiency and an increased vulnerability to stress and mental disorders. In the present study, we investigated how 5‐HTTLPR impacts on memory retrieval under stress and related neural activity by reanalyzing a small genetic neuroimaging data set. Twenty‐seven healthy male volunteers participated in both the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) and a respective control procedure and then their brain activity was measured with functional MRI (fMRI) while they performed an emotional‐face‐recognition task. Sixteen participants were carriers of the short allele (ss/sl carriers) and 11 were homozygous for the long allele (ll carriers). Genotype groups were compared with respect to stress‐related physiological changes, memory performance, and brain activity. No significant genotype‐dependent effects on memory performance or cortisol levels were found. The ss/sl carriers showed significantly higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure than the ll carriers, independent of stress. The ss/sl carriers reported stronger stress‐induced nervous mood than the ll carriers. Our fMRI data revealed that the ss/sl carriers showed significantly weaker left hippocampus activation and stronger dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC) deactivation when retrieving memories under stress as compared with the ll carriers. Subsequent analyses revealed that the distinct hippocampal activation pattern in both genotypes was associated with stress‐induced cortisol elevation, while the distinct dmPFC activation pattern in both genotypes was associated with stress‐induced changes in reaction times. Our results thus add new evidence that serotonin signaling modulates neural activity in the hippocampus and dmPFC during memory retrieval under acute psychosocial stress.
Cover Image, Volume 68, Issue 8
Authors: Yoo Dae‐Geon , Park Sung Soo , Noh Chi‐Woo , Shin Inho , Lim Ki‐Hyun , Son Jinha , Ahn Suk‐kyun , Ha Chang‐Sik
Published: July 2019

The cover image is based on the Research Article Polyimide nanohybrid films with electrochemically functionalized graphene by Dae‐Geon Yoo et al. DOI: 10.1002/pi.5836.

image
Do ArabidopsisSquamosa promoter binding Protein‐Likegenes act together in plant acclimation to copper or zinc deficiency?
Authors: Schulten Anna , Bytomski Lucas , Quintana Julia , Bernal María , Krämer Ute
Published: July 2019

The genome ofArabidopsis thalianaencodes approximately 260 copper (Cu)‐dependent proteins, which includes enzymes in central pathways of photosynthesis, respiration and responses to environmental stress. Under Cu‐deficient growth conditions, Squamosa promoter binding Protein‐Like 7 (SPL7) activates the transcription of genes encoding Cu acquisition systems, and it mediates a metabolic reorganization to economize on Cu. The transcription factorSPL7 groups among comparably large proteins in theSPLfamily, which additionally comprises a second group of smallSPLproteins targeted by miRNA156 with roles in plant development.SPL7 shares extended regions of sequence homology withSPL1 andSPL12. Therefore, we investigated the possibility of a functional overlap between these three members of the group of largeSPLfamily proteins. We compared thespl1 spl12double mutant and thespl1 spl7 spl12triple mutant with both the wild type and thespl7single mutant under normal and Cu‐deficient growth conditions. Biomass production, chlorophyll content and tissue elemental composition at the seedling stage, as well as plant and flower morphology during reproductive stages, confirmed the involvement ofSPL7, but provided no indication for important roles ofSPL1 orSPL12 in the acclimation of Arabidopsis to Cu deficiency. Furthermore, we analyzed the effects of zinc (Zn) deficiency on the same set of mutants. Different from what is known in the green algaChlamydomonas reinhardtii, Arabidopsis did not activate Cu deficiency responses under Zn deficiency, and there was no Cu overaccumulation in either shoot or root tissues of Zn‐deficient wild type plants. Known Zn deficiency responses were unaltered inspl7,spl1 spl12andspl1 spl7 spl12mutants. We observed that CuZnSODactivity is strongly downregulated in Zn‐deficientA. thaliana, in association with an about 94% reduction in the abundance of theCSD2transcript, a known target of miR398. However, different from the known Cu deficiency responses of Arabidopsis, this Zn deficiency response was independent ofSPL7and not associated with an upregulation ofMIR398bprimary transcript levels. Our data suggest that there is no conservation inA. thalianaof the crosstalk between Zn and Cu homeostasis mediated by the singleSPLfamily proteinCRR1 of Chlamydomonas. In the future, resolving how the specificity ofSPLprotein activation and recognition of target gene promoters is achieved will advance our understanding of the specific functions of differentSPLfamily proteins in the regulation of either Cu deficiency responses or growth and development of land plants.
Prevalence of Sports‐Related Injuries and Illnesses in Paralympic Athletes
Authors: Fagher Kristina , Dahlström Örjan , Jacobsson Jenny , Timpka Toomas , Lexell Jan
Published: July 2019

Background

With increased participation in Paralympic sports, the burden of sports‐related injuries and illnesses may increase. However, there is limited knowledge about the epidemiology of sports‐related injuries and illnesses in Paralympic sports (SRIIPS).

Objective

To describe among Swedish Paralympic athletes the 1‐year retrospective period prevalence of severe SRIIPS and the point prevalence of all SRIIPS and to examine differences in prevalence proportions between athletes with different impairments, behaviors, and sport characteristics.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Swedish Paralympic Programme.

Participants

One hundred and four Paralympic athletes with visual, physical, and intellectual impairment.

Methods

An eHealth application adapted to Paralympic athletes was used to collect self‐report data on existing and previous SRIIPS, as well as impairment, behavior, and sport characteristics.

Main Outcome Measurements

One‐year retrospective period prevalence and point prevalence.

Results

The period prevalence of severe injuries was 31% (95% CI 23‐40) and the point prevalence 32% (95% CI 24‐41). The period prevalence of severe illnesses was 14% (95% CI 9‐23), and 13% of the athletes (95% CI 8‐22) reported a current illness. More severe injuries (P <.05) were reported by athletes aged 18 to 25 years, not using assistive device, having pain during sport, using analgesics, continuing training injured, and feeling guilt when missing exercise. Athletes who reported a previous severe injury, having pain in daily life and during sport, using analgesics, and being upset when unable to exercise had a higher prevalence of current injuries (P <.05). Being female, reporting previous severe illness, using prescribed medication, and feeling anxious/depressed were features associated with ongoing illnesses (P <.05).

Conclusion

Paralympic athletes report a high prevalence of SRIIPS. Behavioral and psychological aspects as well as pain and use of medication appear to be associated with the occurrence of SRIIPS. The results imply that factors leading to SRIIPS are complex and call for a broad biopsychosocial approach when developing preventive measures.

Level of Evidence

III.
Overcoming plant blindness in science, education, and society
Authors: Jose Sarah B. , Wu Chih‐Hang , Kamoun Sophien
Published: July 2019

Societal Impact Statement

Plants are amazing organisms. They make up around 80% of all biomass on Earth, play important roles in almost all ecosystems, and support humans and other animals by providing shelter, oxygen, and food. Despite this, many people have a tendency to overlook plants, a phenomenon known as “plant blindness.” Here, we explore the reasons behind plant blindness, discuss why some people are relatively unaffected by it, and promote education around plant science to overcome this phenomenon and raise awareness of the importance of plants in the wider community.

Summary

Many people tend to overlook the importance of plants in the biosphere. This phenomenon is described as “plant blindness,” a term proposed 20 years ago to denote the inability of a person to notice plants and/or appreciate their significance. To explore why some people seem immune to plant blindness, we asked plant scientists on Twitter why they became interested in plants. Many replied that their interest developed from early experiences in life or inspiring teachers at school. Others were attracted to the scientific disciplines related to plant science or valued the contribution of plants to global ecosystems and human civilization. Based on these anecdotes and the empirical findings of other researchers, we argue that plants should play a more central role in biological education, from the early years to university and beyond. Furthermore, as plant scientists, we should do our best to raise awareness about the fascinating aspects of plants and their importance in human affairs within the wider community.
Index design and safety evaluation of pesticides application based on a fuzzy AHP model for beverage crops: tea as a case study
Authors: Chen Zongmao , Zhou Li , Yang Mei , Luo Fengjian , Lou Zhengyun , Zhang Xinzhong , Sun Hezhi , Wang Xinru
Published: July 2019

Abstracts

BACKGROUND

A fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is shown to be an effective methodology for multiple criteria decision‐making from various heterogeneous data. Despite application of AHP to some decision‐making problems in agriculture, research on AHP utilization for screening the safe use of pesticides for tea plantations based upon multiple criteria has not been reported. The overall safety chain from tea plantation to tea manufacture to tea cup after pesticides had been sprayed on a tea plantation was considered and the AHP network was constructed at two levels with two categories, tea‐related parameters and pesticide toxicity. Seven criteria were selected as safety indexes, half‐lives of pesticides on the tea plant (T1/2), water solubility (Ws), vapor pressure (Vp), acceptable daily intake (ADI), acute oral lethal dose of pesticides to rat (LD50), and ecotoxicity of pesticides including LD50 to bees and LD50 to aquatic organisms.

RESULTS

According to the AHP, water solubility was the most important factor in the evaluation pesticide safety for use on a tea plantation, followed by the half‐lives of the pesticides on the tea plant and the acceptable daily intake. Combined with the scale of seven criteria and relative weight (W), 48 pesticides with an overall score (S) < 25 could be regarded as relatively safe compounds when applied in tea plantations.

CONCLUSION

An AHP approach was suggested to evaluate the safe use of pesticides on tea plantations. This study provides a new idea for the evaluation of safety in beverage crops. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Natural compounds in the chemoprevention of alcoholic liver disease
Authors: Tu Yingfeng , Zhu Shu , Wang Jing , Burstein Ezra , Jia Da
Published: July 2019

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD), caused by excessive consumption of alcohol, is a major cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. Much effort has been expended to explore the pathogenesis of ALD. Hepatic cell injury, oxidative stress, inflammation, regeneration, and bacterial translocation are all involved in the pathogenesis of ALD. Immediate abstinence is the most important therapeutic treatment for affected individuals. However, the medical treatment for ALD had not advanced in a long period. Intriguingly, an increasing body of research indicates the potential of natural compounds in the targeted therapy of ALD. A plethora of dietary natural products such as flavonoids, resveratrol, saponins, and β‐carotene are found to exert protective effects on ALD. This occurs through various mechanisms composed of antioxidative, anti‐inflammatory, iron chelation, pro‐apoptosis, and/or antiproliferation of hepatic stellate cells and hepatocellular carcinoma cells. In this review, we will summarize current knowledge about the pathogenesis and treatments of ALD and focus on the potential of natural compounds in ALD therapies and underlying mechanisms.
Dutch fog: On the observed spatio‐temporal variability of fog in the Netherlands
Authors: Izett Jonathan G. , van de Wiel Bas J. H. , Baas Peter , van Hooft J. Antoon , Schulte Ruben B.
Published: July 2019

The Netherlands is characterized by highly variable land use within a small area, and a strong influence of the North Sea on national climate. Devoid of significant topography, it is an excellent location for assessing the relative influence of various factors on fog occurrence in the absence of terrain effects. Using observations from a dense network of weather stations throughout the country, the climatology of fog in the Netherlands is assessed over a period of 45 years. On a national scale, interannual variability is linked to changes in synoptic pressure‐gradient forcing. Within the country, a comprehensive in‐depth analysis of regional differences between fog occurrence is made, together with an assessment of local physical factors which could bias fog formation in one location over another. Regional variability is shown to be strongly related to the mesoscale influences of urbanization and the North Sea. In fact, some locations experience over twice as much fog as others. From this finding, a simple index is presented, which combines the water and urban fraction surrounding a station. This “Regionally Weighted Index” (RWI) is able to accurately sort the stations according to their relative fogginess. Its practical use is encouraged for assessing a given site's climatological favourability, even when in situ meteorological observations are unavailable.
Phase Transfer Catalyst Assisted One‐Pot Synthesis of 5‐(Chloromethyl)furfural from Biomass‐Derived Carbohydrates in a Biphasic Batch Reactor
Authors: Onkarappa Sharath Bandibairanahalli , Dutta Saikat
Published: July 2019

5‐(Chloromethyl)furfural (CMF), a bio‐renewable chemical building block, has been produced in good isolated yields from biomass‐derived carbohydrates within a closed aqueous HCl‐1,2‐dichloroethane biphasic reactor in the presence of benzyltributylammonium chloride (BTBAC) as a phase transfer catalyst (PTC). The solvent‐economic, one‐pot strategy afforded CMF in 73% isolated yield (90 °C, 3 h) from sucrose with a combined yield of 84% for CMF and levulinic acid. The process was optimized on temperature, duration, solvent, type, and loading of PTC. Use of BTBAC led to nearly 10% increase in yield of CMF for all substrates when compared to control reactions.
Metal‐Free One‐Pot Synthesis of Sulfonamides from Nitroarenes and Arylsulfonyl Chlorides in Water
Authors: Zhang Kaili , Zhang Yin , Liu Qixing , He Dan , Tian Juyan , Zhou Haifeng
Published: July 2019

A metal‐free one‐pot synthesis of sulfonamides from readily available nitroarenes and arylsulfonyl chlorides promoted by diboronic acid in water has been described. Twenty‐one examples of arylsulfonamides were obtained in moderate to good yields. Notably, a disulfonamide was also prepared from dinitrobenzene by this method. In addition, this one‐pot process is applicable for gram‐scale synthesis.
Multifunctional Boron‐Doped Diamond Colloidal AFM Probes
Authors: Daboss Sven , Knittel Peter , Nebel Christoph E. , Kranz Christine
Published: July 2019

Scanning probe microscopy techniques providing information on conductivity, chemical fluxes, and interfacial reactivity synchronized with topographical information have gained importance within the last decades. Herein, a novel colloidal atomic force microscopy (AFM) probe is presented using a spherical boron‐doped diamond (BDD) electrode attached and electrically connected to a modified silicon nitride cantilever. These conductive spherical BDD–AFM probes allow for electrochemical force spectroscopy. The physical robustness of these bifunctional probes, and the excellent electrochemical properties of BDD renders this concept a unique multifunctional tool for a wide variety of scanning probe studies including conductive AFM, hybrid atomic force–scanning electrochemical microscopy, and tip‐integrated chem/bio sensing.
Encapsulation, Visualization and Expression of Genes with Biomimetically Mineralized Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework‐8 (ZIF‐8)
Authors: Poddar Arpita , Conesa José J. , Liang Kang , Dhakal Sudip , Reineck Philipp , Bryant Gary , Pereiro Eva , Ricco Raffaele , Amenitsch Heinz , Doonan Christian , Mulet Xavier , Doherty Cara M. , Falcaro Paolo , Shukla Ravi
Published: July 2019

Recent work in biomolecule‐metal–organic framework (MOF) composites has proven to be an effective strategy for the protection of proteins. However, for other biomacromolecules such as nucleic acids, the encapsulation into nano MOFs and the related characterizations are in their infancy. Herein, encapsulation of a complete gene‐set in zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 (ZIF‐8) MOFs and cellular expression of the gene delivered by the nano MOF composites are reported. Using a green fluorescent protein (GFP) plasmid (plGFP) as a proof‐of‐concept genetic macromolecule, successful transfection of mammalian cancer cells with plGFP for up to 4 days is shown. Cell transfection assays and soft X‐ray cryo‐tomography (cryo‐SXT) demonstrate the feasibility of DNA@MOF biocomposites as intracellular gene delivery vehicles. Expression occurs over relatively prolonged time points where the cargo nucleic acid is released gradually in order to maintain sustained expression.
Superior Magnetic Performance in FePt L10 Nanomaterials
Authors: Son Kwanghyo , Ryu Gihun , Jeong Hyeon‐Ho , Fink Lukas , Merz Michael , Nagel Peter , Schuppler Stefan , Richter Gunther , Goering Eberhard , Schütz Gisela
Published: July 2019

The discovery of the high maximum energy product of 59 MGOe for NdFeB magnets is a breakthrough in the development of permanent magnets with a tremendous impact in many fields of technology. This value is still the world record, for 40 years. This work reports on a reliable and robust route to realize nearly perfectly ordered L10‐phase FePt nanoparticles, leading to an unprecedented energy product of 80 MGOe at room temperature. Furthermore, with a 3 nm Au coverage, the magnetic polarization of these nanomagnets can be enhanced by 25% exceeding 1.8 T. This exceptional magnetization and anisotropy is confirmed by using multiple imaging and spectroscopic methods, which reveal highly consistent results. Due to the unprecedented huge energy product, this material can be envisaged as a new advanced basic magnetic component in modern micro and nanosized devices.
New Palaeogene caviomorphs (Rodentia, Hystricognathi) from Santa Rosa, Peru: systematics, biochronology, biogeography and early evolutionary trends
Authors: Arnal Michelle , Kramarz Alejandro G. , Vucetich María G. , Frailey Carl D. , Campbell Kenneth E.
Published: July 2019

The origin and early evolution of South American rodents are ongoing subjects of debate. The caviomorphs of the Peruvian localities of Santa Rosa and Contamana are the oldest South American rodents so far known. The Santa Rosa rodents are abundant and diverse, but dating was based on biostratigraphy (?Eocene), whereas in various Contamana sites radiometric dates, vertebrate biochronology and palynostratigraphy suggest an age of 41.6–40.94 Ma (late middle Eocene). Previous faunal comparisons between the localities have identified few shared taxa. Here we studied new and previously described rodent fossils from Santa Rosa and analysed their biochronological and biogeographical implications. We recognize five new taxa and three genera for Santa Rosa, four of them previously known only from the Eocene Contamana region. Thus, the Santa Rosa and the late middle Eocene Contamana assemblages appear to be chronologically closer than previously thought. An ?Eocene age for Santa Rosa is substantiated by other mammals reported from Santa Rosa. With 11 named genera and 15 species, the Santa Rosa rodents represent the most species‐rich South American Palaeogene rodent assemblage known. The Eocene radiation in the Neotropics that gave rise to this diversity was not associated with an immediate geographical dispersion to higher latitudes, perhaps because different biogeographical barriers or factors of competition delayed their dispersal. Evidence suggests that replacement, rather than a persistence of conservative long‐lasting lineages, was the dominant process among Palaeogene tropical caviomorph rodents.
Per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances in commercially available biosolid‐based products: The effect of treatment processes
Authors: Kim Lazcano Rooney , de Perre Chloé , Mashtare Michael L. , Lee Linda S.
Published: July 2019

Per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been used in a variety of consumer and industrial products and are known to accumulate in sewage sludge due to sorption and their recalcitrant nature. Treatment processes ensure safe and high‐quality biosolids by reducing the potential for adverse environmental impacts such as pathogen levels; however, they have yet to be evaluated for their impact on the fate of PFAS. The objective of this study was to compare PFAS concentrations in four commercially available biosolid‐based products that received different types of treatments: heat treatment, composting, blending, and thermal hydrolysis. Seventeen perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) were quantified using liquid chromatography with tandem quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry followed by screening for 30 PFAA precursors. Treatment processes did not reduce PFAA loads except for blending, which served only to dilute concentrations. Several PFAA precursors were identified with 6:2 and 8:2 fluorotelomer phosphate diesters in all samples pre‐ and post‐treatment.

Practitioner points

Heat treatment and composting increased perfluoroalkyl acid (PFAA) concentrations.

Only dilution from blending with non‐PFAS material decreased PFAA concentrations.

Thermal hydrolysis process had no apparent effect on PFAA concentrations.

PFAS sources are a greater driver of PFAS loads in biosolid‐based products than treatment processes.
Thermodynamics and phase transition of a nonlinear electrodynamics black hole in a cavity
Authors: Wang Peng , Wu Houwen , Yang Haitang
Published: July 2019

Abstract

We first discuss the thermodynamics of a Born-Infeld (BI) black hole enclosed in a finite spherical cavity. A canonical ensemble is considered, which means that the temperature and the charge on the wall of the cavity are fixed. After the free energy is obtained by computing the Euclidean action, it shows that the first law of thermodynamics is satisfied at the locally stationary points of the free energy. The phase structure and transition in various regions of the parameter space are then investigated. In the region where the BI electrodynamics has weak nonlinearities, Hawking-Page-like and van der Waals-like phase transitions occur, and a tricritical point appears. In the region where the BI electrodynamics has strong enough nonlinearities, only Hawking-Page-like phase transitions occur. The phase diagram of a BI black hole in a cavity can have dissimilarity from that of a BI black hole using asymptotically anti-de Sitter boundary conditions. The dissimilarity may stem from a lack of an appropriate reference state with the same charge and temperature for the BI-AdS black hole.
Past, present and future modally introduced
Authors: Placek Tomasz
Published: July 2019

We investigate the concepts of past, present, and future that build upon a modal distinction between a settled past and an open future. The concepts are defined in terms of a pre-causal ordering that is determined by the qualitative differences between alternative possible histories. We look what an event’s past, present, and future look like in the so-called Minkowskian Branching Structures, one in which histories are isomorphic to Minkowski space-time.
Correction to: Are You Really Happy? Children’s Understanding of Real vs. Pretend Emotions
Authors: Sidera Francesc , Amadó Anna , Serrat Elisabet
Published: July 2019

The article Are You Really Happy? Children’s Understanding of Real vs. Pretend Emotions, written by Francesc Sidera, Anna Amadó and Elisabet Serrat, was originally published electronically on the publisher’s internet portal (currently SpringerLink) on 29 December 2012 without open access.
Consumer Processing of Online Trust Signals: A Neuroimaging Study
Authors: Casado-Aranda Luis-Alberto , Dimoka Angelika , Sánchez-Fernández Juan
Published: July 2019

The growth of online transactions coupled with the worldwide expansion of Internet-based information exchange has triggered fear, distrust and risk among online consumers. Despite the well-proven benefits to retailers when they include assurance services (online trust signals) such as seals of approval, rating systems or assurance statements in their websites, there is no consensus as the most trustworthy type. To fill this research gap, the current study reverts to neuroscience (fMRI) to compare the underlying brain mechanisms linked to each type. Twenty-nine subjects participated in an experiment simulating a low-involvement online purchase. The functional neuroimaging analysis reveals that seals of approval are the most trustworthy as they elicit activation of brain areas linked to reward and expected values. Although assurance statements reveal lower scores of trust than seals of approval, they do not arouse negative brain areas. By contrast, products accompanied by rating systems elicit brain areas linked to ambiguity, negativity and risk. Interestingly, more positive trust and purchase intentions toward seals of approval were predicted by the activation of value-computation areas, whereas higher scores of risk associated with rating systems were predicted by negative-related activations. These results offer invaluable insight into the psychological origin of trust conveyed to different types of online trust signals.
Individualized atrophy scores predict dementia onset in familial frontotemporal lobar degeneration
Authors: Staffaroni Adam M. , Cobigo Yann , Goh Sheng‐Yang M. , Kornak John , Bajorek Lynn , Chiang Kevin , Appleby Brian , Bove Jessica , Bordelon Yvette , Brannelly Patrick , Brushaber Danielle , Caso Christina , Coppola Giovanni , Dever Reilly , Dheel Christina , Dickerson Bradford C. , Dickinson Susan , Dominguez Sophia , Domoto‐Reilly Kimiko , Faber Kelly , Ferrall Jessica , Fields Julie A. , Fishman Ann , Fong Jamie , Foroud Tatiana , Forsberg Leah K. , Gavrilova Ralitza , Gearhart Debra , Ghazanfari Behnaz , Ghoshal Nupur , Goldman Jill , Graff‐Radford Jonathan , Graff‐Radford Neill , Grant Ian , Grossman Murray , Haley Dana , Heuer Hilary W. , Hsiung Ging‐Yuek , Huey Edward D. , Irwin David J. , Jones David T. , Jones Lynne , Kantarci Kejal , Karydas Anna , Kaufer Daniel I. , Kerwin Diana R. , Knopman David S. , Kraft Ruth , Kramer Joel H. , Kremers Walter K. , Kukull Walter A. , Litvan Irene , Ljubenkov Peter A. , Lucente Diane , Lungu Codrin , Mackenzie Ian R. , Maldonado Miranda , Manoochehri Masood , McGinnis Scott M. , McKinley Emily , Mendez Mario F. , Miller Bruce L. , Multani Namita , Onyike Chiadi , Padmanabhan Jaya , Pantelyat Alex , Pearlman Rodney , Petrucelli Len , Potter Madeline , Rademakers Rosa , Ramos Eliana Marisa , Rankin Katherine P. , Rascovsky Katya , Roberson Erik D. , Rogalski Emily , Sengdy Pheth , Shaw Leslie M. , Syrjanen Jeremy , Tartaglia M. Carmela , Tatton Nadine , Taylor Joanne , Toga Arthur , Trojanowski John Q. , Weintraub Sandra , Wang Ping , Wong Bonnie , Wszolek Zbigniew , Boxer Adam L. , Boeve Brad F. , Rosen Howard J. ,   on behalf of the ARTFL/LEFFTDS consortium
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Some models of therapy for neurodegenerative diseases envision starting treatment before symptoms develop. Demonstrating that such treatments are effective requires accurate knowledge of when symptoms would have started without treatment. Familial frontotemporal lobar degeneration offers a unique opportunity to develop predictors of symptom onset.

Methods

We created dementia risk scores in 268 familial frontotemporal lobar degeneration family members by entering covariate‐adjusted standardized estimates of brain atrophy into a logistic regression to classify asymptomatic versus demented participants. The score's predictive value was tested in a separate group who were followed up longitudinally (stable vs. converted to dementia) using Cox proportional regressions with dementia risk score as the predictor.

Results

Cross‐validated logistic regression achieved good separation of asymptomatic versus demented (accuracy = 90%, SE = 0.06). Atrophy scores predicted conversion from asymptomatic or mildly/questionably symptomatic to dementia (HR = 1.51, 95% CI: [1.16,1.98]).

Discussion

Individualized quantification of baseline brain atrophy is a promising predictor of progression in asymptomatic familial frontotemporal lobar degeneration mutation carriers.
Sustained improvement in hospital cleaning associated with a novel education and culture change program for environmental services workers
Authors: Martin Elena K. , Salsgiver Elizabeth L. , Bernstein Daniel A. , Simon Matthew S. , Greendyke William G. , Gramstad James M. , Weeks Roydell , Woodward Timothy , Jia Haomiao , Saiman Lisa , Furuya E. Yoko , Calfee David P.
Published: July 2019

Objective:

To sustainably improve cleaning of high-touch surfaces (HTSs) in acute-care hospitals using a multimodal approach to education, reduction of barriers to cleaning, and culture change for environmental services workers.

Design:

Prospective, quasi-experimental, before-and-after intervention study.

Setting:

The study was conducted in 2 academic acute-care hospitals, 2 community hospitals, and an academic pediatric and women’s hospital.

Participants:

Frontline environmental services workers.

Intervention:

A 5-module educational program, using principles of adult learning theory, was developed and presented to environmental services workers. Audience response system (ARS), videos, demonstrations, role playing, and graphics were used to illustrate concepts of and the rationale for infection prevention strategies. Topics included hand hygiene, isolation precautions, personal protective equipment (PPE), cleaning protocols, and strategies to overcome barriers. Program evaluation included ARS questions, written evaluations, and objective assessments of occupied patient room cleaning. Changes in hospital-onset C. difficile infection (CDI) and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) bacteremia were evaluated.

Results:

On average, 357 environmental service workers participated in each module. Most (93%) rated the presentations as ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’ and agreed that they were useful (95%), reported that they were more comfortable donning/doffing PPE (91%) and performing hand hygiene (96%) and better understood the importance of disinfecting HTSs (96%) after the program. The frequency of cleaning individual HTSs in occupied rooms increased from 26% to 62% (P < .001) following the intervention. Improvement was sustained 1-year post intervention (P < .001). A significant decrease in CDI was associated with the program.

Conclusion:

A novel program that addressed environmental services workers’ knowledge gaps, challenges, and barriers was well received and appeared to result in learning, behavior change, and sustained improvements in cleaning.
Different dietary fibre sources and risks of colorectal cancer and adenoma: a dose–response meta-analysis of prospective studies
Authors: Oh Hannah , Kim Hanseul , Lee Dong Hoon , Lee Ariel , Giovannucci Edward L. , Kang Seok-Seong , Keum NaNa
Published: July 2019

Dietary fibre is believed to provide important health benefits including protection from colorectal cancer. However, the evidence on the relationships with different dietary fibre sources is mixed and little is known about which fibre source provides the greatest benefits. We conducted a dose–response meta-analysis of prospective cohorts to summarise the relationships of different fibre sources with colorectal cancer and adenoma risks. Analyses were restricted to publications that reported all fibre sources (cereals, vegetables, fruits, legumes) to increase comparability between results. PubMed and Embase were searched through August 2018 to identify relevant studies. The summary relative risks (RR) and 95 % CI were estimated using a random-effects model. This analysis included a total of ten prospective studies. The summary RR of colorectal cancer associated with each 10 g/d increase in fibre intake were 0·91 (95 % CI 0·82, 1·00; I2 = 0 %) for cereal fibre, 0·95 (95 % CI 0·87, 1·03, I2 = 0 %) for vegetable fibre, 0·91 (95 % CI 0·78, 1·06, I2 = 43 %) for fruit fibre and 0·84 (95 % CI 0·63, 1·13, I2 = 45 %) for legume fibre. For cereal fibre, the association with colorectal cancer risk remained statistically significant after adjustment for folate intake (RR 0·89, 95 % CI 0·80, 0·99, I2 = 2 %). For vegetable and fruit fibres, the dose–response curve suggested evidence of non-linearity. All fibre sources were inversely associated with incident adenoma (per 10 g/d increase: RR 0·81 (95 % CI 0·54, 1·21) cereals, 0·84 (95 % CI 0·71, 0·98) for vegetables, 0·78 (95 % CI 0·65, 0·93) for fruits) but not associated with recurrent adenoma. Our data suggest that, although all fibre sources may provide some benefits, the evidence for colorectal cancer prevention is strongest for fibre from cereals/grains.
In the Shadow of Conflict: How Emotions, Threat Perceptions and Victimization Influence Foreign Policy Attitudes
Authors: Kupatadze A. , Zeitzoff T.
Published: July 2019

We investigate how emotions, threat perceptions and past violence influence foreign policy attitudes via a survey experiment in Georgia. Using a stratified sample across areas with differential exposure to the conflict and the presence of internally displaced persons, we randomly assign respondents to receive emotional primes about Russian aggression in the region. We find that exposure to violence, as well as simply being primed about past Russian aggression, both increase the perceived threat from Russia, and to a lesser extent anger towards Russia. Individuals who receive the primes are more supportive of a hardline foreign policy. In contrast, we find that exposure to violence does not have a direct effect on foreign policy attitudes, but increases hardline attitudes indirectly, through increased anger and threat. Taken together our results provide evidence that reminders of past violence have different effects than direct exposure to violence on foreign policy attitudes.
The Metaphysics of Race: Revisiting Nazism and Religion
Authors: Varshizky Amit
Published: July 2019

This article redresses the interpretative lacunae of historians’ conceptions of Nazi racism by overcoming their attempts to comprehend it from either a secular/scientific or a religious/theological perspective. Drawing on a variety of anthropological, philosophical, and political-theoretical works, the article illustrates how Nazi racial ideas were formulated not only in accordance with the latest discoveries in the field of human heredity, but also in correspondence to contemporary debates over secularization, value-free science, and biological determinism. It argues that the Nazi conception of race constituted a new form of religiosity, which did not draw on supernatural beliefs or theological narratives, but rather on vitalist-oriented metaphysics, shifting the object of faith from the transcendent realm of God to the immanent sphere of racial inwardness. Redefining faith in vitalist-existentialist terms corresponded with the Nazi aspiration to overcome the fragmentation of modernity, overturn the nihilistic threat posed by materialist society, and carry out a spiritual renaissance built upon immanent-biological foundations.