bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The honey bee gut microbiota: strategies for study and characterization
Authors: Romero S. , Nastasa A. , Chapman A. , Kwong W. K. , Foster L. J.
Published: January 2019

Gut microbiota research is an emerging field that improves our understanding of the ecological and functional dynamics of gut environments. The honey bee gut microbiota is a highly rewarding community to study, as honey bees are critical pollinators of many crops for human consumption and produce valuable commodities such as honey and wax. Most significantly, unique characteristics of the Apis mellifera gut habitat make it a valuable model system. This review discusses methods and pipelines used in the study of the gut microbiota of Ap. mellifera and closely related species for four main purposes: identifying microbiota taxonomy, characterizing microbiota genomes (microbiome), characterizing microbiota–microbiota interactions and identifying functions of the microbial community in the gut. The purpose of this contribution is to increase understanding of honey bee gut microbiota, to facilitate bee microbiota and microbiome research in general and to aid design of future experiments in this growing field.
Mutational screening of the SH3TC2 gene in Greek patients with suspected demyelinating recessive Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease reveals a varied and unusual phenotypic spectrum
Authors: Kontogeorgiou Zoi , Nikolaou Katerina , Kartanou Chrisoula , Breza Marianthi , Panas Marios , Karadima Georgia , Koutsis Georgios
Published: January 2019

Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease type 4 C (CMT4C) is an autosomal recessive form of demyelinating peripheral neuropathy caused by mutations in SH3TC2, characterized by early onset, spine deformities, and cranial nerve involvement. We screened SH3TC2 in 50 unrelated Greek patients with suspected demyelinating Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease and pedigree compatible with recessive inheritance. All patients had been previously screened for PMP22, GJB1, and MPZ mutations. We found five previously identified pathogenic mutations in SH3TC2 distributed among 13 patients in homozygosity or compound heterozygosity (p. Arg954Stop, Arg1109Stop, Gln892Stop, Ala878Asp, and Arg648Trp). Although most cases had early onset and spine deformities were almost omnipresent, a wide phenotypic spectrum was observed. Particularly notable were two siblings with Roussy‐Lévy syndrome and one patient with young‐onset trigeminal neuralgia. In conclusion, mutations in SH3TC2 are responsible for 26% of Greek patients with suspected CMT4, identifying CMT4C as the most common recessive demyelinating neuropathy in the Greek population, in accordance with other Mediterranean cohorts.
Characteristics of a critical care clinical placement programme affecting critical care nursing competency of baccalaureate nursing students: A structural equation modelling
Authors: Bongar Maria Victoria V. , Pangan Frederick C. , Macindo John Rey B.
Published: January 2019

Aim and objectives

To evaluate and determine the characteristics of a critical care clinical placement programme affecting the critical care nursing competency of baccalaureate nursing students.

Background

The increase in global demand for competent critical care services and human resources translates to an educational focus in preparing students for their eventual role as critical care health professionals. Albeit clinical placement in critical care units can promote competency, evidence supporting such claim remains inadequate.

Design

Cross‐sectional, descriptive correlational design.

Method

Employing structural equation modelling, 236 randomly selected baccalaureate nursing students from a clinically intensive university in the Philippines were recruited from January–March 2016. A three‐part online survey, composed of the robotfoto, Critical Care Nursing Rotation Evaluation Questionnaire, and Intensive and Critical Care Nursing Competence Scale, was completed. The STROBE checklist was followed in reporting this study.

Results

Five characteristics of clinical placement were extracted as follows: sufficient clinical exposure, adequate area orientation, supportive clinical instructor, diversified medical cases and supplemental learning resources. Four characteristics affected critical care nursing competency and built a good model (χ2/df = 1.52; comparative fit index = 0.94; parsimonious normal fit index = 0.77; root mean square error of approximation = 0.047). Adequate area orientation had the most diverse influence on all competency domains, while supportive clinical instructor had the strongest positive influence on critical care nursing skill (β = 0.30, p = 0.005).

Conclusion

The model highlights the characteristics of a critical care clinical placement programme which influences critical care nursing competency among nursing students. It emphasised the importance of a supportive clinical instructor and adequate area orientation in promoting critical care nursing skills and values and attitude.

Relevance to clinical practice

The proposed model highlights the role of clinical instructors and appropriate orientation which provides impetus in improving the clinical placement design to maximise competency development.
Predictors of glycemic management among patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Milo Razel B. , Connelly Cynthia D.
Published: January 2019

Aims and objectives

To identify correlates of glycemic control among people with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Background

Approximately 28.8 million adults have type 2 diabetes mellitus in the United States with $245 billion spent on disability and lost productivity. The importance of self‐management activities in type 2 diabetes mellitus treatment is well recognised. Extant studies have explored self‐management activities of individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus with mixed findings. Continued attention is warranted to identify predictors of glycemic control.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Methods

A convenience sample, aged 18 and 75 years with a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus, was recruited and enrolled from three southern California community‐based organisations between June–December 2016. Perceived self‐efficacy, diabetes knowledge, self‐management activities, select demographics, chronic conditions and HbA1C levels were assessed. Bivariate and multiple regression analyses were use to identify correlates of glycemic control. The STROBE checklist for cross‐sectional studies was used to develop this study.

Results

The total number of participants included in analyses was 100. Sixty‐nine per cent had HbA1C ≥7%; average number of years with type 2 diabetes mellitus was 8.6 (SD = 6.52); 57% were female; and 54% had a high school or greater education. The multiple regression model significantly predicted 20% of the variance in HbA1C levels, F(6, 93) = 4.91, p < 0.001, adj. R2 = 0.192. Level of education, β = 0.36, p = 0.001, and years with type 2 diabetes mellitus, β = 0.28, p = 0.004, significantly contributed to the model.

Conclusions

Lower level of education and longer duration with diabetes were associated with poor glycemic control. Study outcomes support interventions are needed to target the ongoing educational needs of individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nurses are encouraged to increase their awareness of the impact of level of education and diabetes duration when providing individualised care to individual's with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
The Spirit of Public Space: Embodied through Writing and Movement
Authors: Sliwinska Magdalena Joanna
Published: January 2019

To design places of spiritual quality and depth, designers need to reconnect themselves to the nature of place in order to create a sense of belonging prior to presenting a design solution. The traditional site analysis research produced by architects is too removed from the atmosphere of place and often becomes a set of drawings representing a hierarchical human use analysis based solely on function. This type of process needs to change in order to bring about awareness of the character of place, including making users more present with time and their own sense of belonging.

Rituals are an inherent part of spirituality, and in this case, the acts performed to understand and embody the character of place encourage the sense of spiritual. The rituals presented in this paper are ethnographic methods that challenge the Western conventions of the design process. They encourage imagination and empathy through writing poetry that utilizes personification, rhythm, and bodily movement that cocreates knowledge of the sense of place through action.

The design of public spaces is an important aspect of our culture and critical engagement. To arrive at meaningful spaces, the personal and civic culture needs to be expressed and highlighted. This paper presents how to change the traditional design process in order to better understand the character of place prior to designing a solution.
Melatonin protected against the detrimental effects of microRNA‐363 in a rat model of vitamin A‐associated congenital spinal deformities: Involvement of Notch signaling
Authors: Li Zheng , Li Xingye , Bi Jiaqi , Chan Matthew T. V. , Wu William Ka Kei , Shen Jianxiong
Published: January 2019

Congenital spinal deformities are a result of defective somitogenesis and are associated with vitamin A deficiency (VAD). However, the molecular mechanisms of VAD‐associated congenital spinal deformities remain largely unknown. Increasing number of studies suggested that microRNAs and melatonin played important roles in the development of congenital spinal deformities. In this study, we showed that the whole‐embryo expression of miR‐363 was upregulated in VAD rats. Furthermore, we demonstrated that miR‐363 inhibited the proliferation and neuronal differentiation of primary cultured NSCs, accompanied by downregulation of Notch1. To this end, melatonin suppressed miR‐363 expression and rescued the effects of miR‐363 on NSC proliferation and neuronal differentiation together with restoration of Notch signaling. The present study provided new insights into the mechanism of VAD‐associated spinal deformities and the therapeutic effect of melatonin that may lead to novel understanding of the molecular mechanisms of congenital spinal deformities.
Disparities in uptake of direct‐acting antiviral therapy for hepatitis C among people who inject drugs in a Canadian setting
Authors: Socías M. Eugenia , Ti Lianping , Wood Evan , Nosova Ekaterina , Hull Mark , Hayashi Kanna , Debeck Kora , Milloy M‐J
Published: January 2019

Background & Aims

Despite the high burden of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among people who inject drugs (PWID), uptake of interferon‐based therapies has been extremely low. Increasing availability of direct‐acting antiviral (DAA)‐based therapies offers the possibility of rapid treatment expansion with the goal of controlling the HCV epidemic. We evaluated DAA‐based treatment uptake among HCV‐positive PWID in Vancouver after introduction of DAAs in the government drug formulary.

Methods

Using data from three cohorts of PWID in Vancouver, Canada, we investigated factors associated with DAA‐therapies uptake among participants with HCV between April 2015 and November 2017.

Results

Of the 915 HCV‐positive PWID, 611 (66.8%) were recent PWID and 369 (40.3%) had HIV coinfection. During the study period, 146 (16.0%) initiated DAA‐therapies, a rate of 6.0 per 100 person‐year, with higher initiation rates among non‐recent PWID and an increasing trend over time. In multivariable analysis, HIV coinfection (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 2.29, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.55‐3.40), white race (AOR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.05‐2.35), and engagement in HCV care (AOR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.31‐2.90) were positively associated with DAA‐therapies uptake, while high‐risk drinking (AOR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.23‐0.88) and daily crack use were negatively associated (AOR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.17‐0.85). Among recent PWID, engagement in opioid agonist therapy emerged as an independent correlate of DAA uptake.

Conclusions

Despite increases in HCV treatment uptake among PWID after the introduction of DAAs in our setting, disparities in access remain. Social‐structural and behavioural barriers to HCV care should be addressed for the success of any HCV elimination strategy.
Inflammation and post‐traumatic stress disorder
Authors: Hori Hiroaki , Kim Yoshiharu
Published: January 2019

While post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is currently diagnosed based solely on classic psychological and behavioral symptoms, a growing body of evidence has highlighted a link between this disorder and alterations in the immune and inflammatory systems. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that PTSD is associated with significantly increased rates of physical comorbidities in which immune dysregulation is involved, such as metabolic syndrome, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and autoimmune diseases. In line with this, a number of blood biomarker studies have reported that compared to healthy controls, individuals with PTSD exhibit significantly elevated levels of proinflammatory markers, such as interleukin‐1β, interleukin‐6, tumor necrosis factor‐α, and C‐reactive protein. Moreover, various lines of animal and human research have suggested that inflammation is not only associated with PTSD but also can play an important role in its pathogenesis and pathophysiology. In this review, we first summarize evidence suggestive of increased inflammation in PTSD. We then examine findings that suggest possible mechanisms of inflammation in this disorder in terms of two different but interrelated perspectives: putative causes of increased proinflammatory activities and potential consequences that inflammation generates. Given that there is currently a dearth of treatment options for PTSD, possibilities of new therapeutic approaches using pharmacological and non‐pharmacological treatments/interventions that have anti‐inflammatory effects are also discussed. Despite the increasing attention given to the inflammatory pathology of PTSD, there remains much to be elucidated, including more detailed mechanisms of inflammation, potential usefulness of inflammatory biomarkers as diagnostic and prognostic markers, and efficacy of novel treatment strategies targeting inflammation.
Optimal Incentive Contracts in Project Management
Authors: Dawande Milind , Janakiraman Ganesh , Qi Anyan , Wu Qi
Published: January 2019

Motivated by the ever‐growing complexity of projects and the consistent trend of outsourcing of individual tasks or components, we study the contract‐design problem faced by a firm (or organization) for executing a project consisting of multiple tasks, each of which is performed by an individual contractor whose efforts (work‐rates) are not observable. While the contractors incur costs continuously during the course of their tasks, the firm realizes its reward or revenue only when the entire project is (i.e., all tasks are) completed. The firm’s contract‐design decisions and the contractors’ effort‐level decisions are all governed by the goals of maximizing the respective party’s expected discounted profit. We adopt the framework in Kwon et al. (2010a) and Chen et al. (2015), and derive optimal contracts for both parallel projects (tasks can be performed in parallel) and sequential projects (tasks have to be performed sequentially). The simplicity of the contracts we obtain suggests that there is potential for designing profit‐maximizing contracts without paying a price in terms of contract complexity.
‘Best fit’ caring skills of an interprofessional team in short‐term goal‐directed reablement: older adults’ perceptions
Authors: Gustafsson Lena‐Karin , Östlund Gunnel , Zander Viktoria , Elfström Magnus L. , Anbäcken Els‐Marie
Published: January 2019

This paper reports a study conducted to illuminate older adults’ perceptions of multiproffesional team's caring skills as success factors for health support in short‐term goal‐directed reablement. The fact that older adults are given perquisites to live in their own homes puts great demands on the professional care given them at home. An option offered could be short‐term goal‐directed reablement delivered by an interprofessional team. This means after periods in hospitals to strengthen their multidimensional health, older adults’ reablement processes are supported to return to their daily life as soon as possible. Crucial in making these intentions a reality seems to be identifying the professional's approach that works as success factors for health support in the reablement process. A descriptive qualitative design with a phenomenographic approach based on interviews with 23 older persons who had received short‐term goal‐directed reablement at home after a period at hospital was used. The study was approved by an ethical board. The analysis revealed four major referential aspects of multiproffesional team's caring skills as success factors for health‐support in short‐term goal‐directed reablement: a motivating caregiver, a positive atmosphere‐creating caregiver, a human fellowship‐oriented caregiver and a caregiver that goes beyond the expected. In this study, all caring skills in the continuum are perceived as positively loaded necessities in different situations during the reablement process. Caring skills as success factors are initially shown at a practical level, such as how the professional caregivers encourage and motivate the older persons in different training situations. At a deeper level, the caregivers open their hearts and have the capacity to go beyond the expected in the professional caregiver–patient relationship. The multiproffesional team's best fit caring skills during the home reablement process need to be addressed as evidence base in the area of elderly home care.
Identification of a novel allele, HLA‐DPB1*835:01, in an African American renal transplant candidate
Authors: Sherrill Jeremy B. , Cereb Nezih , Ho Chak‐Sum
Published: January 2019

HLA‐DPB1*835:01 differs from HLA‐DPB1*23:01:01:01 and 72:01:01:01 by four non‐synonymous nucleotide substitutions within exon 2.
Does host market regulation induce cross‐border environmental innovation?
Authors: Marin Giovanni , Zanfei Antonello
Published: January 2019

This paper evaluates the effect of host‐country environmental policy stringency on the offshoring of green patents for 2000 top world R&D performers. It is shown that a more stringent environmental regulation triggers patent offshoring in the field of green technologies. Results are robust to various different specifications, to alternative definitions of innovation offshoring and of regulatory restrictions, to controls for firm and country‐level characteristics and to the consideration of possible endogeneity of regulation. We interpret these findings as evidence that MNEs can take advantage from their exposure to multiple institutional settings, reducing the costs of, and increasing the payoff from, green innovation offshoring. It is also suggested that R&D subsidies and non‐market‐based regulatory measures are more important than market‐based instruments as drivers of cross‐border environmental innovation.
Brown adipose tissue remodelling induced by corticosterone in male Wistar rats
Authors: Mousovich‐Neto Felippe , Matos Marina Souza , Costa Anna Carolina Rego , de Melo Reis Ricardo Augusto , Atella Georgia Correa , Miranda‐Alves Leandro , Carvalho Denise P. , Ketzer Luisa Andrea , Corrêa da Costa Vânia Maria
Published: January 2019

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Does glucocorticoid excess disrupt brown adipose tissue (BAT) phenotype and function?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Glucocorticoid excess induced an extensive remodelling of interscapular BAT, resulting in a white‐like phenotype in association with metabolic disturbances. Glucocorticoids might be an important modulator of BAT physiology and BAT may have a role in pathophysiology of metabolic disturbances induced by glucocorticoid excess.

In mammals, brown adipose tissue (BAT) is centrally involved in energy metabolism. To test the hypothesis that glucocorticoid excess disrupts BAT phenotype and function, male Wistar rats were treated with corticosterone in drinking water for 21 days. To confirm induction of glucocorticoid excess and metabolic disturbances, adrenal weight, corticotrophin releasing hormone mRNA levels and corticosterone serum levels were measured and a glucose tolerance test and serum triacylglycerol analyses were performed. Adipose tissue deposits were excised, weighed and evaluated by a set of biochemical, histological and molecular procedures, including thin‐layer chromatography, histochemistry, immunohistochemistry, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, high‐resolution oxygraphy, ATP synthesis and enzymatic activity measurements. The approach was successful in induction of glucocorticoid excess and metabolic disturbances. Lower body weight and increased adiposity were observed in corticosterone‐treated rats. Interscapular brown adipose tissue (iBAT) showed higher sensitivity to glucocorticoids than other fat deposits. The treatment induced lipid accumulation, unilocular rearrangement, increased collagen content and decreased innervation in iBAT. Furthermore, expression of Prdm16 (P < 0.05), Ucp1 (P <0.05) and Slc7a10 (P <0.05) mRNA decreased, while expression of Fasn (P <0.05) and Lep (P <0.05) mRNA increased in brown adipose tissue. Also, the levels of UCP1 diminished (P <0.001, 2.5‐fold). Finally, lower oxygen consumption (P <0.05), ATP synthesis (P <0.05) and mitochondrial content (P <0.05) were observed in iBAT of glucocorticoid‐treated rats. Glucocorticoid excess induced an extensive remodelling of interscapular brown adipose tissue, resulting in a white‐like phenotype in association with metabolic disturbances.
Incapacidad como acto médico y ley estatutaria de salud
Authors: Castellanos Ramírez Julio Cesar
Published: January 2019

Con el avance de la Seguridad Social en Salud en Colombia y la protección del derecho fundamental a la salud, se ha consolidado la autonomía médica con la expedición de la Ley Estatutaria de Salud, expedida en 2015. En el artículo se presentan conceptos inherentes a dicho ejercicio en Colombia y la actualización de un artículo publicado con anterioridad.
Revisión narrativa de la evidencia actual acerca de las alternativas hormonales y no hormonales en el manejo de los síntomas vasomotores y urogenitales de la menopausia
Authors: Salazar Balcazar Daniela , Badoui Nora
Published: January 2019

La menopausia es el periodo de transición en que la mujer culmina su edad reproductiva y trae consigo cambios anatómicos y fisiológicos, manifestados principalmente por síntomas vasomotores y urogenitales, con gran afectación de la calidad de vida de las pacientes. Es de gran importancia conocer las alternativas terapéuticas que existen, la evidencia que las respalda, y así ofrecer la mejor alternativa según indicaciones, eficacia, perfil de efectos adversos y contraindicaciones de cada una. Métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda y selección de la literatura en las bases de datos Cochrane, Pubmed, SciELO, JAMA, en idiomas español e inglés, sin restricción de fecha. Conclusiones: Las terapias actuales no son satisfactorias, bien sea por la baja eficacia en el control de los síntomas o por su asociación con efectos adversos de importancia. Es necesario evaluar acuciosamente el riesgo-beneficio de cada intervención.
Design of Compliant Three-Dimensional Printed Surgical End-Effectors for Robotic Lumbar Discectomy
Authors: Johnson Benjamin V. , Gong Zekun , Cole Brian A. , Cappelleri David J.
Published: January 2019

In this paper, the design of compliant three-dimensional (3D) printed surgical end-effectors for robotic lumbar discectomy is presented. Discectomy is the surgery to remove the herniated disk material that is pressing on a nerve root or spinal cord. This surgery is performed to relieve pain or numbness caused by the pressure on the nerve. The limited workspace of the spine (<27 cm3) results in challenging design requirements for surgical instruments. We propose a new cannula-based robotic lumbar discectomy procedure that can accommodate multiple articulated tools in the workspace at the same time and can be controlled teleoperatively by the surgeon. We present designs for two instruments for this proposed system: an articulated nerve retractor and an articulated grasper. The end-effectors of each are 3D printed with multiple materials, with flexible links acting as joints of the mechanism. These flexible links are actuated by cables which provide sufficient articulation and manipulation forces in the surgical workspace. The end-effector's articulated flexible joint kinematics is modeled and tested for range of motion capabilities. The retraction forces for the nerve retractor and the grasping force for the grasper are also experimentally tested and verified to meet all the design requirements. Additionally, fatigue testing of the flexible joint is presented and teleoperated control for the instruments is demonstrated. Finally, conceptual designs for new actuation systems are presented that will enable feasible surgical operations with the enhanced attributes of the designed end-effectors.
Analysis of the Use of Remote Sensing Measurements for Developing Wind Power Projects
Authors: Böhme Gustavo S. , Fadigas Eliane A. , Martinez Julio R. , Tassinari Carlos E. M.
Published: January 2019

Micrositing wind flow modeling presents one of the most relevant uncertainties in the project of wind power plants. Studies in the area indicate that the average uncertainty related to this item varies between 2.4% and 8% of the annual energy production (AEP). The most efficient form to mitigate this uncertainty is to obtain additional measurements from the site. This can be achieved by installing met masts and by applying short-term remote sensing campaigns (LIDAR and SODAR). Ideally, measurement campaigns should have at least one complete year of data to capture seasonal changes in the local wind behavior and to increase the long-term representation of the sample. However, remote sensing is frequently performed in reduced periods of measurement, coming down to months or even weeks of campaign. The main contribution of this paper is to analyze whether short-term remote sensing measurements contribute to the development of wind power projects, given the associated uncertainties due to low representativeness of the reduced data sample. This study was performed using over 60 years of wind measurement data. Its main findings indicate that the contribution of short-term remote sensing campaigns vary depending on the complexity of the local terrain, and the respective uncertainty related to horizontal and vertical extrapolation of micrositing models. The results showed that in only 30% of the cases, a 3 month measurement campaign reduced the projects overall uncertainty. This number increases to 50% for a 6 month campaign and 90% for a 10 month campaign.
Compositional dependence of epitaxial Tin+1SiCn MAX-phase thin films grown from a Ti3SiC2 compound target
Authors: Magnuson Martin , Tengdelius Lina , Greczynski Grzegorz , Eriksson Fredrik , Jensen Jens , Lu Jun , Samuelsson Mattias , Eklund Per , Hultman Lars , Högberg Hans
Published: January 2019

The authors investigate sputtering of a Ti3SiC2 compound target at temperatures ranging from RT (no applied external heating) to 970 °C as well as the influence of the sputtering power at 850 °C for the deposition of Ti3SiC2 films on Al2O3(0001) substrates. Elemental composition obtained from time-of-flight energy elastic recoil detection analysis shows an excess of carbon in all films, which is explained by differences in the angular distribution between C, Si, and Ti, where C scatters the least during sputtering. The oxygen content is 2.6 at. % in the film deposited at RT and decreases with increasing deposition temperature, showing that higher temperatures favor high purity films. Chemical bonding analysis by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy shows C–Ti and Si–C bonding in the Ti3SiC2 films and Si–Si bonding in the Ti3SiC2 compound target. X-ray diffraction reveals that the phases Ti3SiC2, Ti4SiC3, and Ti7Si2C5 can be deposited from a Ti3SiC2 compound target at substrate temperatures above 850 °C and with the growth of TiC and the Nowotny phase Ti5Si3Cx at lower temperatures. High-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy shows epitaxial growth of Ti3SiC2, Ti4SiC3, and Ti7Si2C5 on TiC at 970 °C. Four-point probe resistivity measurements give values in the range ∼120 to ∼450 μΩ cm and with the lowest values obtained for films containing Ti3SiC2, Ti4SiC3, and Ti7Si2C5.
On the determination of accelerometer positions within host devices
Authors: Larnder Christopher Isaac , Larade Brian
Published: January 2019

A review of recent accelerometry experiments points to the need for a careful consideration of the question of where, exactly, the accelerometer sensor itself is located within the device that hosts the services required for its operation. We propose a simple measure for characterising the regime of the experimental conditions under which these implied positional errors become significant. We then present a method for reliably determining the accelerometer position and apply it to a wide variety of host devices ranging from data loggers to smartphones and tablets. Although the obvious value of the method lies in the improved accuracy of the ensuing accelerometry, the preliminary process of discovering the accelerometer position becomes a valuable and complete pedagogical experience in itself, providing insight into both the principles of radial acceleration and the internal structure of current-generation digital devices.
Energy conservation in explicit solutions as a simple illustration of Noether's theorem
Authors: Pössel Markus
Published: January 2019

Noether's theorem is widely regarded as one of the most elegant results in theoretical physics. The article presents two simple examples that can be used to demonstrate the basic idea behind Noether's theorem, by deriving a relation between translational symmetry in the time coordinate and energy conservation in a way that is accessible to beginning students.
Deformation of an inflated bicycle tire when loaded
Authors: Renart Jordi , Roura-Grabulosa Pere
Published: January 2019

The deformation of a loaded bike tire has been analyzed with a model consisting of a toroid of thin inextensible walls mounted on a central rim. If the tire radius is much smaller than the rim radius, the deflection, d, of the tire can be calculated as a function of the applied load, F. The solution can be approximated by a power law dependence F∝d3/2 for small loads. The theoretical predictions compare well with the experiments carried out on two bicycle tires.
High-throughput label-free molecular fingerprinting flow cytometry
Authors: Hiramatsu Kotaro , Ideguchi Takuro , Yonamine Yusuke , Lee SangWook , Luo Yizhi , Hashimoto Kazuki , Ito Takuro , Hase Misa , Park Jee-Woong , Kasai Yusuke , Sakuma Shinya , Hayakawa Takeshi , Arai Fumihito , Hoshino Yu , Goda Keisuke
Published: January 2019

High-throughput Raman flow cytometry is developed to rapidly probe molecular fingerprints of numerous cells without labels.
Bacteria: A novel source for potent mosquito feeding-deterrents
Authors: Kajla Mayur K. , Barrett-Wilt Gregory A. , Paskewitz Susan M.
Published: January 2019

This study provides evidence that insect-killing bacteria produce fabclavines that can be used to deter mosquito feeding.
High extinction risk for wild coffee species and implications for coffee sector sustainability
Authors: Davis Aaron P. , Chadburn Helen , Moat Justin , O’Sullivan Robert , Hargreaves Serene , Nic Lughadha Eimear
Published: January 2019

Extinction threatens at least 60% of wild coffee species, including those that are key to the future of the global coffee sector.
Clinical-grade stem cell–derived retinal pigment epithelium patch rescues retinal degeneration in rodents and pigs
Authors: Sharma Ruchi , Khristov Vladimir , Rising Aaron , Jha Balendu Shekhar , Dejene Roba , Hotaling Nathan , Li Yichao , Stoddard Jonathan , Stankewicz Casey , Wan Qin , Zhang Connie , Campos Mercedes Maria , Miyagishima Kiyoharu J. , McGaughey David , Villasmil Rafael , Mattapallil Mary , Stanzel Boris , Qian Haohua , Wong Wai , Chase Lucas , Charles Steve , McGill Trevor , Miller Sheldon , Maminishkis Arvydas , Amaral Juan , Bharti Kapil
Published: January 2019

A retinal pigment epithelial patch derived from mutation-free pluripotent stem cells shows therapeutic effects in rats and pigs.
Targeting hepatic glucokinase to treat diabetes with TTP399, a hepatoselective glucokinase activator
Authors: Vella Adrian , Freeman Jennifer L. R. , Dunn Imogene , Keller Kit , Buse John B. , Valcarce Carmen
Published: January 2019

A hepatoselective glucokinase activator reduced hyperglycemia without hypoglycemia or adverse effects on lipids, liver enzymes, or blood pressure.
T cells, the last samurai against humoral rejection in lung transplants
Authors: Singh Ankur
Published: January 2019

Specialized T cells in induced bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue regulate alloimmune responses in the lung allograft.
Bacterial Dispersers along Preferential Flow Paths of a Clay Till Depth Profile
Authors: Krüger U. S. , Dechesne A. , Bak F. , Badawi N. , Nybroe O. , Aamand J.
Published: January 2019

The ability to disperse is considered essential for soil bacteria colonization and survival, yet very little is known about the dispersal ability of communities from different heterogeneous soil compartments. Important factors for dispersal are the thickness and connectivity of the liquid film between soil particles. The present results from a fractured clay till depth profile suggest that dispersal ability is common in various soil compartments and that most are dominated by a few dispersing taxa. Importantly, an increase in shared dispersers among the preferential flow paths of the clay till suggests that active dispersal plays a role in the successful colonization of these habitats.
Inactivating Mutations in Irc7p Are Common in Wine Yeasts, Attenuating Carbon-Sulfur β-Lyase Activity and Volatile Sulfur Compound Production
Authors: Cordente Antonio G. , Borneman Anthony R. , Bartel Caroline , Capone Dimitra , Solomon Mark , Roach Michael , Curtin Christopher D.
Published: January 2019

Volatile sulfur compounds contribute to wine aromas that may be considered pleasant, such as “tropical,” “passionfruit,” and “guava,” as well as aromas that are considered undesirable, such as “rotten eggs,” “onions,” and “sewer.” During fermentation, wine yeasts release some of these compounds from odorless precursor molecules, a process that is most efficient when performed by yeasts that express active forms of the protein Irc7p. We show that most wine yeasts carry mutations that reduce activity of this protein, affecting the formation of volatile sulfur compounds that impart both pleasant and unpleasant aromas. The results provide winemakers with guidance on the choice of yeasts that can emphasize or deemphasize this particular contribution to wine quality.
Atypical HemolyticListeria innocuaIsolates Are Virulent, albeit Less thanListeria monocytogenes
Authors: Moura Alexandra , Disson Olivier , Lavina Morgane , Thouvenot Pierre , Huang Lei , Leclercq Alexandre , Fredriksson-Ahomaa Maria , Eshwar Athmanya K. , Stephan Roger , Lecuit Marc
Published: January 2019

Listeria innocuais considered a nonpathogenicListeriaspecies. Natural atypical hemolyticL. innocuaisolates have been reported but have not been characterized in detail.
Plasmid Characteristics Modulate the Propensity of Gene Exchange in Bacterial Vesicles
Authors: Tran Frances , Boedicker James Q.
Published: January 2019

Extracellular vesicle formation and exchange are common within bacterial populations. Vesicles package multiple types of biomolecules, including genetic material. The exchange of extracellular vesicles containing genetic material facilitates interspecies DNA transfer and may be a promiscuous mechanism of horizontal gene transfer. Unlike other mechanisms of horizontal gene transfer, it is unclear whether characteristics of the exchanged DNA impact the likelihood of transfer in vesicles. Here, we systematically examine the influence of plasmid copy number, size, and origin of replication on the loading of DNA into vesicles and the uptake of DNA containing vesicles by recipient cells. These results reveal how each plasmid characteristic impacts gene transfer in vesicles and contribute to a greater understanding of the importance of vesicle-mediated gene exchange in the landscape of horizontal gene transfer.
Evaluation of the Performance of the Cobas CT/NG Test for Use on the Cobas 6800/8800 Systems for Detection of
Chlamydia trachomatis
and
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
in Male and Female Urogenital Samples
Authors: Van Der Pol Barbara , Fife Kenneth , Taylor Stephanie N. , Nye Melinda B. , Chavoustie Steven E. , Eisenberg David L. , Crane LaShonda , Hirsch Gregory , Arcenas Rodney , Marlowe Elizabeth M.
Published: January 2019

The clinical performance of the Cobas CT/NG assay on the Cobas 6800/8800 systems (Cobas) for the detection of
Chlamydia trachomatis
and
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
was established in a multisite, prospective collection study using male and female urogenital specimens; supportive data from archived specimens were also included. The results obtained with the Cobas assay were compared with the patient infected status derived from a combination of U.S.
Minichromosome Maintenance Proteins Cooperate with LANA during the G
1
/S Phase of the Cell Cycle To Support Viral DNA Replication
Authors: Dabral Prerna , Uppal Timsy , Rossetto Cyprian C. , Verma Subhash C.
Published: January 2019

LANA-mediated latent DNA replication is essential for efficient maintenance of KSHV episomes in the host. During latency, virus relies on the host cellular machinery for replication, which occurs in synchrony with the cellular DNA. LANA interacts with the components of multiple cellular pathways, including cellular replication machinery, and recruits them to the viral origin for DNA replication. In this study, we characterize the interactions between LANA and minichromosome maintenance (MCM) proteins, members of the cellular replication complex. We demonstrated a cell cycle-dependent interaction between LANA and MCMs and determined their importance for viral genome replication and maintenance through biochemical assays. In addition, we mapped a 50-amino acid region in LANA which was capable of abrogating the association of MCM6 with LANA and blocking DNA replication. We also detected LANA along with MCMs at the replication forks using a novel approach, isolation of proteins on nascent DNA (iPOND).
Predicting cardiometabolic markers in children using tri-ponderal mass index: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ashley-Martin Jillian , Ensenauer Regina , Maguire Bryan , Kuhle Stefan
Published: January 2019

Objective

To model the development of the tri-ponderal mass index (TMI, kg/m3) throughout childhood and adolescence and to compare the utility of the TMI with that of the body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) to predict cardiometabolic risk in a population-based sample of Canadian children and youth.

Methods

We used data from the Canadian Health Measures Survey to model TMI from 6 to 19 years of age. Percentile curves were developed using the LMS method. Logistic regression was used to predict abnormal levels of cardiometabolic markers; predictive accuracy was assessed using the area under the ROC curve (AUC).

Results

Mean TMI was relatively stable from ages 6 to 19 years for both sexes, but variability increased with age. There was no notable difference in AUC values for prediction models based on BMI z-score compared with TMI for any of the outcomes. For both BMI z-score and TMI, prediction accuracy was good for homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance and having ≥3 abnormal tests (AUC>0.80), fair for C-reactive protein and poor for the remainder of the outcomes.

Conclusions

The use of a single sex-specific TMI cut-off for overweight or obesity is hampered by the increasing variability of the measure with age. Weight-for-height indices likely have only limited ability to predict cardiometabolic marker levels, and changing the scaling power of height is unlikely to improve predictive accuracy.
Appropriateness of outpatient antibiotic prescribing among privately insured US patients: ICD-10-CM based cross sectional study
Authors: Chua Kao-Ping , Fischer Michael A , Linder Jeffrey A
Published: January 2019

Objective

To assess the appropriateness of outpatient antibiotic prescribing for privately insured children and non-elderly adults in the US using a comprehensive classification scheme of diagnosis codes in ICD-10-CM (international classification of diseases-clinical modification, 10th revision), which replaced ICD-9-CM in the US on 1 October 2015.

Design

Cross sectional study.

Setting

MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters database, 2016.

Participants

19.2 million enrollees aged 0-64 years.

Main outcome measures

A classification scheme was developed that determined whether each of the 91 738 ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes “always,” “sometimes,” or “never” justified antibiotics. For each antibiotic prescription fill, this scheme was used to classify all diagnosis codes in claims during a look back period that began three days before antibiotic prescription fills and ended on the day fills occurred. The main outcome was the proportion of fills in each of four mutually exclusive categories: “appropriate” (associated with at least one “always” code during the look back period, “potentially appropriate” (associated with at least one “sometimes” but no “always” codes), “inappropriate” (associated only with “never” codes), and “not associated with a recent diagnosis code” (no codes during the look back period).

Results

The cohort (n=19 203 264) comprised 14 571 944 (75.9%) adult and 9 935 791 (51.7%) female enrollees. Among 15 455 834 outpatient antibiotic prescription fills by the cohort, the most common antibiotics were azithromycin (2 931 242, 19.0%), amoxicillin (2 818 939, 18.2%), and amoxicillin-clavulanate (1 784 921, 11.6%). Among these 15 455 834 fills, 1 973 873 (12.8%) were appropriate, 5 487 003 (35.5%) were potentially appropriate, 3 592 183 (23.2%) were inappropriate, and 4 402 775 (28.5%) were not associated with a recent diagnosis code. Among the 3 592 183 inappropriate fills, 2 541 125 (70.7%) were written in office based settings, 222 804 (6.2%) in urgent care centers, and 168 396 (4.7%) in emergency departments. In 2016, 2 697 918 (14.1%) of the 19 203 264 enrollees filled at least one inappropriate antibiotic prescription, including 490 475 out of 4 631 320 children (10.6%) and 2 207 173 out of 14 571 944 adults (15.2%).

Conclusions

Among all outpatient antibiotic prescription fills by 19 203 264 privately insured US children and non-elderly adults in 2016, 23.2% were inappropriate, 35.5% were potentially appropriate, and 28.5% were not associated with a recent diagnosis code. Approximately 1 in 7 enrollees filled at least one inappropriate antibiotic prescription in 2016. The classification scheme could facilitate future efforts to comprehensively measure outpatient antibiotic appropriateness in the US, and it could be adapted for use in other countries that use ICD-10 codes.
Comparative analysis of coil embolization in posterior and anterior communicating artery aneurysms
Authors: Choi Hyun Ho , Cho Young Dae , Yoo Dong Hyun , Lee Su Hwan , Yeon Eung Koo , Kang Hyun-Seung , Cho Won-Sang , Kim Jeong Eun , Han Moon Hee
Published: January 2019

Background

Recanalization rates after coil embolization are known to be higher in cerebral aneurysms of the posterior (vs anterior) circulation. Although often grouped with anterior lesions, aneurysms of the posterior communicating artery (PcoA) may nevertheless behave differently.

Objective

We performed a comparative analysis to explore differences in recanalization rates of PcoA and anterior communicating artery (AcoA) aneurysms, both integral to the circle of Willis.

Methods

Between October 2012 and July 2017, 699 AcoA (n=427) and PcoA (n=272) aneurysms were treated by endovascular coil embolization, monitoring 667 (95.4%) via radiologic imaging for ≥ 6 months. Cumulative recordings of medical and imaging data were retrospectively reviewed, conducting propensity score matching and binary logistic regression analysis.

Results

In the 667 aneurysms followed longer term, recanalization occurred in 111 (16.6%; minor 72; major 39) and was significantly more frequent in PcoA (25.5%) than in AcoA (11.0%; P<0.01) aneurysms during similar follow-up periods. After 1:1 propensity score matching, an even greater proclivity for recanalization was evident at PcoA sites (PcoA 23.0%; AcoA 12.2%; P<0.01). Although A1 segment dominance was linked to recanalization in AcoA aneurysms (18.2% vs 7.6%; P=0.01), the PcoA counterpart had no bearing on recanalization (27.7% vs 24.1%; P=0.51).

Conclusions

Despite a clear preponderance of AcoA aneurysms, recanalization of PcoA aneurysms proved significantly greater, attesting to posterior circulation behavior.
Performance enhancement of self-compacting concrete in saline environment by hydrophobic surface protection
Authors: Al-Kheetan Mazen J. , Rahman Mujib M. , Balakrishna Muniswamappa N. , Chamberlain Denis A.
Published: January 2019

The purpose of this research is to enhance the performance of self-compacting concrete (SCC) to make it a more sustainable alternative to traditional concrete. SCC serves the purpose in harsh environments, therefore, requires protection against de-icing agents and harmful saline environments. This paper reports the results from a laboratory study evaluating the efficacy of two impregnants; pure-silane and water-based silane. Both materials were applied on dry and wet SCC specimens manufactured with high and medium doses of superplasticizer. When treatment is applied on dry samples, a significant reduction in chloride penetration was noticed. However, the impregnants were less effective when applied on specimens subjected to intermediate and long-term exposure to water. In dry conditions, pure-silane performed better than the water-based silane, although they had a similar performance when applied on wet specimens. In addition, increasing the internal moisture content has shown an adverse effect on the efficacy of both materials.
Prediction of ecological impact of two alien gobiids in habitat structures of differing complexity
Authors: Gebauer Radek , Veselý Lukáš , Vanina Tatyana , Buřič Miloš , Kouba Antonín , Drozd Bořek
Published: January 2019

Rapid expansion of round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) and western tubenose goby (Proterorhinus semilunaris) beyond their native ranges calls for urgent management action, particularly in localities with high introduction possibility of the species. We used a comparative functional response (FR) approach to forecast invader ecological impact. We compared their foraging efficiency in three habitat structures: sand, coarse gravel, and coarse gravel with an artificial plant. Both Neogobius melanostomus and Proterorhinus semilunaris showed type II FR in all habitats. Interspecific comparison showed similar handling times in both the gravel and gravel with artificial plant habitats, suggesting similar per capita impact. Intraspecific comparison showed significantly lower handling times of both predators on gravel substrates. Therefore, their ecological impact in such an environment could be higher. Neogobius melanostomus showed higher attack rates on sandy substrates compared with Proterorhinus semilunaris, while no significant differences were observed on other substrates. Our results highlight the importance of interacting factors in management of ecosystems with multiple invaders, as the elimination of invasive Neogobius melanostomus may lead to utilization of the empty niche by alien Proterorhinus semilunaris with similar ecological impact.
The sensitivities of the reduced Langevin pseudo-metric
Authors: Molaei M. R. , Corda C.
Published: January 2019

The sensitivities of a pseudo-metric are universal objects corresponding to it. They determine its sensitive behaviors locally up to the Euclidean metric. Here, we calculate the sensitivities of the pseudo-metric determined by the reduced Langevin line element [Formula: see text].