bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulation of different fishery regulations to prevent population decline in a large freshwater invertebrate, the Murray crayfish (Euastacus armatus)
Authors: Forbes Jamin P. , Todd Charles R. , Baumgartner Lee J. , Watts Robyn J. , Robinson Wayne A. , Steffe Aldo S. , Murphy Jeff J. , Asmus Martin W. , Thiem Jason D.
Published: December 2019

Globally, overharvest contributes to population declines of fish and invertebrates. Quantifying the effects of fishing and associated harvest is essential to preventing such declines. Murray crayfish Euastacus armatus exhibit slow growth and late age at maturity, and were historically abundant in Australia’s Murray–Darling Basin, but river regulation, pollution and overfishing have reduced their range and abundance. Diminished recreational fisheries still exist, but data to quantify catch, effort and harvest are not available to inform management decisions. We used a population model to assess the status of a harvested Murray crayfish population, informed by data collected from a fishery-dependant survey. Quantitative fisher surveys were undertaken in the Murrumbidgee River during the 2012 Murray crayfish open season (May–August inclusive). Shortly after the surveys, and in light of fishery-independent data that indicated a Murray crayfish decline, the crayfish recreational fishery was spatially reduced and shortened to a 3-month season (June–August), bag limits were reduced and size limits were changed from a minimum length limit of 90mm to a harvest-slot length limit (HSLL) of 100–120mm. Modelling of the Murray crayfish population indicated it was most likely to be relatively small with a mean population size of 2777 individuals and affected by a high rate of crayfish harvest (harvest probability 0.4), indicating vulnerability to further decline should fishing effort and harvest persist. The population model was used to assess the regulation change to a HSLL, with the results supporting the regulation change and indicating that implementation of the HSLL would stabilise the population, albeit over many years. This study demonstrates that empirical data and population modelling are crucial to inform fishery regulations for threatened species.
Effect of free-ranging dogs and cats on medium-sized wild mammal assemblages in urban protected areas of a Mexican city
Authors: Mella-Méndez Isac , Flores-Peredo Rafael , Bolívar-Cimé Beatriz , Vázquez-Domínguez Guillermo
Published: December 2019

Abstract ContextUrban protected areas (PAs) are the habitat of several Neotropical medium-sized wild mammal (MSWM) species. However, this richness is seriously threatened by the growing populations of free-ranging dogs and cats in these areas. AimsThe aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of free-ranging dogs and cats on the assemblage structure of MSWM in PAs of Xalapa city, Veracruz, Mexico. MethodsCamera traps were used to assess the effect of abundance and activity of dogs and cats on richness, abundance, dominance and activity of MSWM across two urban and three peri-urban PAs. The effect of plant diversity, vegetation structure and PA on mammal richness, activity and abundance were also evaluated. Key resultsThe dominance of MSWM was higher in peri-urban areas than urban areas, and the activity of dogs and cats from peri-urban and urban PAs was similar with wildest MSWM. Only inside urban areas did the size of the area and the dogs’ activity have a negative effect on the richness, activity and abundance of MSWM. Moreover, the activity and abundance of cats also had a negative effect on the activity of MSWM in urban PAs. The presence of dogs affected the latency of appearance of MSWM. ConclusionsThe presence of free-ranging dogs and cats in urban PAs affects MSWM assemblages and their appearance latency. ImplicationsThe potential harm of free-ranging dogs and cats on the community of MSWM in urban areas is clear, as is the need for increased scientific research to aid in the control of these exotic species in urban landscapes.
Determination and evaluation of the nonadditivity in wetting of molecularly heterogeneous surfaces
Authors: Luo Zhi , Murello Anna , Wilkins David M. , Kovacik Filip , Kohlbrecher Joachim , Radulescu Aurel , Okur Halil I. , Ong Quy K. , Roke Sylvie , Ceriotti Michele , Stellacci Francesco
Published: December 2019

The interface between water and folded proteins is very complex. Proteins have “patchy” solvent-accessible areas composed of domains of varying hydrophobicity. The textbook understanding is that these domains contribute additively to interfacial properties (Cassie’s equation, CE). An ever-growing number of modeling papers question the validity of CE at molecular length scales, but there is no conclusive experiment to support this and no proposed new theoretical framework. Here, we study the wetting of model compounds with patchy surfaces differing solely in patchiness but not in composition. Were CE to be correct, these materials would have had the same solid–liquid work of adhesion (
W

SL

) and time-averaged structure of interfacial water. We find considerable differences in
W

SL

, and sum-frequency generation measurements of the interfacial water structure show distinctively different spectral features. Molecular-dynamics simulations of water on patchy surfaces capture the observed behaviors and point toward significant nonadditivity in water density and average orientation. They show that a description of the molecular arrangement on the surface is needed to predict its wetting properties. We propose a predictive model that considers, for every molecule, the contributions of its first-nearest neighbors as a descriptor to determine the wetting properties of the surface. The model is validated by measurements of
W

SL

in multiple solvents, where large differences are observed for solvents whose effective diameter is smaller than ∼6 Å. The experiments and theoretical model proposed here provide a starting point to develop a comprehensive understanding of complex biological interfaces as well as for the engineering of synthetic ones.
Development of L2 Spanish VOT before and after a brief pronunciation training session
Authors: Schuhmann Katharina S. , Huffman Marie K.
Published: December 2019

We present a study of the development of L2 stop VOT (voice onset time) in lower-level English-speaking learners
of Spanish over the course of a college semester. Participants were recorded six times in two-week intervals. Halfway through the
semester, students received a brief pronunciation training session with practice and feedback. Overall, the learners did not lower
their L2 VOTs in the first half of the study, before pronunciation training. Following training, however, they lowered their mean
VOTs for Spanish voiceless stops significantly. A similar effect was not found for their mean VOTs of Spanish voiced stops, in
line with prior work suggesting that prevoicing may be harder to acquire. Yet careful examination suggests that learners are
increasing the frequency with which they use prevoicing in Spanish, suggesting this metric might inform future work on L2 Spanish
pronunciation development. This work has implications for teaching and research in second language pronunciation.
The legal rights of Aragonese-speaking schoolchildren
Authors: Torres-Oliva Maria , Petreñas Cristina , Huguet Ángel , Lapresta Cecilio
Published: December 2019

Aragon is an autonomous community within Spain where, historically, three languages are spoken: Aragonese, Catalan, and Castilian Spanish. Both Aragonese and Catalan are minority and minoritised languages within the territory, while Castilian Spanish, the majority language, enjoys total legal protection and legitimation. The fact that we live in the era of the nation-state is crucial for understanding endangered languages in their specific socio-political context. This is why policies at macro-level and micro-level are essential for language maintenance and equality. In this article, we carry out an in-depth analysis of 57 documents: international and national legal documents, education reports, and education curricula. The aims of the paper are: (1) to analyse the current state of Aragonese language teaching in primary education in Aragon, and (2) to suggest solutions and desirable policies to address the passive bilingualism of Aragonese-speaking schoolchildren. We conclude that although Aragon is a trilingual community, education policy actually does not reflect this reality. There is also a need to implement language policies (bottom-up and top-down initiatives) to promote compulsory education in a minoritised language. We therefore propose a linguistic model that brings to the forefront minority languages. This study may contribute to research into Aragonese-Castilian bilingualism in contexts of possible language loss.
Languages in public policy, and constraints in academia
Authors: Phillipson Robert
Published: December 2019

The article explores evidence of public policy ignoring scholarly recommendations, and describes instances of this in the field of language policy at both supranational and national levels. One significant contemporary influence is that university autonomy and academic freedom are being constrained by neoliberal pressures. Evidence of this in the United Kingdom and Denmark is described. These trends are connected to the wider context of the transition from the practices and ideology ofterra nulliusto legitimate colonisation and global Europeanisation, and the concomitant dispossession of the territories of others, to global Americanisation processes, the universalization of acultura nulliusin commerce, the media, academia, and domestic life. This dovetails with the promotion and establishment of English as alingua nullius,a language that should be learned by all worldwide, as if it serves the interests of all inhabitants of the globe, and is disconnected from the causal factors behind the expansion of the language. One speech by Winston Churchill argues for the maintenance of university autonomy and historical awareness. Another pleads for Anglo-American global dominance, including the promotion of English as a ‘world’ language. These competing pleas have had different outcomes: academic freedom and traditions are currently at risk, whereas US dominance and the promotion and expansion of English have thrived. The governments of the five Nordic countries have acted to ensure the maintenance of national languages as well as competence in ‘international languages’. This is exemplified by a description of how universities should assure parallel competence and thereby a healthy balance between English and national languages. Soft power is never far from economic, political, and military power, all of which entail language use. China and Chinese are well launched on a comparable trajectory to the expansion of English.
Nursery Performance of Sandfish Holothuria scabra Juveniles in Tidal Earthen Pond Using Different Types of Cage
Authors: Firdaus M , Indriana L F
Published: December 2019

Sandfish Holothuria scabra is a promising aquaculture commodity. Techniques for producing this species have been developed rapidly in recent decades to address the issues of increasing market demand and overexploitation of wild populations. Providing sandfish seed with suitable size for stocking (20-50 g) is one of the main issues in mass production of sandfish. Developing reliable nursery techniques could solve this problem. This study aimed to investigate the survival and growth performance of sandfish juveniles in two types of nursery cage: (i) floating net cages and (ii) fixed net cages. The experiments were conducted in a tidal earthen seawater pond in Sekotong, West Lombok for 14 weeks between August 5 and November 13, 2015. Each type of experimental cage had 3 replicates, stocked with 15 juveniles (mean initial weight 4.22 g) per cage. Feed was provided naturally from the substrate in the pond and in seawater, which was exchanged daily following the natural tidal cycle. Juveniles showed rapid growth and high survival rate for both floating and fixed net cages during the first six weeks of culture with no significant difference (P<0.05). Conversely, at the end of the experiment, the growth and survival of juveniles in the fixed net cage were lower because of the extreme low tide and the dry season, which began after week 6. During the low tide, floating net cages stayed submerged in the water while some parts of the fixed cages were exposed, killing the juveniles attached to the net. Our findings suggest that both cages were suitable for use in sandfish juvenile nurseries, although it is better to use the floating net cage in tidal ponds.
Biological aspects of Indian scad (Decapterus russelli Ruppell, 1830) in south site of Madura Strait Waters, East Java
Authors: Bintoro G , Lelono T D , Rudianto  , Utami N D
Published: December 2019

Indian scad (Decapterus russelli) are one of the pelagic fisheries resources in the Madura Strait. The Probolinggo area of the Madura Strait contributes to the scad (Decapterus spp) fisheries production in East Java, Indonesia. The purpose of this study was to observe the biological aspects of Indian scad (D. russelli) caught in Probolinggo waters which were landed in Paiton (in 2017) and Mayangan (in 2018). The method used was descriptive, with a random sampling technique. Sampling was carried out in Paiton, Probolinggo Regency (January 2017-May 2017) and Mayangan fishing port, Probolinggo City (December 2017-April 2018). Results showed that the growth pattern of Indian scad in Paiton was allometric positive (W = 0.0049L3.2882) while in Mayangan it was allometric negative (W = 0.014 L2.8513). The sex ratio (male:female) was 1:1.67 in Paiton and 1: 1.14 in Mayangan. Gonad maturity stages I to IV were found in this study. Gonad maturity of male and female fish was dominated by stages I and II with 79% immature and 21% mature fish in Paiton; 68% immature and 32% mature fish in Mayangan. The mean gonado somatic index (GSI) was 0.83%in Paiton and 0.76% in Mayangan. Length at first capture (Lc) and length at first maturity (Lm) in Paiton were 15.1 cm and 17.1 cm, respectively, whereas in Mayangan Lc and Lm were 15.9 cm and 16.9 cm, respectively. The catch was dominated by immature fish so that fishing efforts need to be controlled to enable sustainable resource use.
Distribution patterns of gregarine parasitism of wild marine bivalve, Anadara cornea (reeve, 1844) concerning seasonality and water quality
Authors: Zakariah Mohd Ihwan , Daud Hassan Mohd , Sharma Reuben Sunil Kumar , Ikhwanuddin Mhd. , Hassan Marina
Published: December 2019

Gregarines are groups of protozoan parasites that ubiquitously infect arthropods worldwide including host from terrestrial and aquatic environment. To date, 1,600 gregarine species have been described, but less study for invertebrates have been recorded for these apicomplexan parasites. Wild marine bivalve species Anadara cornea (Reeve, 1844) populations were surveyed for gregarines at Setiu Lagoon in Terengganu, Malaysia for a year. This species of bivalve was previously unlisted as hosts. Malaysia is known as a country that experience with rainy and dry season. The trends of rainfall regime in Peninsular Malaysia is mainly affected by the seasonal monsoon i.e. Southwest (SW) monsoon (May to October) and Northeast (NE) monsoon in November and ends in April the following year. The objective of this study was to associate the incidence of gregarine in common wild bivalves, A. cornea of Setiu Lagoon, Terengganu in relation to water quality and seasons. Gregarine prevalence and mean intensity of infections were compared between seasons. Samples were collected at seagrass beds which contain sandy muddy area which is a suitable habitat for this bivalve. The study was conducted from January to December 2018 with a total of 480 sample bivalve collected (n=40 per month). Total numbers of parasites were counts during this study were 33,239 phagocytes. The highest intensity of the infection of the parasite was found in November (n=5014) and the lowest number of infection was in January (n=767). The confidence interval for proportions normal approximation in the prevalence of dry season was 48.9% with 95% of CI=45.3%–54.3%. The confidence interval for proportions normal approximation in the prevalence of rainy season was 47.7% with 95% of CI=43.2%– 52.2%. Risk estimation for odds ratio (OR) was 0.087 with 95% CI=0.01-0.68 Pearson Chi-Square showed the significant value (p≤0.05) cases via season. Most of the site infections of this parasite were on gill and digestive tract. Prevalence of parasites was considerably the same for both seasons. The mean intensity levels of infections were slightly high during the rainy season, which was assumed characterized by low surface seawater temperature, low salinity, and high levels of rainfall. Regression analyses revealed that season was significantly related to gregarine prevalence and intensity. This result emphasizes the importance of considering season and habitat as a part of the consideration factor while studying gregarine in bivalve ecology.
Syirkah of Catfish, Profit or Loss?
Authors: Firman  , Gosari B A J , Wahid A
Published: December 2019

Syirkah catfish is formed from the belief in the strength of pilgrims and the desire to present a business model without usury. The purpose of this study was to find out how much the benefits and contributions of the Syirkah of catfish to the economy of pilgrims. This research was conducted in April 2018 - March 2019 in Makassar, South Sulawesi. Respondents who have interviewed directly, the data obtained were analyzed further using income analysis. The results of this study show that economically, this Syirkah catfish is a loss. The harvest target of 1.5 tons is not met from the seed stock of 15,000 seeds. But on an institutional basis, this Syirkah of catfish contributes where the losses incurred are shared equally. The absence of usury makes the loss experienced is not large. The return of joint capital after the harvest is sold at 70% of the value of the shares planted.
Catching flying fish (Hirundichthys oxycephalus) in the central Makassar Strait fishing ground using drifting gillnet
Authors: Palo M , Najamuddin  , Zainuddin M , Farhum S A , Marimba A A
Published: December 2019

Catching flying fish (Hirundichthys oxycephalus) in the central of Makassar Strait using drifting gillnet with a mesh size of 2.54 and 3.18 cm was carried out in west and east season. Drifting gillnets with mesh size of 2.54 cm and 3.18 cm caught H. oxycephalus with a number of catches that varied every month throughout the season. The objective of this study was to compare CPUE rates of two different mesh size of gillnet and to describe the sea surface temperature conditions at the fishing ground locations. We conducted this research during east season (April-June). The study used satellite SST data combined with experimental fishing by operating one experimental unit of drifting gillnets with mesh size of 2.54 cm and 3.18 cm in the fishing area for 30 fishing trips. CPUE (kg hauling−1) was the amount of catch per hauling. The difference in catch between the mesh size of 2.54 and 3.18 cm was assessed by t-test analysis using SPSS software package. The results showed that CPUEs per piece of gillnets with the mesh size of 2.54 cm were ranged from 0.23 to 2.90 kg hauling−1 with 1.38 kg hauling−1 on average, while the CPUEs for the mesh size of 3.18 cm were ranged from 0.47 to 8.93 kg, with 3.28 kg hauling−1 on average. The t-test showed that mesh size of 3.18 cm was significantly different from the mesh size of 2.54 cm. CPUE of drifting gillnets with the mesh size of 3.18 cm higher than the mesh size of 2.54 cm and occupied the potential fishing grounds with relatively warmer SST of 29-31°C. This suggests that the gillnet mesh size of 3.18 cm is better than the other size for catching flying fish within the potential fishing grounds during April-June.
Landslide Zoning and Mitigation in Clapar Area, Madukara District, Banjarnegara Regency, Central Java
Authors: Raharjo Sugeng , Teguh Paripurno Eko , Hartadi Joko , Dewi Alfiani Oktavia , Widyastuti Megasari , Mardziah Muflichatul
Published: December 2019

Landslide disaster is one of the most frequent disasters in Clapar, Banjarnegara. Landslide is a recurring event and there is no suitable method to respond the threat until now, so that preventive stage have not been maximized. The scienstist explains that the movement of land in the area is very active, but the level of activity that can cause landslides can’t be known qualitatively or quantitatively. The method that used to achieving these purposes is geology and landscape morphology mapping in areas that have been and have possibility landslide disaster. Factors that controls the landslide motion are geomorphology, rock type, geological structure and land use, while the triggers are water infiltration and rock fractures. Slope in Clapar is 30 - 70% and the rock type is clay with quarzite and chert fragments from Totogan Formation, volcanic breccia from Tapak Formation, and polimictic breccia from Ligung Formation. Geological structure that found is right slip fault (Rickard, 1972) with the strike and dip of fault is N 359oE/79o. The land usage are pine forest, salak farm, and settlement. Angle of shear strength from direct shear test soil sample in Clapar slope is 27o with safety factor value is 1.045 included in the critical class. According to those existing datas, Clapar included into area that are very vulnerable to landslides. It is because this area was affected by major slip fault and steep angle. The most land usages is salak farms which is the plants has fibrous root that control the properties of soil. It makes the water easily infiltrate into the soil that causes increase the weight of the soil and make the plane become slippery.
The Role of the Striatum in Learning to Orthogonalize Action and Valence: A Combined PET and 7 T MRI Aging Study
Authors: Perosa Valentina , de Boer Lieke , Ziegler Gabriel , Apostolova Ivayla , Buchert Ralph , Metzger Coraline , Amthauer Holger , Guitart-Masip Marc , Düzel Emrah , Betts Matthew J
Published: December 2019

Pavlovian biases influence instrumental learning by coupling reward seeking with action invigoration and punishment avoidance with action suppression. Using a probabilistic go/no-go task designed to orthogonalize action (go/no-go) and valence (reward/punishment), recent studies have shown that the interaction between the two is dependent on the striatum and its key neuromodulator dopamine. Using this task, we sought to identify how structural and neuromodulatory age-related differences in the striatum may influence Pavlovian biases and instrumental learning in 25 young and 31 older adults. Computational modeling revealed a significant age-related reduction in reward and punishment sensitivity and marked (albeit not significant) reduction in learning rate and lapse rate (irreducible noise). Voxel-based morphometry analysis using 7 Tesla MRI images showed that individual differences in learning rate in older adults were related to the volume of the caudate nucleus. In contrast, dopamine synthesis capacity in the dorsal striatum, assessed using [18F]-DOPA positron emission tomography in 22 of these older adults, was not associated with learning performance and did not moderate the relationship between caudate volume and learning rate. This multiparametric approach suggests that age-related differences in striatal volume may influence learning proficiency in old age.
Frontloaded Income Taxation of Old-Age Pensions: For Efficiency and Fairness in a World of International Labor Mobility
Authors: Genser Bernd , Holzmann Robert
Published: December 2019

A comparative inspection of the rules of cross-border pension taxation across member countries of the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) shows that the existing pattern is extremely diverse and inconsistent and generates unfair outcomes for individuals and for countries. This article argues that this double fairness dilemma cannot be solved within the current network of double taxation treaties. Instead, it proposes a new approach for the taxation of old-age pensions in a world of high and increasing cross-border mobility of workers and pensioners. The article demonstrates that a coordinated move to frontloaded pension taxation would pave the way for an international pension tax order that eliminates the double fairness dilemma. An additional innovative element of frontloaded pension taxation is presented: the separation of individual tax assessment and tax payment, which may help curb political opposition against frontloaded pension taxation and smooth transitional effects after its introduction (JEL codes: H24, H55, H87, and F22).
Are Tax Amnesties Good for Us All? Understanding Influence of Tax Amnesties on Benefiters and Non-Benefiters
Authors: Yücedoğru Recep , Sarisoy İdris
Published: December 2019

This article aims to investigate the effect of tax amnesties on tax compliance decisions of taxpayers. In particular, we focused on Turkish taxpayers’ fairness perceptions and their voluntary tax compliance after the recent legislation of 6736, which is claimed to be the biggest tax amnesty (for example, tax debt restructuring legislation) in the last decade. This article also investigates the difference between tax amnesty benefiters and non-benefiters when it comes to their tax compliance and fairness perceptions. This article starts with a summary of the literature with a particular focus on Turkey. The research looks into the influence of the perception of tax amnesties on fairness and tax compliance of taxpayers while controlling for widely discussed factors that influence tax compliance such as risk awareness and government trust. The survey was conducted with 1028 participants and a structural model was constructed to test for the above-mentioned effects. We found fairness perception of the taxpayers is negatively affected by tax amnesties. Additionally, the findings showed that acceptance/approval of taxpayers on tax amnesty practice is effective on taxpayer compliance. Finally, only tax amnesty benefiters’ fairness perception is negatively influenced by tax amnesties while the effect is not significant on benefiters.
Surgical explant of a right ventricular assist device with sternum-sparing technique
Authors: Monteagudo-Vela Maria , Panoulas Vasileios , Riesgo-Gil Fernando , Simon Andre
Published: December 2019

The use of long-term mechanical assist devices for isolated right ventricular failure is rare. Herein, we describe our protocol for successful recovery of the right ventricle and subsequent explantation of a right ventricular assist device using a sternum-sparing technique and insertion of a titanium plug to occlude the coring defect of the inflow cannula.
Long-term therapeutic effect of Fontan conversion with an extracardiac conduit
Authors: Hoashi Takaya , Shimada Masatoshi , Imai Kenta , Komori Motoki , Kurosaki Kenichi , Ohuchi Hideo , Ichikawa Hajime
Published: December 2019

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to identify the long-term therapeutic effect of total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC) conversion with an extracardiac conduit.

METHODS

Between 1991 and 2014, 36 patients underwent TCPC conversion with an extracardiac conduit. Half of these patients were diagnosed with tricuspid atresia or its variant. The left ventricle was dominant in 26 patients (72.2%). Median age at conversion and interval from initial Fontan operation to conversion were 24.1 years (interquartile range 18.9–29.2) and 17.8 years (15.4–20.9), respectively. Surgical cryoablation was concomitantly performed in 32 patients (88.9%). Cardiac catheter examination was performed preoperatively (36 patients, 100%) and at 1 year (31 patients, 86%), 5 years (25 patients, 69%) and 10 years (13 patients, 36%) after TCPC conversion. Symptom-limited treadmill exercise with expired gas analysis was performed preoperatively (32 patients, 88.9%) and at 1 year (27 patients, 75.0%), 5 years (20 patients, 55.6%) and 10 years (12 patients, 33.3%) after conversion.

RESULTS

All patients received follow-up; the mean follow-up period was 8.2 ± 4.8 years. Actuarial survival rate, protein-losing enteropathy-free survival rate and rate of survival with sinus rhythm maintenance at 10 years were 79.2%, 67.8% and 48.5%, respectively. The survival curve declined steeply when the duration of Fontan circulation exceeded 25 years. New cases of protein-losing enteropathy developed postoperatively in 2 patients. Permanent pacemakers were implanted in 12 patients (33%), but atrial tachyarrhythmia was not sustained in any of the remaining patients. Pulmonary arterial pressure (11.0 ± 3.1 to 9.5 ± 3.6 mmHg, P = 0.003), pulmonary vascular resistance (2.1 ± 0.7 to 1.3 ± 0.5 WU/m2, P < 0.0001) and cardiac index (2.0 ± 0.3 to 2.9 ± 0.6 l/min/m2, P < 0.0001) significantly improved from preoperative evaluation to 1 year after the conversion, and these improvements were maintained during the entire follow-up period. Peak oxygen uptake remained unchanged from the preoperative evaluation (49.7 ± 11.5% predicted) to 1 year (52.5 ± 12.0%), 5 years (56.2 ± 9.6%) and 10 years (51.2 ± 9.4%) after conversion (P = 0.19).

CONCLUSIONS

Owing to its anti-arrhythmic effect and Fontan pathway recruitment effect, TCPC conversion with an extracardiac conduit prevented the natural decline of exercise tolerance that is seen in classic Fontan patients.
Optimizing a production strategy for a nonspecific nuclease from Yersinia enterocolitica subsp. palearctica in genetically engineered Escherichia coli
Authors: Ge Yan , Guo Senlin , Liu Tao , Zhao Chen , Li Duanhua , Liu Yangchang , Li Jinjun , Liang Tao , Wang Lu
Published: December 2019

A nuclease from Yersinia enterocolitica subsp. palearctica (Nucyep) is a newly found thermostable nonspecific nuclease. The heat-resisting ability of this nuclease would be extremely useful in biological research or pharmaceutical production. However, the application of this nuclease is limited because of its poor yield. This research aimed to improve Nucyep productivity by producing a novel genetically engineered Escherichia coli and optimizing the production procedures. After 4 h of induction by lactose, the new genetically engineered E. coli can express a substantial amount of Nucyep in the form of inclusion bodies. The yield was approximately 0.3 g of inclusion bodies in 1 g of bacterial pellets. The inclusion bodies were extracted by sonication and solubilized in an 8 M urea buffer. Protein renaturation was successfully achieved by dilution method. Pure enzyme was obtained after subjecting the protein solution to anion exchange. The Nucyep showed its nonspecific and heat resistant properties as previously reported (Boissinot et  al. 2016). Through a quantification method, its activity was determined to be 1.3 × 10 6 Kunitz units (K.U.)/mg. These results can serve as a reference for increasing Nucyep production.
Wikipedia: Why is the common knowledge resource still neglected by academics?
Authors: Jemielniak Dariusz
Published: December 2019

Wikipedia is by far the largest online encyclopedia, and the number of errors it contains is on par with the professional sources even in specialized topics such as biology or medicine. Yet, the academic world is still treating it with great skepticism because of the types of inaccuracies present there, the widespread plagiarism from Wikipedia, and historic biases, as well as jealousy regarding the loss of the knowledge dissemination monopoly. This article argues that it is high time not only to acknowledge Wikipedia's quality but also to start actively promoting its use and development in academia.
Citizen science to further precision medicine: from vision to implementation
Authors: Petersen Carolyn , Austin Robin R , Backonja Uba , Campos Hugo , Chung Arlene E , Hekler Eric B , Hsueh Pei-Yun S , Kim Katherine K , Pho Anthony , Salmi Liz , Solomonides Anthony , Valdez Rupa S
Published: December 2019

The active involvement of citizen scientists in setting research agendas, partnering with academic investigators to conduct research, analyzing and disseminating results, and implementing learnings from research can improve both processes and outcomes. Adopting a citizen science approach to the practice of precision medicine in clinical care and research will require healthcare providers, researchers, and institutions to address a number of technical, organizational, and citizen scientist collaboration issues. Some changes can be made with relative ease, while others will necessitate cultural shifts, redistribution of power, recommitment to shared goals, and improved communication. This perspective, based on a workshop held at the 2018 AMIA Annual Symposium, identifies current barriers and needed changes to facilitate broad adoption of a citizen science-based approach in healthcare.
Political cycles, spatial interactions and yardstick competition: evidence from Italian cities
Authors: Ferraresi Massimiliano
Published: December 2019

I aim to identify the presence of spatial interactions among local governments by exploiting a novel strategy. Specifically, I take advantage of the political cycle of Italian municipalities over the period of 2001–2011 to isolate the effect of the spending decisions of one municipality on neighboring municipalities. The results of this analysis point to the presence of strategic interactions between neighboring municipalities and indicate that such fiscal behavior is more pronounced during electoral years compared to non-electoral ones, when municipalities are governed by coalitions backed by a small majority, and in cities guided by a mayor who can run for re-election. Taken together, these results suggest that the observed spatial dependence in spending decisions seems to be consistent with the yardstick competition hypothesis.
Availability and Nature of Commercial Tick Control Services in Three Lyme Disease Endemic States
Authors: Jordan Robert A , Schulze Terry L
Published: December 2019

In an update of earlier surveys conducted in Connecticut and New Jersey in the mid-1990s, an online survey of private commercial pest control firms engaged in residential tick control showed that the application of synthetic acaricides continues to be the primary method of control used. The carbamate and organophospate acaricides, previously the most commonly used against ticks, have given way to synthetic pyrethroids and, to a lesser extent, the use of natural product/organic acaricides. Typical costs for a single acaricide application today ($100–$200 for a 1 acre [0.4 ha] property) remain similar to those reported from the earlier surveys, although the frequency of applications and, therefore, also the overall annual cost has increased. The application habitats within residential properties, life stages targeted, and application equipment used have not changed appreciably since the mid-1990s. While most survey respondents expressed knowledge of natural product acaricides and Damminix Tick Tubes, many reported that they either did not employ or knew very little about other alternative tick control methods (including entomopathogenic fungus and topical application of acaricides to tick hosts via 4-Poster deer treatment stations or Select TCS rodent bait boxes). This suggests either a failure to adequately inform the pest management industry and their potential client base of the availability of alternate methods, and/or industry concerns about cost and effectiveness of the alternatives.
Cholera in travellers: a systematic review
Authors: Connor Bradley A , Dawood Richard , Riddle Mark S , Hamer Davidson H
Published: December 2019

Exposure to cholera is a risk for individuals and groups travelling to endemic areas, and the bacteria can be imported to cholera-free countries by returning travellers. This systematic review of the literature describes the circumstances in which cholera infection can occur in travellers and considers the possible value of the cholera vaccine for prevention in travellers. PubMed and EMBASE were searched for case reports of cholera or diarrhoea among travellers, with date limits of 1 January 1990–30 April 2018. Search results were screened to exclude the following articles: diarrhoea not caused by cholera, cholera in animals, intentional cholera infection in humans, non-English articles and publications on epidemics that did not report clinical details of individual cases and publications of cases pre-dating 1990. Articles were reviewed through descriptive analytic methods and information summarized. We identified 156 cases of cholera imported as a consequence of travel, and these were reviewed for type of traveller, source country, serogroup of cholera, treatment and outcomes. The case reports retrieved in the search did not report consistent levels of detail, making it difficult to synthesize data across reports and draw firm conclusions from the data. This clinical review sheds light on the paucity of actionable published data regarding the risk of cholera in travellers and identifies a number of gaps that should drive additional effort. Further information is needed to better inform evidence-based disease prevention strategies, including vaccination for travellers visiting areas of cholera risk. Modifications to current vaccination recommendations to include or exclude current or additional traveller populations may be considered as additional risk data become available. The protocol for this systematic review is registered with PROSPERO (registration number: 122797).
Estimating Pangenomes with Roary
Authors: Sitto Farrah , Battistuzzi Fabia U
Published: December 2019

A description of the genetic makeup of a species based on a single genome is often insufficient because it ignores the variability in gene repertoire among multiple strains. The estimation of the pangenome of a species is a solution to this issue as it provides an overview of genes that are shared by all strains and genes that are present in only some of the genomes. These different sets of genes can then be analyzed functionally to explore correlations with unique phenotypes and adaptations. This protocol presents the usage of Roary, a Linux-native pangenome application. Roary is a straightforward software that provides 1) an overview about core and accessory genes for those interested in general trends and, also, 2) detailed information on gene presence/absence in each genome for in-depth analyses. Results are provided both in text and graphic format.
Homologous recombination repair intermediates promote efficient de novo telomere addition at DNA double-strand breaks
Authors: Davé Anoushka , Pai Chen-Chun , Durley Samuel C , Hulme Lydia , Sarkar Sovan , Wee Boon-Yu , Prudden John , Tinline-Purvis Helen , Cullen Jason K , Walker Carol , Watson Adam , Carr Antony M , Murray Johanne M , Humphrey Timothy C
Published: December 2019

The healing of broken chromosomes by de novo telomere addition, while a normal developmental process in some organisms, has the potential to cause extensive loss of heterozygosity, genetic disease, or cell death. However, it is unclear how de novo telomere addition (dnTA) is regulated at DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Here, using a non-essential minichromosome in fission yeast, we identify roles for the HR factors Rqh1 helicase, in concert with Rad55, in suppressing dnTA at or near a DSB. We find the frequency of dnTA in rqh1Δ rad55Δ cells is reduced following loss of Exo1, Swi5 or Rad51. Strikingly, in the absence of the distal homologous chromosome arm dnTA is further increased, with nearly half of the breaks being healed in rqh1Δ rad55Δ or rqh1Δ exo1Δ cells. These findings provide new insights into the genetic context of highly efficient dnTA within HR intermediates, and how such events are normally suppressed to maintain genome stability.
A Novel, Minimally Invasive Hybrid Technique to Approach Intracanal Herniated Thoracic Discs
Authors: Quillo-Olvera Javier , Kim Jin-Sung
Published: December 2019

BACKGROUND

Multiple options exist for thoracic disc herniation (TDH). However, when a specific technique is chosen, the goal is to avoid the manipulation of the spinal cord, which is already compressed.

OBJECTIVE

To describe a hybrid endoscopic technique for intracanal TDH by combining an oblique paraspinal approach (OPA) and transforaminal full-endoscopic discectomy.

METHODS

We describe the step-by-step operative technique and present the clinical and radiological outcomes of a case series of hybrid endoscopic thoracic discectomy.

RESULTS

A total of 3 patients were treated. We observed the usefulness of an OPA to enlarge the intervertebral foramen through the rigid tubular retractor and the feasibility of a full-endoscopic transforaminal approach to reach intracanal TDHs.

CONCLUSION

Early experience with the hybrid endoscopic technique for TDHs demonstrated acceptable clinical and radiological outcomes in the 3 patients treated; however, a larger sample size and a methodologically advantageous study to compare this procedure with conventional options are necessary to probe the full benefits of the hybrid technique.
Risk factors for re-hospitalization following neonatal discharge of extremely preterm infants in Canada
Authors: Puthattayil Zakariya Bambala , Luu Thuy Mai , Beltempo Marc , Cross Shannon , Pillay Thevanisha , Ballantyne Marilyn , Synnes Anne , Shah Prakesh , Daboval Thierry ,   Canadian Neonatal Follow-Up Network, Pillay Thevanisha , Synnes Anne , Hendson Leonora , Reichert Amber , Bodani Jaya , Daspal Sibasis , Moddemann Diane , Nwaesei Chukwuma , Daboval Thierry , McKnight Sarah , Coughlin Kevin , Ly Linh , Kelly Edmond , Saigal Saroj , Thomas Karen , Church Paige , Pelausa Ermelinda , Khairy M , Luu Thuy Mai , Demers Charlotte , Morin Alyssa , Bélanger Sylvie , Canning Roderick , Monterrosa Luis , Makary Hala , Afifi Jehier , Murphy Phil , Janeway Charles
Published: December 2019

Objective

Survivors of extremely preterm birth are at risk of re-hospitalization but risk factors in the Canadian population are unknown. Our objective is to identify neonatal, sociodemographic, and geographic characteristics that predict re-hospitalization in Canadian extremely preterm neonates.

Methods

This is a retrospective analysis of a prospective observational cohort study that included preterm infants born 22 to 28 weeks’ gestational age from April 1, 2009 to September 30, 2011 and seen at 18 to 24 months corrected gestational age in a Canadian Neonatal Follow-Up Network clinic. Characteristics of infants re-hospitalized versus not re-hospitalized are compared. The potential neonatal, sociodemographic, and geographic factors with significant association in the univariate analysis are included in a multivariate model.

Results

From a total of 2,275 preterm infants born at 22 to 28 weeks gestation included, 838 (36.8%) were re-hospitalized at least once. There were significant disparities between Canadian provincial regions, ranging from 25.9% to 49.4%. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, factors associated with an increased risk for re-hospitalization were region of residence, male sex, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, necrotizing enterocolitis, prolonged neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) stay, ethnicity, Indigenous ethnicity, and sibling(s) in the home.

Conclusion

Various neonatal, sociodemographic, and geographic factors predict re-hospitalization of extremely preterm infants born in Canada. The risk factors of re-hospitalization provide insights to help health care leaders explore potential preventative approaches to improve child health and reduce health care system costs.
Estimating Diversification Rates on Incompletely Sampled Phylogenies: Theoretical Concerns and Practical Solutions
Authors: Chang Jonathan , Rabosky Daniel L , Alfaro Michael E
Published: December 2019

Molecular phylogenies are a key source of information about the tempo and mode of species diversification. However, most empirical phylogenies do not contain representatives of all species, such that diversification rates are typically estimated from incompletely sampled data. Most researchers recognize that incomplete sampling can lead to biased rate estimates, but the statistical properties of methods for accommodating incomplete sampling remain poorly known. In this point of view, we demonstrate theoretical concerns with the widespread use of analytical sampling corrections for sparsely sampled phylogenies of higher taxonomic groups. In particular, corrections based on “sampling fractions” can lead to low statistical power to infer rate variation when it is present, depending on the likelihood function used for inference. In the extreme, the sampling fraction correction can lead to spurious patterns of diversification that are driven solely by unbalanced sampling across the tree in concert with low overall power to infer shifts. Stochastic polytomy resolution provides an alternative to sampling fraction approaches that avoids some of these biases. We show that stochastic polytomy resolvers can greatly improve the power of common analyses to estimate shifts in diversification rates. We introduce a new stochastic polytomy resolution method (Taxonomic Addition for Complete Trees [TACT]) that uses birth–death-sampling estimators across an ultrametric phylogeny to estimate branching times for unsampled taxa, with taxonomic information to compatibly place new taxa onto a backbone phylogeny. We close with practical recommendations for diversification inference under several common scenarios of incomplete sampling. [Birth–death process; diversification; incomplete sampling; phylogenetic uncertainty; rate heterogeneity; rate shifts; stochastic polytomy resolution.]
Influence of St. John’s Wort on Intravenous Fentanyl Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, and Clinical Effects
Authors: Loughren Michael J. , Kharasch Evan D. , Kelton-Rehkopf Megan C. , Syrjala Karen L. , Shen Danny D.
Published: December 2019

Background

Patients often use complementary and alternative herbal medicines, hence, potential exists for adverse herb–drug interactions. Fentanyl is metabolized by hepatic CYP3A4 and considered transported by blood–brain barrier P-glycoprotein. Both disposition processes could be upregulated by the herbal St. John’s wort. This investigation evaluated effects of St. John’s wort on fixed-dose and apparent steady-state IV fentanyl pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and clinical effects.

Methods

Healthy volunteers received a fentanyl fixed-dose infusion and an individually tailored target controlled infusion on separate days, before and after 30-day St. John’s wort (300 mg thrice daily; n = 8) or placebo control (n = 8) in a randomized parallel-group design. Fentanyl plasma concentrations, pupil diameter, analgesic response to experimental pain (cold pressor), subjective side effects, and cognitive effects were measured. Plasma fentanyl concentrations and changes in pupil diameter were subjected to pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic modeling.

Results

St. John’s wort did not alter fentanyl pharmacokinetics. Clearance (l/min) before and after St. John’s wort (1.13 ± 0.29 and 1.24 ± 0.26, respectively) or placebo (0.96 ± 0.28 and 1.12 ± 0.27, respectively) were not different. St. John’s wort also did not affect fentanyl pharmacodynamics as measured by pupil constriction after fixed-dose and tailored fentanyl infusions. EC50 (ng/ml) was 1.1 ± 0.7 and 1.4 ± 0.9 before and after St. John’s wort versus 1.2 ± 0.8 and 1.4 ± 1.7 before and after placebo. Effect site equilibration time, T½,ke0 (min), was 12.8 ± 5.3 and 11.3 ± 6.4 before and after St. John’s wort versus 11.4 ± 6.4 and 11.1 ± 5.6 before and after placebo. St. John’s wort had no influence on analgesia, cognitive performance, or somatic cognitive–affective effects of fentanyl.

Conclusions

St. John’s wort did not alter fentanyl pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics or clinical effects, suggesting no effect on hepatic clearance or blood-brain barrier efflux. Patients taking St. John’s wort will likely not respond differently to IV fentanyl for anesthesia or analgesia.

Editor’s Perspective

What We Already Know about This Topic

What This Article Tells Us That Is New