bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and investigation of highly dispersed active phases of intermetallic and supported SHS-catalysts
Authors: Borshch V N , Pugacheva E V , Zhuk S Ya , Dement’eva I M , Sanin V N , Andreev D E , Yukhvid V I
Published: June 2019

In the present study, the active phases (AP) of an Fe–Ni–Co–Mn catalyst produced from SHS-intermetallics (a), a catalyst prepared via formation an intermetallic layer on a mesh surface of chromium-nickel stainless steel (b), and of a Co–Mn catalyst prepared via SHS on silica gel support (c), were isolated and characterized by SEM and XRD. The catalysts studied were highly active in the process of deep oxidation and catalysts (b) and (c) were highly active in the process of CO2 methanation as well. All AP had oxo-metallic composition and were formed from nanoscale components, but if the structure of these components for catalyst (a) was the same as on the surface of the catalyst, the structures of AP components for catalyst (b) significantly differed from the surface structures. In addition, AP sediment grain nanostructures of catalyst (c) differed from those of catalysts (a) and (b).
Global well-posedness and scattering for the quantum Zakharov system in 𝐿²
Authors: Fang Yung-Fu , Nakanishi Kenji
Published: June 2019

We study the Cauchy problem for the quantum Zakharov system in the class of square-integrable functions on the Euclidean space of general dimensions. The local well-posedness is proven for dimensions up to eight, together with global existence for dimensions up to five, as well as scattering for small initial data in dimensions greater than three.
Stronger Together: The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale—Fourth Edition as a Multivariate Performance Validity Test in Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Erdodi Laszlo A , Abeare Christopher A
Published: June 2019

Objective

This study was designed to evaluate the classification accuracy of a multivariate model of performance validity assessment using embedded validity indicators (EVIs) within the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale—Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV).

Method

Archival data were collected from 100 adults with traumatic brain injury (TBI) consecutively referred for neuropsychological assessment in a clinical setting. The classification accuracy of previously published individual EVIs nested within the WAIS-IV and a composite measure based on six independent EVIs were evaluated against psychometrically defined non-credible performance.

Results

Univariate validity cutoffs based on age-corrected scaled scores on Coding, Symbol Search, Digit Span, Letter-Number-Sequencing, Vocabulary minus Digit Span, and Coding minus Symbol Search were strong predictors of psychometrically defined non-credible responding. Failing ≥3 of these six EVIs at the liberal cutoff improved specificity (.91–.95) over univariate cutoffs (.78–.93). Conversely, failing ≥2 EVIs at the more conservative cutoff increased and stabilized sensitivity (.43–.67) compared to univariate cutoffs (.11–.63) while maintaining consistently high specificity (.93–.95).

Conclusions

In addition to being a widely used test of cognitive functioning, the WAIS-IV can also function as a measure of performance validity. Consistent with previous research, combining information from multiple EVIs enhanced the classification accuracy of individual cutoffs and provided more stable parameter estimates. If the current findings are replicated in larger, diagnostically and demographically heterogeneous samples, the WAIS-IV has the potential to become a powerful multivariate model of performance validity assessment.

Brief Summary

Using a combination of multiple performance validity indicators embedded within the subtests of theWechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, the credibility of the response set can be establishedwith a high level of confidence. Multivariatemodels improve classification accuracy over individual tests. Relying on existing test data is a cost-effective approach to performance validity assessment.
Retention of learned predator recognition in embryonic and juvenile rainbow trout
Authors: Horn Marianna E , Ferrari Maud C O , Chivers Douglas P
Published: June 2019

Minimizing predation risk, especially for young or naïve individuals, can be achieved by learning to recognize predators. Embryonic learning may optimize survival by allowing for the earliest possible response to predation threats posthatch. However, predatory threats often change over an individual’s lifetime, and using old information can be detrimental if it becomes outdated. Adaptive forgetting allows an individual to discount obsolete information in decision-making and instead emphasize newer, more relevant information when responding to predation threats. Little is known about the extent to which young individuals can learn and forget information about predation threats. Here we demonstrate that rainbow trout 1) are capable of learning from both conspecific and heterospecific alarm cues as embryos, newly hatched larvae, and free-swimming larvae, 2) exhibit adaptive forgetting of predator information at all stages, and 3) display dynamic adaptive forgetting based on the ontogeny of learning. Specifically, fish that learned information as embryos retained the information for longer periods than those that learned the same information as newly hatched alevins.
JUCHMME: a Java Utility for Class Hidden Markov Models and Extensions for biological sequence analysis
Authors: Tamposis Ioannis A , Tsirigos Konstantinos D , Theodoropoulou Margarita C , Kontou Panagiota I , Tsaousis Georgios N , Sarantopoulou Dimitra , Litou Zoi I , Bagos Pantelis G
Published: June 2019

JUCHMME is an open-source software package designed to fit arbitrary custom Hidden Markov Models (HMMs) with a discrete alphabet of symbols. We incorporate a large collection of standard algorithms for HMMs as well as a number of extensions and evaluate the software on various biological problems. Importantly, the JUCHMME toolkit includes several additional features that allow for easy building and evaluation of custom HMMs, which could be a useful resource for the research community.

Availability and implementation

http://www.compgen.org/tools/juchmme, https://github.com/pbagos/juchmme.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Igapó seed patches: a potentially key resource for terrestrial vertebrates in a seasonally flooded forest of central Amazonia
Authors: Antunes Ana Carolina , Baccaro Fabrício , Caetano Andrade Victor Lery , Ramos José Ferreira , Da Silva Moreira Roberto , Barnett Adrian A
Published: June 2019

In Amazonian igapó forests (seasonally flooded forests on blackwater river margins), the end of the annual flood pulse results in the formation of extensive mat-like seed patches. The seeds in these patches then germinate, forming a dense, highly heterogeneous, assemblage. Animal–plant interactions in these areas, as well as the influence that the patches have on the occurrence of herbivorous vertebrates, remain almost completely unstudied. Using camera traps in areas with and without seed/seedling patches, we tested the relationship between these seed accumulation sites and the presence of bird and mammal species. At the micro-scale (between treatments), vertebrate occurrence was not related to patch presence. At the larger scale (local), distance from adjacent upland (terra firme) forest and seed patch size were correlated with vertebrate distribution. The widespread occurrence of terrestrially active birds and mammals throughout igapó forests, not just where food resource densities were high, seems to be a compromise strategy between exploring the area to select the most favourable food items, and minimizing the risk of being predated when spending extended time foraging at the concentrated food sources represented by the seed patches. Our results underline the potential importance of igapó forests as a key habitat for a variety of terrestrial terra firme taxa, as well as emphasize the dynamic nature of this forest type, and should encourage further studies of this habitat and resource availability system.
Hate in the Machine: Anti-Black and Anti-Muslim Social Media Posts as Predictors of Offline Racially and Religiously Aggravated Crime
Authors: Williams Matthew L , Burnap Pete , Javed Amir , Liu Han , Ozalp Sefa
Published: June 2019

National governments now recognize online hate speech as a pernicious social problem. In the wake of political votes and terror attacks, hate incidents online and offline are known to peak in tandem. This article examines whether an association exists between both forms of hate, independent of ‘trigger’ events. Using Computational Criminology that draws on data science methods, we link police crime, census and Twitter data to establish a temporal and spatial association between online hate speech that targets race and religion, and offline racially and religiously aggravated crimes in London over an eight-month period. The findings renew our understanding of hate crime as a process, rather than as a discrete event, for the digital age.
Highly differentiated cytotoxic T cells in inclusion body myositis
Authors: Greenberg Steven A , Pinkus Jack L , Kong Sek Won , Baecher-Allan Clare , Amato Anthony A , Dorfman David M
Published: June 2019

Inclusion body myositis is a late onset treatment-refractory autoimmune disease of skeletal muscle associated with a blood autoantibody (anti-cN1A), an HLA autoimmune haplotype, and muscle pathology characterized by cytotoxic CD8+ T cell destruction of myofibres. Here, we report on translational studies of inclusion body myositis patient muscle compared with a diverse set of other muscle disease samples. Using available microarray data on 411 muscle samples from patients with inclusion body myositis (n = 40), other muscle diseases (n = 265), and without neuromuscular disease (normal, n = 106), we identified a signature of T-cell cytotoxicity in inclusion body myositis muscle coupled with a signature of highly differentiated CD8 T-cell effector memory and terminally differentiated effector cells. Further, we examined killer cell lectin-like receptor G1 (KLRG1) as a marker of this population of cells, demonstrated the correlation of KLRG1 gene expression with lymphocyte cytotoxicity across 28 870 human tissue samples, and identified the presence of KLRG1 on pathogenic inclusion body myositis muscle invading T cells and an increase in KLRG1 expressing T cells in inclusion body myositis blood. We examined inclusion body myositis muscle T-cell proliferation by Ki67 immunohistochemistry demonstrating that diseased muscle-invading T cells are minimally or non-proliferative, in accordance with known properties of highly differentiated or terminally differentiated T cells. We found low expression of KLRG1 on infection-protective human lymphoid tissue central memory T cells and autoimmune-protective human blood regulatory T cells. Targeting highly differentiated cytotoxic T cells could be a favourable approach to treatment of inclusion body myositis.
RESTORE-IMI 1: A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-blind Trial Comparing Efficacy and Safety of Imipenem/Relebactam vs Colistin Plus Imipenem in Patients With Imipenem-nonsusceptible Bacterial Infections
Authors: Motsch Johann , Murta de Oliveira Cláudia , Stus Viktor , Köksal Iftihar , Lyulko Olexiy , Boucher Helen W , Kaye Keith S , File Thomas M , Brown Michelle L , Khan Ireen , Du Jiejun , Joeng Hee-Koung , Tipping Robert W , Aggrey Angela , Young Katherine , Kartsonis Nicholas A , Butterton Joan R , Paschke Amanda
Published: June 2019

Background

The β-lactamase inhibitor relebactam can restore imipenem activity against imipenem-nonsusceptible gram-negative pathogens. We evaluated imipenem/relebactam for treating imipenem-nonsusceptible infections.

Methods

Randomized, controlled, double-blind, phase 3 trial. Hospitalized patients with hospital-acquired/ventilator-associated pneumonia, complicated intraabdominal infection, or complicated urinary tract infection caused by imipenem-nonsusceptible (but colistin- and imipenem/relebactam-susceptible) pathogens were randomized 2:1 to 5–21 days imipenem/relebactam or colistin+imipenem. Primary endpoint: favorable overall response (defined by relevant endpoints for each infection type) in the modified microbiologic intent-to-treat (mMITT) population (qualifying baseline pathogen and ≥1 dose study treatment). Secondary endpoints: clinical response, all-cause mortality, and treatment-emergent nephrotoxicity. Safety analyses included patients with ≥1 dose study treatment.

Results

Thirty-one patients received imipenem/relebactam and 16 colistin+imipenem. Among mITT patients (n = 21 imipenem/relebactam, n = 10 colistin+imipenem), 29% had Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores >15, 23% had creatinine clearance <60 mL/min, and 35% were aged ≥65 years. Qualifying baseline pathogens: Pseudomonas aeruginosa (77%), Klebsiella spp. (16%), other Enterobacteriaceae (6%). Favorable overall response was observed in 71% imipenem/relebactam and 70% colistin+imipenem patients (90% confidence interval [CI] for difference, –27.5, 21.4), day 28 favorable clinical response in 71% and 40% (90% CI, 1.3, 51.5), and 28-day mortality in 10% and 30% (90% CI, –46.4, 6.7), respectively. Serious adverse events (AEs) occurred in 10% of imipenem/relebactam and 31% of colistin+imipenem patients, drug-related AEs in 16% and 31% (no drug-related deaths), and treatment-emergent nephrotoxicity in 10% and 56% (P = .002), respectively.

Conclusions

Imipenem/relebactam is an efficacious and well-tolerated treatment option for carbapenem-nonsusceptible infections.

Clinical Trials Registration

NCT02452047.
Clinical Relevance and Prognostic Value of Persistently Negative (1,3)-β-D-Glucan in Adults With Candidemia: A 5-year Experience in a Tertiary Hospital
Authors: Agnelli Caroline , Bouza Emilio , del Carmen Martínez-Jiménez María , Navarro Raquel , Valerio Maricela , Machado Marina , Guinea Jesús , Sánchez-Carrillo Carlos , Alonso Roberto , Muñoz Patricia
Published: June 2019

Background

The clinical relevance and the potential prognostic role of persistently negative (1,3)-β-D-glucan (BDG) in adults with proven candidemia is unknown.

Methods

This retrospective study included all adults diagnosed with candidemia our tertiary university hospital from 2012–2017 who had at least 2 serum BDG determinations throughout the episode of fungemia (Fungitell Assay; positive cut-off ≥80pg/mL). Epidemiology and clinical outcomes were compared between patients with all negative versus any positive BDG tests. Poor clinical outcomes included complications due to candidemia or 30-day all-cause mortality.

Results

Overall, 26/148 (17.6%) candidemic adults had persistently negative BDG tests. These patients were less likely to present Candida growth in all 3 sets of blood cultures (15.4% vs 45.1%; P = .005) and had less severe clinical presentations (median Pitt score, 0 [interquartile range {IQR} 0–1] vs 1 [IQR 0–2] in patients with any positive BDG test; P = .039). Although adequate treatment was equally provided to both groups (96.2% in persistently negative group vs 93.4 in positive group; P = .599), the persistently negative group had a higher rate of microbiological clearance in the first follow-up blood cultures (92.3% vs 69.7% in positive group; P = .005), fewer complications due to candidemia (7.7% vs 33.6% in positive group; P = .008), a lower 30-day mortality rate (3.8% vs 23.8% in positive group; P = .004), and a shorter in-hospital stay (34 days [IQR 18–55] vs 51 days [IQR 35–91] in positive group; P = .003). In the multivariate analysis, persistently negative BDG tests were independently associated with better prognoses (odds ratio 0.12, 95% confidence interval 0.03–0.49; P = .003).

Conclusions

Candidemic patients with persistently negative BDG tests present a better prognosis than the comparative group, probably due to a lower systemic fungal burden. In this context, the appropriate use of persistently negative BDG results could be an aid to individualize therapeutic management in the near future.
Markets from meaning: quality uncertainty and the intersubjective construction of value
Authors: Beckert Jens
Published: June 2019

This article explores price formation in markets where quality cannot be based on intrinsic characteristics of the good exchanged. In such markets, quality uncertainty is not an information problem as described by Akerlof in the market for lemons model. Instead, defining quality is a problem of contingent assessments that are arrived at intersubjectively through discursive practices and mutual observation of market participants. Quality is endogenous to the market process. Institutions and conventions play an important role, much as they do in the market for lemons model, but their function is to generate confidence rather than trust. Prices emerge in such markets from a combination of intersubjectively established quality assessments, institutions and existing structural characteristics of the market. I call this the markets from meaning model, which I develop based on the art market and expand to capital investments and financial speculation.
Economic development and complexity: the role of recombinant capital
Authors: Endres Anthony M , Harper David A
Published: June 2019

The neoclassical aggregate production-function concept of capital is unsuitable for the study of economic development. We provide a more realistic account of capital formation in which development is understood as a disruptive, disequilibrium process of creating (not merely allocating or accumulating) capital and in which capital is conceived as a ‘recombinant’ process. We draw upon the seminal ideas of Schumpeter, Lachmann and Hirschman to formulate the notion of recombinant capital. Capital is a complex, emergent constellation of resource connections rather than a neoclassical ‘stock’. We conceptualise recombinant capital formation as a process of transforming connections in production structures. Capital structures are the unintended outcome of polycentric interactions among private entrepreneurs and government actors (managers of state-owned enterprises and political entrepreneurs). Recombinant capital formation and capital structures emerge endogenously from the creation and destruction of complex connections. The standard distinction between ‘market failure’ and ‘government failure’ is critically deficient in analysing the structural economic dynamics engendered by recombinant capital. The fertility of our conceptual framework is illustrated by a study of major structural change in a small open economy. This structural change arose from the interpolation of a new, large-scale manufacturing industry in a capital structure previously dominated by primary industries.
Early or deferred cardiovascular magnetic resonance after ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction for effective risk stratification
Authors: Masci Pier Giorgio , Pavon Anna Giulia , Pontone Gianluca , Symons Rolf , Lorenzoni Valentina , Francone Marco , Zalewski Jaroslaw , Barison Andrea , Guglielmo Marco , Aquaro Giovanni Donato , Galea Nicola , Muscogiuri Giuseppe , Muller Olivier , Carbone Iacopo , Baggiano Andrea , Iglesias Juan F , Nessler Jadwiga , Andreini Daniele , Camici Paolo G , Claus Piet , de Luca Laura , Agati Luciano , Janssens Stefan , Schwitter Jurg , Bogaert Jan
Published: June 2019

Aims

In ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) holds the potentiality to improve risk stratification in addition to Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) risk score. Nevertheless, the optimal timing for CMR after STEMI remains poorly defined. We aim at comparing the prognostic performance of three stratification strategies according to the timing of CMR after STEMI.

Methods and results

The population of this prospective registry-based study included 492 reperfused STEMI patients. All patients underwent post-reperfusion (median: 4 days post-STEMI) and follow-up (median: 4.8 months post-STEMI) CMR. Left ventricular (LV) volumes, function, infarct size, and microvascular obstruction extent were quantified. Primary endpoint was a composite of all-death and heart failure (HF) hospitalization. Baseline-to-follow-up percentage increase of LV end-diastolic (EDV; ΔLV-EDV) ≥20% or end-systolic volumes (ESV; ΔLV-ESV) ≥15% were tested against outcome. Three multivariate models were developed including TIMI risk score plus early post-STEMI (early-CMR) or follow-up CMR (deferred-CMR) or both CMRs parameters along with adverse LV remodelling (paired-CMRs). During a median follow-up of 8.3 years, the primary endpoint occurred in 84 patients (47 deaths; 37 HF hospitalizations). Early-CMR, deferred-CMR, and paired-CMR demonstrated similar predictive value for the primary endpoint (C-statistic: 0.726, 0.728, and 0.738, respectively; P = 0.663). ΔLV-EDV ≥20% or ΔLV-ESV ≥15% were unadjusted outcome predictors (hazard ratio: 2.020 and 2.032, respectively; P = 0.002 for both) but lost their predictive value when corrected for other covariates in paired-CMR model.

Conclusion

In STEMI patients, early-, deferred-, or paired-CMR were equivalent stratification strategies for outcome prediction. Adverse LV remodelling parameters were not independent prognosticators.
Management of arrhythmia recurrence in patients with pulmonary vein stenosis following atrial fibrillation ablation
Authors: Fink Thomas , Tilz Roland Richard , Heeger Christian-Hendrik , Schlüter Michael , Feickert Sebastian , Rottner Laura , Reissmann Bruno , Lemes Christine , Alessandrini Hannes , Maurer Tilman , Mathew Shibu , Rillig Andreas , Metzner Andreas , Ouyang Feifan , Kuck Karl-Heinz
Published: June 2019

Aims

Arrhythmia recurrence is a common clinical problem in patients with pulmonary vein stenosis (PVS) following catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation. The study sought to analyse the management of arrhythmia recurrence in patients with PVS.

Methods and results

Retrospective analysis was performed on 29 patients with high-degree PVS. Follow-up contained clinical visits, Holter-electrocardiogram recordings and invasive pulmonary vein (PV) angiography and electrophysiological studies. Arrhythmia recurrence was observed in 18 patients (62%) after PVS formation. Fifteen of 18 patients (83.3%) with and 1 of 11 patients (9.1%) without arrhythmia recurrence had electrical PV reconnection (P = 0.0003). In 14 of 16 patients repeat pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) was conducted (radiofrequency ablation in 12 and cryoballoon ablation in 2 cases). Repeat PVI was successful in all PVs in nine patients and incomplete in five patients (failed attempt in two patients with stent implantation, no attempt in three patients with stenotic PVs). Freedom from arrhythmia recurrence was estimated at 56.3% [95% confidence interval (CI) 36.4–72.0%] after 24 months. At the end of the follow-up, complete PVI was documented in 19 of 23 patients (82.6%) with stable sinus rhythm and in 2 of 6 patients with arrhythmia recurrence (33.3%) (P = 0.0335). The Kaplan–Meier estimate of recurrence-free survival of restenosis after interventional PVS treatment was similar in patients without and with repeat ablation [75.6% (95% CI 57.0–94.3%) and 67.0% (95% CI 43.2–90.7%) after 500 days, P = 0.77].

Conclusions

Pulmonary vein reconnection is the major driver of arrhythmia recurrence in PVS patients. Repeat PVI is feasible and does not lead to progression of PVS or restenosis if the procedure is carefully performed.
Multidisciplinary approach to low-dose CT screening for lung cancer in a metropolitan community
Authors: Shields Lisa BE , Wilkett Barnes Jessica G , Buckley Connie , Mikos George J , Rogers Katie N , Hamm John T , Flynn Joseph M , Hester Steven T , Honaker Joshua T
Published: June 2019

Background

Lung cancer is the primary cause of cancer death in men and women in the USA, led by Kentucky. In 2015, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services initiated annual lung cancer screening with a low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan. This observational cohort study evaluated the multidisciplinary approach to this screening in our metropolitan community.

Methods

We present the prospective findings of patients who underwent a screening lung LDCT scan over a 2-year period at our institution in Kentucky. Patients who fulfilled the screening criteria were identified during an office visit with their primary care provider.

Results

Of the 4170 patients who underwent a screening lung LDCT scan, a total of 838 (20.9%) patients had nodules >4 mm. Of the 70 patients diagnosed with lung cancer, Stage 1 non-small cell lung cancer was most commonly detected [38 cases (54.3%)]. A follow-up lung LDCT scan (n = 897), pulmonary function test (n = 157), positron emission tomography scan (n = 12) and a lung biopsy (n = 53) were performed for certain individuals who had anomalies observed on the screening lung LDCT scan. A total of 42% of patients enrolled in group tobacco cessation classes quit smoking.

Conclusions

This study provides a unique perspective of a lung LDCT scan screening program driven by primary care providers in a state plagued by cigarette smoking and lung cancer deaths and offers a valuable message into the prevention, high-risk screening and diagnosis of lung cancer.
Conceptualizing the ‘whole university’ approach: an international qualitative study
Authors: Dooris Mark , Powell Sue , Farrier Alan
Published: June 2019

Focusing on the conceptualization of a whole university approach, this paper reports on an international qualitative study that explored vice-chancellors’ and network members’ understanding of and commitment to Health Promoting Universities, examined perspectives on leadership and investigated the Okanagan Charter’s potential to catalyse whole university leadership and change. A multi-method qualitative approach was used: semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted face-to-face with vice-chancellors (n = 12) and Health Promoting University co-ordinators who were members of the UK Healthy Universities Network (n = 8); telephone interviews were conducted with a mix of UK and non-UK Health Promoting University co-ordinators (n = 5) and two online questionnaires were distributed to non-UK network co-ordinators (n = 6) and non-UK Health Promoting University co-ordinators (n = 10). Through thematic analysis, a number of key themes emerged that build a new conceptualization of the whole university approach (see Figure 1): building a broad understanding and framing of health; developing a supportive ethos and culture; embedding health into the university and joining up areas of work; focusing on the whole population and facing challenges and seizing opportunities. The study elicited rich and wide-ranging views from multiple stakeholders from universities and networks across four continents, confirming Health Promoting Universities as a truly global movement. Looking ahead, there are clear opportunities and challenges. First, the media narrative of a student mental health ‘crisis’ has focused universities’ attention on ‘health’, but from a single issue ‘illness’ perspective. This risks detracting from the whole system Health Promoting Universities approach. Second, even with the Okanagan Charter inspiring individuals and universities, there are still major challenges in translating the rhetoric of whole system approaches into meaningful action within large, complex and culturally diverse organizations.
Ambient air pollution and in vitro fertilization treatment outcomes
Authors: Boulet S L , Zhou Y , Shriber J , Kissin D M , Strosnider H , Shin M
Published: June 2019

STUDY QUESTION

Is air pollution associated with IVF treatment outcomes in the USA?

SUMMARY ANSWER

We did not find clear evidence of a meaningful association between reproductive outcomes and average daily concentrations of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5) and ozone (O3).

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Maternal exposure to air pollution such as PM2.5, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide or O3 may increase risks for adverse perinatal outcomes. Findings from the few studies using data from IVF populations to investigate associations between specific pollutants and treatment outcomes are inconclusive.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE AND DURATION

Retrospective cohort study of 253 528 non-cancelled fresh, autologous IVF cycles including 230 243 fresh, autologous IVF cycles with a transfer of ≥1 embryo was performed between 2010 and 2012.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

We linked 2010–2012 National ART Surveillance System data for fresh, autologous IVF cycles with the ambient air pollution data generated using a Bayesian fusion model available through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Environmental Public Health Tracking Network. We calculated county-level average daily PM2.5 and O3 concentrations for three time periods: cycle start to oocyte retrieval (T1), oocyte retrieval to embryo transfer (T2) and embryo transfer +14 days (T3). Multivariable predicted marginal proportions from logistic and log-linear regression models were used to estimate adjusted risk ratios (aRR) and 95% CI for the association between reproductive outcomes (implantation rate, pregnancy and live birth) and interquartile increases in PM2.5 and O3. The multipollutant models were also adjusted for patients and treatment characteristics and accounted for clustering by clinic and county of residence.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

For all exposure periods, O3 was weakly positively associated with implantation (aRR 1.01, 95% CI 1.001–1.02 for T1; aRR 1.01, 95% CI 1.001–1.02 for T2 and aRR 1.01, 95% CI 1.001–1.02 for T3) and live birth (aRR 1.01, 95% CI 1.002–1.02 for T1; aRR 1.01, 95% CI 1.004–1.02 for T2 and aRR 1.02, 95% CI 1.004–1.03 for T3). PM2.5 was not associated with any of the reproductive outcomes assessed.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

The main limitation of this study is the use of aggregated air pollution data as proxies for individual exposure. The weak positive associations found in this study might be related to confounding by factors that we were unable to assess and may not reflect clinically meaningful differences.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

More research is needed to assess the impact of air pollution on reproductive function.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

None.
The Future is Bright for Evolutionary Morphology and Biomechanics in the Era of Big Data
Authors: Muñoz Martha M , Price Samantha A
Published: June 2019

In recent years, the fields of evolutionary biomechanics and morphology have developed into a deeply quantitative and integrative science, resulting in a much richer understanding of how structural relationships shape macroevolutionary patterns. This issue highlights new research at the conceptual and experimental cutting edge, with a special focus on applying big data approaches to classic questions in form–function evolution. As this issue illustrates, new technologies and analytical tools are facilitating the integration of biomechanics, functional morphology, and phylogenetic comparative methods to catalyze a new, more integrative discipline. Although we are at the cusp of the big data generation of organismal biology, the field is nonetheless still data-limited. This data bottleneck is primarily due to the rate-limiting steps of digitizing specimens, recording and tracking organismal movements, and extracting patterns from massive datasets. Automation and machine-learning approaches hold great promise to help data generation keep pace with ideas. As a final and important note, almost all the research presented in this issue relied on specimens—totaling the tens of thousands—provided by museum collections. Without collection, curation, and conservation of museum specimens, the future of the field is much less bright.
Automation and productivity—a cross-country, cross-industry comparison
Authors: Kromann Lene , Malchow-Møller Nikolaj , Skaksen Jan Rose , Sørensen Anders
Published: June 2019

We investigate the effects of automation on total factor productivity (TFP). Using industry-level panel data for nine countries, we find that more intensive use of industrial robots has a significantly positive effect on TFP. Specifically, an increase of one standard deviation in the robot intensity is associated with more than 6% higher TFP. Moreover, we find that the robot intensity increases with Chinese import competition and that automation is associated with higher wages and unchanged or higher employment.
Creating a pathway for public hospital accreditation in Rwanda: progress, challenges and lessons learned
Authors: Binagwaho Agnes , Scott Kirstin Woody , Dushime Theophile , Uwaliraye Parfait , Kamuhangire Edward , Akishuri Dennis , Wanyana Denise , Eagan Arielle , Kakana Laetitia , Atwine Joy
Published: June 2019

Quality problem

Weaknesses in the quality of care delivered at hospitals translates into patient safety challenges and causes unnecessary harm. Low-and-middle-income countries disproportionately shoulder the burden of poor quality of hospital care.

Initial assessment

In the early 2000s, Rwanda implemented a performance-based financing (PBF) system to improve quality and increase the quantity of care delivered at its public hospitals. PBF evaluations identified quality gaps that prompted a movement to pursue an accreditation process for public hospitals.

Choice of solution

Since it was prohibitively costly to implement an accreditation program overseen by an external entity to all of Rwanda’s public hospitals, the Ministry of Health developed a set of standards for a national 3-Level accreditation program.

Implementation

In 2012, Rwanda launched the first phase of the national accreditation system at five public hospitals. The program was then expected to expand across the remainder of the public hospitals throughout the country.

Evaluation

Out of Rwanda’s 43 public hospitals, a total of 24 hospitals have achieved Level 1 status of the accreditation process and 4 have achieved Level 2 status of the accreditation process.

Lessons learned

Linking the program to the country’s existing PBF program increased compliance and motivation for participation, especially for those who were unfamiliar with accreditation principles. Furthermore, identifying dedicated quality improvement officers at each hospital has been important for improving engagement in the program. Lastly, to improve upon this process, there are ongoing efforts to develop a non-governmental accreditation entity to oversee this process for Rwanda’s health system moving forward.
Distribution of brachyuran larvae in an Amazonian estuary as evidence for retention and export
Authors: de Lima Francielly A , Oliveira Terezinha Ferreira de , Martinelli-Lemos Jussara M
Published: June 2019

Brachyuran crabs, like other decapod crustaceans, adopt a number of different strategies for larval dispersal. We verified the influence of variations in temperature, salinity, and pH on the abundance and taxonomic composition of brachyuran larvae in an Amazonian estuary and found evidence of both retention and export dispersal strategies. We identified larvae of 20 different taxa belonging to the families Grapsidae, Ocypodidae, Panopeidae, Pinnotheridae, and Sesarmidae. Ucides cordatus (Linnaeus, 1763) (Ocypodidae), Pachygrapsus gracilis (Saussure, 1857) (Grapsidae), Leptuca cumulanta (Crane, 1943) (Ocypodidae), and Armases rubripes (Rathbun, 1897) (Sesarmidae) were the most abundant species. Most of the taxa present in the study area were at the zoea I stage but later larval stages were found in some species, indicating retention and export. Results were supported by canonical correspondence analysis and general linear model, which related larval community structure and reproduction patterns to variations in salinity, influenced primarily by the enormous discharge of the Amazon River and the high rainfall levels in the region. Further investigations of the distribution of larvae on the continental shelf are necessary to confirm the identified dispersal patterns. The study also presents novel data on the composition, abundance, and dispersal of brachyuran larvae in the tropical estuaries of the Amazon River.
Effect of Vegetable Oils as Phagostimulants in Adults of Dichroplus vittigerum (Orthoptera: Acrididae)
Authors: Sepúlveda Luciana , Pietrantuono Ana Laura , Buteler Micaela , Fernández-Arhex Valeria
Published: June 2019

Several species of grasshoppers are attracted to vegetable oils. These oils have kairomonal properties mainly due to the presence of linolenic and linoleic fatty acids. This study aimed to determine whether the odors of canola, flax, and olive oils are attractive to Dichroplus vittigerum (Blanchard 1851) and if they induce preference and feeding. We conducted three bioassays to determine whether oil modifies attraction and feeding behavior of this grasshopper. We first determined the attraction of the oils using a wind tunnel, secondly evaluated phagostimulation produced by the oils, and finally performed preference tests comparing consumption of Taraxacum officinale (Weber ex F.H.Wigg. 1780, Asterales: Asteraceae) leaves treated with the oils versus control leaves. Even though all of the oils induced attraction, only flax oil acted as a phagostimulant. However, the oils did not determine the preference and did not increase feeding on leaves. We hypothesize that T. officinale leaves are inherently attractive and treatment with oils did not affect feeding on them. Our results provide a starting point to develop baits that can be used to attract and control these harmful insects, presenting flax oil as a potential bait for D. vittigerum since its odor was both attractive and led to increased feeding or phagostimulation. Future studies should test the effect of the oils on other plant species or at varying doses, under field conditions.
Effects of radiation based on whole-body irradiation in HTLV-1-infected mice
Authors: Tanaka Masakazu , Kawazu Yusuke , Yoshida Toshinori , Konishi Tomoko , Takenouchi Norihiro , Miwa Masanao
Published: June 2019

Adult T-cell leukemia is one of the life-threatening diseases that occur in individuals infected with human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1). Clinical trials of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation therapy are being performed in addition to chemotherapy; however, neither is satisfactory. As a pretreatment for transplantation, anticancer drugs or whole-body irradiation is used to decrease the number of HTLV-1-infected cells, but there are numerous side effects. Therefore, in the present study, using a mouse model of HTLV-1 infection, the long-term survival and number of infected cells in the reservoir organ were investigated in order to determine the effect of γ-irradiation on HTLV-1-infected mice in vivo. There was no improvement in the survival period following γ-irradiation in the γ-irradiated group after HTLV-1 infection when compared with the HTLV-1-infected group. It was also found that the incidence of splenomegaly was ≥80% in the HTLV-1-infected and γ-irradiated group, which was significantly higher than that in the HTLV-1-infected mice. The tissue morphology in the spleen became non-uniform because of γ-rays. Importantly, the number of infected cells in the spleen was increased 4.1-fold in the HTLV-1-infected and γ-irradiated mice compared with that in the HTLV-1-infected mice. Careful consideration might be necessary when using whole-body irradiation in patients with HTLV-1 infection.
Lateral flow assays for diagnosing invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in adult hematology patients: A comparative multicenter study
Authors: Mercier Toine , Dunbar Albert , de Kort Elizabeth , Schauwvlieghe Alexander , Reynders Marijke , Guldentops Ellen , Blijlevens Nicole M A , Vonk Alieke G , Rijnders Bart , Verweij Paul E , Lagrou Katrien , Maertens Johan
Published: June 2019

Fast diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is essential as early adequate therapy improves survival. However, current microbiological methods suffer from a low sensitivity or a long turnaround time, often as a result of batching. Recently, two lateral flow assays for diagnosing IPA have been CE (Conformité Européenne)-marked and commercialized. These assays can be used for fast single sample testing. However, clinical validation and comparative studies are lacking. We therefore sought to evaluate and compare these assays in adult hematology patients. We retrospectively tested 235 bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALf) samples of adult hematology patients from four centers using the AspLFD (OLM Diagnostics) and the sōna Aspergillus galactomannan LFA (IMMY). Both tests were read out independently by two researchers and by a digital reader. We included 11 patients with proven IPA, 64 with probable IPA, 43 with possible fungal disease, and 117 controls with no signs of IPA. In cases of proven IPA, the performance of both assays was similar. In cases of proven and probable IPA, we found an identical specificity for both assays, but a higher sensitivity (0.83 vs 0.69, P = .008) and a better negative predictive value (0.89 vs 0.82, P = .009) for the LFA. Digital readout improved the diagnostic performance of both tests. In conclusion, both assays showed a good performance for the diagnosis of IPA in BALf from adult hematology patients. Results were further improved by using a digital reader, especially for weakly positive results.
Young star clusters and the structure of the second Galactic quadrant II
Authors: Molina Lera J A , Baume G , Gamen R
Published: June 2019

Galactic spiral arms are traced using young objects as giant molecular clouds, H ii regions, OB stars, or young open/embedded clusters. To improve the knowledge of the Galactic structure in the second quadrant we selected, from more than 200 open clusters covered by the SDSS, a sample of 10 young stellar clusters to conduct a spectrophotometric study.

Photometric data were provided by SDSS and APASS in the optic bands and by 2MASS and WISE in the infrared. Spectroscopic information was obtained from observations acquired with GMOS/GEMINI complemented with data from the literature. For six of the 10 clusters, distances were also obtained with our astrometric Gaia data analysis. To perform all tasks we used a suite of tools developed by us.

Our results show that these open clusters are distributed along three spiral arms, covering distances from 1.8 to 8.0 kpc. We confirm, using our novel spectroscopic data, our previews photometric estimations regarding the Galactic location of the cluster Teutsch 45. We found that it is located beyond the ‘Outer Arm’ and probably belong to the more distant ‘New Arm’ extending its trace almost to the anticentre. Hence, it was possible to get a better picture of the structure of the outer regions of the Galaxy. For clusters with pre-main-sequence populations we also found traces of coeval star formation processes. Regarding spectroscopic data and most massive members of the clusters, we discovered seven B-type stars, all earlier than B4 and we also confirmed the spectral classification of one O8-8.5 type star.
Commensal discovery of four fast radio bursts during Parkes Pulsar Timing Array observations
Authors: Osłowski S , Shannon R M , Ravi V , Kaczmarek J F , Zhang S , Hobbs G , Bailes M , Russell C J , van Straten W , James C W , Jameson A , Mahony E K , Kumar P , Andreoni I , Bhat N D R , Burke-Spolaor S , Dai S , Dempsey J , Kerr M , Manchester R N , Parthasarathy A , Reardon D , Sarkissian J M , Spiewak R , Toomey L , Wang J-B , Zhang L , Zhu X-J
Published: June 2019

The Parkes Pulsar Timing Array (PPTA) project monitors two dozen millisecond pulsars (MSPs) in order to undertake a variety of fundamental physics experiments using the Parkes 64-m radio telescope. Since 2017 June, we have been undertaking commensal searches for fast radio bursts (FRBs) during the MSP observations. Here, we report the discovery of four FRBs (171209, 180309, 180311, and 180714). The detected events include an FRB with the highest signal-to-noise ratio ever detected at the Parkes Observatory, which exhibits unusual spectral properties. All four FRBs are highly polarized. We discuss the future of commensal searches for FRBs at Parkes.
Is there any relationship between glitches of Crab pulsar and Einstein-de Haas effect?
Authors: Chang Zhe , Zhao Zhi-Chao , Zhou Yong , Zhu Qing-Hua
Published: June 2019

Many pulsars show sudden rotation jumps, glitches, superimposed to the gradual rotation down due to the continued loss of energy by radiation. A lot of models have been proposed to explain glitches. Most of the models are associated with layer structure of neutron stars. We try to investigate possibility of relationship between glitches of Crab pulsar and Einstein-de Haas effect. In the scenarios, spin polarization of neutron matter with Skyrme-type interactions forms a macroscopic spin angular momentum, and the Einstein-de Haas effect – transfer between the macroscopic spin and orbit angular momentum – gives rise to glitches of pulsars. It is shown that the scenario is in agreement with the observations of Crab pulsar on glitches and post-glitches relaxation.
Radio jets from AGNs in dwarf galaxies in the COSMOS survey: mechanical feedback out to redshift ∼3.4
Authors: Mezcua M , Suh H , Civano F
Published: June 2019

Dwarf galaxies are thought to host the remnants of the early Universe seed black holes (BHs) and to be dominated by supernova feedback. However, recent studies suggest that BH feedback could also strongly impact their growth. We report the discovery of 35 dwarf galaxies hosting radio active galactic nucleus (AGN) out to redshift ∼3.4, which constitutes the highest redshift sample of AGNs in dwarf galaxies. The galaxies are drawn from the VLA-COSMOS 3 GHz Large Project and all are star forming. After removing the contribution from star formation to the radio emission, we find a range of AGN radio luminosities of $L^\mathrm{AGN}_\mathrm{1.4\, GHz} \sim 10^{37}$–1040 erg s−1. The bolometric luminosities derived from the fit of their spectral energy distribution are ≳1042 erg s−1, in agreement with the presence of AGNs in these dwarf galaxies. The 3 GHz radio emission of most of the sources is compact and the jet powers range from Qjet ∼ 1042 to 1044 erg s−1. These values, as well as the finding of jet efficiencies ≥10  per cent in more than 50 per cent of the sample, indicate that dwarf galaxies can host radio jets as powerful as those of massive radio galaxies whose jet mechanical feedback can strongly affect the formation of stars in the host galaxy. We conclude that AGN feedback can also have a very strong impact on dwarf galaxies, either triggering or hampering star formation and possibly the material available for BH growth. This implies that those low-mass AGNs hosted in dwarf galaxies might not be the untouched relics of the early seed BHs, which has important implications for seed BH formation models.