bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
El glifosato afecta negativamente a los espermatozoides humanos: evidencia in vitro
Authors: Cardona Maya Walter D.
Published: September 2019

Determinar el efecto del glifosato sobre la calidad seminal en humanos a través de una revisión sistemática. Se realizó una búsqueda de la literatura en dos bases de datos (Pubmed y Scopus) de los terminos glyphosate/gliphosate/Roundup/yerbimat y sperm/“male reproductive tract”. Los criterios de selección permitieron analizar tres artículos sobre el efecto del glifosato sobre los espermatoozides humanos. Se observó un efecto de negativo del glifosato sobre los espermatoozides humanos (movilidad, actividad mitocondrial y DNA). Aunque son pocos los artículos que evalúan el efecto del glifosfato sobre la calidad seminal, todos concluyen en sus repercusiones negativas. Investigaciones sobre el tema se requieren especialmente ahora que el Gobierno Nacional pretende implementar su uso.
Two Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants Who Survived Functional Pulmonary Atresia with Normal Intracardiac Anatomy
Authors: Oka Shuntaro , Kondo Utako , Oshima Ayumi , Matsumura Shun , Kanai Masayo , Ishiguro Akio , Iwamoto Yoichi , Ishido Hirotaka , Omori Isaku , Masutani Satoshi
Published: September 2019

For the first time, we report about two extremely low birth weight infants who were born at 25 and 22 weeks' gestation and who survived functional pulmonary atresia (fPA) with normal intracardiac anatomy. A slow, reflected, and bimodal blood flow pattern in the pulmonary artery (both cases) and the presence of pulmonary regurgitation (1 case) were useful for diagnosing fPA. Timely use of lipo-prostaglandin E1 to maintain adequate pulmonary flow and reduce pulmonary arterial resistance and sodium bicarbonate to improve acidosis were effective treatments to attain forward flow. As optimal management is essential for the intact survival of extremely early preterm infants and the accurate diagnosis of fPA is difficult without the awareness of the disease entity, our cases underline the importance of recognizing that fPA can occur even in extremely low birth weight infants with normal intracardiac anatomy.
Analyses of a 1-layer neuromorphic network using memristive devices with non-continuous resistance levels
Authors: Siemon A. , Ferch S. , Heittmann A. , Waser R. , Wouters D. J. , Menzel S.
Published: September 2019

The emerging nonvolatile memory technology of redox-based resistive switching (RS) devices is not only a promising candidate for future high density memories but also for computational and neuromorphic applications. In neuromorphic as well as in memory applications, RS devices are configured in nanocrossbar arrays, which are controlled by CMOS circuits. With those hybrid systems, brain-inspired artificial neural networks can be built up and trained by using a learning algorithm. First works on hardware implementation using relatively large and high current level RS devices are already published. In this work, the influence of small and low current level devices showing noncontinuous resistance levels on neuromorphic networks is studied. To this end, a well-established physical-based Verilog A model is modified to offer continuous and discrete conduction. With this model, a simple one-layer neuromorphic network is simulated to get a first insight and understanding of this problem using a backpropagation algorithm based on the steepest descent method.
Investigation of multi-component magnetized plasma interaction with the carbon surface
Authors: Basnet Suresh , Khanal Raju
Published: September 2019

The proper understanding of magnetized plasma wall-interaction is important in various plasma applications such as surface modifications, sputtering and etching. A multi-component plasma interacting with carbon surface in presence of an oblique magnetic field has been investigated using three-fluids model. In the present case, the plasma is assumed to consist of two species of positive ions (H+ and He+) and electrons. The governing equations are solved numerically for given initial and boundary conditions. The results show that the magnitude of sheath potential increases with the increase in electron temperature and it affects velocity of both ion species, which is crucial in the understanding of plasma wall-transition mechanism. The reflection coefficients of lighter and heavier ions for the carbon surface decrease with the increase in ion velocity and in reduced energy; however the lighter ions are reflected more than the heavier ions. Hence, the absorption coefficients of both the ions increase for the increase in ion velocity and reduced energy as well. Furthermore, the reflection coefficient of hydrogen ions is about 20% more in magnitude than that of helium ions for the carbon surface.
Lithium niobate thin films shown in super resolution
Authors: Patrick Chris
Published: September 2019

Second harmonic microscopy used to visualize the structure of periodically poled lithium niobate thin films, which have applications in photonic devices.
Determination of sub-picomolar levels of platinum in the pristine Krka River estuary (Croatia) using improved voltammetric methodology
Authors: Pađan Jasmin , Marcinek Saša , Cindrić Ana-Marija , Layglon Nicolas , Garnier Cedric , Salaün Pascal , Cobelo-García Antonio , Omanović Dario
Published: September 2019

Environmental contextPlatinum concentrations in natural waters such as oceans, rivers and lakes are extremely low, hindering studies of Pt distributions and biogeochemical cycles. An improved electrochemical method was used to reliably determine Pt in estuarine conditions at trace concentrations. Platinum displayed a near-conservative behaviour along the salinity gradient of the estuary, with about 90% remaining in the dissolved form.
AbstractExtremely low concentrations of platinum in natural waters require very sensitive analytical techniques, with adsorptive cathodic stripping voltammetry (AdCSV) being one of the most frequently used techniques. A ‘fine tuning’ of the voltammetric parameters, along with advanced data treatment based on derivative transformations, allowed us to determine reliably Pt levels down to 50 fM (0.05 pM). By using short modulation and interval times of the differential pulse stripping waveform, and applying a 4th derivative transformation to the voltammograms, the limit of detection (LOD) was lowered down to 10 fM. Although very small concentrations of surface-active substances (e.g. 0.025mgL−1 fulvic acid) strongly influenced the method sensitivity, recoveries of spiked samples were not impacted (~100%). The application of a desorption step (Eds=−1.35V; tds=2s) at the end of the accumulation significantly improved the sensitivity, presumably through the removal of adsorbed surface-active substances. Using this optimised methodology, we determined the Pt distribution in the pristine Krka River estuary in the winter and summer periods by performing both horizontal transects and vertical profiles (salinity ~1 to 39). In surface waters, dissolved Pt concentrations gradually increased towards the seawater end-member (from ~0.15 to ~0.3 pM). A small deviation from the conservative mixing line was observed at salinities below 10, which may reflect changes in Pt redox speciation. In bottom waters, the trend was opposite with dissolved Pt concentrations increasing towards the freshwater end-member, probably owing to progressive accumulation related to seawater residence time. On average, 90% of Pt was present in the dissolved form.
Electrophoresis as a simple method to detect deleterious actions of engineered nanoparticles on living cells
Authors: Vouriot Elise , Bihannic Isabelle , Beaussart Audrey , Waldvogel Yves , Razafitianamaharavo Angelina , Ribeiro Tania , Farinha José Paulo S. , Beloin Christophe , Duval Jérôme F. L.
Published: September 2019

Environmental contextAttractive interactions and subsequent contacts between nanoparticles and microorganisms are the first steps of a chain of events leading to adverse effects toward cells. We show that the electrophoretic response of complex mixtures of engineered nanoparticles and bacteria reflects initial nanoparticle-mediated cell surface damage. The technique is a promising option for rapid detection of deleterious actions of nanoparticles on biological cells.
AbstractThe release of engineered nanoparticles (NPs) to the environment may have profound implications for the health of aquatic biota. In this study, we show that the initial stage of the action of NPs on bacteria can be detected by the measurement of the electrophoretic fingerprints of mixed NP–cell dispersions. Such electrokinetic signatures reflect a modification of the physicochemical surface properties of both cells and NPs following changes in the organisation of the cell envelope, subsequent release of intracellular material and/or excretion of biomolecules. The demonstration is based on a thorough investigation of the electrohydrodynamic features of genetically engineered Escherichia coli bacteria with distinct surface phenotypes (presence of adhesive YeeJ large proteins or F-pili proteinaceous filaments) exposed to silica NPs (radius of 65nm) functionalised by -NH2 terminal groups. At pH 7, electrostatics prevents interactions between bacteria and SiNH2 NPs, regardless of the considered concentration of NPs (range of 0–10−2gL−1). At pH 3, electrostatically-driven interactions allow intimate contacts between NPs and bacteria. In turn, significant modulation of the electrophoretic determinants of cells and NPs are generated owing to the alteration of the cell envelope and acquisition of bio-corona by NPs. Differentiated roles of the cell surface appendages in the mediation of NP impacts are evidenced by the measured dependence of the electropherograms on cell surface phenotype and NP concentration. Cell morphology and surface roughness, evaluated by atomic force microscopy (AFM) in liquid, confirm the conditions of pH and concentration of NPs where NP–cell interactions are operational. The combination of electrokinetics and AFM further pinpoints heterogeneities in the cell response at the single cell and population scales. Altogether, the results show that electrophoresis is suitable to detect the preliminary stage of events leading to the toxicity of NPs towards microorganisms.
Monomeric structure of an active form of bovine cytochrome
c
oxidase
Authors: Shinzawa-Itoh Kyoko , Sugimura Takashi , Misaki Tomonori , Tadehara Yoshiki , Yamamoto Shogo , Hanada Makoto , Yano Naomine , Nakagawa Tetsuya , Uene Shigefumi , Yamada Takara , Aoyama Hiroshi , Yamashita Eiki , Tsukihara Tomitake , Yoshikawa Shinya , Muramoto Kazumasa
Published: September 2019

Cytochrome
c
oxidase (CcO), a membrane enzyme in the respiratory chain, catalyzes oxygen reduction by coupling electron and proton transfer through the enzyme with a proton pump across the membrane. In all crystals reported to date, bovine CcO exists as a dimer with the same intermonomer contacts, whereas CcOs and related enzymes from prokaryotes exist as monomers. Recent structural analyses of the mitochondrial respiratory supercomplex revealed that CcO monomer associates with complex I and complex III, indicating that the monomeric state is functionally important. In this study, we prepared monomeric and dimeric bovine CcO, stabilized using amphipol, and showed that the monomer had high activity. In addition, using a newly synthesized detergent, we determined the oxidized and reduced structures of monomer with resolutions of 1.85 and 1.95 Å, respectively. Structural comparison of the monomer and dimer revealed that a hydrogen bond network of water molecules is formed at the entry surface of the proton transfer pathway, termed the K-pathway, in monomeric CcO, whereas this network is altered in dimeric CcO. Based on these results, we propose that the monomer is the activated form, whereas the dimer can be regarded as a physiological standby form in the mitochondrial membrane. We also determined phospholipid structures based on electron density together with the anomalous scattering effect of phosphorus atoms. Two cardiolipins are found at the interface region of the supercomplex. We discuss formation of the monomeric CcO, dimeric CcO, and supercomplex, as well as their role in regulation of CcO activity.
Late Ordovician to early Silurian calc-alkaline magmatism in the Xiemisitai Mountains, northern West Junggar: a response to the subduction of the Junggar-Balkhash Ocean
Authors: Chen  , Ma  , Simon  , Du  , Han  , Liu  , Liu
Published: September 2019

The Early Palaeozoic tectonic evolution of northern West Junggar is essential for understanding the tectonic framework and accretionary processes in the southwestern segment of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt. However, its evolutionary history is controversial due to insufficient pre-late
Silurian magmatic data. In order to clarify this issue, we conducted geochronological, geochemical, and Sr-Nd-Hf isotope analyses on samples from the Dengdeer and Maodun complexes in the Xiemisitai Mountains of Boshchekul-Chingiz (BC) arc, northern West Junggar. LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating
yielded ages ranging from 445 Ma to 429 Ma, revealing the Late Ordovician to early Silurian magmatic events in northern West Junggar. The dioritic and metaluminous Dengdeer complex has high Mg# (49.5–52.9), moderate La/Yb (11.0–12.3), and low initial 87Sr/86Sr
(0.70324–0.70410) and εNd(t) (+3.7 to +4.5). This complex exhibits variable zircon εHf(t) (+11.31 to +17.62), young Hf model ages (470–440 Ma), and appears to have been produced by differentiation of melts from metasomatized mantle. The intermediate to felsic, metaluminous
to weakly peraluminous Maodun complex has abundant enclaves and inherited zircons. This complex seems to have fractionated from mantle- and crustal-derived magma mixing with some crustal contamination, based on its high Mg# (36.6–49.5), low Sr/Y (8.7–29.6), Nb/Ta (8.3–13.9),
initial 87Sr/86Sr (0.70377) and εNd(t) (+4.0 to +4.2), and variable zircon εHf(t) (+11.59 to +15.21). The Dengdeer and Maodun samples are high-K calc-alkaline, rich in hydrous minerals, Rb, Th, and LREEs, depleted in Nb, Ta, and Ti, and show decoupling Hf-Nd isotopic
signatures. These characteristics indicate that their source had been modified by melts from slab sediments. After combining our data with previous observations, we conclude that a trench-ward migration of an arc-back-arc system occurred during the Late Ordovician to early Silurian in northern
West Junggar, while the Dengdeer and Maodun complexes were related to subduction-accretionary processes of the Junggar-Balkhash oceanic slab beneath the BC arc.
Machine learning for energy-water nexus: challenges and opportunities
Authors: Zaidi  , Chandola  , Allen  , Sanyal  , Stewart  , Bhaduri  , McManamay
Published: September 2019

Modeling the interactions of water and energy systems is important to the enforcement of infrastructure security and system sustainability. To this end, recent technological advancement has allowed the production of large volumes of data associated with functioning of these sectors.
We are beginning to see that statistical and machine learning techniques can help elucidate characteristic patterns across these systems from water availability, transport, and use to energy generation, fuel supply, and customer demand, and in the interdependencies among these systems that
can leave these systems vulnerable to cascading impacts from single disruptions. In this paper, we discuss ways in which data and machine learning can be applied to the challenges facing the energy-water nexus along with the potential issues associated with the machine learning techniques
themselves. We then survey machine learning techniques that have found application to date in energy-water nexus problems. We conclude by outlining future research directions and opportunities for collaboration among the energy-water nexus and machine learning communities that can lead to
mutual synergistic advantage.
A kindlin-3–leupaxin–paxillin signaling pathway regulates podosome stability
Authors: Klapproth Sarah , Bromberger Thomas , Türk Clara , Krüger Marcus , Moser Markus
Published: September 2019

Binding of kindlins to integrins is required for integrin activation, stable ligand binding, and subsequent intracellular signaling. How hematopoietic kindlin-3 contributes to the assembly and stability of the adhesion complex is not known. Here we report that kindlin-3 recruits leupaxin into podosomes and thereby regulates paxillin phosphorylation and podosome turnover. We demonstrate that the activity of the protein tyrosine phosphatase PTP-PEST, which controls paxillin phosphorylation, requires leupaxin. In contrast, despite sharing the same binding mode with leupaxin, paxillin recruitment into podosomes is kindlin-3 independent. Instead, we found paxillin together with talin and vinculin in initial adhesion patches of kindlin-3–null cells. Surprisingly, despite its presence in these early adhesion patches, podosomes can form in the absence of paxillin or any paxillin member. In conclusion, our findings show that kindlin-3 not only activates and clusters integrins into podosomes but also regulates their lifetime by recruiting leupaxin, which controls PTP-PEST activity and thereby paxillin phosphorylation and downstream signaling.
Protein quality control in the secretory pathway
Authors: Sun Zhihao , Brodsky Jeffrey L.
Published: September 2019

Protein folding is inherently error prone, especially in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Even with an elaborate network of molecular chaperones and protein folding facilitators, misfolding can occur quite frequently. To maintain protein homeostasis, eukaryotes have evolved a series of protein quality-control checkpoints. When secretory pathway quality-control pathways fail, stress response pathways, such as the unfolded protein response (UPR), are induced. In addition, the ER, which is the initial hub of protein biogenesis in the secretory pathway, triages misfolded proteins by delivering substrates to the proteasome or to the lysosome/vacuole through ER-associated degradation (ERAD) or ER-phagy. Some misfolded proteins escape the ER and are instead selected for Golgi quality control. These substrates are targeted for degradation after retrieval to the ER or delivery to the lysosome/vacuole. Here, we discuss how these guardian pathways function, how their activities intersect upon induction of the UPR, and how decisions are made to dispose of misfolded proteins in the secretory pathway.
The Khairkhan dunite-troctolite-gabbro massif (Lake Zone of the Western Mongolia) - example of syncollision Middle Cambrian mafic intrusion
Authors: Izokh A E , Vishnevskiy A V , Shelepaev R A , Polyakov G V , Gertner I F , Vrublevskii V V , Kurumshieva K R
Published: September 2019

Geological, mineralogical, petrochemical and geochronological data are considered for the Khairkhan dunite-troctolite-gabbro massif in the Lake zone of Western Mongolia. The massif intrude the Lower Cambrian molasse stratum and intruded by the Middle Cambrian diorite-plagiogranite bodies (507 Ma). Mineralogical, petrographic and geochemical data show typical suprasubduction characteristics: high An component of plagioclases with increased iron content of olivines, high whole-rock alumina content, low contents of titanium and alkalis, Ta, Nb, Zr and Hf minima. The layered series is characterized by a layers of orbicular gabbros, which can be considered as gabbro-gabbro mingling. At the same time, high-temperature viscous-plastic deformations are characteristic of the layered series, which cover the entire volume of the intrusion. These observations, together with geological and geochronological data related to the melting of the suprasubduction mantle in the Cambrian-Ordovician time, allow treating the Khairkhan massif as an example of syncollisional stratified gabbroids.
Swelling clay minerals of bottom sediments of Uskol lake (Republic of Khakassia)
Authors: Khrushcheva M O , Nebera T S
Published: September 2019

Results of study of mineral composition of Uskol lake bottom sediments are given in the present work. Uskol lake is located on the territory of Uybatskaya steppe, South-Minusinsk basin. These are modern alluvial-deluvial sediments mostly consisting of clays and silts.

Presence of such mixed-layer compounds as rectorite, Na-monmorillonite-Na-mica, swelling chlorites at the studied object was stated the first time. Regularity of clay minerals distribution through the section was observed. It’s importance is conditioned by clay minerals ability to serve as indicators of paleoclimate and environmental conditions of sediments formation in the region.

Bottom sediments mineral composition was defined: clay minerals, zeolite (analcime), quartz, feldspars, calcite, gypsum, halite.
Petro fabric characteristics of olivine from xenoliths, peridotites, and basalts (from Canary Islands, Kuznetsk Alatau and Yoko-Dovyren Massif)
Authors: Krylova V A , Gertner I F
Published: September 2019

This paper presents results of study of petro fabric specific characteristics of olivine from xenoliths, peridotites, and basalts (from Canary Islands, Kuznetsk Alatau and Yoko-Dovyren Massif.
Mineralogy and prospect of noble metals of gold-bearing ore breccias from ore fields of polymetallic deposits of Ore Altai
Authors: Semiryakov A S , Grinev O M , Bestemianova K V , Grinev R O
Published: September 2019

The object of the present study are the ore-bearing breccias of the worked-out lower-middle Devonian gold-silver barite-polymetallic Zmeinogorsky deposit belonging to the cognominal ore district and the conserved massive sulfide Chekmar deposit belonging to the Leninogorsk ore district. Both ore districts occupy an adjacent position within the northeastern depression zone of the Ore Altai megatrough. A brief structural and geological description of near-fault ore-bearing breccias, which developed within the peripheral parts of the deposits, is given. Analysis of petrographic composition of breccia fragments and their cementing material allowed to define barite-quartzite breccias of the Zmeinogorsky deposit and pyritized adularia-quartz metasomatites formed upon acidic igneous rocks and greenschists of the Chekmar deposit. Results of mineralogical studies with use of raster electron microscope show that there are ore minerals microinclusions in the detrital material and cement of breccias. Barite-quartzite breccias of Zmeinogorsk deposit contain barite, galena, Hg and Sb containing polymineral formations, tetrahedrite-boulangerite, bromargyrite, leucoxene. Microquartzites of these breccias mostly consist of quartz. Chekmar deposit ore breccias detrital material contains pyrite, barite, arsenopyrite, galena, sphalerite, zircon, titanite, leucoxene and REE minerals. Quartzitic compound of these breccias is cryptocrystalline and consists of quartz and adularia with admixtures of sericite and pyrite. Due to results obtained by use of SEM it was stated that barite, sulfides and sulfosalts of breccias contain noticeable amounts of dissipated Au, Pd, Pt, Ir. ICP-MS results confirm that studied ore breccias contain such noble metals as Au, Ag, Pd, Pt. Moreover, noble metals contents in Zmeinogorsk deposit breccias reach industrial standards while noble metals of Chekmar deposit ores can be extracted along with the processing of basic massive sulfide ores. Further study of ore breccias is important as these breccias can be considered as a noble metals containing subformation among polymetallic ores of Ore Altai.
Analysis for cleaner production implementation strategy in batik industry in Bogor
Authors: Fauzi A M , Defianisa R L
Published: September 2019

The batik industry potentially pollutes the environment with the liquid waste of synthetic dyes. Cleaner production approach can be implemented to minimize pollution concerning environmental, technical as well as economic aspects. This study was aimed to analyze the strategy for implementing a cleaner production concept in the batik industry located in Bogor concerning technical, environmental and financial aspects. The methods used in this study were a quick scan for waste identification along with with the production flow, fishbone diagram for problems’ mapping, and analytical hierarchy process (AHP) for selecting the best strategy. The quick scan result indicated that dyeing, soaking and rinsing processes were main contributors of the dye waste. The use of natural dyes was considered as the best strategy to achieve environment-friendly and sustainable batik industry, whereas the production process and batik industry were the most important factor and actor, respectively. The use of bucket under drying fabrics to retain falling water is recommended as the best option, with low investment cost and a payback period of 6 months. Sustainable batik industry through institutional development is also recommended for optimizing the use of resources to provide natural dyes, as well as skillful entrepreneurs, and workers of dyes-extracting and batik industries.
Landscape structure and parasitoid diversity as measures of sustainable landscape
Authors: Syahidah T , Prasetyo L B , Pudjianto  , Buchori D
Published: September 2019

Complexity and structure of a landscape influence the presence of insect parasitoids in agricultural landscapes. Landscape structures are often formed from semi-natural habitat fragmentation, which can reduce the richness and abundance of insect parasitoid and affect their ability to suppress pest population. This study was aimed to study the effect of landscape structure on the diversity and abundance of insect parasitoids in long beans fields. In six agricultural regions, landscape parameters were calculated, i.e class area (CA), a number of patches (NumP), and mean patch size (MPS). Insect samplings were conducted using transect methods and direct collection. Results of landscape complexity did not affect the species richness of parasitoid, but it did affect the species composition. The results showed that the higher the CA of the tree, the higher the percentage of parasitization, but the higher the CA of agriculture, the lower the percentage of parasitization. This shows that there are landscape parameter indicators that can be used as a key to see the presence of parasitoids so that they can provide an indication of sustainability. Therefore, landscape structure must consider the importance of landscape management habitats for the conservation of natural enemies especially insect parasitoid as a biological control agent to create sustainable landscapes.
Materials selection rules for optimum power factor in two-dimensional thermoelectrics
Authors: Kommini Adithya , Aksamija Zlatan
Published: September 2019

Two-dimensional (2D) materials have emerged as the ideal candidates for many applications, including nanoelectronics, low-power devices, and sensors. Several 2D materials have been shown to possess large Seebeck coefficients, thus making them suitable for thermoelectric (TE) energy conversion. Whether even higher TE power factors can be discovered among the ≈2000 possible 2D materials (Mounet et al 2018 Nat. Nanotechnol.
13 246–52) is an open question. This study aims at formulating selection rules to guide the search for superior 2D TE materials without the need for expensive atomistic simulations. We show that a 2D material having a combination of low effective mass, higher separation in the height of the step-like density of states, and valley splitting, which is the energy difference between the bottom of conduction band and the satellite valley, equal to 5 k

B

T will lead to a higher TE power factor. Further, we find that inelastic scattering with optical phonons plays a significant role: if inelastic scattering is the dominant mechanism and the energy of the optical phonon equals 5 k

B

T, then the TE power factor is maximized. Starting from a model for carrier transport in MoS2 and progressively introducing the aforementioned features results in a two-orders-of-magnitude improvement in the power factor. Compared to the existing selection rules or material descriptors, features identified in this study provide the ability to comprehensively evaluate TE capability of a material and helps in identifying future TE materials suitable for applications in waste-heat scavenging, thermal sensors, and nanoelectronics cooling.
Female preferences when female condition and male ornament expression vary
Authors: Reyes-Ramírez Alicia , Rocha-Ortega Maya , Córdoba-Aguilar Alex
Published: September 2019

Variation in the condition of females can affect their mate preferences. This may explain variation in the expression of male ornaments. We tested these ideas in the mealworm beetle (Tenebrio molitor), a species in which females choose males based on their pheromones. We modified female condition using diets that differed in proteins and carbohydrates. We then allowed females to choose among males in which we had previously modified pheromone expression (either by varying diets as in females, or by fungal infection). Females were offered a choice between two males, both of which had been fed the same diet as the female, but which differed in whether they were infected or not. We repeated the same diet and infection treatments to determine whether poor (lower carbohydrate) diets decrease survival in both sexes. There was no effect of female diet on mate choice, but the infection state of the male did have an effect, with infected males being preferred. It is possible that infected males invest their resources in producing pheromones rather than attacking the pathogen. Both sexes, independent of infection, had higher survival when fed carbohydrate-rich diets. The results showed no effect of female condition on their preferences, at least not prior to copulation.
Systematic Review: Clinical Utility of Gastrointestinal Ultrasound in the Diagnosis, Assessment and Management of Patients With Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Smith Rebecca L , Taylor Kirstin M , Friedman Antony B , Gibson Robert N , Gibson Peter R
Published: September 2019

Background and Aims

Gastrointestinal ultrasound is useful in the assessment of patients with Crohn’s disease, but its application in ulcerative colitis [UC] is less well established. Here we systematically review the role of gastrointestinal ultrasound in patients with UC.

Methods

Searches of the PUBMED and EMBASE databases were performed with the following search strategy: [ultrasound OR sonography] AND [intestinal OR bowel] AND [ulcerative colitis OR inflammatory bowel disease]. The final search was performed in August 2019.

Results

Of 6769 studies identified in the search with a further two studies found from other sources, 50 studies met the inclusion criteria. Increased bowel wall thickness and detection of increased blood flow by colour Doppler were the most often applied criteria for defining disease activity and distribution. When compared with other reference investigations, gastrointestinal ultrasound accurately determined disease extent, severity and response to medical therapy. While further information can be obtained from haemodynamic measurements of the abdominal vessels and contrast-enhanced ultrasound, their clinical value was uncertain. Likewise, hydrocolonic sonography has few advantages over standard gastrointestinal ultrasound examination. Of several scoring systems proposed, there is disparity between the measures and a general lack of validation. There has been limited application of gastrointestinal ultrasound in acute severe ulcerative colitis with toxic megacolon, and, while performing well in children, normal limits differ from those in adults.

Conclusion

Current evidence indicates that gastrointestinal ultrasound has utility in the non-invasive assessment of patients with UC. Continued advances in technology with better image resolution, validation of scoring systems and application at the point of care by gastroenterologists are likely to contribute to increased use of gastrointestinal ultrasound in routine clinical practice.
Echocardiographic and radiological evaluation of an unusual aortic root mass in an asymptomatic patient: a case report
Authors: Memtsas Vassilios , Sharma Naveen , Lynch Mary
Published: September 2019

Background

Incidental echocardiographic findings in the asymptomatic patient can present a diagnostic challenge to the clinician. This case report demonstrates that both natural occurring and iatrogenic causes should be considered in the differential diagnosis of isolated aortic root masses.

Case Summary

A patient presenting for a routine transthoracic echocardiogram to evaluate worsening breathlessness on exertion is found to have an unexpected aortic root mass. Due to the unusual appearances of the aortic root mass, it is further evaluated with additional imaging modalities, including transoesophageal echocardiogram and computed tomography coronary angiography. The mass is fully characterized following the computed tomography coronary angiography as a right coronary artery stent, from a previous coronary angioplasty, protruding into the lumen of the aortic root. No further investigation or intervention is required.

Discussion

A wide differential diagnosis of focal aortic root masses is presented. The non-invasive characterization of such masses can present a challenge. This case demonstrates the value of a multimodality imaging approach, including transthoracic, transoesophageal echocardiography, and computed tomography coronary angiography, in the evaluation of such masses.
High-coverage genomes to elucidate the evolution of penguins
Authors: Pan Hailin , Cole Theresa L , Bi Xupeng , Fang Miaoquan , Zhou Chengran , Yang Zhengtao , Ksepka Daniel T , Hart Tom , Bouzat Juan L , Argilla Lisa S , Bertelsen Mads F , Boersma P Dee , Bost Charles-André , Cherel Yves , Dann Peter , Fiddaman Steven R , Howard Pauline , Labuschagne Kim , Mattern Thomas , Miller Gary , Parker Patricia , Phillips Richard A , Quillfeldt Petra , Ryan Peter G , Taylor Helen , Thompson David R , Young Melanie J , Ellegaard Martin R , Gilbert M Thomas P , Sinding Mikkel-Holger S , Pacheco George , Shepherd Lara D , Tennyson Alan J D , Grosser Stefanie , Kay Emily , Nupen Lisa J , Ellenberg Ursula , Houston David M , Reeve Andrew Hart , Johnson Kathryn , Masello Juan F , Stracke Thomas , McKinlay Bruce , Borboroglu Pablo García , Zhang De-Xing , Zhang Guojie
Published: September 2019

Background

Penguins (Sphenisciformes) are a remarkable order of flightless wing-propelled diving seabirds distributed widely across the southern hemisphere. They share a volant common ancestor with Procellariiformes close to the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary (66 million years ago) and subsequently lost the ability to fly but enhanced their diving capabilities. With ~20 species among 6 genera, penguins range from the tropical Galápagos Islands to the oceanic temperate forests of New Zealand, the rocky coastlines of the sub-Antarctic islands, and the sea ice around Antarctica. To inhabit such diverse and extreme environments, penguins evolved many physiological and morphological adaptations. However, they are also highly sensitive to climate change. Therefore, penguins provide an exciting target system for understanding the evolutionary processes of speciation, adaptation, and demography. Genomic data are an emerging resource for addressing questions about such processes.

Results

Here we present a novel dataset of 19 high-coverage genomes that, together with 2 previously published genomes, encompass all extant penguin species. We also present a well-supported phylogeny to clarify the relationships among penguins. In contrast to recent studies, our results demonstrate that the genus Aptenodytes is basal and sister to all other extant penguin genera, providing intriguing new insights into the adaptation of penguins to Antarctica. As such, our dataset provides a novel resource for understanding the evolutionary history of penguins as a clade, as well as the fine-scale relationships of individual penguin lineages. Against this background, we introduce a major consortium of international scientists dedicated to studying these genomes. Moreover, we highlight emerging issues regarding ensuring legal and respectful indigenous consultation, particularly for genomic data originating from New Zealand Taonga species.

Conclusions

We believe that our dataset and project will be important for understanding evolution, increasing cultural heritage and guiding the conservation of this iconic southern hemisphere species assemblage.
Is Global Governance Fragmented, Polycentric, or Complex? The State of the Art of the Network Approach
Authors: Kim Rakhyun E
Published: September 2019

International institutions such as treaties and organizations shape, and are shaped by, the large web-like architecture of global governance. Yet we know little about what this architecture looks like, why certain structures are observed, and how they are linked to the functioning of international institutions as well as the overall effectiveness of global governance. Over the past decade, network science has emerged as a promising and indispensable approach to unraveling structural nuances and complexities of the system of international institutions. This article presents a state-of-the-art review of this emerging field of research and seeks to stimulate its further development. In this article, I draw connections between various network analyses of global governance that are found in different bodies of literature. In so doing, I integrate three separate but overlapping strands of work on institutional fragmentation, polycentricity, and complexity and bring much-needed conceptual clarity to the debate. Building on previous studies, I propose a framework for operationalizing fragmentation, polycentricity, and complexity in network terms in order to enable systematic and comparative analysis of global governance systems. This article argues that there is much potential in the network approach and makes a case for advancing the “network science of global governance.”
Opportunities and challenges to advance the use of electronic patient-reported outcomes in clinical care: a report from AMIA workshop proceedings
Authors: Austin Elizabeth , LeRouge Cynthia , Hartzler Andrea L , Chung Arlene E , Segal Courtney , Lavallee Danielle C
Published: September 2019

Despite the demonstrated value of patient-centered care, health systems have been slow to integrate the patient’s voice into care delivery through patient-reported outcomes (PROs) with electronic tools. This is due in part to the complex interplay of technology, workflow, and human factors that shape the success of electronic PROs (ePROs) use. The 2018 American Medical Informatics Association Annual Symposium served as the setting for a half-day interactive workshop with diverse stakeholders to discuss proposed best practices for the planning, design, deployment, and evaluation of ePROs. We provide this collective commentary that synthesizes participant feedback regarding critical challenges that prohibit the scale and spread of ePROs across healthcare delivery systems, including governance and leadership, workflow and human factors, informatics, and data science. In order to realize the promise of ePROs at scale, adaptable approaches are critical to balance the needs of individual users with health systems at large.
Pesticide Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Among Small-Scale Hmong Farmers in the San Joaquin Valley of California
Authors: Thao Chia , Burke Nancy , Ha Sandie , Joyce Andrea
Published: September 2019

A survey was conducted to assess the pesticide knowledge, attitudes, and practices of small-scale Hmong farmers in the Fresno area of the San Joaquin Valley of California. Hmong farmers in this region were found to cultivate 35 crops, most of which were Asian specialty crops with economic significance. The majority of farmers used pesticides on their farms, primarily to control diseases and insects. Long beans and sweet peas were perceived to require more pesticides than other crops. Participants were aware of pesticide-related health risks, yet 71% had no formal education. Most participants used proper personal protection equipment (PPE) and followed safe application practices, yet 84% reported that they wear work clothing from the farm into their home, which could contribute to the take home pesticide exposure pathway. Seventy-five percent of participants were not familiar with the concept of integrated pest management (IPM) as a formal pest management practice; however, many participants were using some components of IPM such as crop rotation. Nearly all participants (96%) requested more pesticide safety training be made available in Hmong. This study contributes to the understanding of potential pesticide exposure and health risks of Hmong farmers in the San Joaquin Valley of California, and the need for additional pest management training for the community.
Local Control and Toxicity of Multilevel Spine Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy
Authors: Beeler Whitney H , Speth Kelly A , Broderick Michael T , Jairath Neil K , Ballouz Dena , Gharzai Laila A , Jackson William C , Kim Michelle M , Owen Dawn , Szerlip Nicholas J , Paradis Kelly C , Spratt Daniel E
Published: September 2019

BACKGROUND

Spine stereotactic body radiotherapy (sSBRT) is commonly limited to 1 or 2 vertebral levels given a paucity of efficacy and toxicity data when more than 2 levels are treated.

OBJECTIVE

To prove our hypothesis that multilevel sSBRT could provide similar rates of local control (LC) (primary endpoint) and toxicity as single-level treatment using the same clinical target, planning target, and planning organ-at-risk volumes.

METHODS

We analyzed consecutive cases of sSBRT treated from 2013 to 2017. Time-to-event outcomes for single-level and multilevel cases were compared using mixed effect Cox models and differences in toxicity rates were evaluated using linear mixed effect models. All models incorporate a patient-level random intercept to account for any within-patient correlation across cases.

RESULTS

There were 101 single-level and 84 multilevel sSBRT cases (2-7 continuous vertebral levels). One-year LC was 95% vs 85%, respectively. After adjusting for baseline covariates, dose delivered, and accounting for within-patient correlation, there was no significant difference in time to local failure (hazard ratio, HR 1.79 [0.59-5.4]; P = .30). Pain improved in 83.5% of the 139 initially symptomatic tumors. There were no significant differences in grade 2+ acute or late toxicities between single-level and multilevel sSBRT.

CONCLUSION

With rigorous patient immobilization, quality assurance, and image guidance, multilevel sSBRT provides high rates of LC, similar to single-level treatment, without need for larger planning volume margins. Efforts to improve prognostication and case selection for multilevel sSBRT are warranted to ensure that the benefits of improved LC over palliative radiation are justified.
Investigating the gas-to-dust ratio in the protoplanetary disk of HD 142527
Authors: Soon Kang-Lou , Momose Munetake , Muto Takayuki , Tsukagoshi Takashi , Kataoka Akimasa , Hanawa Tomoyuki , Fukagawa Misato , Saigo Kazuya , Shibai Hiroshi
Published: September 2019

We present ALMA observations of the 98.5 GHz dust continuum and the ${}^{13}\mbox{CO}J = 1$–0 and $\mbox{C}^{18}\mbox{O}J = 1$–0 line emissions of the protoplanetary disk associated with HD 142527. The 98.5 GHz continuum shows a strong azimuthal-asymmetric distribution similar to that of the previously reported 336 GHz continuum, with a peak emission in dust concentrated region in the north. The disk is optically thin in both the 98.5 GHz dust continuum and the $\mbox{C}^{18}\mbox{O}J = 1$–0 emissions. We derive the distributions of gas and dust surface densities, $\Sigma _\mathrm{g}$ and $\Sigma _\mathrm{d}$, and the dust spectral opacity index, $\beta$, in the disk from ALMA Band 3 and Band 7 data. In the analyses, we assume the local thermodynamic equilibrium and the disk temperature to be equal to the peak brightness temperature of ${}^{13}\mbox{CO}\,J = 3$–2 with a continuum emission. The gas-to-dust ratio, $\mathrm{G/D}$, varies azimuthally with a relation $\mathrm{G/D} \propto \Sigma _\mathrm{d}^{-0.53}$, and $\beta$ is derived to be $\approx 1$ and $\approx 1.7$ in the northern and southern regions of the disk, respectively. These results are consistent with the accumulation of larger dust grains in a higher pressure region. In addition, our results show that the peak $\Sigma _\mathrm{d}$ is located ahead of the peak $\Sigma _\mathrm{g}$. If the latter corresponds to a vortex of high gas pressure, the results indicate that the dust is trapped ahead of the vortex, as predicted by some theoretical studies.
Choice of maintenance intravenous fluids among paediatric residents in Canada
Authors: Kinlin Laura M , Helmers Andrew J , Friedman Jeremy N , Beck Carolyn E
Published: September 2019

Background

Recent literature and guidelines support routine use of isotonic intravenous (IV) fluids for maintenance therapy in hospitalized infants and children. Current prescribing practices are unknown.

Objective

To elicit paediatric residents’ choice of maintenance IV fluids, particularly with regard to tonicity, in a variety of clinical scenarios and patient ages. We hypothesized that residents would choose isotonic fluids in most cases, but there would be substantially more variability in fluid choice in the neonatal age group.

Methods

An Internet-based survey was e-mailed to trainees in the 17 paediatric residency programs across Canada, via the Canadian Paediatric Program Directors. The survey instrument included questions related to training, followed by a series of questions eliciting choice of IV fluid in a variety of clinical situations.

Results

A total of 147 survey responses were submitted (22% response rate). Isotonic solutions were selected by >75% across all clinical scenarios involving infants and children. Very hypotonic fluids were seldom chosen. There was more variability in fluid choice in neonates, with evidence of significant differences in fluid tonicity based on senior versus junior resident status and geographical location.

Conclusions

Results imply a predominance of isotonic fluid use in infants and children, suggesting that clinical practice has changed in response to risk of hyponatremia with hypotonic IV fluids. As hypothesized, there was more variability with respect to choice of maintenance fluids in neonates. This likely reflects a paucity of guidance in an age group with unique physiologic factors affecting fluid and electrolyte status.
Results of the Italian project ‘GiochiAMO’ to improve nutrition and PA among children
Authors: D’Egidio V , Lia L , Sinopoli A , Backhaus I , Mannocci A , Saulle R , Sestili C , Cocchiara Ra , Di Bella O , Yordanov T , Mazzacane Ms , La Torre G
Published: September 2019

Background

Prevalence of overweight and obesity during childhood is still elevated in high-income countries. GiochiAMO is a health promotion program that uses knowledge-based education and games to teach healthy nutrition and physical activity among children (6–8 years old).

Methods

This study was a single arm field trial. Second and third grade classes of primary school attended an oral presentation about nutrition and physical activity and then were involved in three game sessions. Two multiple-choice questionnaires were administered at the beginning and at the end of the trail. The following scores were measured: nutrition behavior score (NTs), physical activity behavior score (PAs) and delta score (Ds). Wilcoxon, T-test and Mann Whitney were used to perform the univariate analysis.

Results

A total number of 74 and 76 children participated in the physical activity and nutrition interventions. NTs was 4.17 (SD: 2.23) before and 5.03 (SD: 2.79) after the intervention (P = 0.005). PAs was 27.4 (SD: 9.6) before and 30.5 (SD: 10.7) after the intervention (P = 0.003). No significant differences were obtained comparing males and females for all scores. Ds was 0.86 for nutrition and 3.1 for physical activity. Univariate analysis of Delta scores obtained no significant differences.

Conclusions

The present results confirm the effectiveness of ‘GiochiAMO’ to change nutrition and physical activity behavior.