bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Silent and non‐silent thromboembolic events after ventricular tachycardia ablation: Modifiable risk with postprocedure anticoagulation?
Authors: Siontis Konstantinos C. , Killu Ammar M.
Published: July 2019

There is increasing recognition of silent and clinically apparent thromboembolic events after left‐sided ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation. However, unlike atrial fibrillation ablation procedures where postablation oral anticoagulation (OAC) is universal, there is significant practice variation in OAC use after VT ablation. Herein, we review the data on post‐VT ablation thromboembolism and evidence on the use of OAC, we suggest that OAC merits consideration in most cases after a balanced assessment of risks and benefits in individual patients, and we discuss future directions.
Electrophysiologic testing for diagnostic evaluation and risk stratification in patients with suspected cardiac sarcoidosis with preserved left and right ventricular systolic function
Authors: Zipse Matthew M. , Tzou Wendy S. , Schuller Joseph L. , Aleong Ryan G. , Varosy Paul D. , Tompkins Christine , Borne Ryan T. , Tumolo Alexis Z. , Sandhu Amneet , Kim Darlene , Freeman Andrew M. , Weinberger Howard D. , Maier Lisa A. , Sung Raphael K. , Nguyen Duy T. , Sauer William H.
Published: July 2019

Introduction

While cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) carries a risk of ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) and sudden cardiac death (SCD), risk stratification of patients with CS and preserved left ventricular/right ventricular (LV/RV) systolic function remains challenging. We sought to evaluate the role of electrophysiologic testing and programmed electrical stimulation of the ventricle (EPS) in patients with suspected CS with preserved ventricular function.

Methods

One hundred twenty consecutive patients with biopsy‐proven extracardiac sarcoidosis and preserved LV/RV systolic function underwent EPS. All patients had either probable CS defined by an abnormal cardiac positron emission tomography or cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, or possible CS with normal advanced imaging but abnormal echocardiogram (ECG), SAECG, Holter, or clinical factors. Patients were followed for 4.5 ± 2.6 years for SCD and VAs.

Results

Seven of 120 patients (6%) had inducible ventricular tachycardia (VT) with EPS and received an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). Three patients (43%) with positive EPS later had ICD therapies for VAs. Kaplan‐Meier analysis stratified by EPS demonstrated a significant difference in freedom from VAs and SCD (P = 0.009), though this finding was driven entirely by patients within the cohort with probable CS (P = 0.018, n = 69). One patient with possible CS and negative EPS had unrecognized progression of the disease and unexplained death with evidence of CS at autopsy.

Conclusions

EPS is useful in the risk stratification of patients with probable CS with preserved LV and RV function. A positive EPS was associated with VAs. While a negative EPS appeared to confer low risk, close follow‐up is needed as EPS cannot predict fatal VAs related to new cardiac involvement or disease progression.
Influences of environmental stressors on autonomic function in 12‐month‐old infants: understanding early common pathways to atypical emotion regulation and cognitive performance
Authors: Wass Sam V. , Smith Celia G. , Daubney Katie R. , Suata Zeynep M. , Clackson Kaili , Begum Abdul , Mirza Farhan U.
Published: July 2019

Background

Previous research has suggested that children exposed to more early‐life stress show worse mental health outcomes and impaired cognitive performance in later life, but the mechanisms subserving these relationships remain poorly understood.

Method

Using miniaturised microphones and physiological arousal monitors (electrocardiography, heart rate variability and actigraphy), we examined for the first time infants’ autonomic reactions to environmental stressors (noise) in the home environment, in a sample of 82 12‐month‐old infants from mixed demographic backgrounds. The same infants also attended a laboratory testing battery where attention‐ and emotion‐eliciting stimuli were presented. We examined how children's environmental noise exposure levels at home related to their autonomic reactivity and to their behavioural performance in the laboratory.

Results

Individual differences in total noise exposure were independent of other socioeconomic and parenting variables. Children exposed to higher and more rapidly fluctuating environmental noise showed more unstable autonomic arousal patterns overall in home settings. In the laboratory testing battery, this group showed more labile and short‐lived autonomic changes in response to novel attention‐eliciting stimuli, along with reduced visual sustained attention. They also showed increased arousal lability in response to an emotional stressor.

Conclusions

Our results offer new insights into the mechanisms by which environmental noise exposure may confer increased risk of adverse mental health and impaired cognitive performance during later life.
Filling the gap in the scoring of pigmentary disorders
Authors: Passeron T.
Published: July 2019

Linked article: M.S. Kumaran et al. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2019; 33: 1386‐1392. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.15516
Incentivizing Vegetable Consumption in School‐Aged Children: Evidence from a Field Experiment
Authors: De Marchi Elisa , Cavaliere Alessia , Nayga Rodolfo M. , Banterle Alessandro
Published: July 2019

We conducted a field experiment to test the effect of nonmonetary incentives in increasing children's vegetable consumption during lunch at school. We measured children's daily vegetable consumption for four consecutive weeks prior to the provision of incentives, for four consecutive weeks during the incentive provision, and for three consecutive weeks right after the provision of incentives. To check the longer‐term effect of the incentive provision, we measured children's daily vegetable consumption 11 weeks after the postintervention period. Results suggest that the incentives are effective in increasing vegetable consumption and that this effect persisted several weeks after the provision of the incentives ended. This is an important topic since gaining a better understanding of effects of nonmonetary incentives can help in the design of nutrition and health policies aimed at improving the dietary behavior of children and potentially reducing childhood obesity.
Over‐the‐Counter Market Frictions and Yield Spread Changes
Authors: FRIEWALD NILS , NAGLER FLORIAN
Published: July 2019

We empirically study whether systematic over‐the‐counter (OTC) market frictions drive the large unexplained common factor in yield spread changes. Using transaction data on U.S. corporate bonds, we find that marketwide inventory, search, and bargaining frictions explain 23.4% of the variation in the common component. Systematic OTC frictions thus substantially improve the explanatory power of yield spread changes and account for one‐third of their total explained variation. Search and bargaining frictions combined explain more in the common dynamics of yield spread changes than inventory frictions. Our findings support the implications of leading theories of intermediation frictions in OTC markets.
Investigating Adolescent Girls' Perceptions and Experiences of School‐Based Physical Activity to Inform the Girls' Peer Activity Intervention Study
Authors: Owen Michael , Kerner Charlotte , Newson Lisa , Noonan Robert , Curry Whitney , Kosteli Maria‐Christina , Fairclough Stuart
Published: July 2019

BACKGROUND

Adolescent girls are likely to be less active than adolescent boys. A range of factors including multiple psychosocial aspects are thought to influence their engagement in physical activity (PA). This study aimed to explore adolescent girls' perceptions and experiences of school‐based PA to inform a subsequent intervention, the Girls Peer Activity (G‐PACT) project.

METHODS

The Youth Activity Profile was used to assess adolescent girls' current PA levels. Open‐ended questions were used to investigate girls' perceptions and experiences of school‐based PA. Focus groups stratified by PA level were then conducted to explore their perceptions and experiences in depth. The focus group data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

The master themes emanating from the focus groups were noncompetitive activities and after‐school sport culture for lower active girls. Higher active girls' master themes were PA perceptions and physical education. Regardless of activity level, participants reported greater enjoyment from PA when participating with friends and having choice over activities provided within the school setting.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings highlight the importance of choice, peer groupings, noncompetitive opportunities, and PA competence to adolescent girls' school‐based PA behaviors. The school environment can support and restrict girls' engagement in PA. The findings will be applied to the design, content, and implementation of the G‐PACT project.
Ergosterol and Fusarium mycotoxins content in two maize cultivars under different forms of nitrogen fertilizers
Authors: Bocianowski Jan , Szulc Piotr , Waśkiewicz Agnieszka , Nowosad Kamila , Kobus‐Cisowska Joanna
Published: July 2019

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by many filamentous fungi, such as Fusarium, and are widespread in nature and can adversely affect almost all organisms. Mycotoxins can be formed in very different conditions such as when plants are growing or in crops that are stored in improper conditions. One of the methods to prevent the formation of mycotoxins in powdered feed is using varieties of appropriate quality and proper mineral fertilization, primarily nitrogen. In this study, the concentration of ergosterol and mycotoxins in the kernels of two maize cultivars from different maturity groups in Poland during the harvest of 2011 and 2012 was investigated using HPLC methods. We aimed to analyse the concentration of ergosterol as a fungal biomass indicator and mycotoxins from two maize cultivars under six different forms of nitrogen fertilizers. The “stay‐green” hybrid ES Paroli was characterized by a significantly lower ergosterol and the ability to accumulate the mycotoxins, compared to the classic cultivar ES Palazzo. The varieties of maize that remain green for a longer time period, the so‐called stay‐green type, are characterized by a different coefficient of nitrogen remobilization compared to the classic hybrids. Their dynamics of growth and accumulation of nutrients indicates a nitrogen fertilization system, indicating that slow‐release fertilizers are potentially more adapted to the cycles of maize vegetation. Hence, compared to the classic variant, the “stay‐green” variety uses nitrogen more effectively from mineral fertilizers. Such hybrids are healthier and remain in good condition for a longer time; therefore, they are characterized by a lower pathogen pressure. Thus, the cultivation of such varieties can be considered as one of the elements of integrated maize production. We observed identical reactions of the studied experimental factors for both vegetation seasons, which indicates the lack of environmental impact on the functioning and interaction of experimental factors.
Extended palatoplasty as surgical treatment for nasopharyngeal stenosis in six cats
Authors: Sériot P. , Gibert S. , Poujol L. , Bernardin F. , Blond L. , Dunié‐Mérigot A.
Published: July 2019

Objective

To describe the use of extended palatoplasty as treatment of caudal nasopharyngeal stenosis in cats.

Materials and Methods

CT was used to confirm the diagnosis in cats with clinical signs consistent with nasopharyngeal stenosis. Extended palatoplasty rostral to the tonsils using monopolar electrocautery allowed simultaneous removal of the caudal soft palate together with the stenotic area. Cats were re‐evaluated 2 weeks postoperatively. Telephone interview was used to obtain long‐term follow‐up.

Results

Six domestic shorthair cats were diagnosed with nasopharyngeal stenosis, with clinical signs of snoring (n=4), stertor (n=4), nasal discharge (n=3) and sneezing (n=1). CT scan identified a soft‐tissue stricture at the level of the caudal nasopharynx in all cats. Other abnormalities included bilateral rhinitis (n=3), retropharyngeal adenomegaly (n=2), unilateral sinusitis (n=1) and bilateral otitis externa with unilateral otitis media (n=1). Excision of the caudal soft palate and the entire stenotic soft‐tissue membrane was successful in all six cats. No pre‐, intra‐ or postoperative complications were observed. Short‐term outcome revealed clinical improvement in all cases. Long‐term outcome revealed no recurrence of clinical signs in four cats. In one cat, occasional sneezing was reported. One cat died 1 month postoperatively for reasons unrelated to the respiratory condition.

Clinical Significance

Extended palatoplasty was an effective technique to treat caudal nasopharyngeal stenosis and provide improvement of clinical signs without postoperative complications in all cases.
Estimating day range from camera‐trap data: the animals’ behaviour as a key parameter
Authors: Palencia P. , Vicente J. , Barroso P. , Barasona J.Á. , Soriguer R. C. , Acevedo P.
Published: July 2019

Day range (DR), the distance travelled by an individual during the day, is an important metric in movement ecology that recently gained interest by its relevance for estimating population density through the random encounter model (REM). Traditionally, DR has been estimated using GPS technology and considering raw straight‐line distances between consecutive locations, which is an underestimation of the true path distance. In this work, we tested the accuracy of a new approach based on camera‐trap data for the estimation of DR taking into account the animals’ behaviour. For this purpose, we considered wild boar (Sus scrofa) as a model species. We tagged 18 individuals with telemetry devices and then monitored the population with camera‐traps (photo and video mode) to estimate the DR. In the case of telemetry, a straight‐line DR was estimated and rescaled with a tortuosity‐related correction factor. Using this camera‐trap data, we revisited the procedure described by Rowcliffe et al. (Remote Sens. Ecol. Conserv. , 2, 2016, 84) to estimate the DR from the speed and activity information obtained from camera‐trapsping. A new derivation of this approach was then developed, in which different animal behaviours were weighted to estimate the DR. The analysis showed no significant differences between the DR values obtained using telemetry data (corrected by the tortuosity‐related correction factor) and those attained with the weighted approach. However, the original approach used to estimate the DR based on camera‐trap data underestimated this parameter. The DR estimated with the weighted approach was 12.74 km·day−1 ± (se) 1.89. Here, we showed that animals’ behaviour should be taken into account to estimate the DR when working with species that behave differently in front of cameras. These results may be relevant not only for REM, but also for movement ecology, disease dynamics and population monitoring methods.
Sediment distribution and accumulation in Lake Naivasha, Kenya over the past 50 years
Authors: Maina Caroline W. , Sang Joseph K. , Raude James M. , Mutua Benedict M. , Moriasi Daniel N.
Published: July 2019

Although surface waterbodies are water sources for socio‐economic activities and ecosystems, their functions are threatened by sedimentation. Sedimentation of lakes and reservoirs can result in a loss of storage capacity and altered water quality. The present study assessed the sedimentation status of Lake Naivasha, Kenya, based on sediment distribution and accumulation over the past 50 years, using a Bathymetric Survey System (BSS). The BSS uses multi‐frequency Acoustic Profiling System (APS) to map recently deposited sediments. Sediment core samples were collected with a vibe‐ coring device and dated. Sediment layers corresponding to a period of the past 20 and 50 years were identified. Sediment cores and acoustic images were subsequently used to determine sediment thickness within the lake. The collected depth data from multi‐frequency APS, and dated cores were processed in DepthPic and Surfer software. The sediment depth was extracted in DepthPic, while the sediment volume and distribution were generated from Surfer software. The results from present study indicated that sediment distribution varied from one part of the lake to another for the past 20 and 50 years. High sediment thickness observed in the south‐west and eastern parts of the lake. Between 1996–2016 and 1966–2016 periods, the maximum accumulated sediment thickness was found to be about 0.55 and 1.9 m, with an average sediment thickness of 0.25 and 0.56 m, respectively. The mean sediment load corresponding to the 1966–1996 and 1996–2016 periods was 2.78 × 105 and 4.61 × 105 t/year, respectively. It was found that sediment load into Lake Naivasha has been increasing in the recent past. Based on the present the study, it was found that combined use of BSS, sediment cores and dating can be adopted in many lakes and reservoirs to determine sediment thicknesses even where no prior bathymetric surveys exist for comparison.
An automated fractionation mapping algorithm for mapping of scar‐based ventricular tachycardia
Authors: Launer Hunter , Clark Tom , Dewland Thomas , Henrikson Charles A. , Nazer Babak
Published: July 2019

Background

Mapping and ablation of fractionated electrograms is a common treatment for scar‐based ventricular tachycardia (VT). An automated algorithm has been developed for rapid “fractionation mapping.”

Methods

Electroanatomic maps from 21 ablation procedures (14 scar‐based VT and seven control idiopathic VT/premature ventricular contractions with normal voltage) were retrospectively analyzed using the Ensite Precision fractionation map (fMap; Abbott Laboratories; Abbott Park, IL, USA) algorithm. For each study, voltage maps and 30 fMaps were generated using combinations of parameters: width (5, 10, 20 ms), refractory time (15, 30 ms), sensitivity (0.1, 0.2 mV), and fractionation threshold (2, 3, 5). Parameter sensitivity was assessed by overlap of fractionated areas (fArea) with successful VT ablation sites (defined by entrainment and/or pace mapping). Specificity was assessed by presence of fractionated areas in control patients.

Results

Of the 30 fMap parameter sets tested, seven identified >50% of scar‐based VT ablation sites, and 26 contained <5 cm2 fractionation on control fMaps. Three combinations of fMap width/refractory/sensitivity/threshold parameters met both of the above criteria, and 20/30/0.1/2 identified the most VT ablation sites (79%) and generated 42.3 ± 28.2 cm2 of fArea on scar‐based VT maps compared with 4.9 ± 3.2 cm2 on control maps (P = .001). None of the control patients and 23% of the scar‐based VT patients had VT recurrence at mean 15 month follow‐up.

Conclusion

Careful selection of signal processing parameters optimizes sensitivity and specificity of automated fractionation mapping for scar‐based VT. Real‐time use of fMap algorithms may reduce VT ablation procedure time and improve substrate modification, which may improve outcomes.
Morphological differences among Raphanus raphanistrum populations and their relationship to related crops
Authors: Liu Yongbo , Darmency Henri
Published: July 2019

Wild radish (Raphanus raphanistrum) has developed introgressed populations after hybridization with its cultivated counterpart (R. sativus) in California. Hybridization with various Brassica and Sinapis species is also possible. To determine if hybridization is responsible of the genetic diversity of European populations, six wild radish populations with distinct morphological traits were sampled from geographically distant regions in Europe. Plants were cultivated in an oilseed rape field and in insect‐proof cages. Silique and flower morphology, growth, and reproductive traits were measured. The wild radish populations could be discriminated by the morphological traits, but not related to geographic regions. In particular, populations of one region showed wide variability in terms of silique shape and growth behaviour, and small‐sized flowers. Although the origin of morphological diversity in wild radish is unclear, i.e. native or due to gene flow from the cultivated radish or other Brassicaceae, significant morphological divergence was found that could have relevant effects on plant ecology and adaptation.
Flood‐triggered versus earthquake‐triggered turbidites: A sedimentological study in clastic lake sediments (Eklutna Lake, Alaska)
Authors: Vandekerkhove Elke , Van Daele Maarten , Praet Nore , Cnudde Veerle , Haeussler Peter J. , De Batist Marc
Published: July 2019

Lake sediments in Eklutna Lake, Alaska, reveal the presence of turbidites within varved sequences. These turbidites, which result from flood events and earthquakes, show a similar macroscopic appearance. In order to use turbidites to reconstruct flood variability and/or seismic history in the lake basin, it is crucial to determine the trigger of the turbidity currents. This study examined the turbidite caused by the ad 1964 Great Alaska earthquake as well as turbidites linked to historical flood events in order to differentiate between these earthquake‐triggered and flood‐triggered turbidites. In a suite of samples from throughout the lake, distinctive proxies are identified that can be associated with event‐specific flow characteristics. The study presents straightforward discrimination methods related to the sedimentology and geochemical components of the turbidites. These methods are also applicable to other lakes, particularly proglacial lakes where the sediment composition of onshore and offshore sources is similar. Finally, the discrimination of the turbidite trigger can be used to reconstruct the palaeoflood and seismic history.
Using the board game Borel to illustrate probability calculation
Authors: Johnson Roger W.
Published: July 2019

The Borel board game consists of a series of experiments involving dice rolls, coin flips, or drawing colored balls from bags. Before each experiment is conducted, each player bets for or bets against a statement regarding the random outcome. We suggest that the collection of Borel experiments be used as a resource to illustrate probability calculation.
High ambient temperature leads to reduced FT expression and delayed flowering in Brassica rapa via a mechanism associated with H2A.Z dynamics
Authors: del Olmo Iván , Poza‐Viejo Laura , Piñeiro Manuel , Jarillo José A. , Crevillén Pedro
Published: July 2019

Flowering time is a relevant agronomic trait because is crucial for the optimal formation of seeds and fruits. The genetic pathways controlling this developmental phase transition have been studied extensively in Arabidopsis thaliana. These pathways converge in a small number of genes including FT, the so‐called florigen, which integrates environmental cues like ambient temperature. Nevertheless, detailed and functional studies about flowering time in Brassica crops are scarce. Here we study the role of the FT Brassica rapa homologues and the effect of high ambient temperature on flowering time in this crop. Phenotypic characterization and gene‐expression analyses suggest that BraA.FT.a (BraA02g016700.3C) is decisive for initiating floral transition; consequently, braA.ft.a loss‐of‐function and hypomorphic mutations result in late flowering phenotypes. We also show that high ambient temperature delays B. rapa floral transition by reducing BraA.FT.a expression. Strikingly, these expression changes are associated with increased histone H2A.Z levels and less accessible chromatin configuration of the BraA.FT.a locus at high ambient temperature. Interestingly, increased H2A.Z levels at high ambient temperature were also observed for other B. rapa temperature‐responsive genes. Previous reports delimited that Arabidopsis flowers earlier at high ambient temperature due to reduced H2A.Z incorporation in the FT locus. Our data reveal a conserved chromatin‐mediated mechanism in B. rapa and Arabidopsis in which the incorporation of H2A.Z at FT chromatin in response to warm ambient temperature results in different flowering time responses. This work will help to develop improved Brassica crop varieties with flowering time requirements to cope with global warming.

Open Research Badges

This article has earned an Open Materials Badge for making publicly available the components of the research methodology needed to reproduce the reported procedure and analysis. Methods are available at protocols.iodx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.zmff43n.
Salt hypersensitivity is associated with excessive xylem development in a thermospermine‐deficient mutant of Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Shinohara Shiori , Okamoto Takashi , Motose Hiroyasu , Takahashi Taku
Published: July 2019

In Arabidopsis, spermine is produced in most tissues and has been implicated in stress response, while its structural isomer thermospermine is only in xylem precursor cells. Studies on acaulis5 (acl5), a mutant defective in the biosynthesis of thermospermine, have revealed that thermospermine plays a repressive role in xylem development through enhancement of mRNA translation of the SAC51 family. In contrast, the pao5 mutant defective in the degradation of thermospermine has high levels of thermospermine and shows increased salt tolerance, suggesting a role of thermospermine in salt stress response. Here we compared acl5 with a mutant of spermine synthase, spms, in terms of abiotic stress tolerance and found that acl5 was much more sensitive to sodium than the wild‐type and spms. A double‐mutant of acl5 and sac51‐d, which suppresses the excessive xylem phenotype of acl5, recovered normal sensitivity, while a quadruple T‐DNA insertion mutant of the SAC51 family, which has an increased thermospermine level but shows excessive xylem development, showed increased salt sensitivity, unlike pao5. Together with the result that the salt tolerance of both wild‐type and acl5 seedlings was improved by long‐term treatment with thermospermine, we suggest a correlation of the salt tolerance with reduced xylem development rather than with the thermospermine level. We further found that the mutants containing high thermospermine levels showed increased tolerance to drought and heat stress, suggesting another role of thermospermine that may be common with that of spermine and secondary to that in restricting excess xylem development associated with salt hypersensitivity.
Detection of HEV in naturally infected swine from central Argentina by an optimized HEV/MS2 duplex RT‐qPCR
Authors: Marziali Federico , Acosta Julian , Bolatti Elisa , Mirazo Santiago , Skejich Patricia , Silva Patricia , Brassard Julie , Costaguta Alejandro , Gardiol Daniela , Cavatorta Ana Laura
Published: July 2019

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is currently considered as a global health concern due to the recognition of its zoonotic transmission to humans, mainly from swine, and its association with the development of severe cases of hepatitis in human risk populations. The lack of updated data on HEV state of infection in swineherds of Argentina, and the necessity of robust technologies for its detection in complex biological samples, positions HEV as an emerging issue in public health. Here, we have optimized a RT‐qPCR with internal control for a more precise and accurate HEV RNA detection in swine stool samples. We implemented this optimized molecular tool to analyse the current epidemiological scenario of HEV infection in swine from the core region of commercial activity of Argentina. A total of 135 stool samples were collected from 16 different farms and tested for HEV presence, resulting in 11 positive cases (8.1%). Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that all of them correspond to HEV genotype 3 and that different subtypes circulate in the region. Moreover, two of the detected strains presented a high nucleotide similarity with a previously identified isolate from human sewage discharges, suggesting the zoonotic transmission of HEV to humans. Collectively, this work provides a better understanding of HEV epidemiology in Argentina while contributes to the improvement of HEV detection technologies.
The Impact of Body Language Use of a Conductor on Musical Quality
Authors: Çoşkunsoy Bilgen Özcan , Güdek Bahar
Published: July 2019

In this study, which points out the communication between the choir and conductor, the impact of body language movements of the conductor such as left hand, face, gestures and head on the quality of music in choir is aimed to be analyzed in terms of the fact that as a leader, the conductor, is the most important factor that affects the general music quality of the choir. The study carries an important role as it indicates what affective impacts there can be depending on how the conductor leads “Pulse”, “Measure Beat”, “Left Hand” and “Body Language” and whether this conductive variety has an impact on musical elements such as Note, Tone Quality / Timbre / Sound, Balance / Sound Stability, Intonation, Rhythm, Articulation / Diction, Vocals, Expression / Emotion, Dynamics, Breath, Synchronization/ Togetherness, Motivation in choir. During the experimental process of the study, a  polyphonic piece named “Evening Rise” has been performed by a study group consisted of 29 members who were conducted with the methods of “Pulse”, “Measure Beat”, “Left Hand” and “Body Language” by the choir conductor. Audial and imagery data records obtained from each conduction method have been converted to Mpeg-4 format and evaluated by 9 expert conductors by using musical sub-dimensions such as Note, Tone Quality, Balance, Intonation, Rhythm, Articulation, Expression, Dynamics, Breath, Synchronization and Motivation that appear in Choir Musical Quality Assessment Form. As an outcome of the research, it is observed that “Left Hand” and “Body Language” conduction methods affect motivation, expression, articulation and dynamics steps placed in Choir Musical Quality Assessment Form a lot and that “Pulse” conduction does not affect musical elements sufficiently and that as a consequence of conduction methods of “Measure Beat”, “Left Hand” and “Body Language”, choir musical quality has been affected to a large extend.
The Effect of Pilates Reformer Exercises to Tennis Skills on Tennis Players
Authors: Gül Mine
Published: July 2019

The aim of this study is to determine the effect of reformer pilates trainings on ITN tennis test regarding the elite women aged 16-18 years. The research is done for voluntary participation of 14 elite female tennis players, whose age of training is 10,25 ± 1,72 years and average age 17,35 ± 0,77 years, All athletes were tested on the first day, then they were randomly divided into control (n=7) and experimental (n=7) groups. 90 minutes of pilates training sessions were performed for 3 days/week during eight weeks. The experimental group applied the pilates reformer studies and participated in the team trainings of the control group. After the 8-weeks training program, the last measurements of ITN Skills test were taken from experimental&control group athletes and the results were evaluated by SPSS 22.0 statistical program at 0.05 significance level. No significant difference was found for ITN depth&strength test, vole test, service test and stellar test when the last measurement test parameters of the experimental&control group athletes were compared (p>0.05). There was a significant difference between the two groups in the ITN sensitivity&strength test analysis (p<0.05). As a result, it can be said that 8-weeks duration pilates reformer trainings have an effect on the tennis players' ability to reach the ball on time in parallel and cross-strokes and an effect to have a recovery ability to be ready for the next shot.
Synergistic Antimicrobial Activity by Light or Thermal Treatment and Lauric Arginate: Membrane Damage and Oxidative Stress
Authors: Yang Xu , Rai Rewa , Huu Cuong Nguyen , Nitin Nitin
Published: July 2019

This study highlights an effective antimicrobial processing approach using a novel combination of lauroyl arginate ethyl (LAE) and two different physical treatments, light (UV-A) and mild heat. Both combinations demonstrated synergistic inactivation against a model Gram-negative bacterium or a Gram-positive bacterium or both by a >5-log reduction. Further mechanistic study revealed that oxidative stress is responsible for synergistic inactivation between LAE and UV-A, while both membrane damage and oxidative stress are responsible for the synergistic combination between LAE and mild heat. The mode of action of LAE was further compared to that of polymyxin B and analyzed using artificial membrane model systems and the addition of antioxidants. The proposed combination of LAE and common physical treatments may improve food preservation, food safety, and current sanitation processes for the food industry and the inactivation of pathogenic strains in biomedical environments.
mRNA Degradation Rates Are Coupled to Metabolic Status in Mycobacterium smegmatis
Authors: Vargas-Blanco Diego A. , Zhou Ying , Zamalloa L. Gregory , Antonelli Tim , Shell Scarlet S.
Published: July 2019

The logistics of tuberculosis therapy are difficult, requiring multiple drugs for many months.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
survives in part by entering nongrowing states in which it is metabolically less active and thus less susceptible to antibiotics. Basic knowledge on how
M. tuberculosis
survives during these low-metabolism states is incomplete, and we hypothesize that optimized energy resource management is important. Here, we report that slowed mRNA turnover is a common feature of mycobacteria under energy stress but is not dependent on the mechanisms that have generally been postulated in the literature. Finally, we found that mRNA stability and growth status can be decoupled by a drug that causes growth arrest but increases metabolic activity, indicating that mRNA stability responds to metabolic status rather than to growth rate
per se
. Our findings suggest a need to reorient studies of global mRNA stabilization to identify novel mechanisms that are presumably responsible.
An Intermolecular π-Stacking Interaction Drives Conformational Changes Necessary to β-Barrel Formation in a Pore-Forming Toxin
Authors: Burns Joshua R. , Morton Craig J. , Parker Michael W. , Tweten Rodney K.
Published: July 2019

A unique feature of the CDC/MACPF/SNTX (cholesterol-dependent cytolysin/membrane attack complex perforin/stonefish toxin) superfamily of pore-forming toxins is that the β-strands that comprise the β-barrel pore are derived from a pair of α-helical bundles. These studies reveal the molecular basis by which the formation of intermolecular interactions within the prepore complex drive the disruption of intramolecular interactions within each monomer of the prepore to trigger the α-helical–to–β-strand transition and formation of the β-barrel pore.
The Symmetrical Wave Pattern of Base-Pair Substitution Rates across the Escherichia coli Chromosome Has Multiple Causes
Authors: Niccum Brittany A. , Lee Heewook , MohammedIsmail Wazim , Tang Haixu , Foster Patricia L.
Published: July 2019

It has been found in several species of bacteria that the rate at which single base pairs are mutated is not constant across the genome but varies in a wave-like pattern that is symmetrical about the origin of replication. Using
Escherichia coli
as our model system, we show that this pattern is the result of several interconnected factors. First, the timing and progression of replication are important in determining the wave pattern. Second, the three-dimensional structure of the DNA is also a factor, and the results suggest that mutation rates increase when highly structured DNA is replicated. Finally, biases in error correction, which may be responsive both to the progression of DNA synthesis and to DNA structure, are major determinants of the wave pattern. These factors should apply to most bacterial and, possibly, eukaryotic genomes and suggest that different areas of the genome evolve at different rates.
Using geospatial modelling to estimate the prevalence of adolescent first births in Nepal
Authors: Neal Sarah , Ruktanonchai Corrine Warren , Chandra-Mouli Venkatraman , Harvey Chloe , Matthews Zoe , Raina Neena , Tatem Andrew
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Adolescent pregnancy is associated with significant risks and disadvantages for young women and girls and their children. A clear understanding of population subgroups with particularly high prevalence of first births in adolescence is vital if appropriate national responses are to be developed. This paper aims to provide detailed data on socioeconomic and geographic inequities in first births to adolescents in Nepal, including wealth quintile, education, rural/urban residence and geographic region. A key element is the use of geospatial modelling to develop estimates for the prevalence of adolescent births at the district level.

Methods

The study uses data from the 2011 Nepal Demographic and Health Survey. Initial cross-tabulations present disaggregated data by socioeconomic status and basic geographic region. Estimates of prevalence of adolescent first births at the district level are creating by regression modelling using the Integrated Nested Laplace Approximation package in R software.

Results

Our findings show that 40% of women had given birth before the age of 20 years, with 5% giving birth before 16 years. First births to adolescents remain common among poorer, less educated and rural women. Geographic disparities are striking, with estimates for the percentage of women giving birth before 20 years ranging from 35% to 53% by region. District level estimates showed even more marked differentials (26%–67% had given birth by 20 years), with marked heterogeneity even within regions. In some districts, estimates for the prevalence of first birth among the youngest age groups (<16 years) are high.

Conclusion

Important geographic and socioeconomic inequities exist in adolescent first births. In some districts and within some subgroups, there remain high levels of adolescent first births, including births to very young adolescents. The use of Bayesian geospatial modelling techniques can be used by policymakers to target resources.
Geographic access to emergency obstetric services: a model incorporating patient bypassing using data from Mozambique
Authors: Keyes Emily B , Parker Caleb , Zissette Seth , Bailey Patricia E , Augusto Orvalho
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Targeted approaches to further reduce maternal mortality require thorough understanding of the geographic barriers that women face when seeking care. Common measures of geographic access do not account for the time needed to reach services, despite substantial evidence that links proximity with greater use of facility services. Further, methods for measuring access often ignore the evidence that women frequently bypass close facilities based on perceptions of service quality. This paper aims to adapt existing approaches for measuring geographic access to better reflect women’s bypassing behaviour, using data from Mozambique.

Methods

Using multiple data sources and modelling within a geographic information system, we calculated two segments of a patient’s time to care: (1) home to the first preferred facility, assuming a woman might travel longer to reach a facility she perceived to be of higher quality; and (2) referral between the first preferred facility and facilities providing the highest level of care (eg, surgery). Combined, these two segments are total travel time to highest care. We then modelled the impact of expanding services and emergency referral infrastructure.

Results

The combination of upgrading geographically strategic facilities to provide the highest level of care and providing transportation to midlevel facilities modestly increased the percentage of the population with 2-hour access to the highest level of care (from 41% to 45%). The mean transfer time between facilities would be reduced by 39% (from 2.9 to 1.8 hours), and the mean total journey time by 18% (from 2.5 to 2.0 hours).

Conclusion

This adapted methodology is an effective tool for health planners at all levels of the health system, particularly to identify areas of very poor access. The modelled changes indicate substantial improvements in access and identify populations outside timely access for whom more innovative interventions are needed.
The Discretized Momentum Operator
Authors: Boykin Timothy B.
Published: July 2019

Discrete versions of continuous models are central to numerical calculations in physics and engineering. A very common problem in setting up a discrete model is how to handle derivatives. There are, for example, three common approximations for the first derivative, and each embeds different properties in the discrete model. Discretizing continuous expressions simplified using rules of calculus is especially problematic, since many different discretizations can stand for the same continuous expression depending on the stage of simplification at which the discretization is carried out. The problems are resolved by requiring that the discrete model satisfies discrete versions of the properties satisfied by the continuous original. We illustrate by using some examples from undergraduate-level one-dimensional quantum mechanics.
The Symmetrical Parabolic Approximation in College Physics
Authors: Davis Basil S.
Published: July 2019

Complicated functions appearing in physics are frequently simplified by a symmetrical parabolic approximation for obtaining useful results. The symmetrical parabolic approximation is employed in many different problems in a first year college physics course. Some examples of this approximation are explored in this article. With the aid of Hamilton’s equations it is shown that the classical formula for the kinetic energy of a particle is a symmetrical parabolic approximation for the more general relativistic formula.
On Chip Reconfigurable CMOS Analog Circuit Design and Automation Against Aging Phenomena
Authors: Afacan Engín , Dündar Günhan , Başkaya Faík , Pusane Alí Emre , Yelten Mustafa Berke
Published: July 2019

Performance of analog circuits degrades over time due to several time-dependent degradation mechanisms. Due to the increased aging problems in ever-shrinking dimensions, reliability of complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor analog circuits has become a major concern. Overdesign is a popular aging-aware circuit design approach, where circuit operation is guardbanded by choosing the design point beyond the optimal region. For the sake of reliability, power consumption and chip area are sacrificed in this approach, which is undesirable considering strict energy limitations in modern applications. Conversely, Sense and React (S8R) approach serves the same purpose without any additional power consumption, in which degradation of circuit features is detected by online monitoring and recovered immediately. Furthermore, such systems enable remote control and healing of circuits. However, design of an S8R system is quite complicated. In particular, determination of efficient aging signatures and design of recovery strategy are highly challenging problems. This study thoroughly discusses the design process of S8R systems and proposes computer-aided-design-based design strategies that reduce the designer effort considerably. A novel design automation tool for S8R systems was developed, in which signature selection and recovery determination were integrated. To demonstrate proposed design strategies, two different S8R systems are implemented, simulated, and discussed in detail.
Scalable Deep Learning via I/O Analysis and Optimization
Authors: Pumma Sarunya , Si Min , Feng Wu-Chun , Balaji Pavan
Published: July 2019

Scalable deep neural network training has been gaining prominence because of the increasing importance of deep learning in a multitude of scientific and commercial domains. Consequently, a number of researchers have investigated techniques to optimize deep learning systems. Much of the prior work has focused on runtime and algorithmic enhancements to optimize the computation and communication. Despite these enhancements, however, deep learning systems still suffer from scalability limitations, particularly with respect to data I/O. This situation is especially true for training models where the computation can be effectively parallelized, leaving I/O as the major bottleneck. In fact, our analysis shows that I/O can take up to 90% of the total training time. Thus, in this article, we first analyze LMDB, the most widely used I/O subsystem of deep learning frameworks, to understand the causes of this I/O inefficiency. Based on our analysis, we propose LMDBIO—an optimized I/O plugin for scalable deep learning. LMDBIO includes six novel optimizations that together address the various shortcomings in existing I/O for deep learning. Our experimental results show that LMDBIO significantly outperforms LMDB in all cases and improves overall application performance by up to 65-fold on a 9,216-core system.
Accuracy of Pelvic Ultrasound in Diagnosing Adnexal Torsion
Authors: Ghulmiyyah Labib , Nassar Anwar , Sassine Dib , Khoury Sally , Nassif Joseph , Ramadan Hadi , Najem Elie , Berjawi Ghina
Published: July 2019

Ovarian/adnexal torsion is a rather frequent occurrence in women of reproductive age group worldwide. Etiologies are quite diverse with ovarian lesions and corpus luteal cysts being the most two common. Pelvic or intravaginal ultrasound remains the first-line imaging modality used for diagnosis and evaluation of suspected ovarian/adnexal torsion. In this study, we have adopted a case-based statistical analysis to identify important sonographic markers and further evaluated their contribution in identifying ovarian torsion. Our study successfully determined the important sonographic markers. Our observation and analysis suggest that ovarian enlargement is the most sensitive marker. Ovarian edema was found to be the most specific marker to identify the ovarian torsion with higher level of accuracy and confidence. This pioneer study will provide valuable information and direction to the medical practitioners and radiologists for better diagnosis. Further studies with large sample size will help in establishing our findings universally.
Experimental and Numerical Investigation into Formation of Metro Wheel Polygonalization
Authors: Cai Wubin , Chi Maoru , Tao Gongquan , Wu Xingwen , Wen Zefeng
Published: July 2019

We present a detailed investigation of the mechanism of metro wheel polygonal wear using on‐site experiments and numerical simulation. More than 70% of metro wheels exhibit 6th–8th harmonic‐order polygonal wear; the excitation frequency of the polygonal wear is located in the 50–70 Hz interval at an operating speed of 65–75 km/h. To determine the root cause of the polygonal wear, a dynamic train behavior test is conducted immediately after wheel reprofiling. The results suggest a natural mode resonance in the vehicle/track system, whose frequency coincides with the passing frequency of the 6th–8th order polygonalization. The magnitude of the resonance increases significantly when the vehicle runs on a monolithic concrete bed with DTVI2 fasteners. Thus, a corresponding coupled vehicle/track dynamic model is established and validated by comparing the calculated frequency response functions (FRFs) of tracks and dynamic responses of axlebox acceleration with the measured values. Using multiple timescales, the dynamic model and Archard wear model are integrated in a closed loop for long‐term polygonal wear prediction. The simulated and measured evolution of polygonal wear show good agreement. By combining simulation results and experimental data, we suggest that the P2 resonance is the main contributor to the high amplitude of wheel/rail contact forces in the 50–70 Hz frequency range and the reason for subsequent polygonal wear. Parametric studies show that the dominant order decreases as vehicle speeds increase, representing a “frequency‐constant” mechanism. The wheelset flexibility, especially the bending mode, would aggravate the wheel/rail creepage and further accelerate the formation of polygonal wear. Higher rail pad stiffness will increase P2 resonance frequency and shift the dominant wheel to higher polygonal orders.