bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elites, communities and the limited benefits of mentorship in electronic music
Authors: Janosov Milán , Musciotto Federico , Battiston Federico , Iñiguez Gerardo
Published: February 2020

While the emergence of success in creative professions, such as music, has been studied extensively, the link between individual success and collaboration is not yet fully uncovered. Here we aim to fill this gap by analyzing longitudinal data on the co-releasing and mentoring patterns of popular electronic music artists appearing in the annual Top 100 ranking of DJ Magazine. We find that while this ranking list of popularity publishes 100 names, only the top 20 is stable over time, showcasing a lock-in effect on the electronic music elite. Based on the temporal co-release network of top musicians, we extract a diverse community structure characterizing the electronic music industry. These groups of artists are temporally segregated, sequentially formed around leading musicians, and represent changes in musical genres. We show that a major driving force behind the formation of music communities is mentorship: around half of musicians entering the top 100 have been mentored by current leading figures before they entered the list. We also find that mentees are unlikely to break into the top 20, yet have much higher expected best ranks than those who were not mentored. This implies that mentorship helps rising talents, but becoming an all-time star requires more. Our results provide insights into the intertwined roles of success and collaboration in electronic music, highlighting the mechanisms shaping the formation and landscape of artistic elites in electronic music.
Nitrogen sufficiency enhances thermal tolerance in habitat-forming kelp: implications for acclimation under thermal stress
Authors: Fernández Pamela A. , Gaitán-Espitia Juan Diego , Leal Pablo P. , Schmid Matthias , Revill Andrew T. , Hurd Catriona L.
Published: February 2020

Local and global changes associated with anthropogenic activities are impacting marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Macroalgae, especially habitat-forming species like kelp, play critical roles in temperate coastal ecosystems. However, their abundance and distribution patterns have been negatively affected by warming in many regions around the globe. Along with global change, coastal ecosystems are also impacted by local drivers such as eutrophication. The interaction between global and local drivers might modulate kelp responses to environmental change. This study examines the regulatory effect of NO3− on the thermal plasticity of the giant kelp Macrocystis pyrifera. To do this, thermal performance curves (TPCs) of key temperature-dependant traits–growth, photosynthesis, NO3− assimilation and chlorophyll a fluorescence–were examined under nitrate replete and deplete conditions in a short-term incubation. We found that thermal plasticity was modulated by NO3− but different thermal responses were observed among traits. Our study reveals that nitrogen, a local driver, modulates kelp responses to high seawater temperatures, ameliorating the negative impacts on physiological performance (i.e. growth and photosynthesis). However, this effect might be species-specific and vary among biogeographic regions – thus, further work is needed to determine the generality of our findings to other key temperate macroalgae that are experiencing temperatures close to their thermal tolerance due to climate change.
CCN1 promotes hepatic steatosis and inflammation in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Ju Linling , Sun Yan , Xue Hong , Chen Lin , Gu Chunyan , Shao Jianguo , Lu Rujian , Luo Xi , Wei Jue , Ma Xiong , Bian Zhaolian
Published: February 2020

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by increased uptake and accumulation of lipids in hepatocytes. Simple steatosis may progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with inflammation, hepatocellular injury and fibrosis. CCN1 is an important matrix protein that regulates cell death and promotes immune cell adhesion and may potentially control this process. The role of CCN1 in NASH remains unclear. We investigated the role of CCN1 in the pathogenesis of steatohepatitis. CCN1 upregulation was found to be closely related with steatosis in patients with NASH, obese mice and a FFA-treated hepatocyte model. Controlling the expression of CCN1 in murine NASH models demonstrated that CCN1 increased the severity of steatosis and inflammation. From the sequence results, we found that fatty acid metabolism genes were primarily involved in the MCD mice overexpressing CCN1 compared to the control. Then, the expression of fatty acid metabolism genes was determined using a custom-designed pathway-focused qPCR-based gene expression array. Expression analysis showed that CCN1 overexpression significantly upregulated the expression of fatty acid metabolism-associated genes. In vitro analysis revealed that CCN1 increased the intracellular TG content, the pro-inflammatory cytokines and the expression level of apoptosis-associated proteins in a steatosis model using murine primary hepatocytes. We identified CCN1 as an important positive regulator in NASH.
Diabetes and all-cause mortality, a 18-year follow-up study
Authors: Salehidoost Rezvan , Mansouri Asieh , Amini Massoud , Aminorroaya Yamini Sima , Aminorroaya Ashraf
Published: February 2020

This study compared mortality rates and decline in life expectancy of Iranian patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) with the general population. A retrospective study of 2451 patients with T2DM was conducted in the Isfahan Endocrine and Metabolism Research Center, Iran, between 1992 and 2010. The mean (SD) of diabetes duration and median (Q1,Q3) of follow-up period were 15.5(8.0) and 8(5, 10) years. The main outcome was all-cause mortality. 732(29.87%) of patients died during the follow-up. Overall mortality rates (95%CI) per 1000 person-years in men and women were 56.3(52.0–62.1) and 27.3(24.5–30.4), respectively. The relative risks (95%CI) of all-cause mortality in males vs. females with T2DM aged 45–49, 50–54, 55–59, 60–64, 65–69, 70–74 were [3.02(1.49–6.11) vs. 2.09(0.96–4.57)], [4.05(2.73–6.01) vs. 2.29(1.52–3.45)], [4.13(3.26–5.24) vs. 1.70(1.23–2.35)], [2.42(1.90–3.07) vs. 1.82(1.46–2.27)], [2.36(2.02–2.76) vs. 1.49(1.25–1.78)] and [1.71(1.50–1.95) vs. 1.04(0.88–1.23)] times more than the general population, respectively. Men and women living with diabetes lost an average of 13.2(6.3) and 13.9(6.0) life-years from the year of diagnosis, respectively (p = 0.101). The estimated life-years lost were greater in younger patients and a gradual decline was observed with increasing the age at diagnosis. In conclusion, Iranians with diabetes had higher risk of death and lower life expectancy compared to the general population.
Effect of T. spiralis Serine protease inhibitors on TNBS-induced experimental colitis mediated by Macrophages
Authors: Xu Jingyun , Wu Lijia , Yu Pengcheng , Sun Yichun , Lu Yixin
Published: February 2020

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an autoimmune disease with increasing incidence rate, and divided into ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD). And more and more experimental evidence supports that immune disorder is important in the pathogenesis of IBD. Our previous experiments have confirmed that TsKaSPI and TsAdSPI recombinant proteins could relieve TNBS (2,4,6-Trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid solution)-induced colitis. Therefore, we speculate that macrophages play a certain role in the process of recombinant protein relieving colitis. In this experiment, 96 male BALB/c mice aged 6–8 weeks were randomly divided into two groups: the prevention group and the therapy group. Changes of the ratio of M1/M2 phenotypic macrophages in spleens and MLNs, key factors in the IL-33/ST2 and IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway were detected. The purpose is to analyze the specific role played by macrophages and their secreted cytokines in the immunomodulation of colitis by Trichinella spiralis (T. spiralis) Serine protease inhibitors. The results showed that the percentage of M1 phenotypic macrophages was decreased and M2 phenotypic macrophages was increased in the TsKaSPI + TNBS, TsAdSPI + TNBS group compared with the PBS + TNBS group in the prevention group. Meanwhile, the expression of IL-33 and ST2 were significantly decreased. The key factors of IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway were all significantly increased. In addition, in the therapy group, we found similar results. This experiment demonstrated that macrophages have a certain impact during this process of recombinant protein relieving mouse CD model.
Kinked row-induced chirality driven by molecule–substrate interactions
Authors: Snegir Sergii , Dappe Yannick J. , Kapitanchuk Oleksiy L. , Coursault Delphine , Lacaze Emmanuelle
Published: February 2020

STM measurements on HOPG, MoS2, and Au[111] together with DFT calculations were employed for establishing of the origin of the self-assembly of 4-cyano-4′-n-decylbiphenyl (10CB) with kinked row structures.
Luminescent metal–organic frameworks encapsulating polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons for energy transfer
Authors: Wu Han , Li Mengting , Sun Chunyi , Wang Xinlong , Su Zhongmin
Published: February 2020

A novel MOF with a kaleidoscopic topology as an ideal host matrix that exhibits luminescence energy transfer and quenching behaviour in the presence of a photocatalytic sacrificial electron donor.
Extraction of gallium from simulated Bayer process liquor by Kelex 100 dissolved in ionic liquids
Authors: Raiguel Stijn , Dehaen Wim , Binnemans Koen
Published: February 2020

Ionic liquids are shown to beneficially influence the extraction of gallium by Kelex® 100 from alkaline Bayer process liquors.
Enhanced photocatalytic degradation of 2-thiobenzimidazole by the tris(8-quinolinolato)cobalt(iii) complex through peroxide adduct formation: theoretical and experimental investigations
Authors: Aguilar Carlos Alberto Huerta , Narayanan Jayanthi , López José Abraham Balderas , Flores-Alamo Marcos , Contreras Enrique Fernando Velázquez , Gastélum Karla Alejandra López , Alonzo Fernando Rocha , Cabrera Cristian Brayan Palacios , Cuevas Alan Javier Santiago
Published: February 2020

HOMO–LUMO influenced photocatalytic degradation of 2-thiobenzimidazole through a thermodynamically favored route has been achieved by the cobalt(iii) Schiff base complex.
Chiral differentiation of limonene in chiral nematic liquid crystals
Authors: Shin Yunho , Wang Qian , Yang Deng-Ke
Published: February 2020

Chirality is of great importance in physical and biological systems.
Exploring fuel cell cathode materials usingab initiohigh throughput calculations and validation using carbon supported Pt alloy catalysts
Authors: Sarwar Misbah , Gavartin Jacob L. , Martinez Bonastre Alex , Garcia Lopez Sonia , Thompsett David , Ball Sarah C. , Krzystala Arek , Goldbeck Gerhard , French Samuel A.
Published: February 2020

A combined DFT and experimental study of Pt3M alloys activity and stability for oxygen reduction reaction in PEM fuel cells.
Effect of magnetic field on the hydrogen evolution activity using non-magnetic Weyl semimetal catalysts
Authors: Gupta Uttam , Rajamathi Catherine R. , Kumar Nitesh , Li Guowei , Sun Yan , Shekhar Chandra , Felser Claudia , Rao C. N. R.
Published: February 2020

The magnetic field alters the rate of photochemical hydrogen evolution in Weyl semimetals by influencing its electronic properties.
A highly sensitive, stable, scalable pressure sensor based on a facile baking-inspired foaming process for a human–computer interface
Authors: Jeon Guk-Jin , Yeom Hye-In , Jin Taiyu , Kim Jingyu , Yang Junghoon , Park Sang-Hee Ko
Published: February 2020

We report high and versatile performances of 3D macroporous dielectric layers fabricated rapidly and easily using a baking-inspired foaming process.
The Specific Language Impairment/Developmental Language Disorders Forum: Fostering a Discussion of Terminology
Authors: Green Laura
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This prologue provides an introduction to the SIG 1
Perspectives
forum addressing use of a more recently applied term,
developmental language disorder
(DLD), as well as a term that has been used in research for several decades,
specific language impairment
(SLI), to describe children who exhibit language deficits. Included are brief summaries of the 5 articles that comprise the forum.

Conclusion

The articles in this SLI/DLD forum offer perspectives on the use of both terms. Implications include their application in clinical practice, advocacy, research, treatment, funding, and public school speech/language services.
“Order-online-and-pickup-offline” strategy for online direct sale of time-sensitive commodities
Authors: Yang Ge , Zhao Lindu , Kong Nan
Published: February 2020

Although recent decades have witnessed rapid development of e-commerce, direct sale of time-sensitive commodities on e-commerce platforms still faces significant challenges due to the dilemma between short delivery time and high delivery costs. To alleviate these challenges, manufacturers with online retailing operations have attempted to cooperate with offline retailers by using an “order-online, pickup-offline” (OOPO) strategy. To study the problem of effectively implementing the OOPO strategy for time-sensitive commodities, we consider a mechanism under which the manufacturer pays the retailers a cooperative service fee to ensure delivery coordination between the online and offline channels. We develop Stackelberg game-theoretic models to compare the profits of both delivery channels before and after the implementation of the OOPO strategy. By analyzing the models, we derive a feasible range on the cooperative service fee such that both channels are more profitable with the implementation. We further examine the plausibility of implementing the strategy when both channels are required to charge the same price on the commodities, which can lead to both channel coordination and pricing coordination.
Percentage of Gutta-Percha-, Sealer-, and Void-Filled Areas in Oval-Shaped Root Canals Obturated with Different Filling Techniques: A Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy Study
Authors: Hirai Vinicio Hidemitsu Goto , Machado Ricardo , Budziak Maria Carolina Lucato , Piasecki Lucila , Kowalczuck Alexandre , Neto Ulisses Xavier da Silva
Published: February 2020

Objective This study compared different obturation techniques, analyzing percentage of areas filled with gutta-percha, sealer, and voids (PGFA, PSFA, and PVFA, respectively) in oval-shaped root canals.

Materials and Methods A total of 60 extracted human mandibular central incisors were decoronated, instrumented, and irrigated using the same protocol. After drying, the root canal was filled with AH Plus labeled with 0.1% rhodamine B dye using a Lentulo spiral. The filling procedure was performed by dividing the teeth into four groups according to the respective technique: G1, cold lateral condensation; G2, continuous wave of condensation; G3, modified cold lateral condensation using an F3 master cone; and G4, modified continuous wave of condensation using an ISO (International Organization for Standardization) sized 30 gutta-percha cone. Then, slices measuring 1.5 mm in thickness were obtained 3 and 6 mm from the apex and evaluated by confocal laser scanning microscopy to determine PGFA, PSFA, and PVFA.

Statistical Analysis The data were analyzed statistically with analysis of variance and Games-Howell’s tests (p = 0.05).

Results The groups showed no significant differences in the apical third (3 mm from the apex). In the middle third (6 mm from the apex), G3 and G1 showed higher PGFA and PVFA, respectively. G3 showed lower PSFA than G2 and G4. Both cold techniques (G1 and G3) promoted lower PSFA than both warm techniques (G2 and G4).

Conclusions Notwithstanding the limitations of this in vitro study, PGFA, PSFA, and PVFA ranged significantly only in the middle third, as observed by the different filling techniques. Higher PGFA and PVFA values were obtained for G3 and G1, respectively. Both cold techniques promoted lower PSFA than both warm techniques.
Cubic crystals in an x-ray polarization-splitting geometry
Authors: Wallace M. S. , Presura R. , Haque S. , Pohl I. , Lake P. , Wu M.
Published: February 2020

Hexagonal and cubic crystals contain paired sets of internal planes that reflect the linearly polarized components of certain x rays into two separate, perpendicular directions. For the cubic crystals, two distinct crystal orientations provide the same polarization-splitting geometry. One of the orientations may have advantages for plasma spectroscopy by suppressing unwanted reflections. This paper demonstrates the two orientations with a germanium crystal and K characteristic lines from copper and zirconium.
Narrowband, infrared absorbing metasurface using polystyrene thin films
Authors: Mavrakakis K. , Booske J. H. , Behdad N.
Published: February 2020

We present the results of an experimental investigation of polystyrene’s suitability as a dielectric material for designing narrowband, infrared metasurface-based absorbers. Our study included characterization of processing parameters of polystyrene films, such as surface roughness and film thickness, which are critical for device fabrication, and the dielectric properties, which we measured, using spectroscopic ellipsometry. Our results confirm that thin film polystyrene is a relatively low-loss dielectric material at long-wave infrared (LWIR) frequencies. Subsequently, this material was used as the dielectric substrate of a thin, narrowband, metasurface-based absorber at LWIR frequencies. The fabricated narrowband absorber demonstrates excellent performance in the LWIR band with absorptivity as high as 96% and a full-width-at-half-maximum bandwidth of 0.502μm or 4.87%.
Multifractal temporally weighted detrended cross-correlation analysis of multivariate time series
Authors: Jiang Shan , Li Bao-Gen , Yu Zu-Guo , Wang Fang , Anh Vo , Zhou Yu
Published: February 2020

Fractal and multifractal properties of various systems have been studied extensively. In this paper, first, the multivariate multifractal detrend cross-correlation analysis (MMXDFA) is proposed to investigate the multifractal features in multivariate time series. MMXDFA may produce oscillations in the fluctuation function and spurious cross correlations. In order to overcome these problems, we then propose the multivariate multifractal temporally weighted detrended cross-correlation analysis (MMTWXDFA). In relation to the multivariate detrended cross-correlation analysis and multifractal temporally weighted detrended cross-correlation analysis, an innovation of MMTWXDFA is the application of the signed Manhattan distance to calculate the local detrended covariance function. To evaluate the performance of the MMXDFA and MMTWXDFA methods, we apply them on some artificially generated multivariate series. Several numerical tests demonstrate that both methods can identify their fractality, but MMTWXDFA can detect long-range cross correlations and simultaneously quantify the levels of cross correlation between two multivariate series more accurately.
Temperature-dependent nonmonotonous evolution of excitonic blue luminescence and Stokes shift in chlorine-based organometallic halide perovskite film
Authors: Jiang Beng , Li Yue , Zhu Jiabin , Hu Ziting , Zhou Xuemeng , Zhang Yan , Gao Ming , Wang Wenzhen , Jiang Zuimin , Ma Zhongquan , Zhao Lei , Chen Teng , Xu Zhan , Xu Haitao , Xu Fei , Xu Run , Hong Feng
Published: February 2020

The chlorine-based organometallic halide perovskite (Cl-OHP) film with a (001)-preferred orientation and good crystallization has been synthesized by a hybrid sequential deposition process. The photoluminescence and absorption spectra of the Cl-OHP film in the blue light region have been investigated at operating temperatures ranging from 10 to 350 K. The Cl-OHP film shows a strong exciton-related emission of which the exciton binding energies at low temperature and high temperature are 136 meV and 41 meV, respectively. It is found that the blueshift from excitonic luminescence is initially observed at temperature below 175 K, and then, the redshift occurs from 175 to 350 K. Meanwhile, the bandgap of the Cl-OHP film widens with the increase in operating temperature. The nonmonotonous shifts on the emission peak energy are attributed to the competition between the Stokes effect and bandgap widening. This should contribute to the understanding of photophysical processes in Cl-OHP materials and devices.
Multi-reference protocol for (auto)ionization spectra: Application to molecules
Authors: Grell Gilbert , Bokarev Sergey I.
Published: February 2020

We present the application of the spherically averaged continuum model to the evaluation of molecular photoelectron and resonant Auger electron spectra. In this model, the continuum wave function is obtained in a numerically efficient way by solving the radial Schrödinger equation with a spherically averaged molecular potential. Different approximations to the Auger transition matrix element and, in particular, the one-center approximation are thoroughly tested against experimental data for the CH4, O2, NO2, and pyrimidine molecules. In general, this approach appears to estimate the shape of the photoelectron and autoionization spectra as well as the total Auger decay rates with reasonable accuracy, allowing for the interpretation of experimental results.
Cooperative epidemics can lead to major outbreaks
Authors: Mandel Savannah
Published: February 2020

A model based on the message-passing approach describes just how quickly cooperative epidemics can spread.
Preventative and early intervention diabetes-related foot care practices in primary care
Authors: Mullan Leanne , Wynter Karen , Driscoll Andrea , Rasmussen Bodil
Published: February 2020

The aim of this study was to identify current preventative and early intervention diabetes-related foot care practices among Australian primary care healthcare professionals. A survey was developed to obtain information about preventative and early intervention foot care actions, priorities of care, access and referral to expert multidisciplinary foot care teams and adherence to best-practice diabetes-related foot care recommendations. The survey was distributed to GPs and Credentialled Diabetes Educators (CDEs). Surveys were completed by 10 GPs and 84 CDEs. Only 45% of all respondents reported removing the shoes and socks of their patients with diabetes at a consultation. Eighty-one percent of participants reported having access to specialist multidisciplinary foot care teams. Those in urban settings were significantly more likely to report access than those in rural areas (P=0.04). Median scores indicated that participants did not often utilise specialist teams to refer patients with diabetes-related foot ulceration and Charcot’s neuroarthropathy. Only 16% of participants reported having access to specialist foot care telehealth services; patients with diabetes-related foot ulceration and Charcot’s neuroarthropathy were rarely referred to these services. This study is the first Australian study to elicit information about preventative and early intervention diabetes-related foot care practices by GPs and CDEs working in Australian primary care. In the presence of acute diabetes-related foot complications, primary healthcare practitioners are not always adhering to best practice foot care recommendations. Further studies are required to understand the reasons for this and ensure evidence-based best practice foot care delivery to people with diabetes.
Current-phase relation in a short clean josephson junction model: application to MgB2
Authors: Agassi Y D , Oates Daniel E
Published: February 2020

Motivated by recent data on high-quality MgB2 thin films implying that the smaller energy gap has l = 6 (i-wave) symmetry, we consider a simple model for an all-MgB2 symmetric Josephson Junction (JJ). The model assumes an arbitrary-strength delta-function barrier and one-dimensional current conduction. It is shown that in this context a nodal energy gap with i-wave symmetry acts as an isotropic energy gap (s-wave) with an amplitude modified by the energy-gap misalignment-angle with respect to the crystal principal axes. The corresponding exact Green’s function in momentum space is derived employing a novel approach. The ensuing current-phase relations in the strong and weak barrier-strengths limits are calculated and found to confirm known results, e.g., the Ambegaokar-Baratoff current-phase relation. Inspired by an HTS experiment that established the d-wave energy-gap symmetry, we propose a JJ-related experiment with a MgB2 bicrystal to confirm our premise that the smaller energy has i-wave symmetry.
Ambient PM2.5 influences productive activities in public sector bureaucracies
Authors: Kountouris Yiannis
Published: February 2020

Fine particles (PM2.5) can penetrate buildings through ventilation and air conditioning systems, exposing indoors workers to pollution levels similar to those prevailing outdoors. This letter investigates the immediate influence of fine particle pollution on the productive activity of local government bureaucracies, linking novel data on the daily output of local governments in municipalities of the Athens metropolitan area, Greece, to PM2.5 levels recorded nearby. To address biases introduced by omitted variables and measurement error, I use the plausibly exogenous variation introduced by the basin’s horizontal ventilation, instrumenting PM2.5 levels with local wind strength. Estimates suggest a statistically and quantitatively significant negative effect from PM2.5 on the output of public administrations. Increasing PM2.5 levels by 1% decreases the activity proxy by around 0.25%. Results point to the influence PM2.5 can have on activities that are mentally but not physically demanding and suggest that costs from PM2.5 will increase with the share of global income produced by office workers.
The Effects of Mat Pilates Training on Vascular Function and Body Fatness in Obese Young Women With Elevated Blood Pressure
Authors: Wong Alexei , Figueroa Arturo , Fischer Stephen M , Bagheri Reza , Park Song-Young
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND

Effective nonpharmacological interventions targeting the enhancement of vascular function and decline of body fatness (BF) in obese individuals are indispensable for the prevention of hypertension and cardiovascular events in young adults. Mat Pilates training (MPT) has gained significant popularity worldwide, yet its effects on vascular function and body composition are understudied. We examined the effects of MPT on vascular function and BF in young obese women with elevated blood pressure (BP).

METHODS

Twenty-eight young obese women with elevated BP were randomized to an MPT (n = 14) or a nonexercising control (CON, n = 14) group for 12 weeks. Systemic arterial stiffness (brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV)), brachial and aortic BP, wave reflection (augmentation index (AIx)), plasma nitric oxide (NO) levels, and BF percentage (BF%) were assessed before and after 12 weeks.

RESULTS

MPT significantly reduced (P ˂ 0.05) baPWV (−0.7 ± 0.2 m/s), AIx (−4 ± 1%), brachial systolic BP (−5 ± 1 mm Hg), aortic systolic BP (−6 ± 1 mm Hg), and BF% (−2 ± 1%), while significantly increasing plasma NO (6 ± 2 µM) (P ˂ 0.05) compared with CON. MPT improved systemic arterial stiffness, aortic BP, wave reflection, circulating plasma NO, and BF% in young obese women with elevated BP.

CONCLUSIONS

MPT may be an effective intervention for the improvement of vascular function and BF in young obese women with elevated BP, a population at risk for hypertension and early vascular complications.

CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION

Trial Number NCT03907384.
Spatial and temporal variation in morphology in Australian whistlers and shrike-thrushes: is climate change causing larger appendages?
Authors: Onley Isabelle R , Gardner Janet L , Symonds Matthew R E
Published: February 2020

Allen’s rule is an ecogeographical pattern whereby the size of appendages of animals increases relative to body size in warmer climates in order to facilitate heat exchange and thermoregulation. Allen’s rule predicts that one consequence of a warming climate would be an increase in the relative size of appendages, and evidence from other bird species suggests that this might be occurring. Using measurements from museum specimens, we determined whether spatio-temporal variation in bills and legs of Australian Pachycephalidae species exhibits within-species trends consistent with Allen’s rule and increases in temperature attributable to climatic warming. We conducted regression model analyses relating appendage size to spatio-temporal variables, while controlling for body size. The relative bill size in four of the eight species was negatively associated with latitude. Tarsus length showed no significant trends consistent with Allen’s rule. No significant increases in appendage size were found over time. Although bill size in some species was positively correlated with warmer temperatures, the evidence was not substantial enough to suggest a morphological response to climatic warming. This study suggests that climate change is not currently driving adaptive change towards larger appendages in these species. We suggest that other adaptive mechanisms might be taking place.
The Influence of Forests on Freshwater Fish in the Tropics: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lo Michaela , Reed James , Castello Leandro , Steel E Ashley , Frimpong Emmanuel A , Ickowitz Amy
Published: February 2020

Tropical forests influence freshwater fish through multiple pathways, only some of which are well documented. We systematically reviewed the literature to assess the current state of knowledge on forests and freshwater fish in the tropics. The existing evidence is mostly concentrated in the neotropics. The majority of studies provided evidence that fish diversity was higher where there was more forest cover; this was related to the greater heterogeneity of resources in forested environments that could support a wider range of species. Studies quantifying fish abundance (or biomass) showed mixed relationships with forest cover, depending on species-specific habitat preferences. We identify the key challenges limiting our current understanding of the forest–fish nexus and provide recommendations for future research to address these knowledge gaps. A clear understanding of the functional pathways in forest–freshwater ecosystems can improve evidence-based policy development concerned with deforestation, biodiversity conservation, and food insecurity in the tropics.
The Interplay Between Genetic Risk Factors and Proteolytic Dysregulation in the Pathophysiology of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Solà-Tapias Núria , Vergnolle Nathalie , Denadai-Souza Alexandre , Barreau Frédérick
Published: February 2020

Crohn’s disease [CD] and ulcerative colitis [UC] are the two main forms of inflammatory bowel disease [IBD]. Previous studies reported increased levels of proteolytic activity in stool and tissue samples from IBD patients, whereas the re-establishment of the proteolytic balance abrogates the development of experimental colitis. Furthermore, recent data suggest that IBD occurs in genetically predisposed individuals who develop an abnormal immune response to intestinal microbes once exposed to environmental triggers. In this review, we highlight the role of proteases in IBD pathophysiology, and we showcase how the main cellular pathways associated with IBD influence proteolytic unbalance and how functional proteomics are allowing the unambiguous identification of dysregulated proteases in IBD, paving the way to the development of new protease inhibitors as a new potential treatment.
Payoff-Based Belief Distortion
Authors: Jiao Peiran
Published: February 2020

Heterogeneous beliefs often arise among people with the same information but different personally experienced payoffs. To explain this, I propose a mechanism in which experienced payoffs distort beliefs: gains lead an agent to relatively underweight negative new signals and thus to become overoptimistic, whereas losses do the opposite. I experimentally test this mechanism and find behaviour consistent with its predictions. The experiment created a setting where payoffs carried no informational value for Bayesian updating, and thus offered a strong test for the effect of payoffs on beliefs. The findings were robust, and distinct from alternative mechanisms in important ways.
In-hospital interstage improves interstage survival after the Norwood stage 1 operation
Authors: Michielon Guido , DiSalvo Giovanni , Fraisse Alain , Carvalho Julene S , Krupickova Sylvia , Slavik Zdenek , Bartsota Margarita , Daubeney Pierce , Bautista Carles , Desai Ajay , Burmester Margarita , Macrae Duncan
Published: February 2020

OBJECTIVES

The interstage mortality rate after a Norwood stage 1 operation remains 12–20% in current series. In-hospital interstage facilitates escalation of care, possibly improving outcome.

METHODS

A retrospective study was designed for hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) and HLHS variants, offering an in-hospital stay after the Norwood operation until the completion of stage 2. Daily and weekly examinations were conducted systematically, including two-dimensional and speckle-tracking echocardiography. Primary end points included aggregate survival until the completion of stage 2 and interstage freedom from escalation of care. Moreover, we calculated the sensitivity and specificity of speckle-tracking echocardiographic myocardial deformation in predicting death/transplant after the Norwood procedure.

RESULTS

Between 2015 and 2019, 33 neonates with HLHS (24) or HLHS variants (9) underwent Norwood stage 1 (31) or hybrid palliation followed by a comprehensive stage 2 operation (2). Stage 1 Norwood–Sano was preferred in 18 (54.5%) neonates; the classic Norwood with Blalock–Taussig shunt was performed in 13 (39.4%) neonates. The Norwood stage 1 30-day mortality rate was 6.2%. The in-hospital interstage strategy was implemented after Norwood stage 1 with a 3.4% interstage mortality rate. The aggregate Norwood stage 1 and interstage Kaplan–Meier survival rate was 90.6 ± 5.2%. Escalation of care was necessary for 5 (17.2%) patients at 2.5 ± 1.2 months during the interstage for compromising atrial arrhythmias (2), Sano-shunt stenosis (1) and pneumonia requiring a high-frequency oscillator (2); there were no deaths. A bidirectional Glenn (25) or a comprehensive-Norwood stage 2 (2) was completed in 27 patients at 4.7 ± 1.2 months with a 92.6% survival rate. The overall Kaplan–Meier survival rate is 80.9 ± 7.0% at 4.3 years (mean 25.3 ± 15.7 months). An 8.7% Δ longitudinal strain 30 days after Norwood stage 1 had 100% sensitivity and 81% specificity for death/transplant.

CONCLUSIONS

In-hospital interstage facilitates escalation of care, which seems efficacious in reducing interstage Norwood deaths. A significant reduction of longitudinal strain after Norwood stage 1 is a strong predictor of poor outcome.
In defence of a modular curriculum for tasks
Authors: Ellis Rod
Published: February 2020

In this article, I start by distinguishing two approaches to the design of a language curriculum: the structural approach and the task-based approach. I then present my views relating to three key question: Is one approach superior to the other? When implemented, do these approaches result in different classroom processes? Are there advantages in combining the two approaches? I argue that the evidence points to the superiority of a task-based approach, that prior explicit instruction can have a deleterious effect on the performance of tasks and that a curriculum that combines the two approaches is preferable. I conclude by pointing out the flexibility of a modular curriculum that makes it well suited to a variety of instructional contexts.
Clinical characteristics, diagnosis, and risk stratification of pulmonary hypertension in severe tricuspid regurgitation and implications for transcatheter tricuspid valve repair
Authors: Lurz Philipp , Orban Mathias , Besler Christian , Braun Daniel , Schlotter Florian , Noack Thilo , Desch Steffen , Karam Nicole , Kresoja Karl-Patrik , Hagl Christian , Borger Michael , Nabauer Michael , Massberg Steffen , Thiele Holger , Hausleiter Jörg , Rommel Karl-Philipp
Published: February 2020

Aims

Patients with pulmonary hypertension (PHT) are often excluded from surgical therapies for tricuspid regurgitation (TR). Transcatheter tricuspid valve repair (TTVR) with the MitraClip™ technique is a novel treatment option for these patients. We aimed to assess the role of PHT in severe TR and its implications for TTVR.

Methods and results

A total of 243 patients underwent TTVR at two centres. One hundred twenty-one patients were grouped as iPHT+ [invasive systolic pulmonary artery pressures (PAPs) ≥50 mmHg]. Patients were similarly stratified according to echocardiographic PAPs (ePHT). The occurrence of the combined clinical endpoint (death, heart failure hospitalization, and reintervention) was investigated during a follow-up of 330 (interquartile range 175–402) days. iPHT+ patients were at higher preoperative risk (P < 0.01), had more severe symptoms (P = 0.01), higher N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels (P < 0.01), more impaired right ventricular (RV) function (P < 0.01), and afterload corrected RV function (P < 0.01). Procedural TTVR success was similar in iPHT+ and iPHT− patients (84 vs. 84%, P = 0.99). The echocardiographic diagnostic accuracy to detect iPHT was only 55%. During follow-up, 35% of patients reached the combined clinical endpoint. The discordant diagnosis of iPHT+/ePHT− carried the highest risk for the combined clinical endpoint [HR 3.76 (CI 2.25–6.37), P < 0.01], while iPHT+/ePHT+ patients had a similar survival-free time from the combined endpoint compared to iPHT− patients (P = 0.48). In patients with isolated tricuspid procedure (n = 131) a discordant iPHT+/ePHT− diagnosis and an impaired afterload corrected RV function (P < 0.01 for both) were independent predictors for the occurrence of the combined endpoint.

Conclusion

The discordant echocardiographic and invasive diagnosis of PHT in severe TR predicts outcomes after TTVR.
Hungarian non-professional dictionaries of first names: Methodological problems caused by the lack of lexicographic and onomastic knowledge
Authors: Slíz Mariann
Published: February 2020

The paper intends to call attention to problems caused by dictionaries of first names made by non-professionals, using such Hungarian dictionaries as examples. The author’s main conclusion is that the editors’ and authors’ lack of lexicographic and onomastic knowledge generally leads to their spreading of incorrect or unreliable information about the origin and etymological meaning of names, or the connection between languages and nations. First, the analysis details the typical characteristics of the three types of non-professional dictionaries (esoteric, anti-Finno-Ugric and ideology-free) compared to professional dictionaries of first names in Hungary, then demonstrates the methodological problems and difficulties of giving the origin and etymological meaning of first names in entries.
Cross-correlation analysis between energy and carbon markets in China based on multifractal theory
Authors: Zou Shaohui , Zhang Tian
Published: February 2020

Global climate change has become the greatest threat to mankind, endangering the ecological security of the earth and the long-term development of human society. Therefore, how to effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions and curb the trend of global warming has become a common challenge facing all countries in the world. Fossil energy combustion is the fundamental cause of climate change. In this paper, the price return series of domestic energy and carbon markets are taken as the research objects. Firstly, the cross-correlation test is used to verify that there is an obvious cross-correlation between the return series of the energy and carbon markets. Based on this, the multifractal characteristics of energy market and carbon market cross-series are empirically studied. The empirical results show that there is an interactive correlation between energy and carbon markets and this relationship has multifractal characteristics; the interactive correlation between return series has multifractal characteristics. The long-range correlation between small fluctuations and large fluctuations and the fat tail distribution of return series are all reasons for the formation of multifractality. These conclusions will help to understand the non-linear dependence and potential dynamic mechanism between energy and carbon markets in China.
Sticker and Emoji Use in Facebook Messenger: Implications for Graphicon Change
Authors: Konrad Artie , Herring Susan C , Choi David
Published: February 2020

This study posits that graphicon use follows an evolutionary trajectory characterized by stages. Drawing on evidence that the uses and functions of emoticons have changed over time and that the introduction of emoji affected the popularity and usage of emoticons, we examine the uses of the newer types, emoji and stickers, and consider the relationship of stickers to emoji. Adapting the apparent-time method from the sociolinguistic study of language change, we compare sticker and emoji use by English-speaking Facebook Messenger users, exploring how they are used and under what conditions using semi-structured interviews and a large-scale survey. Stickers are argued to be more pragmatically marked for emotional intensity, positivity, and intimacy, characteristic of a more recent stage of evolution, while emoji use exhibits signs of conventionalization and pragmatic unmarking. The identification of patterns that characterize evolutionary stages has implications for future graphicon use.
Star formation in accretion discs and SMBH growth
Authors: Dittmann Alexander J , Miller M Coleman
Published: February 2020

Accretion discs around active galactic nuclei (AGNs) are potentially unstable to star formation at large radii. We note that when the compact objects formed from some of these stars spiral into the central supermassive black hole (SMBH), there is no radiative feedback and therefore the accretion rate is not limited by radiation forces. Using a set of accretion disc models, we calculate the accretion rate on to the central SMBH in both gas and compact objects. We find that the time-scale for an SMBH to double in mass can decrease by factors ranging from ∼0.7 to as low as ∼0.1 in extreme cases, compared to gas accretion alone. Our results suggest that the formation of extremely massive black holes at high redshift may occur without prolonged super-Eddington gas accretion or very massive seed black holes. We comment on potential observational signatures as well as implications for other observations of AGNs.
Cyclic di-AMP, a second messenger of primary importance: tertiary structures and binding mechanisms
Authors: He Jin , Yin Wen , Galperin Michael Y , Chou Shan-Ho
Published: February 2020

Cyclic diadenylate (c-di-AMP) is a widespread second messenger in bacteria and archaea that is involved in the maintenance of osmotic pressure, response to DNA damage, and control of central metabolism, biofilm formation, acid stress resistance, and other functions. The primary importance of c-di AMP stems from its essentiality for many bacteria under standard growth conditions and the ability of several eukaryotic proteins to sense its presence in the cell cytoplasm and trigger an immune response by the host cells. We review here the tertiary structures of the domains that regulate c-di-AMP synthesis and signaling, and the mechanisms of c-di-AMP binding, including the principal conformations of c-di-AMP, observed in various crystal structures. We discuss how these c-di-AMP molecules are bound to the protein and riboswitch receptors and what kinds of interactions account for the specific high-affinity binding of the c-di-AMP ligand. We describe seven kinds of non-covalent–π interactions between c-di-AMP and its receptor proteins, including π–π, C–H–π, cation–π, polar–π, hydrophobic–π, anion–π and the lone pair–π interactions. We also compare the mechanisms of c-di-AMP and c-di-GMP binding by the respective receptors that allow these two cyclic dinucleotides to control very different biological functions.
May I Hug You? Supporting Personal Boundaries in the Health Care Setting
Authors: Paradisi Julianna
Published: February 2020

Updated several times a week with posts by a wide variety of authors, AJN's blog Off the Charts allows us to provide more timely—and often more personal—perspectives on professional, policy, and clinical issues. Best of the Blog will be a regular column to draw the attention of AJN readers to posts we think deserve a wider audience. To read more, please visit: www.ajnoffthecharts.com.
Use of an Academic Electronic Health Record With an Interprofessional Simulation for Advanced Practice Nursing Students
Authors: King Tara Spalla , Schubert Carolyn , Pittman Oralea , Rohrig Lisa , McClerking Carolyn , Barthelmas Tiffin
Published: February 2020

Simulation with interprofessional teams provides case management opportunities for advanced practice RN students they may not encounter in preceptorships. We designed standardized patient simulations to improve health care safety and outcomes; an academic electronic health record was used in some simulations. We report quality improvement findings from 74 APRN students who completed a survey with open-ended questions. We found that simulation in interprofessional teams positively impacted role immersion, confidence, problem-solving skills, and teamwork. Use of the academic electronic health record added realism. The findings are being incorporated as part of continuous quality improvement in the teaching-learning process.
Adverse Childhood Experiences Among Gynecology Patients With Chronic Pelvic Pain
Authors: Krantz Tessa E. , Andrews Nicholas , Petersen Timothy R. , Dunivan Gena C. , Montoya Maria , Swanson Naomi , Wenzl Cynthia K. , Zambrano Julissa R. , Komesu Yuko M.
Published: February 2020

(Abstracted from Obstet Gynecol 2019;134:1087–1095)

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP)—defined as noncyclic pain present for 6 months or more—is associated with disability, impaired function, depression, and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder. Although its underlying pathophysiology is unclear, there appears to be associated psychosocial components.
Planned Early Delivery or Expectant Management for Late Preterm Pre-eclampsia (PHOENIX): A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Chappell Lucy C. , Brocklehurst Peter , Green Marcus E. , Hunter Rachael , Hardy Pollyanna , Juszczak Edmund , Linsell Louise , Chiocchia Virginia , Greenland Melanie , Placzek Anna , Townend John , Marlow Neil , Sandall Jane , Shennan Andrew
Published: February 2020

(Abstracted from Lancet 2019;394:1181–1190)

Standard management of preeclampsia involves maternal and fetal assessment and careful consideration of timely delivery that strikes a balance between maternal and perinatal morbidity. In women with preeclampsia after 37 weeks of gestation, most national guidelines recommend urgent delivery.
Estimating Yields of Prenatal Carrier Screening and Implications for Design of Expanded Carrier Screening Panels
Authors: Guo Michael H. , Gregg Anthony R.
Published: February 2020

(Abstracted from Genet Med 2019;21:1940–1947)

Prenatal genetic carrier screening once had a limited focus on a small number of genetic variants for a handful of conditions in high-risk populations. Today, screening occurs across multiple variants in many ancestry groups.