bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
4. Fachmesse Krankenhaus Technologie und Fachtagung Technik im Krankenhaus: Der Fluch der ersten Zahl
Authors: Thalmayr Maria
Published: September 2019

Projekte scheitern oft schon bei einer falschen oder zu ungenauen Planung und der Kommunikation unsicherer Daten. Jeder im Krankenhaus weiß von großen und kleinen Vorhaben, die alles andere als optimal oder zumindest verbesserungswürdig gelaufen sind. Auf ihrer gemeinsamen Fachtagung Technik im Krankenhaus am 17. und 18. September in Gelsenkirchen gehen die Fachvereinigung Krankenhaustechnik und die Wissenschaftliche Gesellschaft für Krankenhaustechnik klassischen Fallen und Fehlern beim Management von Projekten auf den Grund. Methoden, Werkzeuge und jede Menge Best Practice zum Thema Projektarbeit – die mittlerweile fast die Hälfte unserer Zeit im Job in Anspruch nimmt – schaffen eine Grundlage für wertschöpfende Innovation. NASA-Strategien, Insidertipps von erfahrenen Projektmanagern, nicht nur aus dem Bausektor sowie natürlich von Projektfüchsen aus dem Krankenhaus, machen Stake Holder aus dem Gesundheitswesen zu kreativen Machern eines erfolgreichen Gesundheitswesens.
„Helden Der Arbeit“: Mit Corporate Influencern authentisch rekrutieren und werben
Authors: Heeser Alexandra
Published: September 2019

Corporate Influencer können eine Riesen-Chance sein und die klas-sische Unternehmenskommunikation ergänzen. Auch für Kliniken lohnt sich ein Blick über den Tellerrand ihrer bisherigen, traditionellen Kommunikations- und Recruitingtools. Denn mit Corporate Influencern können Krankenhäuser nicht nur ihre Schwerpunkte kommunizieren, sondern auch die gewünschten Zielgruppen besser erreichen.
Konzertierte Aktion Pflege: Allgemeinverbindlicher Branchenvertrag für die Pflege in Sicht
Authors: Eyer Eckhard
Published: September 2019

In Deutschland besteht seit einigen Jahren ein Pflegenotstand in Krankenhäusern, Rehabilitationsein-richtungen und Einrichtungen der Altenpflege. Die Bezahlung im Pflegeberuf erfolgt teils nach Tarifvertrag des öffentlichen Dienstes (TVöD) und daran angelehnten Tarifwerken, teils völlig außertariflich. Das macht den Pflegeberuf nicht unbedingt attraktiver.
Smart Hospital: Forward thinking: Produkte und Lösungen für die Patienten von morgen
Authors: Heeser Alexandra
Published: September 2019

Das Gesundheitswesen steht aufgrund der aktuell gestellten Weichen im Digitalisierungsgesetz und nicht zuletzt wegen des drohenden Ärztemangels vor einem digitalen Umbruch. Wie kann das Profil eines modernen Gesundheitsdienstleisters von morgen aussehen? kma sprach hierzu mit Enrico Jensch von der Holding Helios Health.
Digitalisierung im Gesundheitswesen: Was wir von Estland lernen können
Authors: Bittroff Martina , Mittelstaedt Gert von
Published: September 2019

Die Digitalisierung im deutschen Gesundheitswesen ist eine große Herausforderung. Wie Estland diese bereits seit über 10 Jahre meistert und die Blockchain-Technologie im Bereich der Bürgerdienste und des Gesundheitssystems kosteneffizient nutzt, wird in diesem Artikel aufgezeigt.
Wissenschaftspark Gelsenkirchen 17. und 18. September 2019: Technik im Krankenhaus – Projektmanagement
Authors: Brüning Cord , Fouckhardt-Bradt Birgit
Published: September 2019

In 2019 gemeinsam: WGKT und FKT integrieren die Fachtagung Technik im Krankenhaus in die Fachmesse Krankenhaus Technologie. Die Fachtagung mit dem Schwerpunktthema „Projektmanagement“, zahlreiche Workshops und die Fachmesse mit über 60 Ausstellern bilden „das“ Jahresevent 2019 für alle Krankenhaustechniker, Entscheider und Unternehmen der Branche.
Spannungsfeld Integrierte Versorgung: Die Politik muss handeln!
Authors: Spitzer Stefan G.
Published: September 2019

Über den richtigen Weg zur Überwindung der sektoralen Barrieren gehen die Meinungen immer weiter auseinander. Dabei droht die sektorenübergreifende Zusammenarbeit im Schnittstellenbereich von ambulant und stationär ins Hintertreffen zu geraten.
Editorial: Künstliche Intelligenz als Treiber neuer Geschäftsmodelle
Authors: Wibbeling Sebastian
Published: September 2019

Digitalisierung – Krankenhaus 4.0 – Mobile Devices – Maschine Learning – Künstliche Intelligenz sind nur einige Schlagworte, mit denen sich Krankenhäuser derzeit, aber auch zukünftig intensiv auseinandersetzen müssen. Unbestritten sind für Krankenhäuser dies die Herausforderungen der Zukunft – und die Zukunft beginnt jetzt im Hier und Heute.
Zukunft Krankenhaus-Einkauf: Preisverleihung Hospital Supplier Award
Authors: Bannwarth Ralf
Published: September 2019

Im Mai 2019 wurde zum ersten Mal der Hospital Supplier Award verliehen. Der Award soll den Einkäufern mehr Transparenz über vorhandene Konzepte und Lösungen der Industrieunternehmen bieten und den Dialog mit der Industrie aktiv fördern. Die feierliche Preisverleihung hat im Jüdischen Krankenhaus in Berlin stattgefunden.
Lieferantenzähmen leicht gemacht: So können Sie die 6 Prinzipien der Überzeugungskunst von Cialdini gezielt einsetzen
Authors: Schluchtermann Jorg , Reinig Julia
Published: September 2019

In der Kommunikation zwischen Krankenhaus und Lieferanten setzen beide Seiten – die Vertriebler oft bewusst, die Einkäufer zumeist unbewusst – verschiedene Techniken der menschlichen Überzeugungskunst ein. Dieser Beitrag erläutert, wie die sechs Prinzipien der Überzeugungskunst des amerikanischen Psychologen Robert Cialdini von Klinikeinkäufern aktiv und passiv zielführend eingesetzt werden können.
Vom Nutzen des Interessenausgleichs: „Win-Win – What else“?
Authors: Schluchtermann Jorg , Heller Johannes
Published: September 2019

Ohne Win-Win geht gar nichts. Selbst hartgesottene Monopolisten wissen, dass es langfristig nur Vorteile bringt, wenn ein Interessenausgleich zwischen Lieferanten und Kunden entsteht. Der amerikanische Verhaltenswissenschaftler Roy Lewicki hat bereits Anfang der 90er Jahre mit seiner Matrix Orientierungshilfe für Verhandlungen im Einkauf gegeben.
Einkauf von Medizintechnik: Mit der eigenen Medizintechnik nachhaltig Ergebnisse verbessern
Authors: Hadecke Joachim , Koniger Kim Kristian
Published: September 2019

Neben den notwendigen Sachkostenoptimierungen kommt es gerade in der Medizintechnik darauf an, Mitarbeiter und Führungsteam mitzunehmen, um Abläufe anzupassen und Kostenfresser zu eliminieren.
Prozessoptimierung: Kontinuierliche Verbesserungsprozesse am Beispiel der Alb Fils Kliniken
Authors: Szlamma Steffen , Blodorn Lia Maren
Published: September 2019

Die Alb Fils Kliniken Service GmbH in Göppingen setzt bei der Optimierung ihrer Prozesse auf die Ideen und Vorschläge der eigenen Mitarbeiter. Mit der Einführung eines KVP-Teams und den regelmäßig stattfindenden Besprechungen wurde deutlich, dass das Hauptproblem bei Schnittstellen das Verständnis der Mitarbeiter für die Arbeit der anderen Bereiche ist.
Krankenhaus als Health Care Hub: Smart Hospital Plattform Economy
Authors: Kriegel Johannes
Published: September 2019

Die Plattformökonomie ist ein umfassender Ansatz für wirtschaftlich ausgerichtete sowie digitale Interaktionen und Transaktionen zwischen involvierten Marktteilnehmern. Plattformbasierte Konzepte werden auch im Gesundheits- und Krankenhauswesen zum entscheidenden Differenzierungsfaktor. Neben der digitalen Welt lassen sich die Vorteile der Plattformökonomie auch auf die realen und internen Prozesse und Dienstleistungen im Krankenhaus anwenden.
Schreckgespenst Compliance: Der Einkauf und das Recht – ein Drahtseilakt?
Authors: Mehner Manuela , Meier Bianca
Published: September 2019

Compliance hat den Ruf, dröge zu sein. Für viele ist es eine Mode, von der gehofft wird, sie vergehe bald wieder. Dabei kann ein wirksames Compliance-Management-System (CMS) das Unternehmen selbst sowie dessen Mitarbeiter vor Rechtsverstößen schützen und damit die gute Reputation bewahren helfen.
Lieferengpässe: Wird die Patientenversorgung bedroht?
Authors: Ruch Fabian
Published: September 2019

In den vergangenen Monaten sind immer mehr Einkäuferinnen und Einkäufer direkt von Lieferengpässen betroffen. Die bestellten Produkte erreichen die Krankenhäuser teilweise mehrere Wochen zu spät oder die Lieferanten/Hersteller informieren den Einkauf nur ungenügend. Die Verantwortlichen in der Materialwirtschaft müssen improvisieren, um die Versorgung der Patienten nicht zu gefährden.
An inverse problem in time-fractional diffusion equations with nonlinear boundary condition
Authors: Li Zhiyuan , Cheng Xing , Li Gongsheng
Published: September 2019

This paper deals with the 1D time-fractional diffusion equations with nonlinear boundary condition. We first give an integral equation of the solution via the theta-function and eigenfunction expansion and establish the short time asymptotic behavior of the solution. We then verify the uniqueness of the inverse problem in determining the fractional order by the one endpoint observation whether the nonlinear boundary condition is known or not. Furthermore, in the case when the nonlinear boundary condition is known, we can establish the Lipschitz stability of the fractional order with respect to the measured data at the one endpoint by using the Lipschitz continuity of the solution with respect to the fractional order.
Riddles of the structure and vibrational dynamics of HO3 resolved near the ab initio limit
Authors: Bartlett Marcus A. , Kazez Arianna H. , Schaefer Henry F. , Allen Wesley D.
Published: September 2019

The hydridotrioxygen (HO3) radical has been investigated in many previous theoretical and experimental studies over several decades, originally because of its possible relevance to the tropospheric HOx cycle but more recently because of its fascinating chemical bonding, geometric structure, and vibrational dynamics. We have executed new, comprehensive research on this vexing molecule via focal point analyses (FPA) to approach the ab initio limit of optimized geometric structures, relative energies, complete quartic force fields, and the entire reaction path for cis-trans isomerization. High-order coupled cluster theory was applied through the CCSDT(Q) and even CCSDTQ(P) levels, and CBS extrapolations were performed using cc-pVXZ (X = 2–6) basis sets. The cis isomer proves to be higher than trans by 0.52 kcal mol−1, but this energetic ordering is achieved only after the CCSDT(Q) milestone is reached; the barrier for cis → trans isomerization is a minute 0.27 kcal mol−1. The FPA central re(O–O) bond length of trans-HO3 is astonishingly long (1.670 Å), consistent with the semiexperimental re distance we extracted from microwave rotational constants of 10 isotopologues using FPA vibration-rotation interaction constants (αi). The D0(HO–O2) dissociation energy converges to a mere 2.80 ± 0.25 kcal mol−1. Contrary to expectation for such a weakly bound system, vibrational perturbation theory performs remarkably well with the FPA anharmonic force fields, even for the torsional fundamental near 130 cm−1. Exact numerical procedures are applied to the potential energy function for the torsional reaction path to obtain energy levels, tunneling rates, and radiative lifetimes. The cis → trans isomerization occurs via tunneling with an inherent half-life of 1.4 × 10−11 s and 8.6 × 10−10 s for HO3 and DO3, respectively, thus resolving the mystery of why the cis species has not been observed in previous experiments executed in dissipative environments that allow collisional cooling of the trans-HO3 product. In contrast, the pure ground eigenstate of the cis species in a vacuum is predicted to have a spontaneous radiative lifetime of about 1 h and 5 days for HO3 and DO3, respectively.
Roles of silver nanoclusters in surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Tsuneda Takao , Iwasa Takeshi , Taketsugu Tetsuya
Published: September 2019

The cause for the huge enhancement factors of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) by the addition of small silver nanoclusters is theoretically investigated by focusing on the difference between resonance Raman activity and surface plasmon effects. First, the resonance and off-resonance Raman spectra are calculated using the incident light wavenumbers of the low-lying charge transfer excitations for the surface (S) and vertex (V) complexes of the pyridine molecule attaching to three small silver nanoclusters: Ag5, Ag10, and Ag20. As a result, it is found that the incident radiation dramatically increases the resonance Raman activities with the enhancement factors up to 1012. This indicates that the resonance Raman effects are dominant in the enhancement factors of SERS, at least when to use small silver clusters. It is also found that the resonance Raman spectra significantly depend on the adsorption sites given in S or V complexes, and on the inclusion or exclusion of the long-range correction for density functional theory, irrespective of the size of the silver clusters. The electromagnetic field enhancement effects called “surface plasmon effects” are also examined for the Ag20 cluster to confirm this conclusion. Consequently, the enhancement in the electric field is roughly evaluated as less than one for the static polarizability of this small cluster. It is, therefore, concluded that the resonance Raman activity effect is dominant in the huge SERS enhancement factors for, at least, small silver nanoclusters.
Design and analysis of ground-based operation test bench for complex optical machine functional components
Authors: Lin Jieqiong , Guo Qing , Lu Mingming , Yi Allen , Gao Minghui , Jiang Chenping , Yang Xuemei
Published: September 2019

In order to solve the problem of high cost investment in the detection and debugging of complex optical machine functional components by Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), especially the aerial camera, a novel ground-based operational test bench is presented in this paper, which can realistically simulate the attitude of UAV and could be used for research of the control system. Based on the Lagrange’s equations of motion, the exact dynamic equation of the flight simulation platform for ground-based operational test bench is derived. The structure is driven by Brushless DC motor (BLDCM) torque motor and simplifying the equations under conditions of practice, we derive the mathematical model. The static and dynamic characteristics were carried out by using the finite element theory to explain rationality of the ground-based operational test bench. Through modal analysis, the first six natural frequencies range is between 99.362Hz and 262.37Hz. The natural frequency of the first mode is much larger than the external excitation frequency. So, it is verified that the frequency response of the structure will not resonate. The ground-based operational test bench that is designed in this paper has the advantages of simple structure and low cost.
Theoretical prediction of an isotropic to nematic phase transition in bottlebrush homopolymer melts
Authors: Panagiotou Eleni , Delaney Kris T. , Fredrickson Glenn H.
Published: September 2019

Bottlebrushes are an emerging class of polymers, characterized by a high density of side chains grafted to a linear backbone that offer promise in creating materials with unusual combinations of mechanical, chemical, and optoelectronic properties. Understanding the role of molecular architecture in the organization and assembly of bottlebrushes is of fundamental importance in polymer physics, but also enabling in applications. Here, we apply field-theoretic simulations to study the effect of grafting density, backbone length, and side-chain (SC) length on the structure and thermodynamics of bottlebrush homopolymer melts. Our results provide evidence for a phase transition from an isotropic to a nematic state with increasing grafting density and side-chain length. Variation in the backbone length is also observed to influence the location of the transition, primarily for short polymers just above the star to bottlebrush transition.
The impact of thermoelectric leg geometries on thermal resistance and power output
Authors: Thimont Yohann , LeBlanc Saniya
Published: September 2019

Thermoelectric devices enable direct, solid-state conversion of heat to electricity and vice versa. Rather than designing the shape of thermoelectric units or legs to maximize this energy conversion, the cuboid shape of these legs has instead remained unchanged in large part because of limitations in the standard manufacturing process. However, the advent of additive manufacturing (a technique in which freeform geometries are built up layer-by-layer) offers the potential to create unique thermoelectric leg geometries designed to optimize device performance. This work explores this new realm of novel leg geometry by simulating the thermal and electrical performance of various leg geometries such as prismatic, hollow, and layered structures. The simulations are performed for two materials, a standard bismuth telluride material found in current commercial modules and a higher manganese silicide material proposed for low cost energy conversion in high-temperature applications. The results include the temperature gradient and electrical potential developed across individual thermoelectric legs as well as thermoelectric modules with 16 legs. Even simple hollow and layered leg geometries result in larger temperature gradients and higher output powers than the traditional cuboid structure. The clear dependence of thermal resistance and power output on leg geometry provides compelling motivation to explore additive manufacturing of thermoelectric devices.
A variable-temperature scanning tunneling microscope operated in a continuous flow cryostat
Authors: Wang Jihao , Hou Yubin , Geng Tao , Zhang Jing , Feng Qiyuan , Xiang Kui , Chen Fangchu , Luo Xuan , Sun Yunping , Meng Wenjie , Lu Yalin , Lu Qingyou
Published: September 2019

We present a continuous flow cryostat scanning tunneling microscope (STM) which can be operated at temperatures between 4.9 K and 300 K. A variable temperature insert with 20 mm aperture is installed in the cryostat. A base temperature of 4.9 K at the STM head was achieved with helium exchange gas cooling. By using a novel design of zirconia structure, the size of the STM head was minimized to 9.2 mm in outer diameter. The high compactness and rigidity of the STM head make it less sensitive to vibrations, contributing to the high stability of the tip-sample junction. The drifting rates of the STM at 4.9 K in the X-Y plane and Z direction are 1.96 and 3.05 pm/min, respectively. The performance of the STM was demonstrated by atomically resolved imaging of graphite and NbSe2 without using external vibrational isolation. Furthermore, the dI/dV spectra of NbSe2 were resolved near its critical temperature, illustrating the formation process of the superconducting gap as a function of temperature. This STM is ultrahigh vacuum and strong magnetic field compatible, making it promising for direct application in the extreme conditions involving water-cooled magnets and hybrid magnets.
Subgenomic flavivirus RNA binds the mosquito DEAD/H-box helicase ME31B and determines Zika virus transmission by
Aedes aegypti
Authors: Göertz Giel P. , van Bree Joyce W. M. , Hiralal Anwar , Fernhout Bas M. , Steffens Carmen , Boeren Sjef , Visser Tessa M. , Vogels Chantal B. F. , Abbo Sandra R. , Fros Jelke J. , Koenraadt Constantianus J. M. , van Oers Monique M. , Pijlman Gorben P.
Published: September 2019

Zika virus (ZIKV) is an arthropod-borne flavivirus predominantly transmitted by
Aedes aegypti
mosquitoes and poses a global human health threat. All flaviviruses, including those that exclusively replicate in mosquitoes, produce a highly abundant, noncoding subgenomic flavivirus RNA (sfRNA) in infected cells, which implies an important function of sfRNA during mosquito infection. Currently, the role of sfRNA in flavivirus transmission by mosquitoes is not well understood. Here, we demonstrate that an sfRNA-deficient ZIKV (ZIKVΔSF1) replicates similar to wild-type ZIKV in mosquito cell culture but is severely attenuated in transmission by
Ae. aegypti
after an infectious blood meal, with 5% saliva-positive mosquitoes for ZIKVΔSF1 vs. 31% for ZIKV. Furthermore, viral titers in the mosquito saliva were lower for ZIKVΔSF1 as compared to ZIKV. Comparison of mosquito infection via infectious blood meals and intrathoracic injections showed that sfRNA is important for ZIKV to overcome the mosquito midgut barrier and to promote virus accumulation in the saliva. Next-generation sequencing of infected mosquitoes showed that viral small-interfering RNAs were elevated upon ZIKVΔSF1 as compared to ZIKV infection. RNA-affinity purification followed by mass spectrometry analysis uncovered that sfRNA specifically interacts with a specific set of
Ae. aegypti
proteins that are normally associated with RNA turnover and protein translation. The DEAD/H-box helicase ME31B showed the highest affinity for sfRNA and displayed antiviral activity against ZIKV in
Ae. aegypti
cells. Based on these results, we present a mechanistic model in which sfRNA sequesters ME31B to promote flavivirus replication and virion production to facilitate transmission by mosquitoes.
Expression analysis of genes encoding malectin-like domain (MLD)- and leucine-rich repeat (LRR)- containing proteins in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Sultana Mst Momtaz , Hachiya Takushi , Dutta Amit Kumar , Nishimura Kohji , Suzuki Takamasa , Tanaka Ai , Nakagawa Tsuyoshi
Published: September 2019

Malectin is a maltose-binding endoplasmic reticulum protein conserved in animals. In Arabidopsis thaliana, we identified four genes that encode malectin-like domain (MLD)- and leucine-rich repeat (LRR)-containing proteins (AtMLLRs): two were receptor-like proteins (AtMLLR1 and 2) and the other two were extracellular proteins (AtMLLR3 and 4). The promoter:G3GFP+promoter:GUS assay indicated the organ- and cell-specific expression of the AtMLLR2 and AtMLLR3 genes.

Abbreviations: Cmr: chloramphenicol-resistance marker; G3GFP: G3 green fluorescent protein; GUS: β-glucuronidase; KD: kinase domain; LRR: leucine-rich repeat; MLD: malectin-like domain; RLK: receptor-like kinase; SP: signal peptide; TMD: transmembrane domain; Tnos: nopaline synthase terminator
Common source of light emission and nonlocal molecular manipulation on the Si(111)−7 × 7 surface
Authors: Purkiss Rebecca M , Etheridge Henry G , Sloan Peter A , Rusimova Kristina R
Published: September 2019

The tip of a scanning tunnelling microscope can inject hot electrons into a surface with atomic precision. Their subsequent dynamics and eventual decay can result in atomic manipulation of an adsorbed molecule, or in light emission from the surface. Here, we combine the results of these two near identical experimental techniques for the system of toluene molecules chemisorbed on the Si(111)−7 × 7 surface at room temperature. The radial dependence of molecular desorption away from the tip injection site conforms to a two-step ballistic-diffusive transport of the injected hot electrons across the surface, with a threshold bias voltage of +2.0 V. We find the same threshold voltage of +2.0 V for light emission from the bare Si(111)−7 × 7 surface. Comparing these results with previous published spectra we propose that both the manipulation (here, desorption or diffusion) and the light emission follow the same hot electron dynamics, only differing in the outcome of the final relaxation step which may result in either molecular displacement, or photon emission.
Aspherical and covalent bonding character of d electrons of molybdenum from synchrotron x-ray diffraction
Authors: Sasaki Tomoaki , Kasai Hidetaka , Nishibori Eiji
Published: September 2019

The occupancies and spatial distribution of electrons for 4d-orbitals in pure molybdenum have been experimentally determined by a charge density study from synchrotron radiation x-ray powder diffraction. There are valence charge density maxima in interatomic positions indicating bond formation. The electron deficiencies of Γ12 orbitals were visualized in the observed static deformation density. An electron deficiency of ∼0.5 was observed from the orbital population analysis through multipole refinement. The occupancies and spatial distribution have also been calculated by a density functional theoretical calculation using WIEN2k packages for comparison. The observed features agree well with the theoretical study. In addition, the observed charge density has more covalent bonding character than the theoretical one. The present study confirms that a state-of-the-art x-ray charge density study can reveal the spatial structure of d-electrons in 4d-system.
Relating the small world coefficient to the entropy of 2D networks and applications in neuromorphic engineering
Authors: Onesto V , Romano M , Gentile F , Amato F
Published: September 2019

The study of networks pervades science. The techniques of networks are recently being applied to biomedical disciplines, where the complexity of biomedical systems requires new schemes that can process elevated volumes of data with high efficiency. Artificial neural networks, on which much of artificial intelligence relies, are statistical models partially modeled on biological neural networks. They are capable of modeling and processing nonlinear relationships between inputs and outputs in parallel—in opposition to deterministic models and classical computation schemes, which perform tasks in linear sequences of calculations and may fail to keep up with the challenges of complex biological systems. For these biological or bio-inspired systems, the performance of the networks depends on their topological characteristics. Here, we generated a large number of configurations of points in a plane, in which the entropy s of the configurations was varied over large intervals. Then, we connected points using the Waxman model to obtain the corresponding networks. In correlating the entropy (s) to the small-world coefficient (

SW

) of those networks, we found that SW varies hyperbolically with s as SW = 0.88 + 0.28/s, where s is expressed in millibits per node. Since the entropy of a distribution of points depends in turn on the density of those points in the plane, such a relationship suggests that the distribution of mass (

s

) in a complex system determines the topological characteristics (

SW

) of that system. The small-world-ness of the system, in turn, determines its information efficiency. These findings may have implications in neuromorphic engineering, where chips modeled on biological brains may lead to machines that are able, as for some examples, to diagnose diseases, develop drugs and drug delivery systems faster, design personalized treatments targeted to patient’s needs.
Plasmonic colored nanopaper: a potential preventive healthcare tool against threats emerging from uncontrolled UV exposure
Authors: Francisco-Aldana Leydi , Morales-Narváez Eden
Published: September 2019

Preventive healthcare is crucial to hinder or delay the onset of disease, furthermore it contributes to healthy and productive lifestyles and saves resources allocated to public health. Herein, we explore how the plasmonic coupling of silver and gold nanoparticles embedded within nanopaper allows for potential preventive healthcare tools based on a change in plasmonic color. Particularly, we selected UV radiation exposure as a potential threat to health to be monitored via plasmonic colored nanopaper (PCN). Uncontrolled UV radiation exposure is not only known to provoke epidermal damage, but also to trigger leaching of hazardous compounds from polycarbonate containers. In this context, we engineered UV-responsive PCN devices whose sensing mechanism is based on UV photodegradation of silver nanoparticles. Since absorbance and scattering of metal nanoparticles strongly depend on their size and inter-particle distance, the resulting PCN detectors are able to warn of the potential UV radiation-induced threat via a visually observable plasmonic color change with a yellowish/reddish transition. Epidermal experiments with tattoo-like PCN devices prove the resulting detectors can change in color upon safe dose of sun exposure. Moreover, PCN detectors stuck on polycarbonate containers also change in color after moderate sun exposure. This cost-effective and lightweight nanophotonic device leads to a versatile preventive healthcare tool.
Low Frequency of “Double Molt” of Remiges in Ruddy Ducks Revealed by Stable Isotopes: Implications for Tracking Migratory Waterfowl
Authors: Hobson Keith A. , Brua Robert B. , Hohman William L. , Wassenaar Len I.
Published: September 2019

Ratios of the stable carbon (δ13C) and hydrogen (δD) isotopes in newly grown remiges of Ruddy Ducks (Oxyura jamaicensis) are influenced by the isotopic character of food types and ambient water. Systematic isotopic foodweb and water differences between coastal wintering grounds and prairie breeding grounds of Ruddy Ducks provide the basis for using isotopic analyses of feathers to trace the location and timing of molt. Anecdotal evidence, based largely on captive birds, suggests that Ruddy Ducks replace their remiges twice each year (once each on the breeding and wintering grounds), but a recent literature analysis indicates that this phenomenon is rare. Thus, we investigated the extent to which a biannual molt of the remiges occurs in the wild and at the population level. We analyzed the stable isotopes of carbon (n = 57 birds) and hydrogen (n = 50 birds) in flight feathers to estimate the prevalence of the so-called “double molt” of remiges in free-living Ruddy Ducks. Our data showed that natural populations of Ruddy Ducks express an overwhelming unimodal distribution of isotope ratios in their remiges, suggesting that they undergo a single molt at or near the breeding grounds. Only 3 to 6 of 50 birds from Manitoba showed isotopic evidence consistent with growing remiges on the wintering grounds. Feathers from Ruddy Ducks harvested during the fall in the Mississippi Flyway had isotopic profiles consistent with growth on northern freshwater breeding sites. Thus, our results confirm that the replacement of remiges twice each year by Ruddy Ducks is rare, and they suggest that this dual stable-isotope technique can be used to infer general molting origins of North American waterfowl.
Correcting Nesting-Success Estimates for Observer Effects: Maximum-Likelihood Estimates of Daily Survival Rates With Reduced Bias
Authors: Rotellam Jay J. , Taper Mark L. , Hansen Andrew J.
Published: September 2019

We develop a statistical method that simultaneously estimates daily survival rate and observer effect. We used Monte Carlo simulation to (1) evaluate the performance of the model, (2) compare model performance with models that ignore observer effects, and (3) evaluate methods of choosing between competing models of survival. When observer effects were absent, all models produced unbiased estimates of daily survival rate. In the presence of observer effects, however, models that ignore these effects underestimated daily survival rate. In such cases, estimates of nesting success were strongly affected even when observer effects were relatively small. In contrast, estimates of daily survival rate and nesting success produced by the model that considers observer effects consistently had little bias. However, estimates of daily survival rate from this model were less precise than those from the simpler model. Objective criteria for choosing between competing models did not perform well with sample sizes of 150 to 600 because subtle but important observer effects are difficult to detect. Likelihood-ratio tests had low power for rejecting the null hypothesis of no observer effect over a wide range of levels of observer effect and with sample sizes of 150 to 600. Estimates of daily survival rate from models selected based on Akaike's Information Criterion (AIC) had higher bias than estimates from the model that estimates observer effect when observer effect was present. Estimates from AIC-selected models had lower mean squared error than estimates from the model that estimates observer effect when observer effects were small, but the pattern reversed as effects increased. We recommend that researchers estimate observer effects using the more complex model when observer effects are possible and decide whether to use estimates of daily survival from the simpler or more complex model based on analysis results and simulation or analytic results for relevant sample sizes, daily survival rates, and observer effects. To illustrate use of the analytical techniques, we analyzed field data from Dusky Flycatcher (Empidonax oberholseri) nests monitored during the nestling stage. The observer effect was estimated to be 1.003 (95% CI 0.866 to 1.162); thus, point estimates of daily survival were very similar from the simpler (0.971; 95% CI 0.957 to 0.985) and more complex model (0.970; 95% CI 0.925 to 1.000). In this case, analysis results and simulation results indicate that the simpler model is adequate and provides an estimate of daily survival rate with small potential bias and increased precision compared with an estimate from the more complex model.
Factors Affecting Reed Warbler Risk of Brood Parasitism by the Common Cuckoo
Authors: Clarke Alice L. , Øien Ingar J. , Honza Marcel , Moksnes Arne , RØskaft Eivin
Published: September 2019

In this study we conducted a multiple logistic regression analysis of factors hypothesized to influence the risk of Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus scirpaceus) brood parasitism by the Common Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) on study sites in the south-eastern part of the Czech Republic. We collected data from Common Cuckoo nesting sites surrounding two fishponds. Our logistic regression models were based on the dichotomous dependent variable, parasitism of the Reed Warbler nest, and seven independent variables. Our first model used all data available across sites and years and resulted in a final model in which the only significant contributor was the independent variable “cuckoo view,” the view of host nests from the cuckoo's vantage point in a tree. A second model was developed using data limited to sites and years with the largest sample sizes and expected to yield the most reliable results. That model resulted in three significant contributors: site, cuckoo view, and neighborhood view. In both data sets, the odds of nest parasitism were shown to increase as the view of the host nest became more direct. However, a direct view of the focal nest raised the risk of parasitism to a much greater degree than did a direct view of the neighborhood of nests. Our results provide support for a nest-exposure hypothesis of brood parasitism risk. Although our models have identified nest exposure to be the best predictor of nest parasitism in this system, work remains to unravel the potentially complex relationship among Common Cuckoos, habitat structure, and Reed Warbler hosts.
Function and Temporal Variation in Use of Ossuaries by Bearded Vultures (Gypaetus barbatus) During the Nestling Period
Authors: Margalida Antoni , Bertran Joan
Published: September 2019

We analyze the use and functionality of ossuaries by the Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus) in the Pyrenees during the nestling period. In 71% of cases, the ossuary was used to prepare food for chicks, in 11% for storing food, and only in 18% for preparing the adults' own food. Pairs used an average of two ossuaries at a mean distance from the nest of 789 m (SE ± 377). The average time dedicate to breaking bone was 5.3 min (SE ± 4.2) and 4.5 throws (SE ± 5.8) for each session in the ossuarie (n = 86). The temporal variation found in the use of the ossuaries, with maximum frequencies between 31–90 days of age of chicks, may be due to a possible qualitative variation in chicks' diets. Ossuaries are also used to store food, this being a differentiating and advantageous trait with respect to feeding behavior developed by other meat scavengers.
Growth of Nestling Thick-billed Murres (Uria lomvia) in Relation toParental Experience and Hatching Date
Authors: Hipfner J. Mark , Gaston Anthony J.
Published: September 2019

In many avian species, reproductive success increases with parental age and experience, and declines seasonally. However, it is difficult to evaluate how parental attributes affect reproduction independently of date effects, because young, inexperienced pairs generally lay later than older, experienced pairs. We examined how parental experience and timing affected nestling growth in the Thick-billed Murre (Uria lomvia), an Arctic seabird that lays a single-egg clutch, by taking advantage of a natural contrast made possible by marked within-group synchrony. That is a common feature at murre colonies, and enabled us to monitor the breeding performance of experienced pairs over an extended period that overlapped with breeding by inexperienced pairs late in the season. Whereas growth of offspring raised by experienced parents was unaffected by their hatching date, offspring raised by inexperienced parents grew more slowly than those raised concurrently by experienced parents. Therefore, parental experience influenced nestling growth rates whereas timing did not, a result that accords with previous studies on this species. Absence of direct effects of timing of egg-laying on breeding success of Thick-billed Murres stands in sharp contrast to many other avian species, and seems surprising for an Arctic-nesting species often assumed to be strictly time-constrained in its breeding.
Are Traditional Methods of Determining Nest Predators and Nest Fates Reliable? An Experiment with Wood Thrushes (Hylocichla mustelina) Using Miniature Video Cameras
Authors: Williams Gary E. , Wood Petra Bohall
Published: September 2019

We used miniature infrared video cameras to monitor Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina) nests during 1998–2000. We documented nest predators and examined whether evidence at nests can be used to predict predator identities and nest fates. Fifty-six nests were monitored; 26 failed, with 3 abandoned and 23 depredated. We predicted predator class (avian, mammalian, snake) prior to review of video footage and were incorrect 57% of the time. Birds and mammals were underrepresented whereas snakes were over-represented in our predictions. We documented ≥9 nest-predator species, with the southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans) taking the most nests (n = 8). During 2000, we predicted fate (fledge or fail) of 27 nests; 23 were classified correctly. Traditional methods of monitoring nests appear to be effective for classifying success or failure of nests, but ineffective at classifying nest predators.
Immunogenicity of 2 and 3 Doses of the Quadrivalent Human Papillomavirus Vaccine up to 120 Months Postvaccination: Follow-up of a Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Donken Robine , Dobson Simon R M , Marty Kim D , Cook Darrel , Sauvageau Chantal , Gilca Vladimir , Dionne Marc , McNeil Shelly , Krajden Mel , Money Deborah , Kellner James , Scheifele David W , Kollmann Tobias , Bettinger Julie A , Liu Shuzhen , Singer Joel , Naus Monika , Sadarangani Manish , Ogilvie Gina S
Published: September 2019

Background

Several countries have implemented a 2-dose (2D) human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination schedule for adolescents based on immunobridging studies. We compared immunogenicity of 2D vs 3-dose (3D) schedules of the quadrivalent vaccine (4vHPV) up to 10 years after the first dose.

Methods

Girls aged 9–13 years were randomized to receive 2D or 3D and were compared with women aged 16–26 receiving 3D at day 1 and months 7, 24, and 120 after the first dose. Antibody levels for HPV6/11/16/18 were evaluated using the competitive Luminex immunoassay (cLIA) and total immunoglobulin G assay. Geometric mean titers (GMTs) and seropositivity rates were compared between the different groups at different time points. Noninferiority of GMT ratios was defined as the lower bound of the 2-sided 95% confidence interval (CI) being greater than 0.5. Kinetics of antibody titers over time among study groups were examined.

Results

At 120 months, data from 35 2D girls, 38 3D girls, and 30 3D women were used for analyses. cLIA seropositivity rates were above 95% for all HPV vaccine types and all schedules, except HPV18, with the lowest seropositivity observed among 3D women (60.0%; 95% CI, 40.6%–77.3%). GMT ratios (cLIA) for both 2D and 3D girls were noninferior to 3 doses in women for HPV6/11/16/18. Trends were comparable between assays.

Conclusions

GMTs for HPV6/11/16/18 after 2D or 3D of 4vHPV in girls were noninferior to 3D in adult women up to 120 months postvaccination. This study demonstrates long-term immunogenicity of the 2D HPV vaccine schedule.
Extracapillary proliferation scoring correlates with renal outcome and contributes to stratification in adult patients with immunoglobulin A nephropathy
Authors: Moreno Jhonny L , Rodas Lida M , Draibe Juliana , Fulladosa Xavier , Gomá Montserrat , Garcia-Herrera Adriana , Cruzado Josep M , Torras Joan , Quintana Luis F
Published: September 2019

Background

The revised Oxford classification of diagnostic renal biopsies has been proposed to aid in the prediction of renal outcome. We aimed to validate the histological crescents and interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IFTA) subgrouping, and to investigate the additional value of the proportion of crescents (CatPE) in the prediction of renal outcome.

Methods

Data were retrospectively collected over 10 years, from the time of diagnosis, by systematic review of medical records from 90 patients with renal biopsies recruited to cohorts from two hospitals in Spain. Patients were classified into three groups for the analysis: CatPE >25% (C2), CatPE <25% (C1) and without this type of lesion (C0). The end point was renal survival defined by either >50% reduction in glomerular filtrate rate or end-stage renal disease.

Results

Renal survival at 5 years was 90% in group C0, 81% in group C1 and 31% in group C2 (P = 0.013). The presence of >25% crescents in the sample was associated with more severe disease when compared with <25%, as demonstrated by more interstitial fibrotic change and by lower estimated glomerular filtration rate at diagnosis, as well as worse renal function at 2 and 5 years. At the time of diagnosis and at 24 months, the group with IFTA >50% had poorer renal function compared with the other groups.

Conclusions

We have confirmed the predictive value for renal survival of the revised Oxford classification in a two-centre study. We found worse renal outcome in patients with severe tubulointerstitial fibrosis and atrophy. Patients with extracapillary lesions >25% and IFTA >50% had a worse renal prognosis due to more severe kidney injury. These results contribute to patient stratification in immunoglobulin A nephropathy for therapeutic, epidemiological and basic research.
Biotin supplement interference with immunoassays for parathyroid hormone and 25-hydroxyvitamin D in a patient with metabolic bone disease on maintenance hemodialysis
Authors: Plasse Richard A , Olson Stephen W , Yuan Christina M , Nee Robert
Published: September 2019

Biotin (vitamin B7) is a dietary supplement that can lead to falsely abnormal endocrine function tests. The impact of biotin on both 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) have not been previously described in end-stage renal disease (ESRD). A woman with ESRD on hemodialysis taking biotin 10 mg daily had a 25(OH)D spike from 25 to >100 ng/mL and an iPTH decrease from 966 to 63 pg/mL. After discontinuation of biotin, her 25(OH)D and iPTH returned to baseline. Biotin can cause erroneous 25(OH)D and iPTH results in ESRD that could adversely affect patient care.
Prey Switching and Variable Foraging Strategies of Black-Legged Kittiwakes and the Effect on Reproductive Success
Authors: Suryan Robert M. , Irons David B. , Benson Jeb
Published: September 2019

We studied the diets, foraging strategies, and reproduction of Black-legged Kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla) during five years at two colonies within Prince William Sound, Alaska. Years with reduced occurrence of 1-year-old Pacific herring (Clupea pallasi) in kittiwake diets were associated with increased foraging trip duration, distance, and travel time at both colonies. Foraging range was consistently greater at the large, fjord colony with an annual mean trip duration of 4 hr and mean distance to the farthest feeding location of 40 km in years when 1-year-old herring dominated diets; these numbers increased to a maximum mean of 6 hr and 60 km during a year when kittiwakes consumed primarily young-of-year (YOY) herring and Pacific sand lance (Ammodytes hexapterus). Foraging trips of kittiwakes at the small, island colony averaged 2 hr and 5 km during years when 1-year-old herring dominated diets and increased when capelin (Mallotus villosus) and YOY herring and sand lance were consumed. Consequences of reduced herring availability were greatest at the large colony where alternative prey was limited, resulting in reduced reproductive success. In contrast, kittiwakes from the small colony were able to compensate for reduced herring availability by obtaining sand lance and capelin in relatively close proximity, and maintained above average reproductive success. Time spent traveling and trip distance increased with greater trip duration. However, search and prey capture times were only weakly related to trip duration and may reflect foraging strategies that vary with different species, age classes, or availability of prey consumed.
Semi-parametric analysis of efficiency and productivity using Gaussian processes
Authors: Emvalomatis Grigorios
Published: September 2019

This paper proposes a fully Bayesian semi-parametric method for efficiency and productivity analysis based on Gaussian processes. The proposed technique frees the researcher from having to specify a functional form for the production frontier, and it is shown in simulated data to perform as well as flexible parametric models when correct distributional assumptions are imposed on the inefficiency component of the error term, and slightly better when incorrect assumptions are made. The technique is applied to a panel dataset of US electric utilities, where total-factor productivity growth is estimated and decomposed with both parametric and semi-parametric techniques.
Metatranscriptomics reveals unsuspected protistan diversity in leaf litter across temperate beech forests, with Amoebozoa the dominating lineage
Authors: Voss Christian , Fiore-Donno Anna Maria , Guerreiro Marco Alexandre , Peršoh Derek , Bonkowski Michael
Published: September 2019

Forest litter harbors complex networks of microorganisms whose major components are bacteria, fungi and protists. Protists, being highly selective consumers of bacteria and fungi could influence decomposition processes by shifting competitive microbial interactions. We investigated the eukaryotic diversity from 18 samples of one-year beech (Fagus sylvatica) leaf litter by RNA-based high-throughput sequencing of the small-subunit ribosomal RNA gene. By applying a metatranscriptomics approach, we avoided biases inherent to PCR-based methods, and could therefore focus on elusive protistan groups. We obtained 14 589 eukaryotic assembled sequences (contigs) representing 2223 unique taxa. Fungi dominated the eukaryotic assemblage, followed by an equal proportion of protists and plants. Among protists, the phylum Amoebozoa clearly dominated, representing more than twice the proportion of Alveolata (mostly ciliates) and Rhizaria (mostly Cercozoa), which are often retrieved as the dominant protistan groups in soils, revealing potential primer biases. By assigning functional traits to protists, we could assess that the proportion of free-living and heterotrophs was much higher than that of parasites and autotrophs, opening the way to a better understanding of the role played by the protistan communities and how biodiversity interacts with decomposition processes.