bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perioperative magnesium levels in total thyroidectomy and relationship to hypocalcemia
Authors: Brophy Catherine , Woods Robbie , Murphy Matthew S. , Sheahan Patrick
Published: January 2019

Background

We have previously shown an association between hypomagnesemia and hypocalcemia after thyroidectomy. However, little is known regarding the trend in magnesium levels in the days after thyroidectomy. Our objective was to study this trend in magnesium levels after thyroidectomy.

Methods

Retrospective review of 173 thyroidectomies with analysis of calcium and magnesium levels on postoperative day 1 (POD1) and POD2.

Results

Across the whole group, there was a highly significant decline in magnesium levels between preoperative (0.87 ± 0.06 mmol/L), POD1 (0.80 ± 0.07 mmol/L), and POD2 (0.78 ± 0.08 mmol/L) (P < .0001). The magnitudes of the magnesium level declines were significantly higher, and the absolute magnesium levels on POD1 and POD2 significantly lower, in patients developing hypocalcemia (n = 69).

Conclusion

Magnesium levels after total thyroidectomy demonstrate a downward trajectory which persists through POD2 and is highly correlated with hypocalcemia. Further study is required to determine if magnesium replacement can alter the course of hypocalcemia in hypocalcemic patients after total thyroidectomy.
Effectiveness of Ledipasvir/Sofosbuvir and Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir in People Who Inject Drugs and/or Those in Opioid Agonist Therapy
Authors: Janjua Naveed Z. , Darvishian Maryam , Wong Stanley , Yu Amanda , Rossi Carmine , Ramji Alnoor , Yoshida Eric M. , Butt Zahid A. , Samji Hasina , Chong Mei , Chapinal Nuria , Cook Darrel , Alvarez Maria , Tyndall Mark , Krajden Mel ,   the British Columbia Hepatitis Testers Cohort Team
Published: January 2019

We evaluated the effectiveness of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF) in treating hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 and SOF/velpatasvir (SOF/VEL) for all genotypes among people who inject drugs (PWID) and those not injecting drugs and who were on or off opioid agonist therapy (OAT). Study participants comprised a population‐based cohort in British Columbia, Canada. The British Columbia Hepatitis Testers Cohort includes data on individuals tested for HCV from 1990 to 2016 that are integrated with medical visits, hospitalization, and prescription drug data. We classified study participants as off OAT/recent injection drug use (off‐OAT/RIDU), off OAT/past IDU (off‐OAT/PIDU), off OAT/no IDU (off‐OAT/NIDU), on OAT/IDU (on‐OAT/IDU), and on OAT/no IDU (on‐OAT/NIDU). We assessed sustained virologic response (SVR) 10 weeks after HCV treatment among study groups treated with LDV/SOF or SOF/VEL until January 13, 2018. Analysis included 5,283 eligible participants: 390 off‐OAT/RIDU, 598 off‐OAT/PIDU, 3,515 off‐OAT/NIDU, 609 on‐OAT/IDU, and 171 on‐OAT/NIDU. The majority were male patients (64%‐74%) and aged ≥50 years (58%‐85%). The SVRs for off‐OAT/RIDU, off‐OAT/PIDU, off‐OAT/NIDU, on‐OAT/IDU, and on‐OAT/NIDU were 91% (355/390), 95% (570/598), 96% (3,360/3,515), 93% (567/609), and 95% (163/171), respectively. Among those with no SVR, 14 individuals died while on treatment or before SVR assessment, including 4 from illicit drug overdose. In the overall multivariable model, off‐OAT/RIDU, on‐OAT/IDU, male sex, cirrhosis, treatment duration <8 weeks, treatment duration 8 weeks, and treatment with SOF/VEL were associated with not achieving SVR. Conclusion: In this large real‐world cohort, PWID and/or those on OAT achieved high SVRs, although slightly lower than people not injecting drugs. This finding also highlights the need for additional measures to prevent loss to follow‐up and overdose‐related deaths among PWID.
Treatments used for obsessive–compulsive disorder—An international perspective
Authors: Brakoulias Vlasios , Starcevic Vladan , Albert Umberto , Arumugham Shyam Sundar , Bailey Brenda E. , Belloch Amparo , Borda Tania , Dell'Osso Liliana , Elias Jason A. , Falkenstein Martha J. , Ferrao Ygor A. , Fontenelle Leonardo F. , Jelinek Lena , Kalogeraki Leto , Kay Brian , Laurito Luana D. , Lochner Christine , Maina Giuseppe , Marazziti Donatella , Martin Andrew , Matsunaga Hisato , Miguel Euripedes C. , Morgado Pedro , Mourikis Irakis , Pasquini Massimo , Perez Rivera Rodrigo , Potluri Sriramya , Reddy Janardhan Y.C. , Riemann Brian C. , do Rosario Maria Conceição , Shavitt Roseli G. , Stein Dan J. , Viswasam Kirupumani , Wang Zhen , Fineberg Naomi A.
Published: January 2019

Objective

The objective of this study was to characterise international trends in the use of psychotropic medication, psychological therapies, and novel therapies used to treat obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD).

Methods

Researchers in the field of OCD were invited to contribute summary statistics on the characteristics of their samples. Consistency of summary statistics across countries was evaluated.

Results

The study surveyed 19 expert centres from 15 countries (Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States) providing a total sample of 7,340 participants. Fluoxetine (n = 972; 13.2%) and fluvoxamine (n = 913; 12.4%) were the most commonly used selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor medications. Risperidone (n = 428; 7.3%) and aripiprazole (n = 415; 7.1%) were the most commonly used antipsychotic agents. Neurostimulation techniques such as transcranial magnetic stimulation, deep brain stimulation, gamma knife surgery, and psychosurgery were used in less than 1% of the sample. There was significant variation in the use and accessibility of exposure and response prevention for OCD.

Conclusions

The variation between countries in treatments used for OCD needs further evaluation. Exposure and response prevention is not used as frequently as guidelines suggest and appears difficult to access in most countries. Updated treatment guidelines are recommended.
A scale‐invariant property of the water retention curve in weakly heterogeneous vadose zones
Authors: Severino Gerardo , De Bartolo Samuele
Published: January 2019

Abrupt changes of hydraulic properties in a vadose zone are modelled within a stochastic framework, which regards the saturated conductivity and parameters related to the distribution of soil pores as stationary, log‐normally distributed, random space functions. As a consequence, flow variables become random fields, and we aim at deriving an effective Richards equation. To obtain the latter, we adopt a perturbation expansion truncated at the first order (weakly heterogeneous media), which leads to the effective hydraulic conductivity and water retention curves. Overall, the effective properties are scale dependent. However, within the proposed framework, we demonstrate that the inflection point of the laboratory scale retention curve is not affected by the heterogeneity of the vadose zone. Finally, to illustrate the quantitative implications of our results, we consider a monitoring experiment at field scale, and we show how our approach leads to an effective water retention curve, which differs significantly from that which would be obtained without accounting for the above scale‐invariance property.
Polycomb group proteins EZH2 and EED directly regulate androgen receptor in advanced prostate cancer
Authors: Liu Qipeng , Wang Guangyu , Li Qiaqia , Jiang Weihua , Kim Jung‐Sun , Wang Rui , Zhu Sen , Wang Xiaoju , Yan Lin , Yi Yang , Zhang Lili , Meng Qingshu , Li Chao , Zhao Dongyu , Qiao Yuanyuan , Li Yong , Gursel Demirkan B. , Chinnaiyan Arul M. , Chen Kaifu , Cao Qi
Published: January 2019

Polycomb group proteins are important epigenetic regulators for cell proliferation and differentiation, organ development, as well as initiation and progression of lethal diseases, including cancer. Upregulated Polycomb group proteins, including Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), promote proliferation, migration, invasion and metastasis of cancer cells, as well as self‐renewal of cancer stem cells. In our study, we report that EZH2 and embryonic ectoderm development (EED) indicate respective direct interaction with androgen receptor (AR). In the context of AR‐positive prostate cancer, EZH2 and EED regulate AR expression levels and AR downstream targets. More importantly, we demonstrate that targeting EZH2 with the small‐molecule inhibitor astemizole in cancer significantly represses the EZH2 and AR expression as well as the neoplastic capacities. These results collectively suggest that pharmacologically targeting EZH2 might be a promising strategy for advanced prostate cancer.
Nutritional evaluation on Lignosus cameronensis C. S. Tan, a medicinal Polyporaceae
Authors: Fung Shin Yee , Cheong Peter Chiew Hing , Tan Nget Hong , Ng Szu Ting , Tan Chon Seng
Published: January 2019

Sclerotial powder of a cultivated species of the Tiger Milk Mushroom, Lignosus cameronensis was analysed for its nutritional components and compared against species of the same genus, Lignosus rhinocerus and Lignosus tigris. All three species have been used by indigenous tribes in Peninsular Malaysia as medicinal mushrooms. Content of carbohydrate, fibre, mineral, amino acid, palatable index, fat, ash and moisture were determined. L. cameronensis sclerotial material consists of carbohydrate (79.7%), protein (12.4%) and dietary fibre (5.4%) with low fat (1.7%) and no free sugar. It has the highest content of total carbohydrate (791 g kg−1), energy value (3,700 kcal kg−1) and calcium (0.85 g kg−1). The crude protein content (123 g kg−1) is comparable to that of L. rhinocerus with its main amino acids consisting of glutamic acid, aspartic acid and leucine. The umami index is determined to be 0.27. The total essential amino acid (45 g kg−1) is comparable to that of L. tigris. The main mineral is potassium (1.51 g kg−1) and the Na/K ratio was <0.6. Heavy metals such as mercury, cadmium, lead and arsenic were absent. L. cameronensis has the highest amount of food energy, total carbohydrate and calcium compared to those of both L. rhinocerus and L. tigris. The essential amino acids comprised almost 40% of the total amino acid content, slightly more than that reported from sclerotial powder of the L. tigris. © 2019 IUBMB Life, 9999(9999):1–6, 2019
Influence of negative pressure wound therapy on peri‐prosthetic tissue vascularization and inflammation around porous titanium percutaneous devices
Authors: Pawar Divya R. L. , Jeyapalina Sujee , Hafer Kelli , Bachus Kent N.
Published: January 2019

Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) has been shown to limit downgrowth around percutaneous devices in a guinea pig model. However, the influence of NPWT on peri‐prosthetic tissue characteristics leading to limited downgrowth is still unclear. In order to investigate this, 12 CD hairless rats were assigned into two groups, NPWT and Untreated (n = 6/group). Each animal was implanted with a porous coated titanium percutaneous device and was dressed with a gauze and semi‐occlusive base dressing. Post‐surgery, animals in the NPWT Group received a regimen of NPWT treatment (−70 to −90 mmHg). After 4 weeks, tissue was collected over the device and stained with CD31 and CD68 to quantify blood vessel density and inflammation, respectively. The device with the surrounding tissue was also collected to quantify downgrowth. NPWT treatment led to a 1.6‐fold increase in blood vessel densities compared to untreated tissues (p < 0.05). NPWT treatment also resulted in half the downgrowth as the Untreated Group, although not statistically significant (p = 0.19). Additionally, the results showed a trend toward increased CD68 cell densities in the NPWT Group compared to the Untreated Group (p = 0.09). These findings suggest that NPWT may influence wound healing responses in percutaneous devices by increasing blood vessel densities, limiting downgrowth and potentially increasing inflammation. Overall, NPWT may enhance tissue vascularity around percutaneous devices, especially in patients with impaired wound healing. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 2091–2101, 2019.
Effect of the CSF1R inhibitor PLX3397 on remyelination of corpus callosum in a cuprizone‐induced demyelination mouse model
Authors: Tahmasebi Fatemeh , Pasbakhsh Parichehr , Mortezaee Keywan , Madadi Soheila , Barati Shirin , Kashani Iraj Ragerdi
Published: January 2019

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the central nervous system (CNS). Despite introducing multiple immunomodulatory approaches for MS, there are still major concerns about possible ways for improving remyelination in this disease. Microglia exert essential roles in regulation of myelination processes, and interaction between colony‐stimulating factor 1 (CSF1) with its receptor CSF1R is considered as a key regulator of microglial differentiation and survival. The aim of this study was to investigate possible roles for a CSF1R inhibitor PLX3397 in recovery of central myelination processes. Chronic demyelination was induced in mice by addition of 0.2% cuprizone to the chow for 12 weeks. Next, animals were undergoing a diet containing 290 mg/kg PLX3397 to induce microglial ablation. The PLX3397 treatment caused a significant decrease in the rate of expression for the CSF1/CSF1R axis, and a reduction in the protein expressions for the microglial marker Iba‐1 and for the oligodendrocyte marker Olig‐2. Findings from Luxol fast blue (LFB) staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed an increase in the rate of myelination for the mice receiving PLX3397. The rate of destruction in the nerve fibers and the extent of the gaps formed between layers of myelin sheaths was also reduced after the treatment with PLX3397. In addition, animals experienced an improvement in recovery of motor deficit after receiving PLX3397 (for all P < 0.05). It could be concluded that PLX3397 could retain myelination in the MS model possibly through regulation of the myelin environment.
LINC01857 as an oncogene regulates CREB1 activation by interacting with CREBBP in breast cancer
Authors: Xiong Youyi , Gu Yuanting , Wang Fang , Li Lin , Zhu Mingzhi , Wang Nan , Mi Hailong , Qiu Xinguang
Published: January 2019

Breast cancer is a one of the most malignant threats among women worldwide. However, the mechanism underlying breast cancer development remains unclear. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to participate in breast cancer. Whether lncRNA LINC01857 is involved in breast cancer requires investigation. In this study, we found that LINC01857 was highly expressed in breast cancer tissues and cells (p < 0.05). High LINC01857 expression predicted poor prognosis in breast cancer patients. Functionally, LINC01857 silencing impaired proliferation and enhanced apoptosis of breast cancer cells (
p < 0.05). Decreased LINC01857 inhibited breast cancer cells migration and invasion ability (
p < 0.05). In terms of mechanism, LINC01857 promoted H3K27Ac deposition on CREB1 promoter and initiated its transcription by recruiting CREBBP. Overexpression of CREB1 reversed the biological behavior of breast cancer cells induced by LINC01857 silencing (
p < 0.05). Taken together, our findings demonstrated that LINC01857 promoted breast cancer development by promoting H3K27Ac and CREB1 transcription via enhancing CREBBP enrichment in the CREB1 promoter region.
Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor: A steroidogenic regulator of Leydig cells
Authors: Gao Shan , Chen Shuxiong , Chen Lu , Zhao Yun , Sun Liting , Cao Maosheng , Huang Yuwen , Niu Qiaoge , Wang Fengge , Yuan Chenfeng , Li Chunjin , Zhou Xu
Published: January 2019

The brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was first recognized for its roles in the peripheral and central nervous systems, and its complex functions on mammalian organs have been extended constantly. However, to date, little is known about its effects on the male reproductive system, including the steroidogenesis of mammals. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the effects of BDNF on testosterone generation of Leydig cells and the underlying mechanisms. We found that BDNF‐induced proliferation of TM3 Leydig cells via upregulation of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (
Pcna) and promoted testosterone generation as a result of upregulation of
steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (
Star),
3b‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (
Hsd3b1), and
cytochrome P450 side‐chain cleavage enzyme (
Cyp11a1) both in primary Leydig cells and TM3 Leydig cells, which were all attenuated in Bdnf knockdown TM3 Leydig cells. Furthermore, the possible mechanism of testosterone synthesis was explored in TM3 Leydig cells. The results showed that BDNF enhanced extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) phosphorylation, and the effect was disrupted by
Bdnf deletion. Moreover, PD98059, a potent selective inhibitor of ERK1/2 activation, compromised BDNF‐induced testosterone generation and upregulation of
Star,
Hsd3b1, and
Cyp11a1. The
Bdnf knockdown assay, on the other hand, indicated the autocrine effect of BDNF on steroidogenesis in TM3 Leydig cells. On the basis of these results, we concluded that BDNF, acting as an autocrine factor, induced testosterone generation as a result of the upregulation of
Star,
Hsd3b1, and
Cyp11a1 via stimulation of the ERK1/2 pathway.
Shedding light on the EpCAM: An overview
Authors: Yahyazadeh Mashhadi Seyed Muhammad , Kazemimanesh Monireh , Arashkia Arash , Azadmanesh Kayhan , Meshkat Zahra , Golichenari Behrouz , Sahebkar Amirhosein
Published: January 2019

The epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is a Type I transmembrane superficial glycoprotein antigen that is expressed on the surface of basolateral membrane of multiple epithelial cells with some exceptions such as epidermal keratinocytes, hepatocytes, thymic cortical epithelial cells, squamous stratified epithelial cells, and myoepithelial cells that do not express the molecule. The molecule plays a pivotal role in the structural integrity, adhesion of the epithelial tissues and their interaction with the underlying layers. EpCAM prevents claudin‐7 and claudin‐1 molecules from degradation, thereby, decreasing the number of tight junctions and cellular interconnections, and promoting the cells toward carcinogenic transformation. Moreover, the mutations in the EpCAM gene lead to congenital tufting enteropathy, severe intestinal epithelium homeostasis disorders, and Lynch and Lynch syndrome. Overexpression of EpCAM on stem cells of some cancers and the presence of this molecule on circulating tumor cells (CTCs) makes it a promising candidate for cancer diagnosis as well as tracing and isolation of CTCs.
Comparison of biomechanical characteristics in treatment of distal humerus fracture using different fixation plates: A finite element study
Authors: Zhong Hua , Ma Limin , Wang Ming , Huang Yan , Zhou Ye , Chen Lingling , Chen Guangmou , Li Jianwei , Chen Jin , Zhang Yu
Published: January 2019

With the development of digital technology of orthopedics, personalized plate has been applied to treat different kinds of fractures. However, no studies of personalized implants in the treatment of distal humeral fractures have been reported. Therefore, we design a personalized anatomical locking plate (DPALP) to treat distal humerus fracture of adult. The model of humerus and personalized plate and traditional Y‐shaped compression plate (YCP) was built and analyzed by finite element method. We found that peak value of stress of humerus fixed by YCP is higher than that of DPALP, and the peak value of stress of screws used in DPALP group is higher than that of YCP. Meanwhile, peak of displacement of YCP is higher than that of DPALP, and the peak value of displacement of humerus bone is higher than that of YCP. The patient with DPALP had a good clinical outcome (83) evaluated with Broberg and Morrey Score. Our results show that DPALP and YCP could get similar mechanical and clinical results for distal humorous intra‐articular fractures, and stress distribution of DPALP group is more balanced, and it takes less time in the operation. Furthermore, DPALP can perfectly fit the humeri and achieve the anatomical reduction. In general, DPALP is more suitable for patients with intra‐articular complicated fractures. Our findings will benefit clinicians treating distal humeral fractures and provide an alternative option.
Patient decision‐making and the role of the prenatal genetic counselor: An exploratory study
Authors: Salema Diane , Townsend Anne , Austin Jehannine
Published: January 2019

Despite much theory about how genetic counseling facilitates prenatal decision‐making, there are limited data regarding patients’ perceptions of the process and the role of the genetic counselor (GC). Our aim in this study was to explore patients’ perceptions of their prenatal genetic counseling session, with a focus on their relationship with their GC and how factors inside and outside the session influenced their decision‐making about amniocentesis. We performed a qualitative study with patients who had seen a GC after maternal serum screening revealed an increased risk for aneuploidy. Semistructured interviews were transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using a constant comparative method. To complement and triangulate with these data, we used a secondary quantitative measure—the 6‐item Satisfaction With Decision‐making (SWD) scale, and questionnaires completed by participants’ GCs. Eleven patients participated and four predominant themes emerged from our data: (1) being unprepared; (2) recognizing responsibility for decision‐making; (3) the burden of responsibility; and (4) the impact of support through affirmation. Despite the underlying tension within these themes, patients reported high satisfaction with their decisions (SWD mean score = 28.5/30, range: 26–30). Patients perceived their GCs to be nonbiased yet supportive in the decision‐making process. Patients described feeling affirmed, but not swayed in their decision.
Indigenous Peoples and genomics: Starting a conversation
Authors: Morgan Jenny , Coe Rachel R. , Lesueur Rochelle , Kenny Ruth , Price Roberta , Makela Nancy , Birch Patricia H.
Published: January 2019

Compared to European ancestral groups, Indigenous Canadians are more likely to have uninterpretable genome‐wide sequencing results due to non‐representation in reference databases. We began a conversation with Indigenous Canadians to raise awareness and give voice to this issue. We co‐created a video explaining genomic non‐representation that included diverse Indigenous view‐points. We audio‐recorded the focus groups including 30 First Nations, Métis, and Inuit individuals living in Greater Vancouver. After watching an introductory video explaining genomic testing, participants discussed issues surrounding collecting Indigenous genomic data, its control, and usage. Transcripts were analyzed, and participants’ quotes representing main themes were incorporated into the introductory video. Indigenous participants discussed data interpretation and gave approval for quote usage. The 20 participants who provided feedback concurred with the thematic interpretation: Systemic racism interlaced most conversations, particularly within the theme of trust. Themes of governance emphasized privacy and fear of discrimination. Some participants thought a separate, Indigenous‐controlled database was essential; others recognized advantages of international databases. The theme of implementation included creative ideas to collect Indigenous genomes, but prior approval from Indigenous leaders was emphasized. The final video (https://youtu.be/-wivIBDjoi8) was shared with participants to use as they wish to promote awareness and ongoing discussion of genomic diagnostic inequity.
A compounded encoding and decoding algorithm for product tracing based on the information‐grayscale matrix
Authors: Wan Guo Chun , Liu Wen Jing , Xia Zi Wei , Tong Mei Song
Published: January 2019

This paper proposes a compounded encoding and decoding algorithm based on the information‐grayscale matrix. Generally, it is very difficult to track the original information in the circulation of commodity. This algorithm is aimed to be applied to product tracing, especially fast‐moving consumer goods (FMCG). According to the traceability requirements of product information, we construct the structure of basic information code with information bits and check bits. The encoded information can be mapped into an information matrix through visible and invisible processes after extending the matrix, and we generate the corresponding grayscale matrix by calculating the relationship between the four‐dimensional matrices of each matrix cell. It is the information‐grayscale matrix that forms our product traceability information matrix. When the matrix is damaged in logistics transportation, we can get very high matrix information recovery rate through the decoding algorithm of the information‐grayscale matrix including self‐recovery, cross recovery, mutual recovery, and iteration; finally, the 2 × DA + DC structure can obtain 85% recovery rate when the damage rate reaches 70% for 10 million data volumes, and it can be extended into various structures. In addition, the algorithm can achieve a good balance between encoding rate and recovery rate and can be extended into different structures.
Determination of liquid egg composition using attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and chemometrics
Authors: Uysal Reyhan S , Mentes Yilmaz Ozay , Boyaci Ismail H
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

The use of liquid whole egg (LWE) in the food industry as a substitute for shell eggs has been on the increase lately. Since the composition of LWE can easily be changed, determination of protein, lipid, moisture and total soluble solid (TSS) contents of LWE has also gained importance. Traditional methods usually require more time and effort, and the use of toxic chemicals for sample preparation; hence more efficient techniques (faster, cheaper and more reliable) are needed. In this regard, a novel technique that determines LWE components using attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR) spectroscopy with partial least squares regression (PLS) is presented in this study.

RESULTS

The actual values of LWE components were determined by applying reference methods. The accuracy of the PLS model was demonstrated by comparing the obtained predictions with the actual values of the components. High coefficients of determination values, which are 0.950, 0.992, 0.994 and 0.972, were achieved for protein, lipid, moisture, and TSS validation datasets, respectively. The error values, namely RMSEC, RMSECV and RMSEP, were obtained in the ranges 0.404–0.978, 0.57–1.82 and 0.83–1.84, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy coupled with chemometrics can provide a rapid and sensitive method for quality control of liquid egg composition. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
What does better peer review look like? Underlying principles and recommendations for better practice
Authors: Allen Heidi , Cury Alexandra , Gaston Thomas , Graf Chris , Wakley Hannah , Willis Michael
Published: January 2019

We conducted a literature review of best practice in peer review. Following this research, we identified five principles for better peer review: Content Integrity, Content Ethics, Fairness, Usefulness, and Timeliness. For each of these principles, we have developed a set of recommendations to improve peer review standards. In this article, we describe the role of peer review and how our five principles support that goal. This article is intended to continue the conversation about improving peer review standards and provide guidance to journal teams looking to improve their standards. It is accompanied by a detailed checklist, which could be used by journal teams to assess their current peer review standards.
Improving estimates and forecasts of lake carbon dynamics using data assimilation
Authors: Zwart Jacob A. , Hararuk Oleksandra , Prairie Yves T. , Jones Stuart E. , Solomon Christopher T.
Published: January 2019

Lakes are biogeochemical hotspots on the landscape, contributing significantly to the global carbon cycle despite their small areal coverage. Observations and models of lake carbon pools and fluxes are rarely explicitly combined through data assimilation despite successful use of this technique in other fields. Data assimilation adds value to both observations and models by constraining models with observations of the system and by leveraging knowledge of the system formalized by the model to objectively fill observation gaps. In this article, we highlight the utility of data assimilation in lake carbon cycling research by using the ensemble Kalman filter to combine simple lake carbon models with observations of lake carbon pools and fluxes. We demonstrate that data assimilation helps reduce uncertainty in estimates of lake carbon pools and fluxes and more accurately estimate the true carbon pool size compared to estimates derived from observations alone. Data assimilation techniques should be embraced as valuable tools for lake biogeochemists interested in learning about ecosystem dynamics and forecasting ecosystem states and processes.
Burkholderia cenocepacia utilizes a type VI secretion system for bacterial competition
Authors: Spiewak Helena L. , Shastri Sravanthi , Zhang Lili , Schwager Stephan , Eberl Leo , Vergunst Annette C. , Thomas Mark S.
Published: January 2019

Burkholderia cenocepacia is an opportunistic bacterial pathogen that poses a significant threat to individuals with cystic fibrosis by provoking a strong inflammatory response within the lung. It possesses a type VI secretion system (T6SS), a secretory apparatus that can perforate the cellular membrane of other bacterial species and/or eukaryotic targets, to deliver an arsenal of effector proteins. The B. cenocepacia T6SS (T6SS‐1) has been shown to be implicated in virulence in rats and contributes toward actin rearrangements and inflammasome activation in B. cenocepacia‐infected macrophages. Here, we present bioinformatics evidence to suggest that T6SS‐1 is the archetype T6SS in the Burkholderia genus. We show that B. cenocepacia T6SS‐1 is active under normal laboratory growth conditions and displays antibacterial activity against other Gram‐negative bacterial species. Moreover, B. cenocepacia T6SS‐1 is not required for virulence in three eukaryotic infection models. Bioinformatics analysis identified several candidate T6SS‐dependent effectors that may play a role in the antibacterial activity of B. cenocepacia T6SS‐1. We conclude that B. cenocepacia T6SS‐1 plays an important role in bacterial competition for this organism, and probably in all Burkholderia species that possess this system, thereby broadening the range of species that utilize the T6SS for this purpose.
Discover effective strategies for redesigning student services
Authors: Griff Adam
Published: January 2019

Student needs are increasingly complex and cut across the typical siloes of student services. Consider students who want to study abroad and the questions they might have: How will this contribute to my degree requirements? Will my credits transfer? Which program best positions me for a future job? How do I pay for this? How do I obtain the right visas and the necessary vaccinations? Embarking on a study‐abroad program can involve enrollment, career services, financial aid, student accounts, and the health center. For students, study abroad is a singular coherent experience and process, but from the perspective of colleges and universities, it involves multiple workflows and providers.
Leader‐following consensus for nonlinear agents with measurement feedback
Authors: Battilotti S. , Califano C.
Published: January 2019

The leader‐following consensus problem is investigated for large classes of nonlinear identical agents. Sufficient conditions are provided for achieving consensus via state and measurement feedback laws based on a local (ie, among neighbors) information exchange. The leader's trajectories are assumed bounded without knowledge of the containing compact set and the agents' trajectories possibly unbounded under the action of a bounded input. Generalizations to heterogeneous agents and robustness are also discussed.
Effects of land‐use change and climate variability on streamflow in the Woken River basin in Northeast China
Authors: Fu Qiang , Shi Rui , Li Tianxiao , Sun Yankun , Liu Dong , Cui Song , Hou Renjie
Published: January 2019

In this study, the soil and water assessment tool, which is a widely used hydrological model, is applied to study the response of streamflow to land‐use changes and climate variability in the Woken River basin in northeastern China. This model is calibrated and verified based on sensitivity analysis to simulate the effects of land‐use change, climate variability, and extreme land‐use scenarios on streamflow. Simulations are performed to construct different scenarios for quantitative analysis. Compared with the base period, the land‐use change reduced the annual average streamflow and had little effect on the monthly streamflow. Climate variability increased the average annual streamflow and had a substantial effect on monthly streamflow. The effect of climate variability on streamflow was much greater than that of land‐use changes. Under the extreme land‐use scenarios, the annual average streamflow under the forestland scenario decreased, and the average annual streamflow under the grassland and agricultural land scenarios increased. Both the forestland and grassland scenarios exhibited lower monthly streamflow from March to August with especially large influences in June–August, which was when floods were more likely to occur. The agricultural land scenario exhibited the opposite trend. These results indicate that climate variability will obviously change streamflow and that natural disasters related to both high and heavy precipitation must be emphasised. Relevant departments can optimize the land‐use structure and spatial layout to mitigate the negative effects of climate variability.
Technological innovation to achieve sustainable development—Renewable energy technologies diffusion in developing countries
Authors: Tabrizian Samira
Published: January 2019

There is no dispute about the importance of speeding up the development, spread, and implementation of renewable energy technologies (RETs). RETs are the best means to address the current wasteful and dangerous effects of existing energy systems. In addition to the environmental aspects, the renewable energy industry is an exciting opportunity for investment. Nations that embrace the value of reinforcing renewables infrastructures will achieve competitive advantages in the worldwide marketplace. To accomplish that, however, one needs insight into the elements that make renewable energy development and diffusion move slowly. A variety of reasons causes the slow spread, but we would like to address the barriers from the economic theory perspective. Then, we will scrutinize the specific elements of the developing countries market that make the diffusion move slowly. We believe that by examining the factors that result in market failure and by taking into account the specific characteristics of the renewables industry, especially in developing countries, governments can enable their national infant market to be a competitor in the worldwide marketplace. To study the reason for the slow diffusion of RETs in developing countries, we need to examine the facts through the lens of the innovation system. The innovation ecosystem takes into account the socioeconomic factors that shape the capability for innovation in each specific country. This paper peered a meaningful link between innovation systems and the problem of poverty and inequality through a well‐researched and planned innovation system.
The Role of TTIP on the Environment
Authors: Qirjo Dhimitri , Pascalau Razvan
Published: January 2019

The current study empirically investigates and shows that, on average, the possible implementation of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) would generally help in the fight against global warming. In particular, the study finds that a 1% increase in the bilateral trade between the United States and the typical EU member would reduce annual per capita emissions ofCO2andGHGsin the typical TTIP member by about 2.7% and 2.4%, respectively. However, results also show that TTIP may increase annual per capita emissions ofGHGsin the United States by about 2.5% per year. These results stand because the factor endowment hypothesis and the pollution haven hypothesis based on population density variations appear to dominate the pollution haven hypothesis based on national income differences.
The health and safety emergency exception, Part 3: Cho, parents, connecting‐the‐dots failure
Authors: Rainsberger Richard
Published: January 2019

I must be cut from a different cloth than the policymakers at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.
Help student‐veterans earn PLA credit on your campus
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: January 2019

CLEVELAND — Offering credit for prior learning can be a successful tool for recruiting adult learners to your campus. That's often even more true for student‐veterans, whose military service has brought them copious life and learning expertise, which may not always be easy to translate into traditional academic credits. “Learning does not occur only in the classroom,” said TK Stoudt, adjunct instructor at the University of Louisville and a graduate student at the University of Wyoming.
Comply with state directory information laws with consent forms, communication
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: January 2019

In April 2018, the bipartisan Virginia House Bill 1 was signed into law by Virginia Governor Ralph Northam, restricting the disclosure of all public and private higher education students' addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses, meaning that data can no longer be released as directory information under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
$$ \mathcal{G} $$-structure symmetries and anomalies in (1, 0) non-linear σ-models
Authors: de la Ossa Xenia , Fiset Marc-Antoine
Published: January 2019

Abstract

A new symmetry of (1, 0) supersymmetric non-linear σ-models in two dimensions with Fermi and mass sectors is introduced. It is a generalisation of the so-called special holonomy W-symmetry of Howe and Papadopoulos associated with structure group reductions of the target space

$$ \mathrm{\mathcal{M}} $$

ℳ

. Our symmetry allows in particular non-trivial flux and instanton-like connections on vector bundles over

$$ \mathrm{\mathcal{M}} $$

ℳ

. We also investigate potential anomalies and show that cohomologically non-trivial terms in the quantum effective action are invariant under a corrected version of our symmetry. Consistency with heterotic supergravity at first order in α′ is manifest and discussed.
κ-Poincaré invariant orientable field theories at one-loop
Authors: Poulain Timothé , Wallet Jean-Christophe
Published: January 2019

Abstract

We consider a family of κ-Poincaré invariant scalar field theories on 4-d κ-Minkowski space with quartic orientable interaction, that is for which ϕ and its conjugate ϕ
† alternate in the quartic interaction, and whose kinetic operator is the square of a U

κ
(iso(4))-equivariant Dirac operator. The formal commutative limit yields the standard complex ϕ
4 theory. We find that the 2-point function receives UV linearly diverging 1-loop corrections while it stays free of IR singularities that would signal occurrence of UV/IR mixing. We find that all the 1-loop planar and non-planar contributions to the 4-point function are UV finite, stemming from the existence of the particular estimate for the propagator partly combined with its decay properties at large momenta, implying formally vanishing of the beta-functions at 1-loop so that the coupling constants stay scale-invariant at 1-loop.
Unparticle decay of neutrinos and its possible signatures at Km2 detector for (3+1) flavour framework
Authors: Pandey Madhurima
Published: January 2019

Abstract

We consider a scenario where ultra high energy neutrinos undergo unparticle decay during its passage from its cosmological source to Earth. The idea of unparticle had been first proposed by Georgi by considering the possible existence of an unknown scale invariant sector at high energies and the unparticles in this sector manifest itself below a dimensional transmutation scale

$$ {\Lambda}_{\mathcal{U}} $$

Λ
U

. We then explore the possible signature of such decaying neutrinos to unparticles at a square kilometer detector such as IceCube.
Phenomenology with a recoil-free jet axis: TMD fragmentation and the jet shape
Authors: Neill Duff , Papaefstathiou Andreas , Waalewijn Wouter J. , Zoppi Lorenzo
Published: January 2019

Abstract

We study the phenomenology of recoil-free jet axes using analytic calculations and Monte Carlo simulations. Our focus is on the average energy as function of the angle with the jet axis (the jet shape), and the energy and transverse momenta of hadrons in a jet (TMD fragmentation). We find that the dependence on the angle (or transverse momentum) is governed by a power law, in contrast to the double-logarithmic dependence for the standard jet axis. The effects of the jet radius, jet algorithm, angular resolution and grooming are investigated. TMD fragmentation is important for constraining the structure of the proton through semi-inclusive deep-inelastic scattering. These observables are also of interest to the LHC, for example to constrain α

s
from precision jet measurements, or probe the quark-gluon plasma in heavy-ion collisions.
Instantons in the Hofstadter butterfly: difference equation, resurgence and quantum mirror curves
Authors: Duan Zhihao , Gu Jie , Hatsuda Yasuyuki , Sulejmanpasic Tin
Published: January 2019

Abstract

We study the Harper-Hofstadter Hamiltonian and its corresponding non-perturbative butterfly spectrum. The problem is algebraically solvable whenever the magnetic flux is a rational multiple of 2π. For such values of the magnetic flux, the theory allows a formulation with two Bloch or θ-angles. We treat the problem by the path integral formulation, and show that the spectrum receives instanton corrections. Instantons as well as their one loop fluctuation determinants are found explicitly and the finding is matched with the numerical band width of the butterfly spectrum. We extend the analysis to all 2-instanton sectors with different θ-angle dependence to leading order and show consistency with numerics. We further argue that the instanton-anti-instanton contributions are ambiguous and cancel the ambiguity of the perturbation series, as they should. We hint at the possibility of exact 2-instanton solutions responsible for such contributions via Picard-Lefschetz theory. We also present a powerful way to compute the perturbative fluctuations around the 1-instanton saddle as well as the instanton-anti-instanton ambiguity by using the topological string formulation.
Quasinormal modes and dispersion relations for quarkonium in a plasma
Authors: Braga Nelson R. F. , Ferreira Luiz F.
Published: January 2019

Abstract

Recent investigations show that the thermal spectral function of heavy

$$ b\overline{b} $$

b

b
¯

and

$$ c\overline{c} $$

c

c
¯

vector mesons can be described using holography. These studies consider a bottom up model that captures the heavy flavour spectroscopy of masses and decay constants in the vacuum and is consistently extended to finite temperature. The corresponding spectral functions provide a picture of the dissociation process in terms of the decrease of the quasi-state peaks with temperature.

Another related tool that provides important information about the thermal behaviour is the analysis of the quasinormal modes. They are field solutions in a curved background assumed to represent, in gauge/gravity duality, quasi-particle states in a thermal medium. The associated complex frequencies are related to the thermal mass and width. We present here the calculation of quasinormal modes for charmonium and bottomonium using the holographic approach. The temperature dependence of mass and thermal width are investigated. Solutions corresponding to heavy mesons moving into the plasma are also studied. They provide the dependence of the real and imaginary parts of the frequency with the quasi-particle momenta, the so called dispersion relations.
Development and validation of a health profession education-focused scholarly mentorship assessment tool
Authors: St-Onge Christina , Young Meredith , Varpio Lara
Published: January 2019

Problem PhD-trained researchers working in health professions education (HPE) regularly engage in one-on-one, or one-on-few, scholarly mentorship activities. While this work is often a formal expectation of these scientists’ roles, rarely is there formal institutional acknowledgement of this mentorship. In fact, there are few official means through which a research scientist can document the frequency or quality of the scholarly mentorship they provide.

Approach

Outcomes The STHPE assessment tool has appropriate psychometric properties and evidence supporting acceptability. It can be used to document areas of strength and areas for improvement for research scientists engaged in HPE-related scholarly mentorship.

Next steps At present, the STHPE assessment tool is the only formally developed tool for which there is evidence of validity for use by PhD-trained researchers working in HPE to collect feedback on their scholarly mentorship skills. The STPHE has been used in promotion and tenure packages to document effectiveness and quality of scholarly mentorship.
Calling Customers to Take Action: The Impact of Incentive and Customer Characteristics on Direct Mailing Effectiveness
Authors: Vafainia Saeid , Breugelmans Els , Bijmolt Tammo
Published: January 2019

This study investigates the effect of call-to-action (CTA) direct mailings (DMs) on customers’ purchase behavior and how this effect is moderated by incentive type as well as customer characteristics. The authors analyze individual purchase behavior of a panel of 179,525 customers across 40 Dutch optical retailers over 9 years. The empirical results show that CTA DMs that include an incentive have a higher positive impact on customer's purchase probability compared with those without an incentive. Furthermore, non-monetary incentives, especially utilitarian ones, have a higher positive impact than monetary incentives. Our results also show that customer heterogeneity plays an important role in the influence of CTA DMs on purchase incidence. More specifically, CTA DMs have a higher impact on purchase incidence for customers with higher past purchase frequency, lower purchase recency, longer relationship duration and for customers who received DM more recently and frequently. The results of the study provide valuable insights for managers allocating their direct marketing budget: it is better to use non-monetary (preferably utilitarian) incentives and to target customers based on relationship history as well as DM history.