bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi‐decadal climate and fishing predictors of abundance for U.S. South Atlantic coastal fishes and invertebrates
Authors: Stratton Mark A. , Nesslage Geneviève M. , Latour Robert J.
Published: March 2019

Abundance of marine stocks fluctuates in response to both internal processes (e.g., density dependence) and exogenous drivers, including the physical environment, fishing, and trophodynamic interactions. In the United States, research investigating ecosystem drivers has been focused in data‐rich systems, primarily in the North Atlantic and North Pacific. To develop a more holistic understanding of important ecosystem drivers in the Southeast U.S. continental shelf Large Marine Ecosystem, we applied generalized linear and dynamic linear modeling to investigate the effects of climate and fishing covariates on the relative abundance trends of 71 demersal fish and invertebrate species sampled by a coastal trawl survey during 1990–2013. For the assemblage as a whole, fishing effects predominated over climate effects. In particular, changes in trawling effort within the penaeid shrimp fishery governed abundance trends of bony fishes, invertebrates, and elasmobranchs, a likely result of temporal changes in bycatch mortality. Changes in trawling intensity induced changes in overall community composition and appear to have altered trophic interactions among particular species. Among climate indices investigated, the Pacific Decadal Oscillation and the Western Bermuda High Index were most prevalent in well‐supported dynamic linear models. Observed annual abundance trends were synchronous among some taxonomically related species, highlighting similar responses to exogenous influences based on life history. This study strengthens the foundation for generating hypotheses and advancing ecosystem‐based fisheries research within the region.
Plant phenology and global climate change: Current progresses and challenges
Authors: Piao Shilong , Liu Qiang , Chen Anping , Janssens Ivan A. , Fu Yongshuo , Dai Junhu , Liu Lingli , Lian Xu , Shen Miaogen , Zhu Xiaolin
Published: March 2019

Plant phenology, the annually recurring sequence of plant developmental stages, is important for plant functioning and ecosystem services and their biophysical and biogeochemical feedbacks to the climate system. Plant phenology depends on temperature, and the current rapid climate change has revived interest in understanding and modeling the responses of plant phenology to the warming trend and the consequences thereof for ecosystems. Here, we review recent progresses in plant phenology and its interactions with climate change. Focusing on the start (leaf unfolding) and end (leaf coloring) of plant growing seasons, we show that the recent rapid expansion in ground‐ and remote sensing‐ based phenology data acquisition has been highly beneficial and has supported major advances in plant phenology research. Studies using multiple data sources and methods generally agree on the trends of advanced leaf unfolding and delayed leaf coloring due to climate change, yet these trends appear to have decelerated or even reversed in recent years. Our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the plant phenology responses to climate warming is still limited. The interactions between multiple drivers complicate the modeling and prediction of plant phenology changes. Furthermore, changes in plant phenology have important implications for ecosystem carbon cycles and ecosystem feedbacks to climate, yet the quantification of such impacts remains challenging. We suggest that future studies should primarily focus on using new observation tools to improve the understanding of tropical plant phenology, on improving process‐based phenology modeling, and on the scaling of phenology from species to landscape‐level.
Skeletal muscle volume loss during transarterial chemoembolization predicts poor prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Fujita Masashi , Takahashi Atsushi , Hayashi Manabu , Okai Ken , Abe Kazumichi , Ohira Hiromasa
Published: March 2019

Aim

Sarcopenia has a negative impact on the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We investigated the significance of skeletal muscle volume and its changes in HCC patients receiving transarterial chemoembolization (TACE).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 179 HCC patients receiving TACE from 2006 to 2017. Skeletal mass index was calculated as the left–right sum of the major × minor axis of the psoas muscle at the third lumbar vertebra, divided by height squared (psoas muscle index [PMI]). Patients were classified into two groups (low and normal PMI) depending on an index <6.0 and <3.4 cm2/m2 for men and women, respectively. We assessed overall survival (OS) and TACE period (between the first TACE [Pre] and the time of TACE refractoriness [Post]). Changes in PMI per month during the TACE period (CPMI; (PMI [Pre] − PMI [Post]) / TACE period) were calculated as an index of progressive muscle atrophy.

Results

There were no significant differences in OS between groups with low and normal PMI at Pre. Multivariate analysis showed that CPMI was significantly associated with poor OS (hazard ratio, 1.884; P = 0.001). Patients with severe muscle atrophy (CPMI above the upper quartile) had a significantly lower OS than those with mild muscle atrophy (CPMI below the upper quartile). Compared with patients with mild muscle atrophy, patients with severe muscle atrophy had a significant loss of liver function reserves at Post.

Conclusion

Progressive loss of skeletal muscle volume is an important predictor of poor prognosis in HCC patients treated with TACE.
IL‐33 overexpression in gallbladder cancers associated with pancreatobiliary maljunction
Authors: Tomioka Yuichiro , Sung You‐Na , Sawada Ryuichiro , Hong Seung‐Mo , Akita Masayuki , Itoh Tomoo , Ajiki Tetsuo , Fukumoto Takumi , Zen Yoh
Published: March 2019

Aims

To investigate whether genetic or inflammatory pro‐oncogenic factors are relevant to the increased risk of gallbladder cancers in patients with pancreaticobiliary maljunction (PBM).

Methods and results

Mutations in KRAS exon 2 were examined by a highly sensitive, droplet digital PCR platform using surgically resected specimens of PBM‐associated (n = 31) and non‐associated gallbladder cancers (n = 49). The tissue expression of IL‐6 and IL‐33, which are suspected to promote biliary carcinogenesis, was analysed by quantitative real‐time PCR and in‐situ hybridisation. The incidence of KRAS mutations was similarly low in PBM‐associated (five of 32 cases; 16%) and non‐associated cancers (four of 49 cases; 8%) (P = 0.272). The tissue expression of IL‐33 mRNA, but not IL‐6 mRNA, was significantly higher in PBM‐associated gallbladder cancers than in gallbladder cancers without PBM (P = 0.004). A similar degree of IL‐33 overexpression was also observed in the background non‐cancerous mucosa in cases of PBM‐associated gallbladder cancers, and was significantly greater than that in PBM cases with cholecystitis alone (P < 0.001). The results of in‐situ hybridisation indicated that the source of IL‐33 production in PBM‐associated carcinomas was the endothelium, cancer cells and non‐neoplastic biliary epithelium. In a combined PBM‐associated and non‐associated cohort, IL‐33 overexpression in gallbladder cancers correlated with less aggressive features (e.g. a lower pT stage and longer overall survival), similar to recently reported findings on large‐duct cholangiocarcinomas.

Conclusions

KRAS mutations do not appear to be associated with a high risk of malignancy in PBM, while IL‐33 overexpression may provide a pro‐oncogenic microenvironment in the gallbladder mucosa of patients with PBM.
Continuous forming of ultrathin glass by float process
Authors: Shou Peng , Hongcan Ren , Xin Cao , Yong Yang
Published: March 2019

In this paper we report a novel development in forming ultrathin glasses by float process. The design principal and theoretical consideration for the tin bath, which is the heart for the process, are presented in relation to the ultrathin glass forming. Continuous stretching of glass to 0.12 mm on the top of molten tin is essentially a process of accurately controlling and maintaining a dynamic equilibrium of a large‐scale open system where not only thermal energy is exchanged but also the mass is in a constant moving state. Due to this complicated nature, despite many computer simulation attempts, no one has come up with a physical model that can reasonably depict stretching process on molten tin. Through pilot plant experiments, we have established essential technical parameters for continuous stretching of 0.12 mm glass including distributions of temperature/viscosity, glass ribbon traveling speed, and thickness along the longitudinal direction of the tin bath. The action and settings of edge rollers that allow smooth stretching of the glass ribbon to take place are described and discussed. We believe that this novel development not only attracts interests of materials researchers, but also contributes substantially to the knowledge reservoir of glass science and technology.
Comparative study of the electrical characteristics of ALD‐ZnO thin films using H2O and H2O2 as the oxidants
Authors: Lee Woo‐Jae , Bera Susanta , Wan Zhixin , Dai Wei , Bae Jong‐Seong , Hong Tae Eun , Kim Kwang‐Ho , Ahn Ji‐Hoon , Kwon Se‐Hun
Published: March 2019

ZnO thin films were deposited via atomic layer deposition (ALD) using H2O and H2O2 as oxidants with substrate temperatures from 100°C to 200°C. The ZnO films deposited using H2O2 (H2O2‐ZnO) showed lower growth rates than those deposited with H2O (H2O‐ZnO) at these temperature range due to the lower vapor pressure of H2O2, which produces fewer OH− functional groups; the H2O2‐ZnO films exhibited higher electrical resistivities than the H2O‐ZnO films. The selection of H2O2 or H2O as oxidants was revealed to be very important for controlling the electrical properties of ALD‐ZnO thin films, as it affected the film crystallinity and number of defects. Compared to H2O‐ZnO, H2O2‐ZnO exhibited poor crystallinity within a growth temperature range of 100‐200°C, while H2O2‐ZnO showed a strong (002) peak intensity. Photoluminescence showed that H2O2‐ZnO had more interstitial oxygen and fewer oxygen vacancies than H2O‐ZnO. Finally, both kinds of ZnO thin films were prepared as transparent resistive oxide layers for CIGS solar cells and were evaluated.
Fabrication of interconnected macroporosity in geopolymers via inverse suspension polymerization
Authors: Thakur Nimisha , Weatherly Choyce A. , Wimalasinghe Rasangi M. , Armstrong Daniel W.
Published: March 2019

A new approach to fabricate geopolymer monoliths with interconnected macroporosity and a permeable structure is presented. This was achieved using an unconventional route of inverse suspension polymerization in which the aqueous geopolymer slurry consisting of potassium hydroxide, fumed silica, and natural metakaolin was dispersed in a continuous phase of soybean oil. The geopolymer monolith was synthesized by taking advantage of the so‐called “sticky period” that occurs during inverse suspension polymerization. During this period, individual droplets can coalesce but cannot re‐divide because of the partially polymerized matrix. We deliberately brought the partially polymerized geopolymer particles in proximity during the sticky period to fuse the particles. Hence this method, termed as “sticky period particle fusion,” helped to form a monolithic structure with inter‐particle spacing as macropores which resulted in high permeability. The sticky period was observed to depend on synthesis conditions such as stirring speed, temperature, and viscosity of continuous phase which in turn helped to tune the surface and pore properties of geopolymer monoliths. The BET surface area up to 67 m2/g and total pore volumes of 0.4 cm3/g from pycnometry were obtained.
Gyrodinium jinhaense n. sp., a New Heterotrophic Unarmored Dinoflagellate from the Coastal Waters of Korea
Authors: Jang Se Hyeon , Jeong Hae Jin , Lee Moo Joon , Kim Ji Hye , You Ji Hyun
Published: March 2019

Four unarmored heterotrophic dinoflagellates were isolated from the coastal waters of southern Korea. The rDNA sequences of four clonal cultures were determined, and the morphology of one of the four strains was examined using light and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The large subunit (LSU) and small subunit (SSU) rDNA sequences of each of the strains differed by 0–0.9% from those of the other strains, and the SSU rDNA sequence of the strain differed by 1.8–4.4% from those of other Gyrodinium species, whereas the LSU (D1–D2) rDNA sequence differed by 12.4–22.2%. Furthermore, phylogenetic trees showed that Gyrodinium jinhaense n. sp. formed a distinctive clade among the other Gyrodinium species. Meanwhile, microscopy revealed an elliptical bisected apical structure complex and a cingulum that was displaced by approximately one‐quarter of the cell length, which confirmed that the dinoflagellate belonged to the genus Gyrodinium. However, the cell surface was ornamented with 16 longitudinal striations, both on the episome and hyposome, unlike other Gyrodinium species. Furthermore, the cells were observed to have pusule systems and trichocysts but lacked mucocysts. Based on morphology and molecular data, we consider this strain to be a new species in the genus Gyrodinium and thus, propose that it be assigned to the name G. jinhaense n. sp.
Delirium Incidence and Functional Outcomes After Transcatheter and Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Shi Sandra M. , Sung Minhee , Afilalo Jonathan , Lipsitz Lewis A. , Kim Caroline A. , Popma Jeffrey J. , Khabbaz Kamal R. , Laham Roger J. , Guibone Kimberly , Lee Jung , Marcantonio Edward R. , Kim Dae Hyun
Published: March 2019

Background

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) may be associated with less delirium and allow faster recovery than surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR).

Objective

To examine the association of delirium and its severity with clinical and functional outcomes after SAVR and TAVR.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

An academic medical center.

Participants

A total of 187 patients, aged 70 years and older, undergoing SAVR (N = 77) and TAVR (N = 110) in 2014 to 2016.

Measurements

Delirium was assessed daily using the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM), with severity measured by the CAM‐Severity (CAM‐S) score (range = 0‐19). Outcomes were prolonged hospitalization (9 days or more); institutional discharge; and functional status, measured by ability to perform 22 daily activities and physical tasks over 12 months.

Results

SAVR patients had a higher incidence of delirium than TAVR patients (50.7% vs 25.5%; P < .001), despite younger mean age (77.9 vs 83.7 years) and higher baseline Mini‐Mental State Examination score (26.9 vs 24.7). SAVR patients with delirium had a shorter duration (2.2 vs 3.4 days; P = .04) with a lower mean CAM‐S score (4.5 vs 5.7; P = .01) than TAVR patients with delirium. The risk of prolonged hospitalization in no, mild, and severe delirium was 18.4%, 30.8%, and 61.5% after SAVR (P for trend = .009) and 26.8%, 38.5%, and 73.3% after TAVR (P for trend = .001), respectively. The risk of institutional discharge was 42.1%, 58.3%, and 84.6% after SAVR (P for trend = .01) and 32.5%, 69.2%, and 80.0% after TAVR (P for trend <.001), respectively. Severe delirium was associated with delayed functional recovery after SAVR and persistent functional impairment after TAVR at 12 months.

Conclusion

Less invasive TAVR was associated with lower incidence of delirium than SAVR. Once delirium developed, TAVR patients had more severe delirium and worse functional status trajectory than SAVR patients did.

Registration

NCT01845207.
A rare case of spontaneous rupture of uterine surface vessels in pregnancy mimicking acute appendicitis
Authors: Thain Serene , Rajeswari Kathirvel
Published: March 2019

Spontaneous hemoperitoneum in pregnancy (SHiP), an unprovoked, non‐traumatic intraperitoneal bleed in pregnancy and up to 42 days postpartum, is a rare but potentially life‐threatening clinical condition. Here, we report a rare case of spontaneous rupture of uterine surface variceal vessels in the second trimester of pregnancy mimicking acute appendicitis that posed diagnostic difficulties and challenges in management.
The Hierarchical Erosion Effect: A New Perspective on Perceptual Differences and Business Performance
Authors: Gibson Cristina B. , Birkinshaw Julian , McDaniel Sumpter Dana , Ambos Tina
Published: March 2019

Organizations are coalitions of individuals with heterogeneous interests and perceptions (March and Simon, 1958/1993). We examine an important source of heterogeneity, namely the different perceptions individuals hold across hierarchical levels. We introduce the notion of a hierarchical erosion effect whereby individual perceptions about specific practices become less favourable the lower one goes in the hierarchy. Using data from 4,243 employees across four levels in 38 business units, we provide evidence that this effect exists, controlling for other factors, including the overall favourability of the business unit culture across eight practices. We show how the size of this hierarchical erosion effect varies depending on the nature of the organizational practice being evaluated and the extent to which executives share strategic information widely, and we also show that a lower hierarchical erosion effect is correlated with higher business unit growth. In doing so, we enrich understanding of two aspects of March and Simon's work, their notion of intra‐organizational heterogeneity and their distinctive view of the nature of hierarchy.
Legal Hybridity, Trust, and the Legitimacy of the Shari'ah in the Bangsamoro
Authors: Deinla Imelda
Published: March 2019

Legal hybrids have the potential to address justice and development issues in both conflict and postconflict settings. Using the Philippine Shari'ah court system as a case study, this study demonstrates that state hybrids suffer from legitimacy and capacity issues that also constrain their ability to deliver effective justice services and respond to conflict challenges. Forging cooperative networks between secular courts and Shari'ah courts and between local justice personnel and central justice authorities can enhance the effectiveness and legitimacy of a formalized legal hybrid. This can assist in addressing the justice deficit that fuels the cycle of conflict and sustain peacebuilding efforts postconflict.
Role of the global regulator Rex in control of NAD+‐regeneration in Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile
Authors: Bouillaut Laurent , Dubois Thomas , Francis Michael B. , Daou Nadine , Monot Marc , Sorg Joseph A. , Sonenshein Abraham L. , Dupuy Bruno
Published: March 2019

For the human pathogen Clostridioides (also known as Clostridium) difficile, the ability to adapt to nutrient availability is critical for its proliferation and production of toxins during infection. Synthesis of the toxins is regulated by the availability of certain carbon sources, fermentation products and amino acids (e.g. proline, cysteine, isoleucine, leucine and valine). The effect of proline is attributable at least in part to its role as an inducer and substrate of D‐proline reductase (PR), a Stickland reaction that regenerates NAD+ from NADH. Many Clostridium spp. use Stickland metabolism (co‐fermentation of pairs of amino acids) to generate ATP and NAD+. Synthesis of PR is activated by PrdR, a proline‐responsive regulatory protein. Here we report that PrdR, in the presence of proline, represses other NAD+‐generating pathways, such as the glycine reductase and succinate‐acetyl CoA utilization pathways leading to butyrate production, but does so indirectly by affecting the activity of Rex, a global redox‐sensing regulator that responds to the NAD+/NADH ratio. Our results indicate that PR activity is the favored mechanism for NAD+ regeneration and that both Rex and PrdR influence toxin production. Using the hamster model of C. difficile infection, we revealed the importance of PrdR‐regulated Stickland metabolism in the virulence of C. difficile.
Inner thigh friction as a cause of acne mechanica
Authors: Mazhar Momina , Simpson Meagan , Marathe Kalyani
Published: March 2019

Acne mechanica is defined as being any acneiform eruption in areas of friction, pressure, stretching, rubbing, pinching, or occlusion of the skin in any individual, regardless of preexisting acne. Various causes have been reported, including prolonged back rest against a chair or bed, occlusive clothing, pressure from a prosthetic limb, and others. This is the first reported case of bilateral open comedones caused by inner thigh friction.
Minimum ingested iron cut‐off triggering serious iron toxicity in children
Authors: Halil Halit , Tuygun Nilden , Polat Emine , Karacan Can Demir
Published: March 2019

Background

Iron intoxication can occur accidentally in children or intentionally by adolescents as a suicide attempt. They usually present with various symptoms including vomiting and diarrhea. Clinical studies in this field has been reported different doses of ingested elemental iron that caused serious toxicity, but none of these studies determined the minimum cut‐off of ingested iron that triggered the risk of severe toxicity. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the demographic features of iron intoxication in Turkish children and to determine the lowest cut‐off of ingested elemental iron triggering serious intoxication and the need for prompt management.

Methods

This retrospective study investigated 83 Turkish patients with accidental and intentional iron poisoning.

Results

Of the 83 cases of acute iron intoxication, accidental iron consumption was more common than intentional use. Fifty‐three patients ingested a median toxic dose of elemental iron of 40.0 mg/kg (IQR, 33.5 mg/kg). The median serum iron concentration in the first 6 h of ingestion was 150 μg/dL (IQR, 282 μg/dL). Twenty patients were given deferoxamine, whereas 63 patients were given supportive treatment.

Conclusion

The cut‐off of ingested elemental iron that triggered serious toxicity and the need for deferoxamine in children <18 years of age was 28 mg/kg.
“N‐of‐1”—Study: A concept of acute and chronic stress research using the example of ballroom dancing
Authors: Strahler Jana , Luft Christina
Published: March 2019

Athletes often report on heightened stress, higher disease susceptibility, and a deterioration in mood and performance throughout periods of high training load and competitions. This paper presents a single‐case study combining different research approaches to monitor the dynamic, idiosyncratic responses to competitive stress in elite sports using the example of professional ballroom dancing. Throughout an 8‐month period (313 data points), one international‐level female dancer provided data on mood, stress, and fatigue. In parallel, she collected saliva samples for the assessment of cortisol (sCort) and alpha‐amylase (sAA). A hair strand was collected every 3 months to examine cumulative cortisol secretion. As expected, perceived stress was related to a reduction in well‐being. On a daily basis, sCort predicted lower fatigue. In addition, tournaments resulted in a 3‐fold and a 2‐fold increase in sCort and sAA, respectively, and there was a pronounced drop in hair cortisol in the aftermath of a surgery‐related break from dancing. We confirm competitive ballroom dancing to constitute a major stressor with immediate and prolonged consequences for self‐reported well‐being and biological stress markers. Single‐case studies offer much potential for the observation of complex dynamic associations. In a next step, this approach will also become relevant when evaluating the efficacy of preventive and therapeutic interventions on an individual level.
Mycobacterium nebraskense infection in a dog in Switzerland with disseminated skin lesions
Authors: Timm Katrin , Welle Monika , Friedel Ute , Gunn‐Moore Danièlle , Peterhans Sophie
Published: March 2019

Background

Cutaneous disseminated mycobacteriosis is rare in dogs. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the slowly growing mycobacterial species Mycobacterium nebraskense has not been described before in this species.

Objective

Description of clinical features, laboratory analyses and treatment regimen of this unusual case.

Animal

A 9‐year‐old female‐spayed West Highland white terrier dog presented with progressive nodules and ulcerations on both sides of the thorax and the rostral aspect of the chest.

Methods and materials

Investigations involved histopathological examination of skin biopsies (including special stains for fungi, bacteria and mycobacteria), standard and mycobacterial culture (including susceptibility testing), 16S/23S rRNA sequencing and BLAST similarity searching.

Results

Ziehl–Neelsen staining of decontaminated biopsy material revealed acid‐fast bacteria morphologically consistent with mycobacteria. Treatment with clarithromycin and marbofloxacin achieved partial resolution. A change in the treatment regimen to pradofloxacin and azithromycin resulted in rapid deterioration of skin lesions. Final healing occurred with the addition of prednisolone at an anti‐inflammatory dose. The results of mycobacterial culture and susceptibility testing were received 10 and 12 months, respectively, after the first presentation of the dog. Therapy was stopped after 16 months without recurrence of skin lesions.

Conclusions and clinical importance

This case is noteworthy for the description of a new mycobacterial species contributing to disseminated panniculitis in a dog and for the difficulties experienced in the lengthy empirical treatment of slowly growing nontuberculous mycobacterial infections. The addition of prednisolone to induce complete healing raises the question of whether the mycobacterial infection was primary or whether it occurred secondarily to an ongoing sterile panniculitis.
5f states with spin-orbit and crystal field splittings
Authors: Tobin J. G.
Published: March 2019

Within a localized 5f framework, a simple single electron model is developed to include a treatment of both spin-orbit splitting and crystal field splitting in the actinide 5f states. A further picture is proposed, including total angular momentum coupling.
Gap-filling method for suppressing grating lobes in ultrasound imaging: Theory and simulation results
Authors: Kim Bae-Hyung , Kumar Viksit , Alizad Azra , Fatemi Mostafa
Published: March 2019

Sparse array (SA) is an approach to reduce the number of system channels. However, SA suffers from grating lobe (GL) artefacts due to the sparsity of array aperture resulting in degradation of the ultrasound image quality. Based on a given or known data sets of radio frequency (RF) echo acquired from active elements of an array, RF echo data in unknown and/or inactive elements of array can be created virtually and used to suppress the GL artefact in SA. This letter presents gap-filling (GF) approaches to generate channel data, which are not physically acquired. It is demonstrated that the proposed GF technique can reduce the artefacts of SA by filling the gaps in the array aperture. Simulation results show that the GF technique can suppress the GL level of SA by up to 16 dB. Also, the GF technique can improve the image quality of fully sampled arrays with small number of active elements.
Summary and Trends of the Russian Gonococcal Antimicrobial Surveillance Programme, 2005 to 2016
Authors: Kubanov Alexey , Solomka Viktoria , Plakhova Xenia , Chestkov Aleksandr , Petrova Natalya , Shaskolskiy Boris , Dementieva Ekaterina , Leinsoo Arvo , Gryadunov Dmitry , Deryabin Dmitry
Published: March 2019

The Russian Gonococcal Antimicrobial Surveillance Programme (RU-GASP) was established in 2004 and operated continuously during the years from 2005 to 2016. The aims of this study were to summarize the RU-GASP results over this 12-year period and evaluate the trends in
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
antimicrobial resistance in Russia.
Cell Entry-Independent Role for the Reovirus μ1 Protein in Regulating Necroptosis and the Accumulation of Viral Gene Products
Authors: Roebke Katherine E. , Danthi Pranav
Published: March 2019

We used mammalian reovirus as a model to study how virus infections result in cell death. Here, we sought to determine how viral factors regulate cell death. Our work highlights a previously unknown role for the reovirus outer capsid protein μ1 in limiting the induction of a necrotic form of cell death called necroptosis. Induction of cell death by necroptosis requires the detection of viral gene products late in infection; μ1 limits cell death by this mechanism because it prevents excessive accumulation of viral gene products that trigger cell death.
A Parasitic Arsenic Cycle That Shuttles Energy from Phytoplankton to Heterotrophic Bacterioplankton
Authors: Giovannoni Stephen J. , Halsey Kimberly H. , Saw Jimmy , Muslin Omran , Suffridge Christopher P. , Sun Jing , Lee Chih-Ping , Moore Eric R. , Temperton Ben , Noell Stephen E.
Published: March 2019

In vast, warm regions of the oceans, phytoplankton face the problem of arsenic poisoning. Arsenate is toxic because it is chemically similar to phosphate, a scarce nutrient that phytoplankton cells need for growth. Many phytoplankton, including the commonest phytoplankton type in warm oceans,Prochlorococcus, detoxify arsenate by adding methyl groups. Here we show that the most abundant non-photosynthetic plankton in the oceans, SAR11 bacteria, remove the methyl groups, releasing poisonous forms of arsenic back into the water. We postulate that the methylation and demethylation of arsenic compounds creates a cycle in which the phytoplankton can never get ahead and must continually transfer energy to the SAR11 bacteria. We dub this a parasitic process and suggest that it might help explain why SAR11 bacteria are so successful, surpassing all other plankton in their numbers. Field experiments were done in the Sargasso Sea, a subtropical ocean gyre that is sometimes called an ocean desert because, throughout much of the year, there is not enough phosphorous in the water to support large blooms of phytoplankton. Ocean deserts are expanding as the oceans absorb heat and grow warmer.
Werner Helicase Control of Human Papillomavirus 16 E1-E2 DNA Replication Is Regulated by SIRT1 Deacetylation
Authors: Das Dipon , Bristol Molly L. , Smith Nathan W. , James Claire D. , Wang Xu , Pichierri Pietro , Morgan Iain M.
Published: March 2019

HPV16 is the major viral human carcinogen responsible for between 3 and 4% of all cancers worldwide. Following infection, this virus activates the DNA damage response (DDR) to promote its life cycle and recruits DDR proteins to its replicating DNA in order to facilitate homologous recombination during replication. This promotes the production of viable viral progeny. Our understanding of how HPV16 replication interacts with the DDR remains incomplete. Here, we demonstrate that the cellular deacetylase SIRT1, which is a part of the E1-E2 replication complex, regulates recruitment of the DNA repair protein WRN to the replicating DNA. We demonstrate that WRN regulates the level and fidelity of E1-E2 replication. Overall, the results suggest a mechanism by which SIRT1 deacetylation of WRN promotes its interaction with E1-E2-replicating DNA to control the levels and fidelity of that replication.
Yet More Evidence of Collusion: a New Viral Defense System Encoded by
Gordonia
Phage CarolAnn
Authors: Montgomery Matthew T. , Guerrero Bustamante Carlos A. , Dedrick Rebekah M. , Jacobs-Sera Deborah , Hatfull Graham F.
Published: March 2019

Prophage-mediated viral defense systems play a key role in microbial dynamics, as lysogeny is established relatively efficiently, and prophage-expressed genes can strongly inhibit lytic infection of other, unrelated phages. Demonstrating such defense systems in
Gordonia terrae
suggests that these systems are widespread and that there are a multitude of different systems with different specificities for the attacking phages.
Rating early child development outcome measurement tools for routine health programme use
Authors: Boggs Dorothy , Milner Kate M , Chandna Jaya , Black Maureen , Cavallera Vanessa , Dua Tarun , Fink Guenther , KC Ashish , Grantham-McGregor Sally , Hamadani Jena , Hughes Rob , Manji Karim , McCoy Dana Charles , Tann Cally , Lawn Joy E
Published: March 2019

Background

Identification of children at risk of developmental delay and/or impairment requires valid measurement of early child development (ECD). We systematically assess ECD measurement tools for accuracy and feasibility for use in routine services in low-income and middle-income countries (LMIC).

Methods

Building on World Bank and peer-reviewed literature reviews, we identified available ECD measurement tools for children aged 0–3 years used in ≥1 LMIC and matrixed these according towhen(child age) andwhat(ECD domains) they measure at population or individual level. Tools measuring <2 years and covering ≥3 developmental domains, including cognition, were rated for accuracy and feasibility criteria using a rating approach derived from Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations.

Results

61 tools were initially identified, 8% (n=5) population-level and 92% (n=56) individual-level screening or ability tests. Of these, 27 tools covering ≥3 domains beginning <2 years of age were selected for rating accuracy and feasibility. Recently developed population-level tools (n=2) rated highly overall, particularly in reliability, cultural adaptability, administration time and geographical uptake. Individual-level tool (n=25) ratings were variable, generally highest for reliability and lowest for accessibility, training, clinical relevance and geographical uptake.

Conclusions and implications

Although multiple measurement tools exist, few are designed for multidomain ECD measurement in young children, especially in LMIC. No available tools rated strongly acrossallaccuracy and feasibility criteria with accessibility, training requirements, clinical relevance and geographical uptake being poor for most tools. Further research is recommended to explore this gap in fit-for-purpose tools to monitor ECD in routine LMIC health services.
Evolving quality improvement support strategies to improve Plan–Do–Study–Act cycle fidelity: a retrospective mixed-methods study
Authors: McNicholas Chris , Lennox Laura , Woodcock Thomas , Bell Derek , Reed Julie E
Published: March 2019

Background

Although widely recommended as an effective approach to quality improvement (QI), the Plan–Do–Study–Act (PDSA) cycle method can be challenging to use, and low fidelity of published accounts of the method has been reported. There is little evidence on the fidelity of PDSA cycles used by front-line teams, nor how to support and improve the method’s use. Data collected from 39 front-line improvement teams provided an opportunity to retrospectively investigate PDSA cycle use and how strategies were modified to help improve this over time.

Methods

The fidelity of 421 PDSA cycles was reviewed using a predefined framework and statistical analysis examined whether fidelity changed over three annual rounds of projects. The experiences of project teams and QI support staff were investigated through document analysis and interviews.

Results

Although modest, statistically significant improvements in PDSA fidelity occurred; however, overall fidelity remained low. Challenges to achieving greater fidelity reflected problems with understanding the PDSA methodology, intention to use and application in practice. These problems were exacerbated by assumptions made in the original QI training and support strategies: that PDSA was easy to understand; that teams would be motivated and willing to use PDSA; and that PDSA is easy to apply. QI strategies that evolved to overcome these challenges included project selection process, redesign of training, increased hands-on support and investment in training QI support staff.

Conclusion

This study identifies support strategies that may help improve PDSA cycle fidelity. It provides an approach to assess minimum standards of fidelity which can be replicated elsewhere. The findings suggest achieving high PDSA fidelity requires a gradual and negotiated process to explore different perspectives and encourage new ways of working.
Temporal trends in cognitive function of older US adults associated with population changes in demographic and cardiovascular profiles
Authors: Bancks Michael , Alonso Alvaro , Allen Norrina , Yaffe Kristine , Carnethon Mercedes
Published: March 2019

Background

Recent estimates suggest that dementia incidence is decreasing in the US possibly due to better management of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, but these studies lack repeated cross-sectional assessment among a representative US sample. Our objective was to assess temporal trends in cognitive performance in relation to CVD risk factors among older National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) participants.

Methods

We used repeated cross-sectional assessment of 5711 participants ≥60 years of age from four NHANES cycles: 1999–2000, 2001–2002, 2011–2012 and 2013–2014. Cognitive function was assessed during each cycle with the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST). We estimated mean DSST score at each cycle and annual trend in DSST before and after adjustment for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, smoking status, blood pressure, glucose status and body mass index.

Results

DSST scores was significantly higher for 2011–2012 (difference: 6.7, 95% CI 4.4 to 9.0) and 2013–2014 (difference: 6.2, 95% CI 4.0 to 8.5), but not 2001–2002 (difference: 2.3, 95% CI −0.01 to 4.6) as compared with 1999–2000 before adjustment. We observed a linear trend for higher annual DSST score before adjustment (DSST/year: 0.44, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.57) and after adjustment for age, sex, race/ethnicity, educational attainment and CVD risk factors (DSST/year: 0.17, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.26). Educational attainment was most strongly associated with the attenuation in the trend in cognitive function (77% of trend attenuation and 20% of variance in DSST).

Conclusion

Cognitive function is improving over time for US adults aged ≥60 years. These improvements are strongly associated with greater educational attainment and irrespective of the changing US demographic and cardiovascular health profiles.
Impact of Saharan dust episodes on preterm births in Guadeloupe (French West Indies)
Authors: Viel Jean-Francois , Mallet Yoann , Raghoumandan Christina , Quénel Philippe , Kadhel Philippe , Rouget Florence , Multigner Luc
Published: March 2019

Objectives

Large amounts of mineral dust are transported from their African sources in the Saharan-Sahel region to the Caribbean Sea, generating peak exposures to particulate matter ≤10 µm (PM10). This study aimed to investigate the impact of Saharan dust episodes on preterm births in the Guadeloupe archipelago.

Methods

The study population consisted of 909 pregnant women who were enrolled in the TIMOUN mother-child cohort between 2004 and 2007. Desert dust episodes were assessed from PM10 concentrations recorded at the unique background air quality monitoring station located in Pointe-à-Pitre. For each woman, the daily PM10 concentrations were averaged over the entire pregnancy, and the proportion of days with intense dust episodes (≥55 µg PM10/m3) during pregnancy was calculated. Weighted logistic regression models adjusting for known individual sociomedical risk factors were used to estimate ORs and 95% CIs for preterm birth.

Results

During pregnancy, the mean PM10 concentrations ranged from 13.17 to 34.92 µg/m3, whereas the proportion of intense dust events ranged from 0.00% to 19.41%. Increased adjusted ORs were found for both the mean PM10 concentrations and the proportion of intense dust events (OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.81, and OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.21 to 1.98 per SD change, respectively). Restriction to spontaneous preterm births produced similar ORs but with wider 95% CIs.

Conclusion

Considering the personal and social burden of this adverse pregnancy outcome, this finding is of importance for both healthcare workers and policy makers to provide necessary preventive measures.
The critical weed-free period in glyphosate-resistant soybean in Ontario is similar to previous estimates using glyphosate-susceptible soybean
Authors: Soltani Nader , Nurse Robert E. , Jhala Amit J. , Sikkema Peter H.
Published: March 2019

A study consisting of 13 field experiments was conducted during 2014–2016 in southwestern Ontario and southcentral Nebraska (Clay Center) to determine the effect of late-emerging weeds on the yield of glyphosate-resistant soybean. Soybean was maintained weed-free with glyphosate (900 g ae ha−1) up to the VC (cotyledon), V1 (first trifoliate), V2 (second trifoliate), V3 (third trifoliate), V4 (fourth trifoliate), and R1 (beginning of flowering) growth stages, after which weeds were allowed to naturally infest the soybean plots. The total weed density was reduced to 24%, 63%, 67%, 72%, 76%, and 92% in Environment 1 (Exeter, Harrow, and Ridgetown) when soybean was maintained weed-free up to the VC, V1, V2, V3, V4, and R1 soybean growth stages, respectively. The total weed biomass was reduced by 33%, 82%, 95%, 97%, 97%, and 100% in Environment 1 (Exeter, Harrow, and Ridgetown) and 28%, 100%, 100%, 100%, 100%, and 100% in Environment 2 (Clay Center) when soybean was maintained weed-free up to the VC, V1, V2, V3, V4, and R1 stages, respectively. The critical weed-free periods for a 2.5%, 5%, and 10% yield loss in soybean were the V1–V2, VC–V1, and VC–V1 soybean stages in Environment 1 (Exeter, Harrow, and Ridgetown) and V2–V3, V2–V3, and V1–V2 soybean stages in Environment 2 (Clay Center), respectively. For the weed species evaluated, there was a minimal reduction in weed biomass (5% or less) when soybean was maintained weed-free beyond the V3 soybean growth stage. These results shows that soybean must be maintained weed-free up to the V3 growth stage to minimize yield loss due to weed interference.
Short-term nitrogen dynamics in a soil amended with anaerobic digestate
Authors: Sharifi Mehdi , Baker Scott , Hojabri Leila , Hajiaghaei-Kamrani Monireh
Published: March 2019

The co-product of anaerobic digestion, digestate, is nitrogen (N) rich; however, the forms and accessibility of this N by the crops have not been fully explored. This study aimed to determine the mineralization parameters of digestate N and to assess its availability for annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.). Four digestate rates of 0 (control), 38, 75, and 150 mg N kg−1 soil (equal to 0, 90, 180, and 360 kg total N ha−1) were applied to a silty clay loam soil in a completely randomized block design with four replications in a greenhouse study. A 100 d aerobic incubation experiment was also conducted with 0 and 150 mg digestate N kg−1 rates at 25 °C. Digestate feedstock included cattle manure (28%), hay (15%), and silage corn (Zea mays L.; 57%). Total plant biomass and N uptake increased linearly with digestate application rate with average apparent N recovery of 37%. Potentially mineralizable N (N0) and mineralizable N rate constant (k) were not significantly different in digestate and control treatments; however, a flush of digestate organic N (30 mg N kg−1) released right after mixing the digestate with soil. Evidences of N immobilization with digestate application were observed in greenhouse study. Majority of plant-available digestate N was in form of NH4+-N; therefore, NH4+-N can be used for estimation of available digestate N for crops. Results need to be validated for specific feedstock and soil properties under field conditions. Further research is needed to assess how long-term build-up of digestate organic N may impact the N availability for crops.
Carbon response to changing winter conditions in northern regions: current understanding and emerging research needs
Authors: Campbell John L. , Laudon Hjalmar
Published: March 2019

Winter is an important period for ecological processes in northern regions; however, compared to other seasons, the impacts of winter climate on ecosystems are poorly understood. In this review we evaluate the influence of winter climate on carbon dynamics based on the current state of knowledge and highlight emerging topics and future research challenges. Studies that have addressed this topic include plot-scale snow cover manipulation experiments that alter soil temperatures, empirical investigations along natural climatic gradients, laboratory temperature incubation experiments aimed at isolating influential factors in controlled environments, and time series of climate and carbon data that evaluate long-term natural variation and trends. Combined, these studies have demonstrated how winter climate can influence carbon in complex ways that in some cases are consistent across studies and in other cases are difficult to predict. Despite advances in our understanding, there is a great need for studies that further explore: (i) carry-over effects from one season to another, (ii) ecosystem processes in the fall–winter and winter–spring shoulder seasons, (iii) the impacts of extreme events, (iv) novel experimental approaches, and (v) improvements to models to include ecological effects of winter climate. We also call for the establishment of an international winter climate change research network that enhances collaboration and coordination among studies, which could provide a more thorough understanding of how the snow-covered period influences carbon cycling, thereby improving our ability to predict future responses to climate change.
Impact of Time Delay and Non-Gaussian Noise on Stochastic Resonance and Stability for a Stochastic Metapopulation System Driven by a Multiplicative Periodic Signal
Authors: Wang Kang-Kang , Ye Hui , Wang Ya-Jun , Wang Ping-Xin
Published: March 2019

In the present paper, the stability of the population system and the phenomena of the stochastic resonance (SR) for a metapopulation system induced by the terms of time delay, the multiplicative non-Gaussian noise, the additive colored Gaussian noise and a multiplicative periodic signal are investigated in detail. By applying the fast descent method, the unified colored noise approximation and the SR theory, the expressions of the steady-state probability function and the SNR are derived. It is shown that multiplicative non-Gaussian noise, the additive Gaussian noise and time delay can all weaken the stability of the population system, and even result in population extinction. Conversely, the two noise correlation times can both strengthen the stability of the biological system and contribute to group survival. In regard to the SNR for the metapopulation system impacted by the noise terms and time delay, it is revealed that the correlation time of the multiplicative noise can improve effectively the SR effect, while time delay would all along restrain the SR phenomena. On the other hand, although the additive noise and its correlation time can stimulate easily the SR effect, they cannot change the maximum of the SNR. In addition, the departure parameter from the Gaussian noise and the multiplicative noise play the opposite roles in motivating the SR effect in different cases.