bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transvaginal surgery using self‐cut mesh for pelvic organ prolapse: 3‐year clinical outcomes
Authors: Gonocruz Sheryl Ghia , Hayashi Tokumasa , Tokiwa Shino , Sawada Yugo , Okada Yoshiyuki , Yoshio Yuko , Krisna Ratih , Kitagawa Yasuhide , Shimizu Yukiko , Nomura Masayoshi
Published: May 2019

Objectives

To evaluate subjective and objective outcomes, complication, recurrence, and reoperation rates after transvaginal mesh surgery for the management of pelvic organ prolapse.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of transvaginal mesh surgery carried out using self‐cut mesh measuring subjective outcomes using validated questionnaires, and objective outcomes using Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification. Patients diagnosed with stage ≥2 pelvic organ prolapse were counseled about all possible surgical options. After thorough explanation about the benefits and risks during transvaginal mesh surgery, patients who gave signed consent were scheduled for surgery and evaluated at 1 and 3 years postoperatively.

Results

We included 101 patients who completed a minimum of 3‐year follow up. One year and 3‐year follow up showed significant improvement both on subjective and objective outcomes. Recurrences were observed in three patients (3%), with one (1%) patient undergoing reoperation. One case (1%) of intraoperative complication (bladder injury) and four cases (4%) of postoperative complications (two mesh exposure, one hematoma and one significant increase in post‐voiding residual) were recorded. Overall patients’ satisfaction was positive.

Conclusions

Transvaginal mesh surgery using self‐cut mesh is associated with significant improvement in both subjective and objective outcomes, offering low recurrence and complication rates, and high patient satisfaction rates. It can be a safe, effective and cost‐efficient option not only for recurrence cases, but also as primary management of pelvic organ prolapse using a standardized technique and proper patient selection.
Mixture of Truthful–Untruthful Responses in Public Surveys
Authors: Christofides Tasos C. , Francesco Perri Pier
Published: May 2019

When sensitive issues are surveyed, collecting truthful data and obtaining reliable estimates of population parameters is a persistent problem in many fields of applied research mostly in sociological, economic, demographic, ecological and medical studies. In this context, and moving from the so‐called negative survey, we consider the problem of estimating the proportion of population units belonging to the categories of a sensitive variable when collected data are affected by measurement errors produced by untruthful responses. An extension of the negative survey approach is proposed herein in order to allow respondents to release a true response. The proposal rests on modelling the released data with a mixture of truthful and untruthful responses that allows researchers to obtain an estimate of the proportions as well as the probability of receiving the true response by implementing the EM‐algorithm. We describe the estimation procedure and carry out a simulation study to assess the performance of the EM estimates vis‐à‐vis certain benchmark values and the estimates obtained under the traditional data‐collection approach based on direct questioning that ignores the presence of misreporting due to untruthful responding. Simulation findings provide evidence on the accuracy of the estimates and permit us to appreciate the improvements that our approach can produce in public surveys, particularly in election opinion polls, when the hidden vote problem is present.
A new ternary phase in the system CaO–Al2O3–Cr2O3: Crystal structure and thermal expansion of CaAl2Cr2O7
Authors: Kahlenberg Volker , de Villiers Johan P.R. , Odendaal Dirk , Krüger Hannes , Song Shengqiang , Nath Mithun
Published: May 2019

Polycrystalline material of a novel phase in the system CaO–Al2O3–Cr2O3 has been obtained by solid‐state reactions. Chemical analysis indicated the composition CaAl2Cr2O7. Single‐crystal growth of the new compound using borax as a mineralizer was successful. Diffraction experiments at ambient conditions on a crystal with composition CaAl2.13Cr1.87O7 yielded the following basic crystallographic data: space group P 3, a = 7.7690(5) Å, c = 7.6463(5) Å, V = 399.68(6) Å3, Z = 3. Structure determination and subsequent least‐squares refinements resulted in a residual of R(|F|) = 2.3% for 1440 independent observed reflections and 113 parameters. To the best of our knowledge, the structure of CaAl2.13Cr1.87O7 or CaAl2Cr2O7 represents a new structure type. It belongs to the group of double layer structures where individual double layers contain octahedrally and tetrahedrally coordinated cation positions. Linkage between neighboring sheet packages is provided by additional calcium cations. Furthermore, thermal expansion has been studied in the interval between 29 and 790°C using in situ high‐temperature single‐crystal diffraction. No indications for a structural phase transition were observed. From the evolution of the lattice parameters the thermal expansion tensor has been obtained. A pronounced anisotropy is evident. The response of structural building units to variable temperature has been discussed.
Incidence, prevalence, and predictors of treatment‐resistant hypertension with intensive blood pressure lowering
Authors: Smith Steven M. , Gurka Matthew J. , Winterstein Almut G. , Pepine Carl J. , Cooper‐DeHoff Rhonda M.
Published: May 2019

Recent guidelines call for more intensive blood pressure (BP)‐lowering and a less‐stringent treatment‐resistant hypertension (TRH) definition, both of which may increase the occurrence of this high‐risk phenotype. We performed a post hoc analysis of 11 784 SPRINT and ACCORD‐BP participants without baseline TRH, who were randomized to an intensive (<120 mm Hg) or standard (<140 mm Hg) systolic BP target. Incidence, prevalence, and predictors of TRH were compared using the updated definition (requiring ≥4 drugs to achieve BP < 130/80 mm Hg) during intensive treatment, vs the former definition (requiring ≥4 drugs to achieve BP < 140/90 mm Hg) during standard treatment. Incidence/prevalence of apparent refractory hypertension (RFH; uncontrolled BP despite ≥5 drugs) was similarly compared. Overall, 5702 and 6082 patients were included in the intensive and standard treatment cohorts, respectively. Crude TRH incidence using the updated definition under intensive treatment was 30.3 (95% CI, 29.3‐31.4) per 100 patient‐years, compared with 9.7 (95% CI, 9.2‐10.2) using the prior definition under standard treatment. Point prevalence using the prior TRH definition at 1‐year was 7.5% in SPRINT and 14% in ACCORD vs 22% and 36%, respectively, with the updated TRH definition. Significant predictors of incident TRH included number of baseline antihypertensive drugs, having diabetes, baseline systolic BP, and Black race. Incidence of apparent RFH was also significantly greater using the updated vs prior definition (4.5 vs 1.0 per 100 person‐years). Implementation of the 2017 hypertension guideline, including lower BP goals for most individuals, is expected to substantially increase treatment burden and incident TRH among the hypertensive population.
Pigment epithelium‐derived factor peptide promotes limbal stem cell proliferation through hedgehog pathway
Authors: Fan Nai‐Wen , Ho Tsung‐Chuan , Wu Cheng‐Wen , Tsao Yeou‐Ping
Published: May 2019

Expansion of limbal epithelial stem cells (LSCs) is crucial for the success of limbal transplantation. Previous studies showed that pigment epithelium‐derived peptide (PEDF) short peptide 44‐mer could effectively expand LSCs and maintain them in a stem‐cell state, but the mechanism remained unclear. In the current study, we found that pharmacological inhibition of Sonic Hedgehog (SHh) activity reduced the LSC holoclone number and suppressed LSC proliferation in response to 44‐mer. In mice subjected to focal limbal injury, 44‐mer facilitated the restoration of the LSC population in damaged limbus, and such effect was impeded by the SHh or ATGL (a PEDF receptor) inhibitor. Furthermore, we showed that 44‐mer increased nuclear translocation of Gli1 and Gli3 in LSCs. Knockdown of Gli1 or Gli3 suppressed the ability of 44‐mer to induce cyclin D1 expression and LSC proliferation. In addition, ATGL inhibitor suppressed the 44‐mer‐induced phosphorylation of STAT3 at Tyr705 in LSC. Both inhibitors for ATGL and STAT3 attenuated 44‐mer‐induced SHh activation and LSC proliferation. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that SHh‐Gli pathway driven by ATGL/STAT3 signalling accounts for the 44‐mer‐mediated LSC proliferation.
Long‐term impact of the Garrett Lee Smith Youth Suicide Prevention Program on youth suicide mortality, 2006–2015
Authors: Godoy Garraza Lucas , Kuiper Nora , Goldston David , McKeon Richard , Walrath Christine
Published: May 2019

Background

Comprehensive suicide prevention programs funded through the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Youth Suicide Prevention Program (GLS) have previously been shown to be associated with lower youth suicide mortality rates 1 year following program implementation. However, longer term effects of GLS have yet to be examined.

Methods

The impact of GLS implementation on youth suicide mortality through 2015 was estimated for U.S. counties initially exposed to state and tribal GLS activities between 2006 and 2009. The analytic approach combined propensity score‐based techniques to address potential confounding arising from differences between counties exposed and not exposed to the program along an extensive set of characteristics, including historical suicide rates.

Results

Counties exposed to GLS during a single year had youth suicide mortality rates lower than expected and for longer than previously reported following implementation of GLS activities. Youth suicide mortality rates in counties implementing GLS were estimated to be 0.9 per 100,000 youths lower than control counties (p = .029) 1 year after the implementation, and 1.1 per 100,000 youths lower than control counties (p = .010) 2 years after the implementation. Further, persistent implementation during multiple years was associated with larger effects during longer periods. Additionally, among rural counties, the youth suicide rates 2 years after exposure were estimated to be 2.4 per 100,000 youths lower than in the absence of the program (p = .003). There was no significant evidence of a decrease in youth suicide rates three or more years after the GLS activities were discontinued.

Conclusions

The effects of GLS comprehensive suicide prevention program were found to be stronger and longer lasting than previously reported, particularly in rural counties. In the face of well‐documented increases in national suicide prevention rates, these results support the widespread and persistent implementation of comprehensive, community‐based youth suicide prevention programs.
Population biology of a selfish sex ratio distorting element in a booklouse (Psocodea: Liposcelis)
Authors: Hodson Christina N. , Perlman Steve J.
Published: May 2019

Arthropods harbour a variety of selfish genetic elements that manipulate reproduction to be preferentially transmitted to future generations. A major ongoing question is to understand how these elements persist in nature. In this study, we examine the population dynamics of an unusual selfish sex ratio distorter in a recently discovered species of booklouse, Liposcelis sp. (Psocodea: Liposcelididae) to gain a better understanding of some of the factors that may affect the persistence of this element. Females that carry the selfish genetic element only ever produce daughters, although they are obligately sexual. These females also only transmit the maternal half of their genome. We performed a replicated population cage experiment, varying the initial frequency of females that harbour the selfish element, and following female frequencies for 20 months. The selfish genetic element persisted in all cages, often reaching very high (and thus severely female‐biased) frequencies. Surprisingly, we also found that females that carry the selfish genetic element had much lower fitness than their nondistorter counterparts, with lower lifetime fecundity, slower development and a shorter egg‐laying period. We suggest that differential fitness plays a role in the maintenance of the selfish genetic element in this species. We believe that the genetic system in this species, paternal genome elimination, which allows maternal control of offspring sex ratio, may also be important in the persistence of the selfish genetic element, highlighting the need to consider species with diverse ecologies and genetic systems when investigating the effects of sex ratio manipulators on host populations.
Fracture resistance and failure modes of endocrowns manufactured with different CAD/CAM materials under axial and lateral loading
Authors: El Ghoul Wiam , Özcan Mutlu , Silwadi Munir , Salameh Ziad
Published: May 2019

Objectives

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the fracture resistance and failure modes of endocrowns made of three computer‐aided design/computer‐aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) materials subjected to thermo‐mechanical cycling loading.

Materials and Methods

Eighty mandibular molars were divided into four groups (n = 20): one (C E) was restored with lithium disilicate glass‐ceramic conventional crowns, three were restored with endocrowns made of three different CAD/CAM materials; (E E) lithium disilicate glass‐ceramic, (E V) zirconia‐reinforced lithium silicate glass‐ceramic, and (E C) resin nano‐ceramic. After cycling loading, half of the samples from each group were loaded axially and the other half was loaded laterally. Fracture resistance was recorded in Newton (N) and failure modes were classified. Two‐way ANOVA, Bonferroni post hoc (α = .05), Chi‐square, and multiple logistic regression tests were used to analyze data.

Results

Statistically significant interaction were recorded between fracture resistance (N) and loading (P < .001), and groups (conventuional crown and endocrowns; P < .001). Endocrowns presented higher fracture strength than conventional crowns. Fracture resistance was significantly larger under axial loading. The numbers of irreparable failures were extremely important in the endocrowns groups (Groups E E, E V, E C), and only conventional crowns (Group C E) showed almost no irreparable failures under axial loading.

Conclusion

Lithium disilicate glass‐ceramic recorded the highest fracture resistance under axial and lateral loading.

Clinical Significance

The number of irreparable failures with all endocrown materials tested do not suggest yet the use of this type of restorations in posterior teeth.
Examining changes in respiratory exchange ratio within an 8‐week weight loss intervention
Authors: Beatty J. , Melanson K.
Published: May 2019

Background

Maintaining weight loss is difficult, partly as a result of accompanying reductions in fat oxidation. The present study examined fat oxidation [reflected by respiratory exchange ratio (RER)] within an 8‐week, self‐led weight loss intervention. Changes in RER, body fat (BF%) and estimated energy expenditure (EE) were examined.

Methods

Twenty‐two adults [13 females, nine males; mean (SD) age 34.6 (16.5) years; body mass index 32.0 (4.3) kg m−2] received a self‐directed workbook; twelve were also randomised to receive a self‐monitoring wrist‐worn device. At weeks 0 and 8, RER (indirect calorimetry), BF% (BodPod) and estimated EE [7‐day physical activity recall (PAR‐EE) were collected. Participants were pooled and paired t‐tests were used to examine changes over time. Correlations explored associations among variables. Participants were then dichotomised into weight loss group (WL) or weight stable/gainers group (WSG) and eating behaviours [Intuitive Eating Scale (IES‐2)] were examined by 2 × 2 repeated measures multivariate analysis of covariance.

Results

There were no significant changes in RER, body fat percentage and PAR‐EE. A significant negative association was found between week 8 PAR‐EE and week 8 RER, as well as between BF% change and RER change. There was a significant time by WL versus WSG group effect of IES‐2 scores, with the WL group self‐reporting significantly increased scores in Eating for Physical Reasons rather than Emotional Reasons (EPR) subscale.

Conclusions

Increased physical activity after an 8‐week weight loss intervention was associated with a higher fasting fat oxidation. Participants who increased EPR scores were more successful in weight loss than those without a change in this subscale.
Adding Regret to Fear Appeals: When the Going Gets Difficult, Regret Gets Action
Authors: Passyn Kirsten
Published: May 2019

In accord with Protection Motivation Theory, this article finds fear appeals ineffective at motivating health protection behaviors perceived to be difficult; when task difficulty is high, there is a decrease in perceptions of self‐efficacy and a reduction in health protection behaviors. This research examines a novel way to motivate health protection when task difficulty is salient by adding regret to fear appeals. The inclusion of regret, an emotion that motivates corrective behavioral change, bolsters self‐efficacy and enhances health protection intentions. In fact, even when task difficulty is made salient, self‐efficacy and behavioral intentions remain strong in the fear plus regret condition. Thus, in contrast to straight fear appeals, adding regret to fear appeals results in a reversal effect enhancing self‐efficacy and behavioral intentions when task difficulty is made salient. This research highlights the independence of task difficulty, self‐efficacy, and the role of regret in motivating difficult health protection behaviors.
Nurses' perceptions of their relationships and communication with lesbian women seeking perinatal care
Authors: Tzur‐Peled Sharona , Sarid Orly , Kushnir Talma
Published: May 2019

Aims and objective

To examine whether nurses' assessment of their relationships and communication with lesbian women seeking perinatal care is associated with their personal and professional characteristics and knowledge of homosexuality.

Background

Recently, there has been a growing incidence of same‐sex parenthood. Nurses administer health care to lesbian women from pregnancy planning through birth, providing consultation. Although there has been a shift in attitudes towards homosexuality, discrimination is still quite common.

Design

This research is part of a larger cross‐sectional study carried out at women's healthcare centres, concerning nurses' perceived quality of perinatal care provided to lesbian women.

Methods

The study was conducted from December 2015–April 2016 at women's health centres in Israel encompassing 184 registered nurses who completed self‐report questionnaires. They were assessed as to their knowledge of homosexuality and nurse–patient relationships and communication. The Squire checklist was used.

Results

Most (73.4%) had prior acquaintance with lesbian women; only 17.9% had been educated as to lesbian women's unique health needs; of these, 66.7% thought that they had been given professional tools for working with lesbian women; 60.4% were unaware of the importance of knowing the patient's sexual orientation. The average score on a homosexuality knowledge questionnaire was 10.4 on a scale of 0–17, indicating moderate levels of factual knowledge about homosexuality. A significant positive correlation was found between nurses' knowledge of homosexuality and assessment of their relationships and communication with lesbian women seeking perinatal care. In addition, nurses' personal and professional characteristics, such as place of birth, religiosity and familiarity with lesbian women, were related to their assessment of their relationships and communication.

Conclusion

Nurses' knowledge of homosexuality and personal and professional characteristics were associated with their perceptions regarding relationships and communication with lesbian women seeking perinatal care.

Relevance to clinical practice

Further training might broaden, refine rigid perceptions and contribute to advancing equal perinatal nursing care of lesbian women.
Surface Roughness of Monolithic and Layered Zirconia Restorations at Different Stages of Finishing and Polishing: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Al Hamad Khaled Q. , Abu Al‐Addous Ahmad M. , Al‐Wahadni Ahed M. , Baba Nadim Z. , Goodacre Brian J.
Published: May 2019

Purpose

To evaluate surface roughness and topography of different zirconia‐based restorations at various steps of finishing and polishing.

Materials and Methods

Seventy‐five zirconia discs were fabricated and divided into 3 layered and 2 monolithic groups: layered conventional (VM9; Vita), layered pressed (PM9; Vita), layered digital (TriLuxe Forte; Vita), opaque monolithic (Ceramill Zi; Amann Girrbach), and translucent monolithic (Zolid FX; Amann Girrbach). Surface roughness testing (Ra, Rz) and scanning electron microscopy were performed at the glazed, unglazed, finished, polished, super‐polished, and super‐polished with diamond paste steps. One‐way ANOVA and Tukey tests were used for statistical analysis.

Results

There were significant differences in all groups among the different steps (p < 0.001, F = 77.67 for layered conventional; p < 0.001, F = 133.90 for layered pressed; p < 0.001, F = 47.94 for layered digital; p < 0.001, F = 48.05 for zirconia opaque; p < 0.001, F = 43.91 for zirconia translucent). For the layered groups, glazed stage was significantly different from all other steps (p < 0.001). For the layered conventional and digital groups, polishing using diamond paste was not significantly different from the polished and super‐polished steps (p = 0.448, p = 0.153), while for the layered pressed group, polishing using diamond paste was not significantly different from the super polished step (p = 0.815). For monolithic groups, there were no significant differences between the polished and super‐polished steps (p = 0.957 for zirconia opaque, p = 1.00 for zirconia translucent). Both the diamond paste and super‐polished steps showed no significant differences (p = 0.620, p = 0.550) from the glazed surface in the opaque zirconia group.

Conclusions

Surface roughness of monolithic and layered zirconia was improved by polishing; however, only opaque zirconia reached the level of surface roughness of the glazed stage. Type of buildup affected the surface roughness of adjusted ceramics, with monolithic zirconia showing lower surface roughness than layered zirconia. Polishing with diamond paste provided no significant improvement in the surface roughness of monolithic or layered zirconia.
Ameliorative effects of melatonin against solid Ehrlich carcinoma progression in female mice
Authors: Amin Ali H. , El‐Missiry Mohamed A. , Othman Azza I. , Ali Doaa A. , Gouida Mona S. , Ismail Ahmed H.
Published: May 2019

The current work estimated the antitumour efficacy of melatonin (MLT) on the growth of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells inoculated intramuscularly into the hind limbs of female BALB/c mice and to compare its effects with those of adriamycin (ADR). After solid tumours developed, the animals were divided into the three following groups: the tumour‐bearing control, MLT‐treated (20 mg/kg body weight) and ADR‐treated (10 mg/kg body weight) groups. The results showed a significant reduction in the tumour masses of the treated animals in comparison with those of the control group. There were a significant decrease in the malondialdehyde level and a significant elevation of the glutathione concentration and the superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in the MLT and ADR groups. The current study indicated the increased expression levels of P53, caspase‐3 and caspase‐9 and the decreased expression levels of the rRNA and Bcl2. The MLT and ADR treatments resulted in histological changes, such as a marked degenerative area, the necrosis of neoplastic cells, the appearance of different forms of apoptotic cells and giant cells with condensed chromatin, and a deeply eosinophilic cytoplasm. The MLT and ADR treatments also significantly decreased the Ki‐67 protein and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression levels in the tumour masses. In conclusion, similar to ADR‐treated tumour‐bearing mice, MLT suppressed the growth and proliferation of tumour by inducing apoptosis and by inhibiting tumour vascularization. The current data recommend MLT as a safe natural chemotherapeutic adjuvant to overcome cancer progression after a clinical trial validates these results.
Plasma‐free amino acid profiles in dogs with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Leela‐arporn Rommaneeya , Ohta Hiroshi , Tamura Masahiro , Nagata Noriyuki , Sasaoka Kazuyoshi , Dermlim Angkhana , Nisa Khoirun , Osuga Tatsuyuki , Morishita Keitaro , Sasaki Noboru , Takiguchi Mitsuyoshi
Published: May 2019

Background

Metabolomic analysis using blood samples has been suggested to be useful for the early detection of cancer. Among metabolites, plasma‐free amino acid (PFAA) profiles are potential diagnostic biomarkers for several diseases including cancer. However, the relationship between PFAA concentrations and liver tumors in dogs remains unknown.

Objective

To determine the characteristics of PFAA profiles of dogs with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and correlated clinical features.

Animals

Thirty‐four client‐owned dogs diagnosed with HCC (n = 26) and benign liver diseases (n = 8) and 11 age‐matched healthy dogs.

Methods

Prospective study using heparinized blood samples from fasted dogs. Plasma was deproteinized, and the concentrations of 21 amino acids were measured using an automated high‐performance liquid chromatography amino acid analyzer.

Results

Plasma glutamic acid concentrations were significantly different among groups (P < .0024 after Bonferroni correction). Compared to healthy dogs, dogs with HCC and benign liver diseases had significantly higher concentrations of glutamic acid by post hoc analysis. However, no significant difference in the PFAA profiles of HCC and benign liver diseases were detected. In addition, preoperative and postoperative PFAA profiles of dogs with HCC were not significantly different.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Increased glutamic acid concentrations might play a role in the development or be a consequence of liver tumor formation. However, PFAA profiles of HCC could not be differentiated from those of benign lesions. In addition, glutamic acid concentrations did not change after surgical resection. These results indicate that PFAA profiles may not be useful biomarkers for detecting HCC in dogs.
Fungal disease and temperature alter skin microbiome structure in an experimental salamander system
Authors: Muletz‐Wolz Carly R. , Fleischer Robert C. , Lips Karen R.
Published: May 2019

Pathogens compete with host microbiomes for space and resources. Their shared environment impacts pathogen–microbiome–host interactions, which can lead to variation in disease outcome. The skin microbiome of red‐backed salamanders (Plethodon cinereus) can reduce infection by the pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) at moderate infection loads, with high species richness and high abundance of competitors as putative mechanisms. However, it is unclear if the skin microbiome can reduce epizootic Bd loads across temperatures. We conducted a laboratory experiment to quantify skin microbiome and host responses (P. cinereus: n = 87) to Bd at mimicked epizootic loads across temperatures (13, 17 and 21°C). We quantified skin microbiomes using 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding and identified operational taxonomic units (OTUs) taxonomically similar to culturable bacteria known to kill Bd (anti‐Bd OTUs). Prior to pathogen exposure, temperature changed the microbiome (OTU richness decreased by 12% and the abundance of anti‐Bd OTUs increased by 18% per degree increase in temperature), but these changes were not predictive of disease outcome. After exposure, Bd changed the microbiome (OTU richness decreased by 0.1% and the abundance of anti‐Bd OTUs increased by 0.2% per 1% increase in Bd load) and caused high host mortality across temperatures (35/45: 78%). Temperature indirectly impacted microbiome change and mortality through its direct effect on pathogen load. We did not find support for the microbiome impacting Bd load or host survival. Our research reveals complex host, pathogen, microbiome and environmental interactions to demonstrate that during epizootic events the microbiome will be unlikely to reduce pathogen invasion, even for putatively Bd‐resistant species.
Genetic basis of amphibian larval development along a latitudinal gradient: Gene diversity, selection and links with phenotypic variation in transcription factor C/EBP‐1
Authors: Meyer‐Lucht Yvonne , Luquet Emilien , Jóhannesdóttir Fríða , Rödin‐Mörch Patrik , Quintela María , Richter‐Boix Alex , Höglund Jacob , Laurila Anssi
Published: May 2019

Ectotherm development rates often show adaptive divergence along climatic gradients, but the genetic basis for this variation is rarely studied. Here, we investigated the genetic basis for phenotypic variation in larval development in the moor frog Rana arvalis from five regions along a latitudinal gradient from Germany to northern Sweden. We focused on the C/EBP‐1 gene, a transcription factor associated with larval development time. Allele frequencies at C/EBP‐1 varied strongly among geographical regions. Overall, the distribution of alleles along the gradient was in concordance with the dual post‐glacial colonization routes into Scandinavia, with a large number of alleles exclusively present along the southern colonization route. Only three of 38 alleles were shared between the routes. Analysis of contemporary selection on C/EBP‐1 showed divergent selection among the regions, probably reflecting adaptation to the local environmental conditions, although this was especially strong between southern and northern regions coinciding also with lineages from different colonization routes. Overall, the C/EBP‐1 gene has historically been under purifying selection, but two specific amino acid positions showed significant signals of positive selection. These positions showed divergence between southern and northern regions, and we suggest that they are functionally involved in the climatic adaptation of larval development. Using phenotypic data from a common garden experiment, we found evidence for specific C/EBP‐1 alleles being correlated with larval development time, suggesting a functional role in adaptation of larval development to large‐scale climatic variation.
Comparative power law analysis for the spatial heterogeneity scaling of the hot‐spring microbiomes
Authors: Li Lianwei , Ma Zhanshan (Sam)
Published: May 2019

Spatial heterogeneity is a fundamental property of any natural ecosystems, including hot spring and human microbiomes. Two important scales that spatial heterogeneity exhibits are population and community scales, and Taylor's power law (PL) and its extensions (PLEs) offer ideal quantitative models to assess population‐ and community‐level heterogeneities. Here we analyse 165 hot spring microbiome samples at the global scale that cover a wide range of temperatures (7.5–99°C) and pH levels (3.3–9). We explore a question of fundamental importance for measuring the spatial heterogeneity of the hot‐spring microbiome and further discuss their ecological implications: How do critical environmental factors such as temperature and pH influence the scaling of community spatial heterogeneity? We are particularly interested in the existence of a universal scaling model that is independent of environmental gradients. By applying PL and PLEs, we were able to obtain such scaling parameters of the hot spring at both community and population levels, which are temperature‐ and pH‐invariant. These findings suggest that while the hot‐spring microbiomes located at different regions may have different environmental conditions, they share a fundamental heterogeneity scaling parameter, analogically similar to the gravitational acceleration on Earth, which may vary slightly depending on altitude and latitude, but is invariant overall. In contrast, similar to the physics of the Moon and Earth, which have different gravitational accelerations, the hot spring and human microbiomes can have different scaling parameters as demonstrated in this study.
New taxa and taxonomic notes in Aspidistra (Convallariaceae s.s.) of Laos and Vietnam
Authors: Averyanov Leonid V. , Nguyen Khang Sinh , Son Hoang Thanh , Tillich H.‐J. , Maisak Tatiana V.
Published: May 2019

This paper continues the publication of newly obtained results from a continuing taxonomic investigation of the genus Aspidistra in Laos and Vietnam. It includes diagnoses of two new species, A. medusa Aver., K. S. Nguyen & Tillich and A. triquetra Aver., Son, Tillich & K. S. Nguyen and amended descriptions of A. khangii Aver. et Tillich and A. locii Arnautov & Bogner previously only known from incomplete material. A lectotype of A. locii is proposed. Color illustrations, new or updated data on morphology, ecology, phenology, tentative relationships, distribution and conservation status are provided for all the mentioned taxa.
Is anuria prior to pediatric renal transplantation associated with poor allograft outcomes?
Authors: Alam Zaheer , VanderBrink Brian A. , Brewer Nathalie , Hooper David , Tiao Greg , Alonso Maria , Nathan Jaimie , DeFoor W. Robert , Sheldon Curtis , Reddy Pramod P.
Published: May 2019

Introduction

Anuria from end‐stage renal disease leads to a defunctionalized bladder and may pose technical challenges at the time of renal transplantation. Anuria’s effect on bladder function after renal transplantation is considered to be minimal in adults, although a paucity of evidence is available in children. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of anuria prior to pediatric renal transplantation for ESRD due to medical renal disease on allograft outcome.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of pediatric patients who underwent renal transplantation for medical renal disease at our institution between 2005 and 2016. Demographics and clinical data were assessed. We also compared GFR at 1 year post‐transplant for medical renal patients with history of anuria and those without.

Results

Twenty‐one patients fulfilled our inclusion criteria with median duration of anuria was 10 months. Preoperative VCUG was available in five patients and their bladder capacity was 29% of expected bladder capacity for age (range 8%‐41%). Anticholinergic therapy was prescribed in six patients (28%) for a mean duration of 5 months (range 1‐16 months). Comparison of GFR at 1 year post‐transplant in anuria group and those without anuria showed no difference (69 vs 75 mL/min, P = 0.37). No correlation was observed between duration of anuria and post‐transplant GFR.

Conclusion

The majority of children in our pretransplant anuria cohort did not develop bladder dysfunction after renal transplantation. No difference was observed between GFR at 1 year when comparing anuric to non‐anuric transplant recipients of medical renal disease etiology.
Effect of temperature on infection and development of powdery mildew on cucumber
Authors: Trecate L. , Sedláková B. , Mieslerová B. , Manstretta V. , Rossi V. , Lebeda A.
Published: May 2019

Podosphaera xanthii and Golovinomyces orontii are the causal agents of cucurbit powdery mildew. The effect of temperature on conidial germination, infection and sporulation was studied under controlled conditions. Conidia were inoculated on cucumber leaf discs, and incubated at six constant temperatures (from 10 to 35 °C in 5 °C steps) for 3 to 72 h to evaluate conidial germination and infection, and for 6–15 days to evaluate sporulation intensity. Germination took place at all tested temperatures, but was close to zero at 35 °C. The longest germ tubes measured in this experiment were 141.74 μm for the secondary germ tube of P. xanthii at 20 °C after 48 h of incubation, and 67.92 μm for G. orontii for the primary germ tube at 20 °C after 48 h of incubation. The optimal temperatures for conidial germination, infection and sporulation were 24.4, 25.7 and 22.3 °C, respectively, for P. xanthii, and 17.9, 17.3 and 14.9 °C, respectively, for G. orontii. Equations were developed to describe conidial germination with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.85 and 0.90 for P. xanthii and G. orontii, respectively. Infection equations resulted in R2 of 0.94 and 0.93 for P. xanthii and G. orontii, respectively; and for sporulation, R2 of 0.75 and 0.76 for P. xanthii and G. orontii respectively, as a function of temperature. These results can be used to develop models for the risk of cucurbit powdery mildew under field conditions.
China's new generation trade agreements: Importing rules to lock in domestic reform?
Authors: Eckhardt Jappe , Wang Hongyu
Published: May 2019

Since the beginning of the 21st century we have witnessed a proliferation of Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs) in Asia Pacific. China has been at the forefront of this development. Initially, China's PTAs were very shallow and mainly aimed at building friendly relationships with developing countries. However, over time, China has started to negotiate deeper PTAs with developing and developed countries alike. This notable shift has thus far been understood to result from four broad motivations: China's desire to access key export markets; the facilitation of regional production networks; to address resource security concerns; and/or to further geostrategic interests and political influence. We propose that these motives are not sufficient to fully account for China's new generation trade agreements. We suggest that China is increasing its integration into the world economy to push for domestic marketization and reform by credibly committing to trade liberalization through PTAs. Deep and comprehensive PTAs oblige a country to follow a set of rules that leave little leeway to violate the terms. In order to successfully implement and enforce PTA commitments, China has also gradually strengthened its regulatory state by investing in regulatory capacity and capability in the field of trade policy. We test the plausibility of our argument through an in‐depth analysis of the PTAs signed by China since 2000 and find evidence that China's PTAs are indeed in part driven by a desire to lock in domestic economic reform, which has gone hand in hand with a strengthening of its regulatory state.
Market Definition Using Consumer Characteristics and Cluster Analysis
Authors: Boshoff Willem , van Jaarsveld Rossouw
Published: May 2019

Competition authorities commence merger investigations with a definition of the relevant market, i.e. the collection of products or regions that compete with the firm(s) under investigation. Market definition relies on evidence of cross‐price elasticity. When the econometric estimation of cross‐price elasticities is not possible, analysts have to rely on qualitative assessment and a set of quantitative tools relying only on a subset of information or less precise quantitative evidence. Under these conditions, a statistical analysis of the similarity of consumer characteristics of different products can offer a useful addition to this toolkit. Cluster analysis can be used to identify meaningful groups of substitutes (and hence markets) on the basis of homogeneity of products’ consumer characteristics. Cluster analysis is useful not only in drawing market boundaries, but also in ranking the competitors within the boundaries. In a recent radio merger case in South Africa, competition authorities and counter parties struggled to obtain systematic evidence for market definition and ultimately relied on mostly qualitative impressions based on a range of evidence from industry experts and company strategy documents. The substitutes suggested by the cluster analysis matches the closest substitutes suggested by the Competition Tribunal, although the results do not support the Tribunal's list of weaker substitutes.
Effects of different management practices on Portulaca oleracea emergence in soyabean
Authors: Khakzad R , Alebrahim M T , Tobeh A , Oveisi M , Valiolahpor R , Tseng T M
Published: May 2019

Portulaca oleracea (common purslane) is a summer annual weed with wide geographic distribution and is problematic in many crops worldwide. Field experiments were conducted to determine the effects of different management practices on P. oleracea emergence in soyabean fields. Two tillage systems [conventional tillage (CT) and no‐till (NT)], three soyabean seeding rates (SR) (200 000, 300 000 and 400 000 seeds ha−1) and three imazethapyr doses (0, 50, and 100 g a.i. ha−1 applied pre‐emergence) were considered as experimental factors. Portulaca oleracea emergence was affected by management practices including tillage system, soyabean SR and imazethapyr dose. Conventional tillage required a thermal time (TT) of 195.95 and 221.30 d °C to reach 50% emergence in 2016 and 2017, respectively, while for NT, the respective TT requirements were 182.34 and 203.32 d °C. On increasing soyabean SR from 200 000 to 400 000 seeds ha−1, the TT requirements for 50% emergence (T50) of P. oleracea also increased. The T50 at the herbicide dose of 100 g a.i. ha−1 was 193.05 and 220.67 d °C in 2016 and 2017, respectively, while for the non‐herbicide treatment, the respective TT requirements were 165.98 and 202.94 d °C. From an integrated weed management perspective, a combination of CT with a SR of 400 000 seeds ha−1 and a 100 g a.i. ha−1 imazethapyr dose not only resulted in the lowest P. oleracea seedling density m−2 but also caused the longest delay in the time to reach the T50. Findings from our study may facilitate the development of effective P. oleracea management strategies.
Implementing Artificial Intelligence in Predicting Metrics for Characterizing Laser Propagation in Atmospheric Turbulence
Authors: Lozano Jimenez Diego Alberto , Kotteda V. M.Krushnarao , Kumar Vinod , Gudimetla V. S. Rao
Published: May 2019

The effects of a laser beam propagating through atmospheric turbulence are investigated using the phase screen approach. Turbulence effects are modeled by the Kolmogorov description of the energy cascade theory, and outer scale effect is implemented by the von Kármán refractive power spectral density. In this study, we analyze a plane wave propagating through varying atmospheric horizontal paths. An important consideration for the laser beam propagation of long distances is the random variations in the refractive index due to atmospheric turbulence. To characterize the random behavior, statistical analysis of the phase data and related metrics are examined at the output signal. We train three different machine learning algorithms in tensorflow library with the data at varying propagation lengths, outer scale lengths, and levels of turbulence intensity to predict statistical parameters that describe the atmospheric turbulence effects on laser propagation. tensorflow is an interface for demonstrating machine learning algorithms and an implementation for executing such algorithms on a wide variety of heterogeneous systems, ranging from mobile devices such as phones and tablets to large-scale distributed systems and thousands of computational devices such as GPU cards. The library contains a wide variety of algorithms including training and inference algorithms for deep neural network models. Therefore, it has been used for deploying machine learning systems in many fields including speech recognition, computer vision, natural language processing, and text mining.
Performance Studies on a Wind Turbine Blade Section for Low Wind Speeds With a Gurney Flap
Authors: Ahmed M. Rafiuddin , Nabolaniwaqa Epeli
Published: May 2019

The flow characteristics and the lift and drag behavior of a thick trailing-edged airfoil that was provided with fixed trailing-edge flaps (Gurney flaps) of 1–5% height right at the back of the airfoil were studied both experimentally and numerically at different low Reynolds numbers (Re) and angles of attack for possible applications in wind turbines suitable for the wind speeds of 4–6 m/s. The flap considerably improves the suction on the upper surface of the airfoil resulting in a higher lift coefficient. The drag coefficient also increased; however, the increase was less compared with the increase in the lift coefficient, resulting in a higher lift-to-drag ratio in the angles of attack of interest. The results show that trailing-edge flaps can improve the performance of blades designed for low wind speeds and can be directly applied to small wind turbines that are increasingly being used in remote places or in smaller countries.
A Noncanonical Basic Motif of Epstein-Barr Virus ZEBRA Protein Facilitates Recognition of Methylated DNA, High-Affinity DNA Binding, and Lytic Activation
Authors: Weber Erin , Buzovetsky Olga , Heston Lee , Yu Kuan-Ping , Knecht Kirsten M. , El-Guindy Ayman , Miller George , Xiong Yong
Published: May 2019

The binding of ZEBRA to methylated and unmethylated viral DNA triggers activation of the EBV lytic cycle, leading to viral replication and, in some patients, cancer development. Our work thoroughly examines how ZEBRA uses a previously unrecognized basic motif to bind nonmethylated and methylated DNA targets, leading to viral lytic activation. Our findings show that two different positively charged motifs, including the canonical BZIP domain and a newly identified RRTRK motif, contribute to the mechanism of DNA recognition by a viral AP-1 protein. This work contributes to the assessment of ZEBRA as a potential therapeutic target for antiviral and oncolytic treatments.
Complete Genome Sequence of a 2016 Bluetongue Virus Serotype 3 Isolate from Louisiana
Authors: Schirtzinger Erin E. , Ruder Mark G. , Stallknecht David E. , Wilson William C.
Published: May 2019

The full-genome sequence of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) USA2016/LA CC16-564, isolated from a white-tailed deer in East Feliciana Parish, Louisiana, is reported here. Nine genomic segments of this virus have 99% identity with a 2013 BTV-3 isolate from Florida, while segment 10 has 97% identity with 2003 BTV-5 and 2006 BTV-2 isolates from Florida.
Genome Sequence of Marine-Derived
Streptomyces
sp. Strain F001, a Producer of Akashin A and Diazaquinomycins
Authors: Braesel Jana , Clark Chase M. , Kunstman Kevin J. , Green Stefan J. , Maienschein-Cline Mark , Murphy Brian T. , Eustáquio Alessandra S.
Published: May 2019

We report the 9.7-Mb genome sequence of
Streptomyces
sp. strain F001, isolated from a marine sediment sample from Raja Ampat, Indonesia.
Draft Genome Sequences of
Pseudomonas
sp. Strains Isolated from Wheat in Germany
Authors: Hollmann Jürgen , Brinks Erik , Schwake-Anduschus Christine , Cho Gyu-Sung , Franz Charles M. A. P.
Published: May 2019

Three chloramphenicol-resistant
Pseudomonas
sp. strains were isolated from wheat grain in Germany on rose Bengal agar. The draft genome sizes ranged from 5,924,931 to 6,124,470 bp.
Complete Genome Sequence of Klebsiella pneumoniae Myophage May
Authors: Nguyen Katherine T. , Bonasera Rachele , Benson Garret , Hernandez-Morales Adriana C. , Gill Jason J. , Liu Mei
Published: May 2019

May is a newly isolated myophage that infects multidrug-resistant strains ofKlebsiella pneumoniae, a pathogen that is associated with antibiotic-resistant infections in humans. The genome of May has been shown to be similar to that of phage Vi01.