bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Replacing single use plastic bags with compostable carriers: socio-economic approach
Authors: Harianja A H , Saragih G S , Fauzi R
Published: December 2019

Disposable plastic bags have already become global environmental problems due to their long durability. Plastic bags can be decomposed into microplastic and become more harmful to the environment. This paper will describe socio-economic factors that determinate plastic bag consumption and willingness to pay (WTP) for compostable shopping bags in Yogyakarta. Respondents were chosen using simple random sampling adopting Slovin formula. At a critical value of 4,82%, the sample size was 450 households. Socio-economic factors affecting the use of plastic bags are tested by employing multiple regressions. The result showed that the average use of plastic bags in Yogyakarta is 8 bags/household/week. Factors that influence the usage of plastic bags were the intensity of shopping in the supermarkets/grocery/convenience store, monthly shopping expenditure, and the intensity of the use of non-degradable plastic bags. WTP for compostable shopping bags is IDR 615 per bag. Since the traditional market was the first choice of respondents for daily or weekly shopping, plastic bag levy policy that applied in supermarkets has a limited impact on reducing plastic bag usage.
Water pollution trends in Ciliwung River based on water quality parameters
Authors: Ratnaningsih D , Nasution E L , Wardhani N T , Pitalokasari O D , Fauzi R
Published: December 2019

Ciliwung River is one of the rivers crossing West Java and special capital region of (DKI) Jakarta provinces which plays an important role in fulfilling the needs of human activities and living things surrounding it. Designated as a national priority for management, the Ciliwung River that runs from Mount Pangrango (upper stream) to Jakarta Bay (lower stream) has received pollution from results of human activities such as household activities, agriculture, plantations, animal husbandry, industry, and recreation areas. In addition, the decreased green cover in the upstream area also adds more pressure on the quantity of water in the Ciliwung River. The purpose of this study was to determine the trend of water pollution in the Ciliwung River in the period of 2011-2014 based on physical, chemical and biological parameters. Samples were taken from 22 points starting from upstream to downstream area. From 15 water quality parameters, there were only three parameters, namely total dissolved solid (TDS), pH and nitrate (NO3-N) which still meet water quality criteria class II based on Government Regulation number 82/2001, in all observation periods and sampling sites. Other parameters invariably meet or beyond the water quality criteria. Pollution trend increased towards the downstream of Ciliwung River, however annual comparisons across the year of observations did not show significant differences. High pollution in the downstream area was caused by accumulated pollutants coming from waste disposal of densely populated area and diverse activities in the downstream. Fecal coliform bacteria and total coliform contributed the highest pollution in the Ciliwung River compared to other pollutants. Both those two parameters greatly exceed the water quality criteria at all sampling sites, except in the Ciliwung river spring. Controlling those two parameters may improve Ciliwung water quality.
In situ synthesis of p-n (BiO)4CO3(OH)2/Bi2O2CO3 internal polarized heterojunction for improved visible light photocatalytic performance
Authors: Xu Zizhu , Wang Fangfang , Zhang Jing , Chen Xuebing , Chen Changdong
Published: December 2019

P-n type (BiO)4CO3(OH)2/Bi2O2CO3 internal polarized heterojunction was prepared via an in situ photosynthesis method and characterized using x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM),UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra (UV–vis DRS) and surface photovoltage (SPV). The results indicate that phase transition process of β-Bi2O3 → Bi2O2CO3 → (BiO)4CO3(OH)2 can be regulated by controlling the photosynthesis time. With increasing of reaction time, CO3
2− in Bi2O2CO3 structures is replaced by polar OH−, and the two-dimensional (2D) heterostructure of (BiO)4CO3(OH)2/Bi2O2CO3 is fabricated. The photocatalytic activities of the junction were investigated by degradation of tetrachlorophenol (4-CP) under the visible light illumination. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of (BiO)4CO3(OH)2/Bi2O2CO3 has been attributed to the synergetic effect between intrinsic internal electric field (IEF) and charge separation for a photocatalyst with p-n heterojunction structures. Moreover, h+ and ·OH are proved working as the main active species for the degradation performence. It shows great potential in application for wastewater treatment.
Graphene-ferrites interaction for enhanced EMI shielding effectiveness of hybrid polymer composites
Authors: Ahmed Ibrar , Jan Rahim , Khan Ahmad Nawaz , Gul Iftikhar Hussain , Khan Ramsha , Javed Sofia , Akram M Aftab , Shafqat Ahmad , Cheema Hammad M , Ahmad Imtiaz
Published: December 2019

Hybrid polymer composites based on poly vinylidene fluoride (PVDF) matrix are fabricated by dispersion of few layered graphene (FLG) and nickel spinal ferrites (NSF) for improving EMI shielding effectiveness. The FLG loading is kept constant at 3 wt% while NSF content is varied from 15–30 wt% in PVDF using solution processing technique. The shielding effectiveness in the frequency domain of 1–12 GHz is enhanced ranging 25 dB–45 dB for PVDF/FLG composite as compared to ∼0 dB for neat PVDF. With addition of NSF up to 15 wt%, the attenuation is increased to 30 dB–53 dB, clearly indicating the effective interaction and network formation of FLG and NSF in PVDF matrix. Moreover, the shielding effectiveness trend is reduced to 12 dB–43 dB as the NSF loading is increased to 30 wt% owing to its agglomeration. Absorption is the dominant phenomena in obtaining the total shielding effectiveness of ∼53 dB for PVDF/FLG-3 wt%NSF-15 wt% hybrid polymer composites. Additionally, the I-V curves provide the electrical conductivity trend while scanning electron microscope (SEM) confirms the network formation in hybrid composite.
Effect of grain size on the corrosion resistance of low carbon steel
Authors: Soleimani Maryam , Mirzadeh Hamed , Dehghanian Changiz
Published: December 2019

Systematic works on the effect of grain size on the corrosion resistance of low carbon steel are scant. In the present work, a spectrum of grain sizes was obtained by simple heat treatment routes in a typical low-carbon steel. It was revealed that two distinct stages for the dependency of corrosion current density (i
corr) on the grain size exist. Above a limiting average grain size of ∼22 μm, i
corr decreased slowly with increasing grain size. However, below this limiting value, i
corr increased rapidly, which was related to the increased density of grain boundaries as interpreted by theoretical calculation of number of grains per unit area. Conclusively, a grain size of ∼22 μm (ASTM grain-size number of 8) was considered to be an optimum value according to the mechanical and corrosion standpoints.
Microstructural and chemical characterization of stabilized spent vanadium pentoxide catalyst in copper smelting slag
Authors: Coronado F , Valenzuela Soto A , Encinas Romero M A , Hernández-Negrete O , Tiburcio Munive G
Published: December 2019

The purpose of this research is to perform a microstructural characterization of the stabilized spent vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) catalyst in the copper smelter slag. The spent V2O5 catalyst (SVC) is a discarded material from a sulfuric acid production plant. The used SVC is a catalyst material supported in SiO2. The used copper smelting slag (CSS) was from a copper refining mine. The toxic V2O5 compound present in the SVC was stabilized via pyrometallurgical processing with the CSS in an electric furnace with a CSS/SVC 4:1 ratio at 1250 °C to obtain a fused compound. The microstructural and chemical characterization of the CSS, SVC used materials and the obtained fused compound, were performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled and Energy dispersed X-ray analyser (EDS), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and Differential Thermal Analyser (DTA-TGA). The fused compound was a complex slag that comprised of Fe2SiO4 and FeVO4 phases.
Analysis of direct and indirect genetic effects in fighting sea anemones
Authors: Lane Sarah M , Wilson Alastair J , Briffa Mark
Published: December 2019

Theoretical models of animal contests such as the Hawk-Dove game predict that variation in fighting behavior will persist due to mixed evolutionarily stable strategies (ESS) under certain conditions. However, the genetic basis for this variation is poorly understood and a mixed ESS for fighting can be interpreted in more than one way. Specifically, we do not know whether variation in aggression within a population arises from among-individual differences in fixed strategy (determined by an individual’s genotype—direct genetic effects [DGEs]), or from within-individual variation in strategy across contests. Furthermore, as suggested by developments of the original Hawk-Dove model, within-individual variation in strategy may be dependent on the phenotype and thus genotype of the opponent (indirect genetic effects—IGEs). Here we test for the effect of DGEs and IGEs during fights in the beadlet sea anemone Actinia equina. By exploiting the unusual reproductive system of sea anemones, combined with new molecular data, we investigate the role of both additive (DGE + IGE) and non-additive (DGE × IGE) genetic effects on fighting parameters, the latter of which have been hypothesized but never tested for explicitly. We find evidence for heritable variation in fighting ability and that fight duration increases with relatedness. Fighting success is influenced additively by DGEs and IGEs but we found no evidence for non-additive IGEs. These results indicate that variation in fighting behavior is driven by additive indirect genetic effects (DGE + IGE), and support a core assumption of contest theory that strategies are fixed by DGEs.
Modelling brain development to detect white matter injury in term and preterm born neonates
Authors: O'Muircheartaigh Jonathan , Robinson Emma C , Pietsch Maximillian , Wolfers Thomas , Aljabar Paul , Grande Lucilio Cordero , Teixeira Rui P A G , Bozek Jelena , Schuh Andreas , Makropoulos Antonios , Batalle Dafnis , Hutter Jana , Vecchiato Katy , Steinweg Johannes K , Fitzgibbon Sean , Hughes Emer , Price Anthony N , Marquand Andre , Reuckert Daniel , Rutherford Mary , Hajnal Joseph V , Counsell Serena J , Edwards A David
Published: December 2019

Premature birth occurs during a period of rapid brain growth. In this context, interpreting clinical neuroimaging can be complicated by the typical changes in brain contrast, size and gyrification occurring in the background to any pathology. To model and describe this evolving background in brain shape and contrast, we used a Bayesian regression technique, Gaussian process regression, adapted to multiple correlated outputs. Using MRI, we simultaneously estimated brain tissue intensity on T1- and T2-weighted scans as well as local tissue shape in a large cohort of 408 neonates scanned cross-sectionally across the perinatal period. The resulting model provided a continuous estimate of brain shape and intensity, appropriate to age at scan, degree of prematurity and sex. Next, we investigated the clinical utility of this model to detect focal white matter injury. In individual neonates, we calculated deviations of a neonate’s observed MRI from that predicted by the model to detect punctate white matter lesions with very good accuracy (area under the curve > 0.95). To investigate longitudinal consistency of the model, we calculated model deviations in 46 neonates who were scanned on a second occasion. These infants’ voxelwise deviations from the model could be used to identify them from the other 408 images in 83% (T2-weighted) and 76% (T1-weighted) of cases, indicating an anatomical fingerprint. Our approach provides accurate estimates of non-linear changes in brain tissue intensity and shape with clear potential for radiological use.
Synaptic Mechanisms Underlying the Network State-Dependent Recruitment of VIP-Expressing Interneurons in the CA1 Hippocampus
Authors: Luo Xiao , Guet-McCreight Alexandre , Villette Vincent , Francavilla Ruggiero , Marino Beatrice , Chamberland Simon , Skinner Frances K , Topolnik Lisa
Published: December 2019

Disinhibition is a widespread circuit mechanism for information selection and transfer. In the hippocampus, disinhibition of principal cells is provided by the interneuron-specific interneurons that express the vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP-IS) and innervate selectively inhibitory interneurons. By combining optophysiological experiments with computational models, we determined the impact of synaptic inputs onto the network state-dependent recruitment of VIP-IS cells. We found that VIP-IS cells fire spikes in response to both the Schaffer collateral and the temporoammonic pathway activation. Moreover, by integrating their intrinsic and synaptic properties into computational models, we predicted recruitment of these cells between the rising phase and peak of theta oscillation and during ripples. Two-photon Ca2+-imaging in awake mice supported in part the theoretical predictions, revealing a significant speed modulation of VIP-IS cells and their preferential albeit delayed recruitment during theta-run epochs, with estimated firing at the rising phase and peak of the theta cycle. However, it also uncovered that VIP-IS cells are not activated during ripples. Thus, given the preferential theta-modulated firing of VIP-IS cells in awake hippocampus, we postulate that these cells may be important for information gating during spatial navigation and memory encoding.
Impact of Baseline Characteristics on Future Episodes of Bloodstream Infections: Multistate Model in Septic Patients With Bloodstream Infections
Authors: Guillamet M Cristina Vazquez , Vazquez Rodrigo , Noe Jonas , Micek Scott T , Fraser Victoria J , Kollef Marin H
Published: December 2019

Background

Looking only at the index infection, studies have described risk factors for infections caused by resistant bacteria. We hypothesized that septic patients with bloodstream infections may transition across states characterized by different microbiology and that their trajectory is not uniform. We also hypothesized that baseline risk factors may influence subsequent blood culture results.

Methods

All adult septic patients with positive blood cultures over a 7-year period were included in the study. Baseline risk factors were recorded. We followed all survivors longitudinally and recorded subsequent blood culture results. We separated states into bacteremia caused by gram-positive cocci, susceptible gram-negative bacilli (sGNB), resistant GNB (rGNB), and Candida spp. Detrimental transitions were considered when transitioning to a culture with a higher mortality risk (rGNB and Candida spp.). A multistate Markov-like model was used to determine risk factors associated with detrimental transitions.

Results

A total of 990 patients survived and experienced at least 1 transition, with a total of 4282 transitions. Inappropriate antibiotics, previous antibiotic exposure, and index bloodstream infection caused by either rGNB or Candida spp. were associated with detrimental transitions. Double antibiotic therapy (beta-lactam plus either an aminoglycoside or a fluoroquinolone) protected against detrimental transitions.

Conclusion

Baseline characteristics that include prescribed antibiotics can identify patients at risk for subsequent bloodstream infections caused by resistant bacteria. By altering the initial treatment, we could potentially influence future bacteremic states.
Weekly Sequential Antibioprophylaxis for Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections Among Patients With Neurogenic Bladder: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Dinh Aurélien , Hallouin-Bernard Marie-Charlotte , Davido Benjamin , Lemaignen Adrien , Bouchand Frédérique , Duran Clara , Even Alexia , Denys Pierre , Perrouin-Verbe Brigitte , Sotto Albert , Lavigne Jean-Philippe , Bruyère Franck , Grall Nathalie , Tavernier Elsa , Bernard Louis
Published: December 2019

Background

Recurrent urinary tract infections (R-UTIs) are the main cause of morbidity and hospitalizations in subjects with neurogenic bladder (NB) due to spinal cord injury (SCI). We evaluated the efficacy of weekly oral cyclic antibiotic (WOCA) prophylaxis (ie, the alternate weekly administration of 2 antibiotics) in preventing R-UTIs.

Methods

Randomized (1:1), open-label, superiority-controlled trial compared WOCA prophylaxis to no prophylaxis (control) for 6 months in patients with NB due to SCI, using clean intermittent self-catheterization, and suffering from R-UTIs. Primary outcome was incidence of symptomatic antibiotic-treated UTIs. Secondary outcomes were number of febrile UTIs, number of hospitalizations, WOCA tolerance, antibiotic consumption, number of negative urine cultures, and emergence of bacterial resistance in urinary, intestinal, and nasal microbiota.

Results

Forty-five patients were either allocated to the WOCA group (n = 23) or the control group (n = 22). Median (IQR) incidence of symptomatic antibiotic-treated UTIs was 1.0 (0.5–2.5) in the WOCA group versus 2.5 (1.2–4.0) (P = .0241) in the control group. No febrile UTIs were recorded in the WOCA group versus 9 (45.0%) (P < .001) in the control group. The median number of additional antibiotic treatment was 0.0 (IQR, 0.0–2.0) versus 3.0 (2.0–5.0) (P = .004) in the WOCA and control groups, respectively. Only few adverse events were reported. No impact on emergence of bacterial resistance was observed.

Conclusions

WOCA is efficient and well tolerated in preventing R-UTIs in SCI patients. In our study, we did not observe any emergence of antibiotic resistance in digestive and nasal microbiological cultures.

Clinical Trials Registration

NCT01388413.
Are machines stealing our jobs?
Authors: Gentili Andrea , Compagnucci Fabiano , Gallegati Mauro , Valentini Enzo
Published: December 2019

This study aims to contribute empirical evidence to the debate about the future of work in an increasingly robotised world. We implement a data-driven approach to study the technological transition in six leading Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. First, we perform a cross-country and cross-sector cluster analysis based on the OECD-STAN database. Second, using the International Federation of Robotics database, we bridge these results with those regarding the sectoral density of robots. We show that the process of robotisation is industry- and country-sensitive. In the future, participants in the political and academic debate may be split into optimists and pessimists regarding the future of human labour; however, the two stances may not be contradictory.
Routinely measuring symptom burden and health-related quality of life in dialysis patients: first results from the Dutch registry of patient-reported outcome measures
Authors: van der Willik Esmee M , Hemmelder Marc H , Bart Hans A J , van Ittersum Frans J , Hoogendijk-van den Akker Judith M , Bos Willem Jan W , Dekker Friedo W , Meuleman Yvette
Published: December 2019

Background

The use of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) is becoming increasingly important in healthcare. However, incorporation of PROMs into routine nephrological care is challenging. This study describes the first experience with PROMs in Dutch routine dialysis care.

Methods

A pilot study was conducted in dialysis patients in 16 centres. Patients were invited to complete PROMs at baseline and 3 and 6 months. PROMs consisted of the 12-item short-form and Dialysis Symptom Index to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and symptom burden. Response rates, HRQoL and symptom burden scores were analysed. Qualitative research methods were used to gain insight into patients’ views on using PROMs in clinical practice.

Results

In total, 512 patients (36%) completed 908 PROMs (24%) across three time points. Response rates varied from 6 to 70% among centres. Mean scores for physical and mental HRQoL were 35.6 [standard deviation (SD) 10.2] and 47.7 (SD 10.6), respectively. Patients experienced on average 10.8 (SD 6.1) symptoms with a symptom burden score of 30.7 (SD 22.0). Only 1–3% of the variation in PROM scores can be explained by differences between centres. Patients perceived discussing their HRQoL and symptom scores as insightful and valuable. Individual feedback on results was considered crucial.

Conclusions

The first results show low average response rates with high variability among centres. Dialysis patients experienced a high symptom burden and poor HRQoL. Using PROMs at the individual patient level is suitable and may improve patient–professional communication and shared decision making. Further research is needed to investigate how the collection and the use of PROMs can be successfully integrated into routine care to improve healthcare quality and outcomes.
Screening strategies for pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Kiely David G , Lawrie Allan , Humbert Marc
Published: December 2019

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is rare and, if untreated, has a median survival of 2–3 years. Pulmonary arterial hypertension may be idiopathic (IPAH) but is frequently associated with other conditions. Despite increased awareness, therapeutic advances, and improved outcomes, the time from symptom onset to diagnosis remains unchanged. The commonest symptoms of PAH (breathlessness and fatigue) are non-specific and clinical signs are usually subtle, frequently preventing early diagnosis where therapies may be more effective. The failure to improve the time to diagnosis largely reflects an inability to identify patients at increased risk of PAH using current approaches. To date, strategies to improve the time to diagnosis have focused on screening patients with a high prevalence [systemic sclerosis (10%), patients with portal hypertension assessed for liver transplantation (2–6%), carriers of mutations of the gene encoding bone morphogenetic protein receptor type II, and first-degree relatives of patients with heritable PAH]. In systemic sclerosis, screening algorithms have demonstrated that patients can be identified earlier, however, current approaches are resource intensive. Until, recently, it has not been considered possible to screen populations for rare conditions such as IPAH (prevalence 5–15/million/year). However, there is interest in the use of artificial intelligence approaches in medicine and the application of diagnostic algorithms to large healthcare data sets, to identify patients at risk of rare conditions. In this article, we review current approaches and challenges in screening for PAH and explore novel population-based approaches to improve detection.
Towards Responsible Implementation of Monitoring Technologies in Institutional Care
Authors: Grigorovich Alisa , Kontos Pia
Published: December 2019

Increasing awareness of errors and harms in institutional care settings, combined with rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, have resulted in a widespread push for implementing monitoring technologies in institutional settings. There has been limited critical reflection in gerontology regarding the ethical, social, and policy implications of using these technologies. We critically review current scholarship regarding use of monitoring technology in institutional care, and identify key gaps in knowledge and important avenues for future research and development.
The Scientist Citizen and the Citizen Scientist: Blurring the Lines
Authors: Warmbrod Lane , Trotochaud Marc , Connell Nancy
Published: December 2019

The scientific enterprise satisfies the innate human urge to understand the world; these efforts have led to both improvements and dangers to society. The storied history of relationships between scientists and citizens suggests that the lines between these 2 sectors of society are often blurred. Here we discuss these relationships on the context of animal welfare. We briefly outline the history of animal welfare in research, and the entry of citizens into the discussion, leading to the Animal Welfare Act of 1966. The commitment of scientists to society, in this context, is the act of whistleblowing in research. As medical and life sciences technologies continue to expand at breathtaking rates, the landscape that both scientists and citizens must navigate increases in complexity. We discuss the responsibility of both the scientist and the citizen, as members of the voting public, in the face of the challenges of the future.
Neuropathology in Neonatal Mice After Experimental Coxsackievirus B2 Infection Using a Prototype Strain, Ohio-1
Authors: Ushioda Waka , Kotani Osamu , Kawachi Kengo , Iwata-Yoshikawa Naoko , Suzuki Tadaki , Hasegawa Hideki , Shimizu Hiroyuki , Takahashi Kimimasa , Nagata Noriyo
Published: December 2019

Coxsackievirus B (CVB) causes severe morbidity and mortality in neonates and is sometimes associated with severe brain damage resulting from acute severe viral encephalomyelitis. However, the neuropathology of CVB infection remains unclear. A prototype strain of coxsackievirus B2 (Ohio-1) induces brain lesions in neonatal mice, resulting in dome-shaped heads, ventriculomegaly, and loss of the cerebral cortex. Here, we characterized the glial pathology in this mouse model. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an absence of the cerebral cortex within 2 weeks after inoculation. Histopathology showed that virus replication triggered activation of microglia and astrocytes, and induced apoptosis in the cortex, with severe necrosis and lateral ventricular dilation. In contrast, the brainstem and cerebellum remained morphologically intact. Immunohistochemistry revealed high expression of the coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor (a primary receptor for CVB) in mature neurons of the cortex, hippocampus, thalamus, and midbrain, demonstrating CVB2 infection of mature neurons in these areas. However, apoptosis and neuroinflammation from activated microglia and astrocytes differed in thalamic and cortical areas. Viral antigens were retained in the brains of animals in the convalescence phase with seroconversion. This animal model will contribute to a better understanding of the neuropathology of CVB infection.
“As Old as War Itself”? Historicizing the Universal Mercenary
Authors: Riemann Malte
Published: December 2019

IR scholarship has increasingly begun to scrutinize the ahistorical and ahistoricist assumptions pervading the discipline. Specifically, attention has been turned to those concepts, actors, and practices that appear to be without history and that therefore assumed the status of universals. This article contributes to this scholarship by critically investigating the seemingly transhistorical figure of the mercenary, whose history, it appears, is little less than the history of organized warfare itself. This article questions this assumption by investigating how the Renaissance Landsknechte, actors invoked to support the transhistorical mercenary claim, were problematized within their own historical specificity. Through this analysis, this article rejects the notion that the mercenary is a transhistorical phenomenon as the ideas and categories associated with this figure are tied to specific modern accounts of statist political community and individual identity, as well as a modern account of self-interest. It is argued that the mercenary is not a phenomenon that predates the emergence of the modern state and the system of states, but its own existence is grounded within them. This article, thus, reinstates the historicity of this figure and argues that the mercenary is not “as old as war itself” but a product of specific modern conditions.
DNA binding modes influence Rap1 activity in the regulation of telomere length and MRX functions at DNA ends
Authors: Bonetti Diego , Rinaldi Carlo , Vertemara Jacopo , Notaro Marco , Pizzul Paolo , Tisi Renata , Zampella Giuseppe , Longhese Maria Pia
Published: December 2019

The cellular response to DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) is initiated by the Mre11–Rad50–Xrs2 (MRX) complex that has structural and catalytic functions. MRX association at DSBs is counteracted by Rif2, which is known to interact with Rap1 that binds telomeric DNA through two tandem Myb-like domains. Whether and how Rap1 acts at DSBs is unknown. Here we show that Rif2 inhibits MRX association to DSBs in a manner dependent on Rap1, which binds to DSBs and promotes Rif2 association to them. Rap1 in turn can negatively regulate MRX function at DNA ends also independently of Rif2. In fact, a characterization of Rap1 mutant variants shows that Rap1 binding to DNA through both Myb-like domains results in formation of Rap1-DNA complexes that control MRX functions at both DSBs and telomeres primarily through Rif2. By contrast, Rap1 binding to DNA through a single Myb-like domain results in formation of high stoichiometry complexes that act at DNA ends mostly in a Rif2-independent manner. Altogether these findings indicate that the DNA binding modes of Rap1 influence its functional properties, thus highlighting the structural plasticity of this protein.
MetaOmGraph: a workbench for interactive exploratory data analysis of large expression datasets
Authors: Singh Urminder , Hur Manhoi , Dorman Karin , Wurtele Eve Syrkin
Published: December 2019

The diverse and growing omics data in public domains provide researchers with tremendous opportunity to extract hidden, yet undiscovered, knowledge. However, the vast majority of archived data remain unused. Here, we present MetaOmGraph (MOG), a free, open-source, standalone software for exploratory analysis of massive datasets. Researchers, without coding, can interactively visualize and evaluate data in the context of its metadata, honing-in on groups of samples or genes based on attributes such as expression values, statistical associations, metadata terms and ontology annotations. Interaction with data is easy via interactive visualizations such as line charts, box plots, scatter plots, histograms and volcano plots. Statistical analyses include co-expression analysis, differential expression analysis and differential correlation analysis, with significance tests. Researchers can send data subsets to R for additional analyses. Multithreading and indexing enable efficient big data analysis. A researcher can create new MOG projects from any numerical data; or explore an existing MOG project. MOG projects, with history of explorations, can be saved and shared. We illustrate MOG by case studies of large curated datasets from human cancer RNA-Seq, where we identify novel putative biomarker genes in different tumors, and microarray and metabolomics data from Arabidopsis thaliana. MOG executable and code: http://metnetweb.gdcb.iastate.edu/ and https://github.com/urmi-21/MetaOmGraph/.
The relative importance of various mating criteria in copepods
Authors: Powers Matthew J , Wilson Alan E , Heine Kyle B , Hill Geoffrey E
Published: December 2019

To produce viable offspring, organisms may assess mates via criteria that include traits, such as sex, species, age, reproductive status, population identity and individual quality. Copepods are small, ubiquitous crustaceans that live in freshwater and marine systems around the world whose patterns of mate choice have been long studied in numerous species. Herein, we synthesized decades of experiments describing sexual selection in copepods to assess the importance of mating criteria. We used formal, meta-analytical techniques and mixed modeling to quantify the likelihood of non-random mating associated with mating criteria. In our synthesis of the scientific literature, we found that copepods use several criteria when assessing mates and that these criteria are associated with different likelihood estimates. We report the strongest likelihood of non-random mating when copepods assess the reproductive status of females or when copepods select between conspecific vs. heterospecific mates. We found weak likelihood of non-random mating in studies that provide mates from different populations or that manipulate operational sex ratio. Studies that directly test assessment of individual quality are sparse in copepods when compared to equivalent studies in vertebrates, and we encourage future researchers to explore whether copepods use individual characteristics as key mating criteria.
The Moderating Effect of Professional Self-Care Training on Novice Practitioners’ Organizational Citizenship Behavior in China
Authors: Wang Yean , Zhang Huan , Yang Yaya
Published: December 2019

Due to recent challenges and the great burdens faced by social workers to provide social services, self-care is becoming more and more important to research and practice. This study empirically tested the long-term impact of self-care training provided during MSW education. In line with previous research on self-care among other social services practitioners, the panel data of MSW graduates nationwide showed the longitudinal impact of the self-care training in MSW programs on their organizational citizenship behaviors (OCBs) as novice practitioners. Specifically, authors identify self-care as a critical work contextual moderator of the effects of supervisor behavior, workplace social capital, and burnout on OCB. The study offers implications for education, practice, research, and the culture of the profession in China, and explicates the utility of the findings of self-care training’s impact for practitioners, students, educators, social service agency supervisors, and organizational and professional leaders. It is crucial to create a “culture of self-care” by integrating self-care in education and building a healthy workplace culture, which may shed light on how to sustain the social work profession in China and globally.
Drought tolerance of wild versus cultivated tree species of almond and plum in the field
Authors: Paudel Indira , Gerbi Hadas , Wagner Yael , Zisovich Annat , Sapir Gal , Brumfeld Vlad , Klein Tamir
Published: December 2019

Trees of the genus Prunus produce some of the most widely consumed fruits globally. The combination of climate change-related warming and increased drought stress, scarcity of freshwater resources for irrigation, and increasing demands due to population growth creates a need for increased drought tolerance in these tree species. Recently, we have shown in the field that a native wild pear species performs better under drought than two cultivated pear species. Here, a comparative field study was conducted in Israel to investigate traits associated with drought tolerance in almond (cultivated Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D. A. Webb vs wild Prunus ramonensis Danin) and plum (cultivated Prunus domestica L. vs wild Prunus ursina Kotschy). Measurements of xylem embolism and shoot and root carbon reserves were done along a year, including seasonal drought in the wild and a 35-day drought experiment in the orchards. Synchronous measurements of native xylem embolism and shoot water potential showed that cultivated and wild almond trees lost ~50% of hydraulic conductivity at −2.3 and −3.2 MPa, respectively. Micro-CT images confirmed the higher embolism ratio in cultivated versus wild almond, whereas the two plum species were similar. Dynamics of tissue concentrations of nonstructural carbohydrates were mostly similar across species, with higher levels in cultivated versus wild plum. Our results indicate an advantage for the wild almond over its cultivated relative in terms of xylem resistance to embolism, a major risk factor for trees under drought stress. This result is in line with our previous experiment on pear species. However, the opposite trends observed among the studied plum species mean that these trends cannot be generalized. It is possible that the potential for superior drought tolerance in wild tree species, relative to their cultivated relatives, is limited to wild species from dry and hot habitats.
Innovative Classroom Upgrade: Simulating an Intensive Care Unit Environment in an Undergraduate Academic Classroom
Authors: Bautista Cynthia , Bartos Susan
Published: December 2019

There are limited opportunities for undergraduate nursing students to take part in hands-on critical care. A course was developed to expose students to the critically ill patient in the intensive care unit environment and introduce skills that students may not have the opportunity to engage in during their clinical hours. Led by two faculty currently practicing in critical care, this course used multiple learning modalities, including high-fidelity simulation; didactic teaching; online discussion; and narrative, reflective writing, to teach critical care concepts and entry-level skills.
Current state of occupational latex allergy
Authors: Raulf Monika
Published: December 2019

Purpose of review

During the 1980s, natural rubber latex (NRL) emerged as a major cause of occupational allergy and asthma, especially in healthcare workers using powdered NRL gloves. Increased recognition of NRL allergies and transfer of research findings into prevention strategies resulted into an almost elimination of this health problem. Here, the current knowledge on allergens, their use in diagnostics, prevalence data of occupational NRL allergy and the status of prevention strategy are summarized.

Recent findings

While the current studies conducted in high-income countries show that prevention measures have reduced NRL allergy, this does not yet apply worldwide. For latex allergy diagnosis, it is important that recombinant allergens as reliable tools are available, because in several European countries and the United States, NRL skin prick test extracts and powdered latex gloves for bronchial challenge test are no longer commercially available, leading to a deficit in diagnostic tools. Due to the fact that latex is suitable with good properties as a raw material for gloves, alternatives with significantly lower protein content and without cross-reactive structures to latex proteins are sought.

Awareness of the sensitization risk associated with the use of latex gloves should still be present in all occupational settings.
Cerebrolysin enhances the expression of the synaptogenic protein LRRTM4 in the hippocampus and improves learning and memory in senescent rats
Authors: Flores-Páez Luis A. , Pacheco-Rosado Jorge , Alva-Sánchez Claudia , Zamudio Sergio R.
Published: December 2019

Aging reduces the efficiency of the organs and systems, including the cognitive functions. Brain aging is related to a decrease in the vascularity, neurogenesis, and synaptic plasticity. Cerebrolysin, a peptide and amino acid preparation, has been shown to improve the cognitive performance in animal models of Alzheimer’s disease. Similarly, the leucine-rich repeat transmembrane 4 protein exhibits a strong synaptogenic activity in the hippocampal synapses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the cerebrolysin treatment on the learning and memory abilities, sensorimotor functions, and the leucine-rich repeat transmembrane 4 protein expression in the brain of 15-month-old rats. Cerebrolysin (1076 mg/kg) or vehicle was administered to Wistar rats intraperitoneally for 4 weeks. After the treatments, learning and memory were tested using the Barnes maze test, and the acoustic startle response, and its pre-pulse inhibition and habituation were measured. Finally, the leucine-rich repeat transmembrane 4 expression was measured in the brainstem, striatum, and hippocampus using a Western-blot assay. The 15-month-old vehicle-treated rats showed impairments in the habituation of the acoustic startle response and in learning and memory when compared to 3-month-old rats. These impairments were attenuated by the subchronic cerebrolysin treatment. The leucine-rich repeat transmembrane 4 protein expression was lower in the old vehicle-treated rats than in the young rats; the cerebrolysin treatment attenuated that decrease in the old rats. The leucine-rich repeat transmembrane 4 protein was not expressed in striatum or brainstem. These results suggest that the subchronic cerebrolysin treatment enhances the learning and memory abilities in aging by increasing the expression of the leucine-rich repeat transmembrane 4 protein in the hippocampus.
Fertility preserving treatment for gynecologic malignancies: a review of recent literature
Authors: Coakley Katherine , Wolford Juliet , Tewari Krishnansu S.
Published: December 2019

Purpose of review

A significant number of women diagnosed with a gynecologic malignancy meet criteria for fertility-sparing treatment. Women are continuing to delay childbearing; the importance of fertility-sparing therapy is, therefore, increasing. It is imperative that physicians understand the options for, and limitations of, these treatments.

Recent findings

Recent research has demonstrated improved outcomes for endometrial cancer by adding targeted hysteroscopic resection to progestin therapy. Cervical cancer research has focused on oncologic and pregnancy outcomes following management with radical trachelectomy, confirming its safety. Given the high rates of preterm birth following trachelectomy, studies have evaluated the adequacy of fertility counseling prior to treatment, and have looked for predictive factors for preterm birth. Additionally, research has shown a rise in the percentage of women receiving conservative treatment for both endometrial and cervical cancer.

With an increasing number of women seeking conservative treatment, physicians must understand the safety and implications of such therapy. Retrospective studies have demonstrated the safety of fertility-sparing treatment for both endometrial and cervical cancer; prospective research is currently underway to provide better guidance for future directions of fertility-sparing treatment for gynecologic malignancies.
Platelet Count Variation and Risk for Coronary Artery Abnormalities in Kawasaki Disease
Authors: Ae Ryusuke , Abrams Joseph Y. , Maddox Ryan A. , Schonberger Lawrence B. , Nakamura Yosikazu , Shindo Asuka , Kuwabara Masanari , Makino Nobuko , Matsubara Yuri , Kosami Koki , Sasahara Teppei , Belay Ermias D.
Published: December 2019

Background:

Platelet count is considered as a biomarker for the development of coronary artery abnormalities (CAAs) among Kawasaki disease (KD) patients. However, previous studies have reported inconsistent results. We addressed the controversial association of platelet count with CAAs using a large-scale dataset.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using KD survey data from Japan (2015–2016; n = 25,448). Classifying patients by intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) responsiveness, we described the trends in platelet count using the lowest and highest values along with the specific illness days. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between platelet count and CAAs, adjusting for relevant factors.

Results:

Platelet counts rapidly decreased from admission, reached the lowest count at 6–7 days, and peaked after 10 days. Platelet counts in IVIG non-responders decreased with a lower minimum value than IVIG responders, but subsequently rebounded toward a higher maximum. Compared with patients with normal platelet counts (150–450 × 109/L), patients with abnormally high platelet counts (>450 × 109/L) were more likely to have CAAs at admission (adjusted odds ratio: IVIG responders, 1.50 [95% confidence interval 1.20–1.87] and non-responders, 1.46 [1.01–2.12]). By contrast, IVIG non-responding patients whose counts were below normal (<150 × 109/L) after hospitalization were at higher risk for developing CAAs (2.27 [1.44–3.58]).

Conclusions:

Platelet count varied widely by illness day and was confounded by IVIG responsiveness, which might have contributed to previous inconsistent findings. KD patients with abnormally high platelet counts at admission or abnormally low counts after hospitalization were at higher risk for CAAs.
Nursing Care Practices for Patients With Pulmonary Embolism Undergoing Treatment With Ultrasound-Assisted Thrombolysis: An Integrative Review
Authors: Herriott Bethann , Mion Lorraine C.
Published: December 2019

Background

Pulmonary embolism (PE) remains a common and life-threatening event. The use of ultrasound-assisted thrombolysis (USAT) for the delivery of thrombolytic agents to the clot has developed in the last 10 years. A search yielded no evidence-based practice guidelines for the nursing care of the patient with PE during and post USAT treatment and specifically when using the EKOS machine.

Objective

The objective of this integrative review was to explore the literature and web for any information on the use of USAT for adults with PE both during and post treatment. Our goal was to examine nurse-specific practices to develop appropriate protocols.

Methods

We conducted a search of PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCOhost, CINAHL, Google Scholar, and Google for any guidelines, observational studies, or experimental studies using USAT for PE in adults. Nurse authors independently reviewed the articles using a standardized data coding form. Information abstracted included sample and setting characteristics, access characteristics, medication, sheath removal, compression, and bleeding events.

Results

Twenty-two articles, published in 2008–2019, met the eligibility criteria. Most studies were small retrospective studies at single sites. Variation existed on the clinician, the clinical area for placement, the amount and duration of delivery of medication, and where care was provided during the infusion. Few studies noted sheath removal or compression procedures. Fifteen studies reported 1 fatal, 12 major, 4 moderate, and 36 minor bleeding events at the catheter insertion sites.

Conclusion

There is lack of sufficient information for the development of nursing practice guidelines for this new technology.
Sudden cardiac death in the Kazakh and Han peoples of Xinjiang, China
Authors: Zhang Jianghua , Zhou Xianhui , Xing Qiang , Li Yaodong , Zhang Ling , Zhou Qina , Lu Yanmei , Zhai Meiling , Bao Jianfu , Tang Baopeng
Published: December 2019

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a major cause of mortality in China. This study collected reference data for future programs of prevention of SCD among the ethnic Kazakh and Han populations in Xinjiang, China.

From January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015, 2 monitoring locations in northern Xinjiang China were utilized. These locations were selected based on the geographic, economic, and administrative structures of the ethnic Kazakh settlements in Xinjiang. Investigators were trained to investigate SCDs in Kazakh and Han people, a study population totaling more than 400,000. The populations were compared for SCD incidence.

The average age of the Han population was significantly higher than that of the Kazakh. During the year 2015, there were 135 SCDs, specifically 67 and 68 in the Han and Kazakh populations, respectively, incidences of 37.94 and 36.2 per 100,000. After standardizing for age, the incidence in these populations was 29.36 and 51.85 per 100,000. Among those who experienced SCD, the prevalence of hypertension was higher in the Kazakh group than in the Han. The multivariate analysis of populations with SCD showed that, among the patients with coronary heart disease, the Kazakh were more likely to have SCD than the Han (odds ratio: 3.58, confidence interval: 1.18–10.95).

Among the elderly, the incidence of SCD was much higher in the Kazakh population than in the Han population. Basic medical services and health education should be strengthened in the Kazakh pastoral areas.