bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of ventilation tube insertion on quality of life in children with persistent otitis media with effusion
Authors: Sanyaolu Leigh N. , Cannings‐John Rebecca , Butler Christopher C. , Francis Nick A.
Published: December 2019

Objectives

To determine the effect of ventilation tube (VT) surgery on quality of life (QoL) in children with persistent otitis media with effusion (OME).

Design

Secondary analysis of trial data (oral steroids versus placebo for persistent OME), comparing QoL by history of VT surgery performed between 5 weeks and 12 months post‐randomisation. Multilevel regression models were used to identify the association between VT surgery and QoL scores at 12 months, controlling for pre‐exposure risk factors associated with surgery, including pre‐surgery hearing level.

Setting

Ear, nose and throat (ENT), paediatric audiology and audiovestibular medicine (AVM) departments in Wales and England.

Participants

A total of 327 children aged 2‐8 years with OME symptoms for at least three months and audiometry‐proven bilateral hearing loss with VT surgery status.

Main outcome measures

Otitis Media questionnaire (OM8‐30) and Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) total and subscale scores, and the Health Utilities Index Mark 3 (HUI3) at 12 months post‐randomisation.

Results

Participants who had VT surgery had no significant difference in OM8‐30, PedsQL or HUI total scores. OM8‐30 hearing difficulty (HD) subscale scores at 12 months were better in those who had VT surgery (adjusted mean difference (aMD) = −0.46 (95% confidence interval: −0.69 to −0.23), P < .001), and this varied by when the surgery occurred (aMD for surgery between 5 weeks and 6 months = −0.4 [−0.67 to −0.13], P = .004 and between 6 and 12 months = −0.54, [−0.87 to −0.22], P = .001).

Conclusion

Ventilation tube surgery was associated with an improvement in HD‐related functional health status but no change in overall QoL.
Site‐specific profiles of biochemical properties in the larval digestive tract of Japanese rhinoceros beetle, Trypoxylus dichotomus (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)
Authors: Wada Noriko , Iwabuchi Noriyuki , Sunairi Michio , Nakajima Mutsuyasu , Iwata Ryûtarô , Anzai Hirosi
Published: December 2019

The larvae of Japanese rhinoceros beetle, Trypoxylus dichotomus, feed on dead plant material in forest soils that are derived from fallen leaves broken down by basidiomycete fungi. Our previous work provided an understanding of the degradation of polysaccharides in dead plant material by T. dichotomus larvae and reported the complexity of the physicochemical and biochemical environment of the larval gut. Here, we examined ten divisions of the digestive tract of T. dichotomus larvae for physicochemical and biochemical conditions to elucidate site‐specifically functional properties along the tract. The distribution of potassium ions, pH, and acetic acid differed markedly along the length of the digestive tract with the potassium ion concentration profile closely reflecting that of pH along the length of the digestive tract. Distinct physicochemical environments were maintained in the digestive tract along with site‐specific polysaccharide degradation. Based on these findings, we suggest that there are metabolic relationships between the activities of the enzymes involved in polysaccharide degradation, the presence of intermediate metabolites and location along the digestive tract. Furthermore, we revealed that the anterior region of the gut plays an important role in the degradation of polysaccharides in the digestive tract of T. dichotomus larvae.
Habitat segregation among freshwater shrimp species in an Amazonian rainforest stream system
Authors: da Silva Elmo Pereira , Borba Gabriel C. , Magalhães Célio , Zuanon Jansen , Magnusson William E.
Published: December 2019

Resource partitioning is a stabilising mechanism known to maintain species diversity in a variety of environments. Assemblages of stream shrimp species are structured by habitat features and predation. Therefore, segregation along habitat dimensions could facilitate coexistence among species in shrimp assemblages even when segregation is a result of predation pressure by fish species. These ecological interactions take place on a background modulated by biogeographic features, such as connectivity among drainages. However, these generalisations are mainly based on studies undertaken in temperate regions.

We investigated whether abundances of rainforest shrimp species are related to habitat dimensions, and whether habitat–abundance relationships might be mediated through fish‐assemblage structure and the effect of drainages on connectivity.

We detected effects of habitat variation on densities of shrimp species, but the magnitudes of the effects were larger for some species than others. Fish‐assemblage composition also affected shrimp densities. Two of the three species of shrimp showed some degree of habitat specialisation, but only along current‐velocity, depth, and pH gradients. Habitat segregation among species occurred along the current‐velocity and pH gradients. Relationships between density and environmental gradients differed between catchments for only one species and only along the pH gradient.

Our findings provide evidence that rainforest‐stream shrimp species respond differently to environmental gradients and this could facilitate coexistence among species. However, interactions with fish seem to have a stronger effect on species densities, and consequently species segregation, than direct effects of the environmental gradients, resulting in apparent competition for these resources.
Study of pharmacist intervention in polypharmacy among older patients: Non‐randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Hashimoto Ryota , Fujii Keiko , Shimoji Shizuka , Utsumi Atsuyuki , Hosokawa Kazutaka , Tochino Hiroki , Sanehisa Shigeki , Akishita Masahiro , Onda Mitsuko
Published: December 2019

Aim

We investigated the outcomes of interdisciplinary drug therapy interventions by pharmacists among older residents of special elderly nursing homes.

Methods

The study was designed as a non‐randomized, parallel‐group, controlled study. Four nursing homes were allocated in a 1:1 ratio to an intervention group (IG) or control group (CG). The participants of the study were residents taking five or more medications. The nursing homes in the IG were each visited by one pharmacist, who was charged with looking for potential problems in drug therapy. Activities in the CG were carried out as usual. The intervention period was 6 months. The primary end‐points were the incidences of potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) and falls. The mean difference and proportion of participants were compared between groups.

Results

Data from 28 participants in the IG and 27 participants in the CG were analyzed. The number of PIM decreased from 2.64 at baseline to 2.39 after 6 months in the IG (P = 0.032). The proportion of participants in whom the use of PIM was reduced without problems was 17.9% in the IG and 3.7% in the CG (P = 0.094). The mean number of falls was 0.04 in the IG and 0.41 in the CG (P = 0.033). Falls occurred in 3.6% of participants in the IG and 22.2% of participants in the CG (P = 0.043).

Conclusions

The results suggested a trend toward fewer PIM and falls in the IG. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; ••: ••–••.
Synthesis and formation mechanism of high‐purity Ti3AlC2 powders by microwave sintering
Authors: Chen Weihua , Tang Jiancheng , Shi Xingwang , Ye Nan , Yue Zhihao , Lin Xinghao
Published: December 2019

High‐purity titanium aluminum carbide (Ti3AlC2) powders were synthesized by a microwave sintering method using different titanium sources as raw materials. The prepared products were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results indicated that the synthesized Ti3AlC2 powders have high purity (97.5%) and even distribution of the grain size when using a 3TiH2/1.2Al/2C mixture as raw materials when the microwave sintering temperature and time were 1300°C and 30 minutes, respectively. The formation mechanism of the Ti3AlC2 is described as proceeding via four stages. The solid‐phase reaction between titanium and aluminum occurs below the melting point of aluminum and the main product is a Ti3Al phase, which is an observed intermediate compound for the formation of Ti2AlC and Ti3AlC2. Thus, this study provides a beneficial approach to low‐temperature synthesis of high‐purity Ti3AlC2 materials.
Application of the factorial design of experiments to hydrothermal synthesis of lithium iron phosphate
Authors: Liu Zuolin , Zhu Yongming , Gao Peng , Zhang Zhizhou
Published: December 2019

The mathematical model of lithium iron phosphate prepared by hydrothermal method was established by factor experimental design. The effect of individual variables and their interactions were studied by the main effects plot and Interaction plot. The influence of ascorbic acid dosage on the discharge specific capacity was greater than the hydrothermal time and the hydrothermal temperature, and the influence degree of the latter two was equivalent and the interaction effect of hydrothermal time and ascorbic acid dosage has the greatest influence on the discharge specific capacity in three interaction effects. The optimized hydrothermal condition was hydrothermal time of 9 hours, hydrothermal temperature of 210°C and ascorbic acid dosage of 1.5 mmol in the experimental design range, with the initial discharge specific capacity of 0.1 C as 152.5 mAh g−1. The corresponding characterization was performed using electrochemical methods, XRD, SEM, and TEM. This study provided a protocol to factorially design better experiments to achieve excellent battery criterion in the context of lithium iron phosphate preparation.
The histocompatibility and immunogenetics of hand transplantation
Authors: Wilks Daniel J. , Clark Brendan , Kay Simon P. J.
Published: December 2019

This short review will be concerned with the literature that has developed connected with the immunogenetic and tissue compatibility aspects of hand transplantation and will also draw on connected work in the more general area of vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) which includes face, abdominal wall uterus and larynx.
When the liver gets stiff, the tough get moving
Authors: Nguyen Thuy‐Huong , Wardell Rebecca , Chitturi Shiv , Teoh Narci , Farrell Geoff
Published: December 2019

Liver stiffness measurement (LSM) by FibroScan‐determined transient elastography is a noninvasive approach to estimate liver fibrosis severity. In non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), advanced liver fibrosis is excluded by normal liver stiffness, but a wide range of cutoffs have been used to predict advanced liver fibrosis or cirrhosis. This may be partly because steatosis (measured by controlled attenuation parameter [CAP]) contributes to liver stiffness and also because LSM fluctuates in NAFLD. In a recent pivotal study, one‐third of patients with liver stiffness > 12.0 kPa showed reversal after 4–6 months; these cases did not have advanced liver fibrosis on biopsy. We performed serial FibroScans 6–36 months apart in 73 NAFLD patients, 38 with LSM > 10 kPa at entry. Those who lost ≥ 1 kg of weight (n = 31) significantly reduced liver stiffness (3.6 ± 6.1 vs 0.53 ± 4.1 kPa, P < 0.05) and CAP score (39 ± 63 dB/m of loss vs 24 ± 65 dB/m of gain, P < 0.05) compared with those who did not (n = 29). Patients who reported increased physical activity (n = 25) also reduced liver stiffness (3.6 ± 6 vs 0.35 ± 6 kPa) and CAP (20 ± 71 dB/m of loss vs 32 ± 71 dB/m of gain). Overall, those with improved LSM were significantly more likely to have lost weight and/or improved physical activity. These effects of lifestyle adjustments partly explain why a single measurement of 12.0 kPa is not a reliable cutoff for advanced liver fibrosis in NAFLD. In addition to repeating the study after 6–12 months, documentation of response to lifestyle advice and weight reduction should be determined before assuming any cutoff indicates advanced liver fibrosis. Despite this reservation about diagnostic accuracy, we consider that measurement of liver stiffness and CAP score serve to motivate patients to enact lifestyle modifications that can improve NAFLD severity.
Reply to: Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction in Older Adults
Authors: Matsushita Kenichi , Harada Kazumasa , Miyazaki Tetsuro , Miyamoto Takamichi , Kohsaka Shun , Iida Kiyoshi , Yamamoto Yoshiya , Nagatomo Yuji , Yoshino Hideaki , Yamamoto Takeshi , Nagao Ken , Takayama Morimasa
Published: December 2019

This letter comments on the letter by Asit Shil.
Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction in Older Adults
Authors: Shil Asit Baran , Oo Thet N. , Ragaza Norman C.
Published: December 2019

See the Reply by Matsushita et al.
Inflammation and fatness in adolescents with and without Down syndrome: UP & DOWN study
Authors: Gutierrez‐Hervas A. , Gómez‐Martínez S. , Izquierdo‐Gómez R. , Veiga O. L. , Perez‐Bey A. , Castro‐Piñero J. , Marcos A.
Published: December 2019

Background

The main objective of this study was to describe the inflammatory status of adolescents with Down syndrome (DS) and their relationship with adiposity.

Methods

Ninety‐five adolescents with DS (44.2% girls) and a control group of 113 adolescents (47.8% girls), aged between 11 and 18 years old, from the UP & DOWN study were included in this substudy. Serum C‐reactive protein, C3 and C4 complement factors, total proteins, interleukin‐6, tumour necrosis factor‐α, insulin, cortisol, leptin, adiponectin, galactin‐3 and visfatin were analysed; homeostatic model assessment index was calculated. In order to evaluate adiposity, we measured the following body fat variables: weight, height, waist circumference and skinfold thicknesses. Birth weight was obtained by questionnaire. In addition, body mass index, waist‐to‐height ratio (WHtR) and body fat percentage (BF%) were calculated.

Results

Down syndrome group showed higher levels of body mass index, WHtR, waist circumference, BF% and lower birth weight than controls (P < 0.001). In the general linear model in the total sample, WHtR was positively associated with C3 and C4 (P < 0.001) as well as with leptin levels (P = 0.015). BF% was positively associated with total proteins (P = 0.093) and leptin levels (P < 0.001). DS was positively associated with total proteins (P < 0.001), C3 (P = 0.047) and C4 (P = 0.019). Despite the higher levels of adiposity found in DS group, no direct association was found between BF% and leptin levels, comparing with the control group.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that abdominal obesity should be controlled in adolescents because of its relationship with acute phase‐inflammatory biomarkers but especially in DS adolescents who may show a peculiar metabolic status according to their relationship between adiposity and inflammatory biomarkers.
The Role of Schools in Identifying and Referring Refugee Background Young People Who Are Experiencing Mental Health Issues
Authors: Baak Melanie , Miller Emily , Ziersch Anna , Due Clemence , Masocha Shepard , Ziaian Tahereh
Published: December 2019

BACKGROUND

Refugee background young people are at increased risk of mental health problems. In countries of refugee resettlement, schools are important sites where mental health difficulties can be identified and service access facilitated; however, little is known about how best to support these practices within schools.

METHODS

This article explores school and mental health service providers' perspectives on mental health challenges and referral pathways for refugee youth in South Australia. It draws on semi‐structured in‐depth interviews with 17 secondary school staff and 10 mental health service providers, which were analyzed thematically.

RESULTS

Key challenges for school staff in identifying mental health issues were understanding behaviors, overcoming stigma, cultural and linguistic barriers, engaging with parents, staff preparation and training, and embeddedness within Western understandings of mental health. There was also limited awareness of appropriate mental health services and referral pathways. Service providers recognized schools' key role in identifying mental health issues for refugee students.

CONCLUSIONS

Enhanced training and support is required for teachers to identify and refer students who might be experiencing mental health issues. “On‐site” school services, bi‐cultural workers, and increased knowledge of existing within‐school supports and referral pathways to external services would enhance outcomes for refugee students.
Incidence, prevalence and mortality of diabetes in children and adolescents aged under 20 years in the Republic of Maldives
Authors: Majeed Naila A , Shiruhana Shiru A , Maniam Jayanthi , Eigenmann Cecile A , Siyan Ali , Ogle Graham D
Published: December 2019

Aim

There is little published data on diabetes in youth in the Maldives. This study aimed to determine incidence, prevalence and mortality of diabetes in children and adolescents <20 years.

Methods

Data on all known existing cases in 2009 and all new cases from 2009 to 2018 was collected from the Diabetes Society of the Maldives registry.

Results

Thirty‐nine subjects <20 years were known to have diabetes at the start of 2009 and 92 new cases were diagnosed from 2009 to 2018. Of the 92 new cases, 76 had type 1 diabetes (T1D), 15 type 2 diabetes (T2D) and one secondary diabetes. Of the 76 new T1D cases, 64 were diagnosed <15 years. Mean age of onset for T1D <20 years was 10 ± 4.6 years, with 42 (55.3%) female. Ten (13.2%) were diagnosed 0–4 years, 27 (35.5%) 5–9 years, 27 (35.5%) 10–14 years and 12 (15.8%) 15–19 years. Annual T1D mean incidence rates/per 100 000 subjects for <15/<20 years, respectively, increased from 3.6/2.7 in 2009 to 11.0/9.1 in 2018, representing 12.0%/13.0% annualised increases (P = 0.01 for both). T1D prevalence in 2018 for <15 and <20 years was 47.1/100 000 and 52.0/100 000, respectively. No young person with T1D died during this period, with a total of 262 patient‐years of follow‐up for T1D cases. The child with secondary diabetes died of other causes.

Conclusion

T1D incidence in Maldives is higher than that reported from other South Asian countries, and an increasing trend was observed. T2D also occurs relatively frequently. A zero mortality rate was observed for children and young adults with T1D and T2D from 2009 to 2018.
Neonatal alloimmune neutropaenia: Experience from an Australian paediatric health service
Authors: Doan John , Kottayam Radhakrishnan , Krishnamurthy Mohan B , Malhotra Atul
Published: December 2019

Aim

To describe the presenting features and investigation findings in infants diagnosed with neonatal alloimmune neutropaenia (NAIN) within an Australian paediatric health network. The secondary aim was to describe the management and resolution of neutropaenia in infants with NAIN.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted at Monash Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia. Infants referred to the Victorian Transplantation and Immunogenetics Service for evaluation of NAIN were identified and medical records were reviewed. Descriptive statistical analysis of infants' clinical outcomes, investigation findings and management was performed.

Results

Nine infants were diagnosed with NAIN between December 2004 and June 2017. Overall incidence of NAIN was around 1 per 10 000 births. Median gestational age was 38 (range 35–40) weeks and birthweight was 2920 (2300–4445) g. Median age at NAIN work‐up was 7 (2–33) days. Prior to investigation for NAIN, median absolute neutrophil count was 0.2 (0.01–0.6) × 109 cells/L. The post‐natal ward was the source of presentation in most infants (78%). All except one infant were admitted to a neonatal unit and commenced on intravenous antibiotics (89%). Six infants were asymptomatic but received antibiotics for risk of infection (75%). Granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor was administered to 44% of infants due to neutropaenia with presumed or confirmed infection. NAIN resolved at median age of 32 (6–200) days.

Conclusions

Infants with NAIN frequently presented with severe, unexpected neutropaenia without major infection. Intravenous antibiotic therapy and granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor use was common in this cohort.
Invited Review: Emerging functions of histone H3 mutations in paediatric diffuse high‐grade gliomas
Authors: Kasper L. H. , Baker S. J.
Published: December 2019

Paediatric diffuse high‐grade gliomas (pHGG) are rare, but deadly tumours. The discovery of recurrent mutations in the tail of histone H3, changing lysine 27 to methionine, or glycine 34 to arginine or valine, has illuminated a critical role for epigenetic dysregulation in the aetiology of childhood gliomas and opened new avenues of exploration that have resulted in numerous advances for the field. In this review, we describe the current models of H3K27M mutant cancer that are available to the research community and the insights they have provided on tumour biology and the epigenetic and transcriptional effects of histone mutations. We also review the current understanding of the H3G34R/V mutation and the therapeutic outlook for the treatment of pHGG.
Efficacy of Melatonin in prevention of radiation‐induced oral mucositis: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Elsabagh Hossam H. , Moussa Eglal , Mahmoud Sabah A. , Elsaka Rasha O. , Abdelrahman Hams
Published: December 2019

Objectives

Evaluating the effectiveness of melatonin in prevention of radiation‐induced oral mucositis.

Material and methods

A randomized controlled clinical study was conducted on forty head and neck cancer (HNC) patients undergoing radiotherapy at the Department of Clinical Oncology, Alexandria University, Egypt. Patients were assigned equally to either control group who received conventional treatment or test group who received 20 mg of melatonin along with the conventional treatment. All patients were clinically evaluated for oral mucositis severity and pain at three and six weeks after the start of radiotherapy. Additionally, the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in patients’ saliva samples was assessed at the start of radiotherapy and six weeks later.

Results

92.5% of all patients have experienced oral mucositis with more severity reported in the control group (30%) compared with the test group (5%). Mean pain scores decreased significantly, in the second assessment, in test group rather than the controls. TAC values showed a significant difference between the test and controls with a significant decrease in TAC in the control group.

Conclusion

The administration of melatonin with conventional treatment has reduced severe oral mucositis development. It aided in decreasing pain and hindering the reduction of TAC resulting from radiotherapy among the test group compared with controls.
Molecular and physiological responses during thermal acclimation of leaf photosynthesis and respiration in rice
Authors: Rashid Fatimah Azzahra Ahmad , Crisp Peter A. , Zhang You , Berkowitz Oliver , Pogson Barry J. , Day David A. , Masle Josette , Dewar Roderick C. , Whelan James , Atkin Owen K. , Scafaro Andrew P.
Published: December 2019

To further our understanding of how sustained changes in temperature affect the carbon economy of rice (Oryza sativa), hydroponically grown plants of the IR64 cultivar were developed at 30°C/25°C (day/night) before being shifted to 25/20°C or 40/35°C. Leaf messenger RNA and protein abundance, sugar and starch concentrations, and gas‐exchange and elongation rates were measured on preexisting leaves (PE) already developed at 30/25°C or leaves newly developed (ND) subsequent to temperature transfer. Following a shift in growth temperature, there was a transient adjustment in metabolic gene transcript abundance of PE leaves before homoeostasis was reached within 24 hr, aligning with Rdark (leaf dark respiratory CO2 release) and An (net CO2 assimilation) changes. With longer exposure, the central respiratory protein cytochrome c oxidase (COX) declined in abundance at 40/35°C. In contrast to Rdark, An was maintained across the three growth temperatures in ND leaves. Soluble sugars did not differ significantly with growth temperature, and growth was fastest with extended exposure at 40/35°C. The results highlight that acclimation of photosynthesis and respiration is asynchronous in rice, with heat‐acclimated plants exhibiting a striking ability to maintain net carbon gain and growth when exposed to heat‐wave temperatures, even while reducing investment in energy‐conserving respiratory pathways.
The effect of using entertainment and communication devices before sleep on nocturnal enuresis
Authors: Sürmeli Döven Serra
Published: December 2019

Background

Monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (MNE) is a common urological problem. The association between the use of entertainment and communication devices (EECDs) at night and enuresis in MNE patients has yet to be reported in the literature. This study aims to determine if an association exists between the use of EECDs before sleep and nocturnal enuresis.

Methods

Patients with MNE who presented to the pediatric nephrology department of the center between January 30, 2019 and June 30, 2019 were included in the study. A questionnaire was administered both to the patients and to an age‐ and sex‐matched control group to garner details of sleeping features and duration of exposure to EECDs before sleep. A comparison was then made of the answers provided by the patient and control groups.

Results

The study included 138 patients (65 females; 73 males) and 104 controls (44 females; 60 males). The patients who used EECDs for more than 3 h a day before sleep suffered more frequently from bedwetting than those who used EECDs for fewer than 3 h a day (P = 0.007). The time of exposure to EECDs before sleep in the patient group was longer than in the control group (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The use of EECDs for more than 3 hours before sleep is associated with bedwetting and enuresis frequency in patients with MNE. Patients suffering from MNE should be advised not to use EECDs before sleep.
Humidity‐Insensitive Tissue Oxygen Tension Sensing for Wearable Devices†
Authors: Roussakis Emmanuel , Cascales Juan Pedro , Marks Haley L. , Li Xiaolei , Grinstaff Mark , Evans Conor L.
Published: December 2019

Quantification of tissue oxygen partial pressure (pO2) at the skin surface is crucial for diagnostic applications in burns, reconstructive surgeries, diabetic ulcers, etc. Further, current advances in wearable and communications technologies have widened the use of transcutaneous oxygen monitors (TCOM) for home care or even enhance athletic performance. For TCOM technology to find widespread use, devices must function reliably yet independently of changes in environmental conditions, humidity in particular. To this end, we have explored the incorporation of an oxygen‐sensing metalloporphyrin within different host matrix materials of different compositions with the goal of overcoming the humidity sensitivity of previously explored oxygen‐sensing materials. We developed a tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS)‐based, highly breathable, oxygen‐sensing metalloporphyrin polymer film which responds to changes in oxygenation independent of humidity.
Seasonal nitrogen uptake strategies in a temperate desert ecosystem depends on N form and plant species
Authors: Zhuang W. , Li J. , Yu F. , Dong Z. , Guo H.
Published: December 2019

Symbiotic plants might be able to regulate a limited nitrogen (N) pool, thus avoiding and reducing competition for resources, through the uptake of different chemical N forms. Our aim was to see whether coexisting herbs showed preference for different forms of N in a temperate desert.

We conducted a situ experiment using the 15N labeling method in the Gurbantunggut Desert of Northwestern China dominated by Erodium oxyrrhynchum, Hyalea pulchella, Nonea caspica and Lactuca undulata during their growing period (April and May).

Four desert herb species preferentially relied on 15N‐NO3 for their N nutrition. Multi‐factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) analysis results showed that species, N forms, months, and soil depths strongly affected N uptake rate. The uptake rate by herbs was higher in May than in April, and higher at 0–5 cm than at 5–15 cm soil layers. Erodium oxyrrhynchum, N. caspica and L. undulata showed different preference on N form over months. Erodium oxyrrhynchum and L. undulata changed their uptake preference from more 15N‐Glycine in April to more 15N‐NH4 in May.

Although the N uptake rate of four desert herbs varied across different soil depths and months, all species absorbed more inorganic N compared with organic N. The higher preference for 15N‐NO3 and 15N‐NH4 over 15N‐Gly possibly reflects adaptation to different N forms in temperate desert.
Nursing students’ experience of the mental health setting as a clinical learning environment: Findings from a national study
Authors: Gonella Silvia , Brugnolli Anna , Randon Giulia , Canzan Federica , Saiani Luisa , Destrebecq Anne , Terzoni Stefano , Zannini Lucia , Mansutti Irene , Dimonte Valerio , Palese Alvisa
Published: December 2019

Purpose

To explore nursing students’ perceptions of their clinical learning experiences in the mental health (MH) setting.

Design and Methods

Secondary analysis of data collected within an Italian national cross‐sectional study involving students (N = 9607) who were attending 95 3‐year baccalaureate nursing programs.

Findings

Students in MH settings scored the quality of the learning environment overall significantly higher (P = .008) compared to those who rotated in other clinical settings, specifically with respect to (a) the tutorial strategies’ quality; (b) the learning opportunities; and (c) the learning environment's quality.

Practice Implications

MH settings emerged as a worthy clinical environment where less pressing rhythms allow preceptors to provide students more learning opportunities that, in turn, affect the perceived degree of competence achieved and the desire to work in these contexts after graduation.
Geological and Geophysical Studies of Sulfide Copper Mineralization in the Dochileh Area: An Example of Manto‐Type Deposit in the Sabzevar Zone, Iran
Authors: Ebrahimi Susan , Arab‐Amiri Alireza , Kamkar‐Rouhani Abolghasem
Published: December 2019

The Dochileh stratiform copper deposit in the Sabzevar Zone of northeastern Iran is hosted in the basaltic sequence of the Upper Eocene age. The host rock displays two hydrothermal events: zeolite–carbonate alteration that is a stratigraphic–lithologic feature and chlorite and chlorite/ferruginous alterations in the local mineralized structures. Ore formation is related to both hydrothermal events and occurs in both stratiform and vein mineralization types. Mineralization consists of main chalcocite with variable amounts of bornite, chalcopyrite, native copper, malachite, and cuprite minerals, which occur as hydrothermal breccias, and disseminated, vein, and veinlet forms. Geophysical field studies using resistivity and induction polarization (IP) methods were conducted along nine survey lines in the area. As a result of modeling and interpretation of the acquired geophysical data, high values of IP and resistivity corresponding to mineralization were observed at two depth levels: 0–20 m and more than 40 m. Based on these geological and geophysical investigations, six locations for drilling exploration boreholes were proposed. Drilling data confirmed the mineralization containing high copper values in the two depth levels: the vein‐type mineralization in the surface and shallow depth level, and the stratiform mineralization at the deeper level. Fluid inclusion studies in calcite and quartz from stratiform‐ and vein‐type mineralization show the evidence of mixing, and a linear dilution trend during the ore formation occurred at a wide range of temperatures: 121–308°C and 80–284°C, respectively, and varying salinities of between 3.2–16.8 and 0.8–22 wt% NaCl equivalents. The stable isotope composition of δ34S that falls in a range of −2.4 to +25.0‰ could be considered biogenetic sulfur from bacterial sulfate reduction and leaching of sulfur from hosting basalt. The δ13C values of calcite vary between −0.6 and −7.6‰, suggesting a major contribution of marine carbonates associated with igneous carbonates, and the δ18OSMOW values of calcite are between +15.2 and +19.9‰, suggesting a contribution of δ18O‐rich sedimentary rocks and δ18O‐poor meteoric water. Copper and sulfide‐rich hydrothermal fluid have flowed upward through the local faults and permeable interbeds within the Eocene volcanic sequence and have formed the mineralized veins and horizons. The geophysical results have detected the local faults as the channel ways for mineralization.
How to Achieve Tax Compliance by the Wealthy: A Review of the Literature and Agenda for Policy
Authors: Gangl Katharina , Torgler Benno
Published: December 2019

Tax compliance by the wealthy is relevant not only because their contributions are essential to maintain public budgets and social equality, but because their (non)compliance behavior and the perceived (un)fairness of their contributions can fuel social unrest. In this article, after giving a brief history of taxing the wealthy, we review the existing theoretical, empirical, and policy literature on their tax compliance. We discuss how and why the wealthy differ from less affluent taxpayers because of specific interrelated political, social, and psychological conditions. Understanding the psychological mechanisms that determine the tax compliance of the wealthy can provide policy insights on how to better integrate the wealthy in the tax system. Therefore, the present review is also a starting point for new policy approaches to increase tax compliance and tax morale among the wealthy.
Chitosan‐calcium alginate dressing promotes wound healing: A preliminary study
Authors: Zhao Wan‐Yi , Fang Qing‐Qing , Wang Xiao‐Feng , Wang Xiao‐Wei , Zhang Tao , Shi Bang‐Hui , Zheng Bin , Zhang Ding‐Ding , Hu Yan‐Yan , Ma Lie , Tan Wei‐Qiang
Published: December 2019

Dressings are necessary during the process of wound healing. Since the early 1980s, several types of wound dressings have been produced, but they cannot always take into account some effects include antibacterial effect, wound healing promotion, and other properties. In this study, we would like to develop an effective dressing with the above properties, especially accelerating wound healing effect. A chitosan‐calcium alginate dressing (CCAD) was developed by coating mixture of chitosan with high‐low molecular weight on calcium alginate dressing (CAD). We investigated the structural characteristics of CCAD with Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and electron microscopy. The cytotoxicity and antibacterial property were evaluated in vitro using CCK‐8 and inhibition zone method. Moisture retention was tested on the skin of Sprague‐Dawley (SD) rats, and wound healing studies were performed on a full‐thickness skin wound model in SD rats. CCAD showed good moisturizing and antibacterial properties with no cytotoxicity. CCAD could inhibit inflammation by decreasing IL‐6, and it could also promote angiogenesis by increasing VEGF, resulting in better wound healing than CAD. CCAD is a better choice in wound care due to its antibacterial property, biocompatibility, moisture retention, healing promotion, and non‐cytotoxicity characteristics.
Whole‐genome sequencing reveals resistome of highly drug‐resistant retail meat and human Salmonella Dublin
Authors: Eyler Andrea B. , M'ikanatha Nkuchia M. , Xiaoli Lingzi , Dudley Edward G.
Published: December 2019

Non‐typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) are a significant source of foodborne illness worldwide, with disease symptoms most often presenting as self‐limiting gastroenteritis; however, occasionally the infection spreads and becomes invasive, frequently requiring anti‐microbial treatment. The cattle‐adapted Dublin serovar of NTS has commonly been associated with invasive illness and anti‐microbial resistance (AMR). Here, the enhanced resolution conferred by whole‐genome sequencing was utilized to elucidate and compare the resistome and genetic relatedness of 14 multidrug‐resistant (MDR) and one pan‐susceptible S. Dublin, isolated primarily in Pennsylvania, from fresh retail meat (one isolate) and humans (14 isolates). Twelve different genetic AMR determinants, including both acquired and chromosomal, were identified. Furthermore, comparative plasmid analysis indicated that AMR was primarily conferred by a putative IncA/C2 plasmid. A single pan‐susceptible S. Dublin isolate, collected from the same timeframe and geographical region as the MDR isolates, did not carry an IncA/C2 replicon sequence within its genome. Moreover, the pan‐susceptible isolate was genetically distinct from its MDR counterparts, as it was separated by ≥267 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), whereas there was a ≤38 SNP distance between the MDR isolates. Collectively, this data set advances our understanding of the genetic basis of the highly drug‐resistant nature of S. Dublin, a serovar with significant public health implications.
Show me the money: Pecking order and funding sources for innovative firms in Colombia
Authors: Méndez Morales Edgard Alberto
Published: December 2019

We analyze the funding sources for innovation activities in Colombia. Our main objective is to identify the type of capital structure followed by firms performing R&D activities, whether they follow a pecking order (POT) or an altered pecking order capital structure (APOT). We use a multivariate probit methodology and our main result is the fact that innovative companies in Colombia, tend to finance their innovation ventures using a capital structure like the one predicted by the POT. Our results reinforce the fact that innovative companies of underdeveloped countries are, to some extent, different from those of developed countries, and therefore, strategies and policies directed to surpass financial barriers in underdeveloped nations, should be different from the ones designed for developed ones.
Evaluación de capacidades de innovación. Estudio de Caso en una Institución Prestadora de Servicios de Salud (IPS) Colombiana
Authors: Idarraga Chavarriaga Paola Andrea , López González Cristina , Rodríguez Vargas Fainory Andrea
Published: December 2019

Esta investigación presenta la evaluación de capacidades de innovación en una Institución Prestadora de Servicios de Salud (IPS) en Colombia, y las estrategias para fortalecerlas y potencializarlas. Para realizarla, se desarrolla un estudio de caso descriptivo, en el cual se aplica un método de valoración, a partir de un modelo existente, y se logra establecer el nivel de madurez de dichas capacidades. Esa valoración se construye con información primaria que se toma de entrevistas semiestructuradas realizadas a directivos y personal administrativo de la IPS, y se contrasta con las políticas, estrategias, procesos, recursos y demás información secundaria suministrada por la institución. Los resultados obtenidos muestran que las capacidades de innovación en la institución son heterogéneas, ya que las dimensiones contenidas en ellas no son uniformes, y se mueven en los rangos extremos; esto, debido a que en la IPS se realizan actividades de innovación a través de procesos que requieren ser fortalecidos y formalizados, posiblemente bajo un sistema de gestión innovación, que le permita priorizar las problemáticas y centrar los esfuerzos en líneas específicas.
Annual Performance Evaluation of Evacuated Tube Solar Air Collector With Phase Change Material
Authors: Mehla Neeraj , Kumar Manoj , Yadav Avadhesh
Published: December 2019

This manuscript has been presented to evaluate the annual performance of evacuated tube solar air collector (ETSAC) by using phase change material (PCM). The PCM (acetamide) simultaneously stores and exchange the heat to the air amid day hours. The heat stored by the PCM has been used to deliver hot air amid night hours. The performance of the system has been analyzed with a circular fin configuration along with reflectors at 0.035 kg/s air flowrate for 12 typical days. The performance of the system has been found excellent in the month of July. The maximum average temperature of PCM has been found to be as 87.8 °C and the maximum average collector efficiency as 31.4%.
Innovatively Arranged Curved-Ribbed Solar-Assisted Air Heater: Performance and Correlation Development for Heat and Flow Characteristics
Authors: Kumar Rajneesh , Kashyap Abhishek Singh , Singh Paramvir , Goel Varun , Kumar Khushmeet
Published: December 2019

Solar radiation is a rich and clean source of energy. It can be collected and converted to thermal energy with the help of flat plate collectors called the solar-assisted air heater. Because of the low coefficient of heat transfer of air, the solar-assisted air heater has low thermal performance which can be improved by creating local turbulence using surface roughness on the heat transferring plate. The present investigation has been conducted to perceive the influence of the curved-ribbed element with gap on flow and heat transfer. The roughness element is defined by using five non-dimensionlized parameters, i.e., relative roughness width (W/w), relative roughness pitch (P/e), relative gap width (g/e), relative roughness height (e/D), and relative gap distance (d/x). The radius of the curvature of the curved rib-element is kept constant and the experimental measurements were done under quasi-steady state. The thermohydraulic performance parameter improved by 3.61 times the smooth flat plate solar air heater (SAH), in curved-ribbed SAH for W/w = 3, P/e = 8, g/e = 1, e/D = 0.045, and d/x = 0.65 at Reynolds number of 23,000. The generalized relation for heat transfer and flow characteristics is also being developed and the predicted Nusselt number and friction factor with the accuracy of ± 7.5% and ± 6.7%, respectively.
Determination of Dynamic Dispersion Coefficient for Solid Particles Flowing in a Fracture With Consideration of Gravity Effect
Authors: Ding Yanan , Meng Xiaoyan , Yang Daoyong
Published: December 2019

A robust and pragmatic method has been developed and validated to analytically determine dynamic dispersion coefficients for particles flowing in a parallel-plate fracture, in which gravity settling has been considered due to its significant impact on particle flowing behavior. More specifically, a two-dimensional (2D) advection–diffusion equation together with the initial and boundary conditions has been formulated to describe the flow behavior of finite-sized particles on the basis of coupling the Poiseuille flow with vertical settling. Meanwhile, three types of instantaneous source conditions (i.e., point source, uniform line source, and volumetric line source) have been considered. Explicit expressions, which can directly and time-efficiently calculate dynamic dispersion coefficient, have been derived through the moment analysis and the Green’s function method. By performing the simulation based on the random walk particle tracking (RWPT) algorithm, the newly developed model has been verified to determine particle dispersion coefficients agreeing well with those obtained from the RWPT simulations. It is found that the point source is the most sensitive to gravity effect among different source conditions, while the volumetric line source is affected more than the uniform line source. For particle size larger than its critical value, an increased particle size leads to a decreased asymptotical dispersion coefficient for all the source conditions due to the significant gravity effect, while gravity positively affects the dispersion coefficient at early times for the point source condition. In addition, average flow velocity positively affects the dispersion coefficient for all the source conditions, while the associated gravity effect is influenced only at early times for the point source condition.
Dynamic Stokes polarimetric imaging system with dual-wavelength operation
Authors: Han Chien-Yuan , Chen Meng-Ting , Lai Hong-Bin , Lai Shih-Hsiang , Lin Shih-Chin
Published: December 2019

In this paper, a photoelastic-modulated Stokes polarimetric imaging system operating at a dual-wavelength is demonstrated. Two laser diodes with specific wavelengths alternately impinged on the sample, and, during the measuring period for one wavelength, the initiating time of light was controlled by a programmable pulse generator that modulated the light four times in a modulation cycle. Therefore, the photoelastic-modulated signal could be frozen and captured by a charge-coupled device, and the Stokes vector could be deduced from the measured ellipsometric parameters. In this system, an equivalent phase retardation technique was employed to avoid disrupting the resonance modulation of the photoelastic modulator while shifting the wavelength from one to the other. As a result, the image of the Stokes vector for different wavelengths could be obtained every second. The output polarization states from polarization elements and an uneven heated liquid crystal variable retarder were verified in the experiment.
Silicon chip field emission electron source fabricated by laser micromachining
Authors: Langer Christoph , Bomke Vitali , Hausladen Matthias , Ławrowski Robert , Prommesberger Christian , Bachmann Michael , Schreiner Rupert
Published: December 2019

The components for a silicon chip electron source were fabricated by laser micromachining using pulsed laser ablation and wet chemical cleaning and etching dips. The field emission electron source consists of a silicon field emission cathode with 4 × 4 conical shaped emitters with a height of 250 μm and a tip radius of about 50 nm, a 50 μm thick laser-structured mica spacer, and a silicon grid electrode with a grid periodicity of 200 μm and a bar width of 50 μm. These three components are combined to a single chip with the size of 14 × 10 mm2 and the thickness of 1 mm to form the electron source. Several of these devices were characterized in ultrahigh vacuum. Onset voltages of about 165 V and cathode currents of about 15 μA for voltages lower than 350 V were observed. Operating the electron source with an anode voltage of 500 V and an extraction grid voltage of 300 V yielded a cathode current of 4.5 μA ± 8.9%, an anode current of 4.0 μA ± 9.6%, and a corresponding grid transmittance of 89%. Regulating the anode current by the extraction grid voltage, an extremely stable anode current of 5.0 μA ± 0.017% was observed. A long-term measurement over 120 h was performed, and no significant degradation or failure was observed.
Too Cool Two – Service Learning and Faculty Engagement in Physics Outreach
Authors: Roob Edward , Bouscher Robert F. , Kleinbaum Ethan I. , Sederberg David , Csathy Gabor
Published: December 2019

We describe the design and manufacture of a classroom set of devices that simultaneously measures and records the resistivity of four conductive elements (superconductor, semiconductor, metal alloy, and pure metal) as a function of temperature. The unique nature of this multi-semester project was that these devices would be designed, machined and assembled, and piloted in a local high school classroom by undergraduate service learning students.
From Helicopter to Lighthouse: How My Teaching Aligns with My Parenting
Authors: Williams Jennifer A.
Published: December 2019

Iam a parent first and foremost, but I am also an educator. What does one role have to do with the other? I realized that the different identities that make me who I am are not independent of each other during the process of formulating my teaching philosophy. Realizing the link between the different identities in my life influenced my teaching philosophy, which, in turn, has contributed to my teaching practice and the way I view my students.