bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of plasma lactate level to predict 28-day mortality in non-elderly and elderly sepsis patients based on the MIMIC-III database
Authors: Dong Yihua , Miao Xiaoyang , Hu Yufeng , Huang Yueyue , Chen Jie , Lu Yingru , Pan Jingye
Published: July 2019

Purpose

We compared the use of lactate level for predicting 28-day mortality in non-elderly (<65 years) and elderly (≥65 years) sepsis patients who were admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods

This retrospective study used the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III, a publicly available database of ICUs. Eligible sepsis patients were at least 18 years-old, hospitalized for at least 24 h, and had lactate levels measured in the ICU. The relationship of lactate level with 28-day mortality was determined.

Results

The 28-day mortality was 30.9% among the 2482 patients, and was significantly greater in elderly than non-elderly patients. Within each age group, the lactate level was greater for non-survivors than survivors. Among non-survivors, the lactate level was significantly higher for the non-elderly than the elderly. Adjusted logistic regression analysis showed that elderly and non-elderly patients with lactate levels of 2.0–4.0 mmol/L and above 4.0 mmol/L had greater risk of death than those with normal lactate. Cirrhosis, chronic renal failure, and malignancy were independent risk factors for 28-day mortality in each age group. Based on a lactate cut-off level of 2.1 mmol/L, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.628 (overall), 0.707 (non-elderly), and 0.585 (elderly).

Conclusion

In our population of sepsis patients, a plasma lactate level above 2.0 mmol/L was an independent risk factor for death at 28-days. The lactate level among elderly non-survivors was about 0.9 mmol/L lower than among non-elderly survivors. Lactate was a better prognostic indicator for non-elderly than elderly patients.
Implementation of an Electronic Medication System in a large tertiary hospital: A case of qualitative inquiry
Authors: Vaghasiya Milan , Penm Jonathan , Kuan Kevin , Gunja Naren , Liu Yiren , Kim Edward , Patrina Neysa , Poon Simon
Published: July 2019

Introduction

There is a growing interest in the use of technology in the health sector in Australia. Hospitals across Australia are implementing Clinical Information Systems (CIS) e.g. Electronic Medication Systems (EMS) at a rapid space to moderate health service delivery. The implementation of an EMS is crucial in a big hospital organisation. The benefits of the EMS depend on the acceptance of the system by the clinicians. The study hospital used a unique patient-centric implementation strategy. This paper aims to study the factors facilitating or hindering the adoption of EMS as viewed by clinicians and the implementation team.

Method

Four focus group, one each for 1) doctors, 2) nurses 3) pharmacists 4) implementation team were conducted. A guide for the focus group was created based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT).

Results

A total of 23 unique codes were identified and were grouped into five main themes 1) Implementation strategy 2) Organisational outcome of EMS 3) Individual impact of EMS 4) IT product and 5) Organisational culture. Clinicians reported improvement in their workflow efficiency post-EMS implementation. They also reported some challenges in using the EMS that centered around the area of infrastructure, technical and design issues. Additionally, the implementation team highlighted two crucial factors influencing the success of EMS implementation, namely: 1) the patient-centric implementation strategy, and 2) the organisation readiness.

Conclusion

Overall, this study provides substantial evidence of the use of the behavior theory of UTAUT in explaining the implementation process of EMS in a large healthcare facility by using clinicians’ and the implementation team’s perspectives. A unique implementation strategy with the patient-centric approach and clinical leadership in the implementation team played a crucial role in clinicians’ acceptance of the EMS. Perceived and realised benefits helped clinicians to form a positive attitude in the adoption of EMS. On the other hand, general training instead of customised training based on local needs, technical and design issues and lack of availability of computer systems can act as a barrier to the adoption of the system. Promptly resolving these issues can improve the adoption of the EMS.
In depth analysis of the association of FTO SNP (rs9939609) with expression of the classical phenotype of PCOS: a Sri Lankan study
Authors: Branavan Umayal , Wijesundera Sulochana , Chandrasekharan Visvanath , Arambepola Carukshi , Wijeyaratne Chandrika
Published: July 2019

Background: PCOS is a common disorder of women due to genetic, endocrine and environmental effects that manifests from puberty. The rs9939609 variant of fat mass and obesity associated (FTO) gene is linked to metabolic derangement in PCOS. We previously identified FTO (rs9939609) as a susceptibility locus for PCOS among Sri Lankan women and also explored the role of kisspeptin. Associated factors of the FTO candidate gene among South Asians with PCOS are unknown.
Methods: This study aimed to determine the association between FTO (rs9939609) polymorphism with clinical (BMI, acanthosis nigricans, hirsutism) and biochemical (serum kisspeptin and testosterone levels) characteristics of PCOS in a cohort of Sri Lankan women. Genetic and clinical data including serum kisspeptin and testosterone concentrations of our previously reported cases (n=55) and controls (n=110) were re-analyzed, specifically for an association with rs9939609 variant of FTO gene.
Results: Logistic regression analysis (AA – OR=5.7, 95% CI=2.41-13.63, p<0.05) and genetic inheritance analysis (AA – OR=5.49, 95%CI=2.34-12.88, p<0.05) showed that FTO (rs9939609) polymorphism is significantly associated with PCOS and its metabolic manifestations. Serum testosterone was significantly higher in affected women with mutant genotypes (AA+AT) than the normal allele (TT) (p<0.05). Although serum kisspetin was higher in subjects with PCOS and mutant alleles than controls, this difference was not significant (p>0.05).
Conclusion: FTO gene variant rs9939609 is associated with hyperandrogenemia and metabolic manifestations of PCOS among women of Sri Lankan descent with the well-characterized phenotype. Serum kisspeptin and the FTO genotypes lack a significant association when adjusted for confounders.
Association among cytokine profiles of innate and adaptive immune responses and clinical-virological features in untreated patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Gu Yurong , Lian Yifan , Zheng Qiaolan , Huang Zexuan , Gu Lin , Bi Yanhua , Li Jing , Huang Yanlin , Wu Yuankai , Huang Yuehua
Published: July 2019

Background

Complete clearance of intracellular viruses depends on effector cells of innate and adaptive immune system. This study aimed to identify the relationship between antiviral cytokines produced by natural killer (NK) and T cells and clinical-virological characteristics in untreated chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients.

Methods

We measured antiviral cytokines interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-2 (IL-2) produced by T, NK and natural killer T (NKT) cells in a cohort of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (CHB). We also correlated these cytokines with clinical-virological characteristics using a linear regression model.

Results

IFN-γ+ and TNF-α+ by CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were significantly higher in immune active (IA) than other phases. Immune tolerant (IT) patients showed the least expression of IFN-γ+ by NK and NKT cells, and TNF-α+ by NK cells. IFN-γ+, TNF-α+ and IL-2+ by CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were comparable between IA and gray zones (GZ) phases. Principal component analysis based on cytokines confirmed that most IT patients significantly differ from inactive carriers (IC) and IA patients, while GZ patients were widely scattered. Multivariate analysis showed both T and NK cells producing IFN-γ+ and TNF-α+, but not IL-2+, had significant association with serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Moreover, IFN-γ+ by NKT cells was associated with HBV DNA, while IFN-γ+ by CD4+ and CD8+ T cells had correlation with age.

Conclusion

HBV clinical phases are characterized by distinct cytokines signatures, which showed little relationship to viral features at a single time point in these untreated CHB patients.
Prevalence of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) infection in patients with Cystic Fibrosis: a meta-analysis
Authors: Mohamed Sagad Omer Obeid , Ali Almigdad H. M. , Ibrahim Abazr A. H. , Elnil Mahmoud , Elhassan Almutasim B. E. , Salman Mohammed Suliman Tawer , Elkhidir Ibrahim H. E. , Ali Osman Omer , Elhassan Mazin A.M. , Elbathani Mohamed Elata Hassan
Published: July 2019

Background

Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection is increasingly being reported among patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and contributes to pulmonary morbidity in CF, with poorer prognosis. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of MRSA infection in patients with CF.

Methods

We conducted this study according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Databases of MEDLINE/PubMed, WHO-Virtual Health Library (VHL), ScienceDirect, Google Scholar and OpenGrey were searched to recruit the relevant articles. Pooled prevalence with the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated using OpenMeta Analyst software, and heterogeneity among studies was estimated using the I2 statistics.

Results

According to our inclusion criteria, 27 studies included a total of 47,413 patients were analyzed. The pooled prevalence of MRSA in patients with CF was 15.2% (95% CI 9.70%– 20.7%). Subgroup analyses and meta-regression showed that the prevalence of MRSA in patients with CF was significantly associated with different geographical areas (P<0.001), data collection method (P<0.001), sample obtaining source (P<0.001), and study year (P = 0.006).

Conclusions

prevalence of MRSA infection is increasing in patients with CF. the results of this study could provide a reference for further controlling transmission and the management of patients with CF. Healthcare providers need to be aware of the clinically important association between MRSA infection and CF to ensure effective management.
The impact of medication reviews conducted in primary care on hospital admissions and mortality - a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Nymberg Veronica Milos , Lenander Cecilia , Bolmsjö Beata Borgström
Published: July 2019

Background
Drug-related problems among the elderly population are common and increasing. Multi-professional medication reviews (MR) have arisen as a method to optimize drug therapy for frail elderly patients. Research has not yet been able to show conclusive evidence of the effect of MRs on mortality or hospital admissions.
Aim
The aim of this study was to assess the impact of MRs’ on hospital admissions and mortality after six and 12 months in a frail population of 369 patients in primary care in a randomized controlled study.

Methods
Patients were blindly randomized to an intervention group (receiving MRs) and a control group (receiving usual care). Descriptive data on mortality and hospital admissions at six and 12 months were collected. Survival analysis was performed for time to death and time to the first hospital admission within 12 months.

Results
Of the total number of 369 included patients, 182 were randomized to the intervention group and 187 to the control group. Most of the patients (75%) were females and lived in nursing homes. At six months, 50 patients of the baseline population (27%) in the control group had been admitted to hospital at least once, compared to 40 patients (21%) in the intervention group. At 12 months, the percentage had increased to 70 (37%) in the control group compared to 53 (29%) in the intervention group. Compared to usual care, we found that MRs reduced the risk of hospital admissions within 12 months by 36% (HR = 0.64, 95% CI 0.45-0.90), but found no difference on mortality (HR = 1.12, 95% CI 0.78-1.61) between the groups.
Conclusion
We suggest that MRs should be recommended in the care of frail elderly patients with expected benefits on hospital admissions.
Prevalence of geriatric depression in Kavre district, Nepal: Findings from a cross sectional community survey
Authors: Manandhar Kedar , Risal Ajay , Shrestha Oshin , Manandhar Nirmala , Kunwar Dipak , Koju Rajendra , Holen Are
Published: July 2019

Background

The increasing elderly population worldwide is likely to increase mental health problems such as geriatric depression, which has mostly been studied in high-income countries. Similar studies are scarce in low-and-middle-income-countries like Nepal.

Methods

A cross-sectional, population-based, door-to-door survey was conducted in randomly selected rural and urban population clusters of the Kavre district, Nepal. Trained nurses (field interviewers) administered structured questionnaires that included a validated Nepali version of the Geriatric Depression Scale short form (GDS-15) for identifying geriatric depression among elderly (≥60 years) participants (N=460). Those scoring ≥6 on GDS-15 were considered depressed. Logistic regression analysis explored the associations of geriatric depression with regard to socio-demographic information, life style, family support and physical well-being variables.

Results

Of the total 460 selected elderly participants, 439 took part in the study. More than half of them were females (54.2%). The mean age was 70.9 (± 8.6) years. Approximately half (50.6%) were rural inhabitants, the majority (86.1%) were illiterate, and about three-fifths (60.1%) were living with their spouses. The gender-and-age adjusted prevalence of geriatric depression was 53.1%. Geriatric depression was significantly associated with rural habitation (AOR 1.6), illiteracy (AOR 2.1), limited time provided by families (AOR 1.8), and exposure to verbal and/or physical abuse (AOR 1.7).

Conclusion

Geriatric depression is highly prevalent in the Kavre, Nepal. The findings call for urgent prioritization of delivery of elderly mental health care services in the country. [Word count 230]
Non breathing-related sleep fragmentation and imaging markers in patients with atherosclerotic cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD), a cross-sectional case-control study
Authors: wang jihui , Chen Xiaodong , Liao Jinchi , Zhou Li , Han Hongying , Tao Jiong , Lu Zhengqi
Published: July 2019

Objective:
Evidence of a relationship between non breathing-related sleep fragmentation and imaging markers of the brain in cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) patients is scarce. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship in CSVD patients living in China, where CSVD is a major pathogenesis underlying stroke.

Methods:
A group of 84 CSVD patients were prospectively recruited along with 24 age and sex matched normal controls. 3.0 T superconducting magnetic resonance imaging and overnight polysomnography were conducted in all the participants. Polysomnography parameters including sleep onset latency, total sleep time; sleep efficiency, wake after sleep onset, percentage of each sleep stage (N1, N2, N3 and REM) and arousal index were compared between the CSVD patients and normal controls, and the relationship between arousal index and CSVD markers was explored in the CSVD group.

Results:
Polysomnography measures showed that CSVD patients had significantly higher arousal index and wake after sleep onset, lower sleep efficiency and N-3 ratio compared to normal controls (p< 0.05). The results of ordinal logistic regression showed that higher arousal index was positively associated with the severity of periventricular white matter hyperintensity (OR 1.177, 95% CI 0.170 to 2.295) and perivascular space (OR 1.245, 95% CI 0.485 to 2.124) in CSVD patients, after adjusting for all the independent variables.

Conclusions:
These preliminary results indicate that non breathing-related sleep fragmentation is common and related to the pathological markers of CSVD patients. Future prospective research is invited to establish the causal relationship between sleep parameters and CSVD pathology.
Accelerometry Assessed Physical Activity of Elderly Adults Hospitalized with Acute Medical Illness - an Observational Study
Authors: Tasheva Plamena , Kraege Vanessa , Vollenweider Peter , Roulet Guillaume , Méan Marie , Marques-Vidal Pedro
Published: July 2019

Background: In a hospital setting and among elderly patients, inactivity and bedrest are associated with a wide range of negative outcomes such as functional decline, increased risk of falls, longer hospitalization and new institutionalization. Our aim was to assess the distribution and determinants of physical activity (PA) levels using wrist-worn accelerometers in elderly adults hospitalized with acute medical illness.
Methods: Observational study conducted from February to November 2018 at an acute internal medicine unit in the University hospital of Lausanne, Switzerland. We enrolled 177 patients aged ≥65 years, able to walk independently prior to admission. PA during acute hospital stay was continuously recorded via a 3D wrist accelerometer. As previously suggested, PA was defined as an acceleration ≥12 mg. Clinical data was collected from medical records or by interview. Autonomy level prior to inclusion was assessed using Barthel Index score.
Results: Median [interquartile range - IQR] age was 83 [74-87] years and 60% of participants were male. The median [IQR] time spent inactive and in PA was 485 [404-563] and 177 [114-255] minutes/day, respectively. PA was distributed into three peak periods during the day: between 8 and 10 am, at 12 am and at 6 pm. Approximately 50% of patients were considered physically active. Stepwise logistic regression identified Barthel index [odds ratio and (95% confidence interval) for increase in category [1.85 (1.09-3.14)], prescription of sedatives [0.31 (0.12-0.80)] and prescription of physiotherapy [2.16 (1.08-4.58)] as significantly and independently associated with inactivity.
Conclusion: Elderly hospitalized patients are physically active only one quarter of the day and concentrate their PA around eating periods. A Barthel Index below 91 could be used to identify patients at risk of physical inactivity.
Overexpression of MfSAMS1 Improves Chilling Tolerance in Transgenic Stylo
Authors: Qiu Hong , Zhou Min , Huang Lei , Guo Zhenfei , Lu Shaoyun
Published: July 2019

Stylo [Stylosanthes guianensis (Aublet) Sw.] is an important forage legume and cover crop in tropical and southern subtropical regions. Its growth and survival are largely affected by low temperature in winter in subtropical regions. It is important to improve its chilling tolerance. S‐adenosylmethionine synthetase (SAMS) is the key enzyme catalyzing the formation of S‐adenosylmethionine (SAM), a precursor of polyamines synthesis. To improve chilling tolerance in stylo, MfSAMS1 from Medicago falcata was overexpressed in stylo plants. DNA gel blot hybridization and quantitative reverse transcription PCR analysis showed that MfSAMS1 was inserted into the genomes of transgenic plants and expressed. Compared to the wild‐type, transgenic plants had enhanced SAM and spermidine levels and increased chilling tolerance with higher level of the maximum photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) and lower ion leakage after chilling treatment. Polyamine oxidase activity and H2O2 levels were increased in transgenic plants compared with the wild‐type. In addition, higher activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase were observed in transgenic plants than in the wild‐type. The results suggest that overexpression of MfSAMS1 promoted polyamine synthesis and oxidation, which in turn improved H2O2–induced antioxidant protection and protected transgenic plants against chilling stress.

Core Ideas

Transgenic stylo plants overexpressing MfSAMS1 were produced.

Plants showed promoted polyamine synthesis and oxidation.

Transgenic plants had increased chilling tolerance with higher antioxidant levels.
Greenhouse Gas Mitigation through Dairy Manure Acidification
Authors: Sokolov Vera , VanderZaag Andrew , Habtewold Jermaneh , Dunfield Kari , Wagner‐Riddle Claudia , Venkiteswaran Jason J. , Gordon Robert
Published: July 2019

Liquid dairy manure storages are sources of methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and ammonia (NH3) emissions. Both CH4 and N2O are greenhouse gases (GHGs), whereas NH3 is an indirect source of N2O emissions. Manure acidification is a strategy used to reduce NH3 emissions from swine manure; however, limited research has expanded this strategy to reducing CH4 and N2O emissions by acidifying dairy manure. This study compared control dairy manure (pH 7.4) with two treatments of acidified manure using 70% sulfuric acid (H2SO4). These included a medium pH treatment (pH 6.5, 1.4 mL acid L−1 manure) and a low pH treatment (pH 6, 2.4 mL acid L−1 manure). Emissions were measured using replicated mesoscale manure tanks (6.6 m2) enclosed by large steady state chambers. Both CH4 and N2O were continuously measured (June–December 2017) using tunable diode laser trace gas analyzers. Ammonia emissions were measured three times weekly for 24 h using acid traps. On a CO2 equivalent basis, the medium pH treatment reduced total GHG emissions by 85%, whereas the low pH treatment reduced emissions by 88%, relative to untreated (control) manure. Total CH4 emissions were reduced by 87 and 89% from medium and low pH tanks, respectively. Ammonia emissions were reduced by 41 and 53% from medium and low pH tanks, respectively. Additional research is necessary to make acidification an accessible option for farmers by optimizing acid dosage. More research is need to describe the manure buffering capacity and emission reductions and ultimately find the best approaches for treating farm‐scale liquid dairy manure tanks.

Core Ideas

Acidification reduced total CO2–eq GHGs from liquid dairy manure by 85 to 88%.

Total CH4 emissions were reduced by 87 to 89% from acidified manure.

NH3 emissions were reduced by 41 to 53% from acidified manure.

A range of yearly H2SO4 cost was estimated to be Can$6.55 to $19.6 cow−1.
Specific Heat Capacity of Soil Solids: Influences of Clay Content, Organic Matter, and Tightly Bound Water
Authors: Wang Yajing , Lu Yili , Horton Robert , Ren Tusheng
Published: July 2019

The specific heat capacity of soil solids (cs) is a key parameter affecting heat storage and transfer in soils. In soil and geophysical applications,csis often assumed to be a constant with little variations across soils. In this study, we determined the specific heat capacities of nine soils by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), evaluated the effects of clay and organic matter (OM) contents on thecsof original and OM‐free soil samples at room temperature, and quantified the changes ofcscaused by the existence of tightly bound water (TBW). On average, the nine mineral soils had acsof 0.750 MJ Mg−1K−1, close to the commonly acceptedcsvalue. However, for the original soils dried at 105°C, clay content did not obviously influence thecsvalue andcsincreased linearly with both OM and TBW contents, indicating that inaccuratecsdata were likely if the changes in the OM fraction in soil solids and adsorbed TBW were ignored. In addition, relatively large values for the specific heat capacity of soil minerals (cm) were observed in fine‐textured soils compared with coarse‐textured soils. Two preliminary functions were developed for estimatingcmandcsfrom the soil's clay and OM contents.

Core Ideas

Soil specific heat capacity was measured via differential scanning calorimetry.

The influences of clay, organic matter (OM), and tightly bound water on specific heat capacity were evaluated quantitatively.

A linear relationship was developed between the specific heat of soil minerals dried at 200°C and clay content.

The specific heat of soil solids dried at 105°C had a nonlinear relationship with clay and OM contents.
A Note on the Forchheimer Approach for Estimating Soil Air Permeability
Authors: Schjønning Per
Published: July 2019

Important soil pore characteristics may be revealed from air permeability data. Recent research has quantified significant bias in estimates of the true Darcian permeability when frequently reported pneumatic pressure differences to drive the convective flow are used. An alternative to measurement at infinitesimal pressure differences is the Forchheimer approach, including a polynomial regression of corresponding values of the superficial air velocity (v) and the pressure gradient (G) applied. However, in situations with Darcian flow at low pressure gradients, this procedure may theoretically give an overestimation of the Darcian permeability. We constructed sample plastic cores (∼3.5 cm high) with different numbers (n = 1–19) of drilled tubes (holes of 1, 2, 4.5, and 5.8 mm diameter). Gas diffusivity was measured with a transient‐state method. Air permeability was measured at four pneumatic pressure differences (0.5, 1, 2, and 5 hPa), and the Darcian permeability was estimated with the Forchheimer approach. The ratio of apparent permeability at 5 hPa pneumatic pressure difference to the Forchheimer‐estimated Darcian permeability was significantly lower than unity (0.06–0.52) for all test samples. For all 1‐ and 2‐mm hole samples and for all four levels of G, the Reynolds number indicated nonturbulent flow, whereas turbulence was predicted for samples with 4.5‐ and 5.8‐mm diameters. A model combining relative gas diffusivity, air permeability, and the space available for gas transport indicated that the Forchheimer estimates of Darcian permeability were correct in situations with nonturbulent flow, whereas erroneous estimates were generated for the larger tubes with turbulence.

Core Ideas

We tested the Forchheimer approach for simple samples with straight tube pores.

For nonturbulent flow conditions, the Forchheimer approach provides accurate results.

Air flow at 5 hPa pressure difference implies significant underestimation of permeability.
Use of Soil Protein Pools as Indicators of Soil Nitrogen Mineralization Potential
Authors: Geisseler Daniel , Miller Kenneth , Leinfelder‐Miles Michelle , Wilson Rob
Published: July 2019

Autoclaved‐citrate extractable (ACE) soil protein is included in some soil health assessments as a biological indicator. Furthermore, soil protein contents may be related to the ability of a soil to make nitrogen (N) available for plants by mineralization. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the correlation between ACE protein and potential net N mineralization in undisturbed soil cores from 57 fields in California under annual crops. Total N in the soils ranged from 0.65 to 12.5 g kg−1, and the sites represented eight Soil Taxonomy orders. Soil ACE protein concentrations ranged from 1.0 to 45.2 g kg−1 soil. Although the correlation between ACE protein and potential net N mineralization was positive, ACE protein explained only 21% of the variability in potential net N mineralization across all sites, which was less than total N. Under the assumption that proteins contain 16% N, ACE protein‐N accounted for 28% of total N across all sites. However, in some soils with a high total N content, ACE protein accounted for up to 67% of total N. Because autoclaving is expected to denature some proteins, these values seem very high and are likely caused by the interference of coextracted humic substances. Our results do not suggest that ACE protein is a better predictor of potential net N mineralization than total soil N, which may be at least partly due to an apparent interference of coextracted humic substances with the protein assay.

Core Ideas

ACE protein concentrations ranged from 1.0 to 45.2 g kg−1 soil.

ACE protein and N mineralization were positively correlated (r = 0.46).

The correlation was weaker than between N mineralization and total soil N.

Co‐extracted humic substances appear to interfere with the protein assay.
Do Grass and Legume Cover Crops Improve Soil Properties in the Long Term?
Authors: Blanco‐Canqui Humberto , Jasa Paul J.
Published: July 2019

Cover crops (CCs) are generally perceived to improve soil properties, yet available research suggests that CC impacts, particularly on physical properties, can be inconsistent. Length of time after CC adoption and CC species such as grass and legume CCs could differently influence CC effects, but experimental data are few. This study quantified 12‐yr cumulative impacts of grass CCs including cereal rye (Secale cereale L.) and grain sorghum [(Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] and legume CCs including Austrian winter peas (Pisum sativum L.) and soybean (Glycine max L.) CCs on soil physical and fertility properties under long‐term (∼30 yr) continuous no‐till corn (Zea mays L.)–soybean–winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) rotation on a silty clay loam in the western Corn Belt. Legume CCs did not alter soil properties, but grass CCs improved soil aggregation and increased organic matter concentration although water infiltration, water retention, plant available water, and most soil fertility properties were unaffected. Grass CCs increased the proportion of large water‐stable aggregates (2–8.0 mm) by 31 to 45% in the 0‐ to 15‐cm depth. Grass CCs also increased mean weight diameter of water‐stable aggregates by 34% and organic matter concentration by 11% in the upper 7.5‐cm depth. Results indicate that grass CCs improved some soil properties unlike legume CCs. Long‐term (15 yr) no‐till use before CC adoption, fine texture, and high organic matter level of the soil may explain the small grass CC and no legume CC effects. Overall, grass CCs impacted some soil properties but legume CCs had no effects in this silty clay loam after 12 yr.

Core Ideas

Legume cover crops (CCs) had no effects on soil properties after 12 yr.

Grass CCs increased aggregation and organic matter but did not affect water infiltration, retention, and availability.

Grass CCs had more impact on soil properties than legume CCs.

Long‐term (15 yr) no‐till before CC adoption, fine texture, and relatively high soil organic matter may explain the small CC effects.
Individual with Visual Impairment and Translation: A Case Study of Visually Impaired Translator in Translating News Text of TVKU
Authors: Suryaningtyas Valentina Widya , Cahyono Setyo Prasiyanto
Published: July 2019

This article is of specialized translation study. It discusses a translation activity conducted by a visually impaired translator. The study focuses on the translation techniques, methods, and ideology which are carried out by the translator. Using qualitative descriptive method, the authors are able to identify that the translator uses five translation techniques. Four (addition, reduction, adaptation, and generalization) are target-language-oriented techniques and one technique is source-language-oriented one (borrowing). In translating TVKU news text, the subject of the study applies four translation steps. To conclude, the translator’s cognitive concept affects his decision to translate the text.
Phonological Development: Acquisition of Hausa Secondary Consonants Pronunciation by the Hausa Children
Authors: Ibrahim Sani Dauda
Published: July 2019

Phonological development refers to the stages that children pass before they can correctly use and understand the sound system of their language. Inspired by Stampe’s (1969) Natural Phonology Theory, this paper examines the acquisition of Hausa secondary consonants pronunciation by the Hausa children. The paper seeks to achieve the following objectives (a) to identify the phonological processes that are operating in the production of the Hausa secondary consonants by the Hausa 2-5 years children (b) to discover the units that are more affected if certain changes occur in the production of the Hausa secondary consonants (c) to explain whether a parental behavior influence the children’s production of the Hausa secondary consonants. Four children aged between 2-5 years were purposely selected. The data were collected using a Pictorial Stimulus-Driven Elicitation. The study found that reduction, simplification, and substitution phonological processes operate in some of the children’s speech production. It also revealed that regardless of the glottal stop, the second unit of the secondary consonants is more affected and that parental behavior affects children’s speech production. The implication of this result is that it can be used by speech pathology to draw a conclusion about the Hausa children’s phonological development.
The Realism of English Language Competence for Students in the Tourism Industry
Authors: Ramsa Nik Intan Baizura , Mohd Rawian Rafizah Binti
Published: July 2019

The basic requisite of employability in the workforce commenced the learning institutions to handle and supervise internship training as component of study plan. Therefore, internship training is one of the necessities for the students to be equipped with the important knowledge and skills related to the workplace and their gained experience. The study was conducted to ascertain the useful English language skills for tourism course which was from the Tourism Management course in Politeknik Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia. The research was specifically designed to focus on students’ lacks and needs of linguistic skills in order to prepare them for occupational purposes. Good English communication practice during the study will contribute more benefits to students’ education and mastery level. This research was also conducted to investigate whether what the industry needs are aligned to the students’ needs.  Therefore, a needs analysis had to be done to recognize the needs of the students and the industry personnel representing the future employers of the students. The researcher sees the importance of needs analysis to be done as only 49.5 % of the polytechnic graduates were employed after they had completed their diploma course (Graduates Tracer Study, Malaysia Higher Education Statistics 2011: 118). 
Variability of physical attributes in tropical weathered soil cultivated with irrigated beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)
Authors: Castioni Guilherme Adalberto Ferreira , Souza Zigomar Menezes de , Nazário Aline Azevedo , Borges Bernardo Melo Montes Nogueira , Torres José Luiz Rodrigues , Dayron Marcelo Rodrigues Soares , Campos Milton César Costa
Published: July 2019

Soil physical attributes are affected by several events. The ability to identify the variation of those attributes can be used to decide the best crop management. Although it is known that smaller grids are more representative, predicting the least number of points while maintaining accuracy is a tool that might reflect a gain in yield and time. The aims of this study were to evaluate the spatial physical variability and to define the minimum sampling density in a tropical Typic Haplustults soil using a scaled semivariogram in a central pivot area with pinto bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) after the eighth bean harvest in Cristalina, Goias State. Soil samples were collected at a regular grid of 10-m intervals, totaling 180 points, and at depths of 0.00–0.10 m, 0.10–0.20 m, and 0.20–0.30 m to determine total sand content (TS), silt (SIL), clay (CL), water-dispersed clay (WDC), mean weight diameter of soil aggregates (MWD), soil penetration resistance (PR), soil macroporosity (Ma), soil microporosity (Mi), and soil bulk density (BD). The results demonstrated that management promoted superficial soil compaction with increasing BD and Mi and decreasing Ma and TP. The scaled semivariogram demonstrated similarity between attributes in the three studied soil layers, evidencing strong spatial dependency. The sample density showed a strong influence of WDC in the irrigated soil properties. Adoption of a scaled semivariogram is a strategy that can be used to determine a minimum number of points that represents the spatial variability of soil physical attributes and to assist the best management in irrigated soils.
Production of hybrid potatoes: Are heterozygosity and ploidy levels important?
Authors: Muthoni Jane , Shimelis Hussein , Melis Rob
Published: July 2019

It has been proposed that maximizing heterosis for yield in potato may be achieved by maximizing heterozygosity and associated intra and interlocus interactions. Tetraploids offer more opportunities to create such interactions than diploids hence the general observations that tetraploids are higher yielding than diploids. Consequently, efforts have been made to increase heterozygosity in tetraploids by introgressing allelic diversity from other Solanum species into cultivated potato. However, conventional potato breeding is difficult because the cultivated potato is an autotetraploid with tetrasomic inheritance and it comprises highly heterozygous individuals which suffer inbreeding depression upon selfing; breeding at the tetraploid level is slow and less efficient than at diploid level. At the diploid level, it is possible to breed for and fix traits under recessive genetic control; it is nearly impossible to do so at the tetraploid level. There is also rapid response to selection due to greater variation in diploids than tetraploids. Consequently, there have been efforts to convert potato from an asexually propagated tetraploid crop into an inbred seed-propagated diploid; this is by production of inbred lines through selfing of the tetraploids to assemble desirable combinations of genes in the inbreds. These efforts are at the experimental stages and a lot of research needs to be done before they are confirmed. Because currently there is little experimental evidence to support superiority of the inbred seed-propagated diploid strategy, it appears the theory that heterosis for yield in potato may be achieved by maximizing heterozygosity and associated intra and interlocus interactions remain unchallenged; these interactions are more in tetraplods than in diploids. This paper therefore looks at genetic basis of yield heterosis in cultivated potato and the role of heterozygosity and ploidy level in production of hybrid potatoes.
Decomposition and nutrients cycling of residual biomass from integrated crop-livestock system
Authors: Piano Jeferson Tiago , Egewarth Jonas Francisco , Frandoloso Jucenei Fernando , Mattei Eloisa , Oliveira , Paulo Sérgio Rabello de , Rego Carlos Augusto Rocha de Moraes , Herrera Juan López de
Published: July 2019

The objective was to evaluate the decomposition and nutrient release of biomass from maintenance of fallow or oat crop (IPR 126), managed in integrated crop-livestock, during the soybean crop cycle (85 days) in no tillage system in two years (2014 and 2015). The design was a randomized complete block in a subdivided plot scheme, with the parcel consisting of four plots (four straws, from fallow or oat cultivation) and the subplots (evaluation periods 0, 10, 35, 60 and 85 DAS) with the evaluation times throughout the crop cultivation soybean. The amount of biomass and the content of C, N, P, K, Ca, Mg and Zn were calculated. The amount of biomass and nutrients presents a similar pattern of decrease in their values; however, the climatic conditions and the C/N ratio play an important role in the decomposition and mineralization of nutrients. The mineralized amount of N, K, P, Ca, Mg and Zn is directly proportional to their initial content in the biomass, and K nutrient is quickly released from crop residues. Most of the nutrients studied were released during the soybean crop development cycle, favoring its development; this can provide a reduction of external inputs in the property.
Sindy cherry tomato: A low potassium (K) demanding, high-quality and highly productive cultivar
Authors: Martinez Hermínia Emília Prieto , Maia Janini Tatiane Lima Souza , Milagres Carla do Carmo , Clemente Junia Maria , Cecon Paulo Roberto
Published: July 2019

Potassium (K) is one of the most abundant nutrient and has the greatest influence on fruit quality as it regulates the synthesis and translocation of photoassimilates in plants. K deficiency in tomato plants can compromise the quality and flavor of fruits. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of K doses on the production and quality of cherry tomato fruits in a hydroponic system. We cultivated the cherry tomato Hybrid Sindy for 120 days, from June to October, in an expanded clay sub irrigation system. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design with four replicates. The treatments consisted of increasing concentrations of K (6, 8, 10 and 12 mmol L-1) in the nutrient solution provided during the fructification period. It was evaluated production, mean weight of fruits and bunch, total soluble solids contents, titratable acidity, pH, and contents of lycopene, β-carotene, and a chlorophyll. The contents of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, copper, boron, iron, zinc, and manganese were also determined in the fruits and in the third leaf above the fourth fruit bunch. Six mmol L-1 of K in the nutrient solution was enough to ensure the production and quality of the Sindy hybrid cherry tomato. Nevertheless, higher K doses improved the contents of the bioactive compounds lycopene and β -carotene in the fruits.
The use of the “Rational” system of global marketing communications in management of international enterprises
Authors: Obolenska Tatiana , Shatarska Inna , Shevtsov Yegor
Published: July 2019

The modern system of global marketing communications is not ideal, that is why management of international enterprises needs to use creativity in their attempts to predict the results of the marketing activities. They often fail in forecasting, because specialists do not have necessary practical models and data. The article deals with the questions of developing a model of the “rational” system of global marketing communications, which will be ready for the implementation into managerial processes of the Ukrainian firms. The model in the research is based on one-factor and multi-factor equations with calculations on the example of the well-known American company Nike, which works in the segment of apparel and footwear industry and can be a bright example of building a strong marketing communication strategy. Methods of linear and polynomial trends, smoothing average and exponential smoothing were used for the development of the proposed model. The examination of the correlation between global income, costs on marketing communication activities of the international company and index of satisfaction by this enterprise on the market in the frames of the econometric model’s work showed the dependency, which can become a basis for future analysis. The invented model of the “rational” system of global marketing communications shows how managers can calculate the resultativity of specific marketing instruments, which they plan to accept as appropriate. Different indicators can be used in forecasting the effects of global marketing communications on the performance of international enterprises. The article shows that the more indicators are used in the model, the more accurate is the result.
An Overview on ATP Dependent and Independent Proteases Including an Anterograde to Retrograde Control on Mitochondrial Function; Focus on Diabetes and Diabetic Complications
Authors: Kalvala Anil Kumar , Khan Islauddin , Gundu Chayanika , Kumar Ashutosh
Published: July 2019

Mitochondria are the central power stations of the cell involved with a myriad of cell signalling pathways
that contribute for whole health status of the cell. It is a well known fact that not only mitochondrial genome
encodes for mitochondrial proteins but there are several other mitochondrial specific proteins encoded by nuclear
genome which regulate plethora of cell catabolic and anabolic process. Anterograde pathways include nuclear
gene encoded proteins and their specific transport into the mitochondria and regulation of mitochondrial homeostasis.
The retrograde pathways include crosstalk between the mitochondria and cytoplasmic proteins. Indeed,
ATP dependent and independent proteases are identified to be very critical in balancing anterograde to retrograde
signalling and vice versa to maintain the cell viability or cell death. Different experimental studies conducted on
silencing the genes of these proteases have shown embryonic lethality, cancer cells death, increased hepatic glucose
output, insulin tolerance, increased protein exclusion bodies, mitochondrial dysfunction, and defect in mitochondrial
biogenesis, increased inflammation, Apoptosis etc. These experimental studies included from eubacteria
to eukaryotes. Hence, many lines of theories proposed these proteases are conservative from eubacteria to
eukaryotes. However, the regulation of these proteases at gene level is not clearly understood and still research is
warranted. In this review, we articulated the origin and regulation of these proteases and the cross talk between
the nucleus and mitochondria vice versa, and highlighted the role of these proteases in diabetes and diabetic complications
in human diseases.
Numerical solution of nonlinear elliptic systems by block monotone iterations
Authors: Al-Sultani Mohamed Saleh Mehdi , Boglaev Igor
Published: July 2019

We present numerical methods for solving a coupled system of nonlinear elliptic problems, where reaction functions are quasimonotone nondecreasing. We utilize block monotone iterative methods based on the Jacobi and Gauss--Seidel methods incorporated with the upper and lower solutions method. A convergence analysis and the theorem on uniqueness of solutions are discussed. Numerical experiments are presented.

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Innovating through integration with electronic health records: The UCSF Digital Diagnostics and Therapeutics Committee (Preprint)
Authors: Auerbach Andrew , Cucina Russell , Sobomehein Kelsey , Agarwal Priyanka , Neinstein Aaron , Khanna Raman
Published: July 2019

UNSTRUCTURED

Despite the wide availability of Digital Health Software Tools (DHSTs) and increasing technical ease with which they can be added to Electronic Health Records (EHRs), many hospitals and health systems struggle with how to select, screen, and then implement them in actual practice. Developing a multidisciplinary review team – one we call the ‘Digital Diagnostics and Therapeutics’ Committee at UCSF – represents a key solution to ensuring innovations are vetted and adopted effectively, and allows health systems and providers to evaluate DHST in practice. In this paper, we describe the rationale, early work, and lessons learned from our team’s efforts.