bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping causal pathways from genetics to neuropsychiatric disorders using genome‐wide imaging genetics: Current status and future directions
Authors: Le Brandon D. , Stein Jason L.
Published: March 2019

Imaging genetics aims to identify genetic variants associated with the structure and function of the human brain. Recently, collaborative consortia have been successful in this goal, identifying and replicating common genetic variants influencing gross human brain structure as measured through magnetic resonance imaging. In this review, we contextualize imaging genetic associations as one important link in understanding the causal chain from genetic variant to increased risk for neuropsychiatric disorders. We provide examples in other fields of how identifying genetic variant associations to disease and multiple phenotypes along the causal chain has revealed a mechanistic understanding of disease risk, with implications for how imaging genetics can be similarly applied. We discuss current findings in the imaging genetics research domain, including that common genetic variants can have a slightly larger effect on brain structure than on risk for disorders like schizophrenia, indicating a somewhat simpler genetic architecture. Also, gross brain structure measurements share a genetic basis with some, but not all, neuropsychiatric disorders, invalidating the previously held belief that they are broad endophenotypes, yet pinpointing brain regions likely involved in the pathology of specific disorders. Finally, we suggest that in order to build a more detailed mechanistic understanding of the effects of genetic variants on the brain, future directions in imaging genetics research will require observations of cellular and synaptic structure in specific brain regions beyond the resolution of magnetic resonance imaging. We expect that integrating genetic associations at biological levels from synapse to sulcus will reveal specific causal pathways impacting risk for neuropsychiatric disorders.
“Slime” contact dermatitis: Case report and review of relevant allergens
Authors: Anderson L. Elizabeth , Treat James R. , Brod Bruce A. , Yu JiaDe
Published: March 2019

Homemade “slime” is currently a popular childhood hobby that can cause allergic and irritant contact dermatitis. We describe a case of hand dermatitis due to homemade “slime” with a positive patch test to methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI)/methylisothiazolinone (MI) and MI. The most common potential allergens in “slime” collected from a review of “slime” recipes found on the Internet are reviewed.
Photosynthetic Performance of Rice Seedlings Originated from Seeds Exposed to Spaceflight Conditions
Authors: Cui Jie , Xia Wenyan , Wei Shiyun , Zhang Meng , Wang Wei , Zeng Deyong , Liu Mengyao , Sun Yeqing , Lu Weihong
Published: March 2019

The mechanism of the regulation on photosynthesis after spaceflight has not been fully understood. To learn more information about this, we conducted a series of experiments of photosystem, including photosynthetic physiological characteristics (fluorescence parameters, pigment contents), gene expression and proteomic change. We want to examine the response of rice (Oryza sativaDN416), whose seeds were placed in Bio‐Radiation Box on the ShiJian‐10(SJ‐10) recoverable satellite. Our results demonstrated that the photosynthesis capacity of plants after spaceflight declined, compared to ground control plants. Specifically, Fv/Fm is significantly reduced for 7.5%. Chlorophyll content decreased in the three growth stages of rice, trefoil, tillering and mature stages. To further analyze changes under spaceflight environment, quantitative real‐time PCR technology and isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantization (iTRAQ) labeling technology were deployed. We found that the gene expression of important subunits of key enzymes and important structures had been decreased after spaceflight. As for the results of changes in proteins, we discovered that the content of proteins related to electron transport and photosynthesis key enzyme declined. Our experiments can provide reference for further research to learn more about the effects of spaceflight on photosynthesis.
TuMV management for brassica crops through host resistance: retrospect and prospects
Authors: Li G. , Lv H. , Zhang S. , Zhang S. , Li F. , Zhang H. , Qian W. , Fang Z. , Sun R.
Published: March 2019

Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV), the only potyvirus known to infect brassicas, is a devastating virus threatening many economically important brassica crops, including cabbage, Chinese cabbage, oilseed rape and mustard. TuMV disease, which was first discovered in the United States, is now found worldwide, especially in Europe, Asia and North America. TuMV results in a yield loss of up to 70% and has a wide host range, infecting most cruciferous plants, as well as many non‐cruciferous species. This virus is also characterized by high pathotype diversity because of its highly variable genome structure and has been divided into 12 pathotypes. These characteristics, as well as its nonpersistent transmission mode by as many as 89 aphid species, mean the disease is difficult to prevent through traditional methods such as the application of chemicals, prompting researchers to seek host resistance for effective control. During the last decade, extensive studies have been conducted to investigate inheritance, mapping and cloning of the TuMV resistance genes, and several NB‐LRR‐ or eIF‐encoding loci with divergent molecular mechanisms have been uncovered. These studies have greatly facilitated resistance breeding for brassica crops and have advanced our understanding of virus−host interactions.
Balancing energy supply during photosynthesis – a theoretical perspective
Authors: Matuszyńska Anna , Saadat Nima P. , Ebenhöh Oliver
Published: March 2019

The photosynthetic electron transport chain (PETC) provides energy and redox equivalents for carbon fixation by the Calvin‐Benson‐Bassham (CBB) cycle. Both of these processes have been thoroughly investigated and the underlying molecular mechanisms are well known. However, it is far from understood by which mechanisms it is ensured that energy and redox supply by photosynthesis matches the demand of the downstream processes. Here, we deliver a theoretical analysis to quantitatively study the supply–demand regulation in photosynthesis. For this, we connect two previously developed models, one describing the PETC, originally developed to study non‐photochemical quenching, and one providing a dynamic description of the photosynthetic carbon fixation in C3 plants, the CBB Cycle. The merged model explains how a tight regulation of supply and demand reactions leads to efficient carbon fixation. The model further illustrates that a stand‐by mode is necessary in the dark to ensure that the carbon fixation cycle can be restarted after dark–light transitions, and it supports hypotheses, which reactions are responsible to generate such mode in vivo.
Exploring the determinants of higher education performance in Western Europe: A qualitative comparative analysis
Authors: Capano Giliberto , Pritoni Andrea
Published: March 2019

As a result of domestic pressure or international prescription, many national higher education systems (HESs) in Europe have undergone structural changes over the last 30 years. These changes have been made primarily to enhance the overall performance – defined as students’ access, quality of teaching, and excellence in research – of universities. As such, almost all of these countries have decided to adopt similar policy strategies to foster institutional autonomy and differentiation, and greater managerial steering. However, although similar policy patterns have been replicated, performance indicators are remarkably variable across Western European countries. Thus, many of the proposed explanations may be oversimplifications of reality. This issue leads to our main research question: Which factors are associated with (teaching) performance improvement in HE? This paper focuses on university‐level education to explore the possibility that this association is conjunctural in nature. In other words, when considering the performance of university systems (i.e. teaching), it is important to identify the most effective combination of institutional autonomy, evaluation, internal governance, and public funding. Qualitative comparative analysis was employed to test this expectation on developments (1988–2008) in 12 HESs in Western Europe: Austria, Denmark, England, Finland, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, and Sweden. The results suggest that giving more institutional autonomy to universities is much less important than expected, whereas severe evaluation, generous public funding, and verticalized governance emerge as more relevant.
Sri Lankan households a decade after the Indian Ocean tsunami
Authors: De Alwis Diana , Noy Ilan
Published: March 2019

This study estimates the causal effect of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami on household consumption and income in Sri Lanka 8 years after the event, using a difference‐in‐differences methodology and extensive household survey data. The analysis finds a strong association between the area‐wide tsunami disaster shock and increases in household income and consumption in the long term. The increase in consumption is much smaller than the observed increase in income; while the increase in income is mostly observed in nonagricultural wage income (and a decline in agricultural income). We also find that households in high‐income regions and lower‐damage districts experienced a much better recovery, in terms of income, than those in poorer regions or those districts that experienced more destruction. Deviating from the common observation on short‐term adverse impacts of catastrophic disasters in low‐ and middle‐income countries, these results are suggestive of a potential for long‐lasting and more successful recovery scenarios. Still, Sri Lanka received a very large amount of external assistance post‐tsunami—an amount that may not be replicable elsewhere. It is likely that this massive inflow of assistance, further helped by the end of the armed conflict in 2009, has contributed significantly to this relatively successful recovery.
Oral healthcare management of a child with phakomatosis pigmentovascularis associated with bilateral Sturge‐Weber syndrome
Authors: Martins Mariana Leonel , Letieri Aline Dos Santos , Lenzi Michele Machado , Agostini Michelle , Castro Gloria Fernanda
Published: March 2019

The aim of this report was to describe an approach for a child with phakomatosis pigmentovascularis Type IIb associated with bilateral Sturge–Weber syndrome and autistic spectrum disorder. A 6‐year‐old boy was referred to the Special Care Dental Clinic with the main complaints of “damaged teeth and pain.” The physical examination revealed bilateral port‐wine staining on the face, neck, and upper and lower limbs, congenital dermal melanocytosis on the back, and dilated blood vessels in the sclera. Intraoral examination revealed hypertrophy of the maxillary bone, diffuse and intense redness of the oral mucosa, crowding, anterior open bite, and carious lesions in the left and right upper second primary molars. The medical team was consulted prior to dental treatment to assess the risk of bleeding, and anesthesia was contraindicated. Instruction about brushing technique and procedures for a suitable oral environment were then carried out using a minimally invasive restorative treatment. The patient did not exhibit collaborative behavior, and follow up continues with the patient receiving preventive treatments. Therefore, a multidisciplinary approach to these patients is fundamental to avoid complications during dental intervention. Moreover, regular visits to the dentist reduce the need for invasive treatments and improve the well‐being of these individuals.
Workplace bullying among healthcare professionals in Sweden: a descriptive study
Authors: Rahm GullBritt , Rystedt Ingrid , Wilde‐Larsson Bodil , Nordström Gun , Strandmark K Margaretha
Published: March 2019

Workplace bullying is a taboo event which occurs worldwide, although the prevalence varies significantly between and within countries. Nurses have been regarded an occupational risk group for bullying at the work place. Bullying in health and social care contexts is sometimes reported as frequent and, other times, as not occurring, which sparked our interest in mapping the occurrence of bullying in the health and social care system in Sweden. Thus, the purpose of the study was to examine the prevalence of bullying, and to discuss cultural traditions and environmental factors that affect bullying in workplaces. The sample (n = 2810) consisted of employees at inpatient wards at four hospitals, and employees at municipal eldercare wards in Sweden. A questionnaire including NAQ‐22 R was distributed and subsequently analysed with descriptive statistics using SPSS. The youngest group of respondents scored higher than the older groups. Using contrasting estimates of bullying, the prevalence varied between 4.1 and 18.5%, with the lowest prevalence in regards to self‐reported exposure. According to the cut‐off scores, NAQ‐22 R, 8.6% of the respondents were occasionally exposed to bullying while 2.3% were considered to be victims of severe bullying. Work‐related negative acts were more common than personal negative acts. The variations in prevalence of bullying as a result of contrasting estimation strategies are discussed from perspective of the ‘law of Jante’, the ‘tall poppy syndrome’ and shame. Bullying deteriorates the working conditions which may have an impact on quality of patient care.
Development and psychometric properties of the Joy‐of‐Life Scale in cognitively intact nursing home patients
Authors: Haugan Gørill , Rinnan Eva , Espnes Geir Arild , Drageset Jorunn , Rannestad Toril , André Beate
Published: March 2019

Aim

To develop and psychometrically test the Joy‐of‐Life Scale. The research question addressed evidence related to the dimensionality, reliability and construct validity, all of which considered inter‐related measurement properties.

Methods

Cross‐sectional data were collected during 2017–2018, in 27 nursing homes representing four different Norwegian municipalities, located in Western and Mid‐Norway. The total sample comprised 188 of 204 (92% response rate) long‐term nursing home patients who met the inclusion criteria: (i) local authority's decision of long‐term nursing home care; (ii) residential time 3 months or longer; (iii) informed consent competency recognised by responsible doctor and nurse; and (iv) capable of being interviewed.

Results

Exploratory and confirmative factor analyses clearly suggested a unidimensional solution. Five of the original 18 items showed low reliability and validity; excluding these items revealed an acceptable model fit for the one‐dimensional 13‐item measurement model. Reliability and construct validity were acceptable, indicating good internal consistency.

Conclusion

Significant factor loadings, several goodness‐of‐fit indices and significant correlations in the expected directions with the selected constructs (anxiety, depression, self‐transcendence, meaning‐in‐life, sense of coherence, nurse–patient interaction and quality of life) supported the psychometric properties of the Joy‐of‐Life Scale.

Impact

The ‘Joy‐of‐Life‐Nursing‐Home’ is a national strategy for promoting quality of life, meaning and quality of life among nursing home patients in Norway. Therefore, exploring the essence of the Joy‐of‐Life phenomenon and developing a measurement scale assessing joy‐of‐life in this population is important for the further development of care quality in nursing homes.
Generalized fixed‐T panel unit root tests
Authors: Karavias Yiannis , Tzavalis Elias
Published: March 2019

Panel data unit root tests, which can be applied to data that do not have many time series observations, are based on very restrictive error and deterministic component specification assumptions. In this paper, we develop a new, doubly modified estimator, based on which we propose a panel unit root test that allows for multiple structural breaks, linear and nonlinear trends, heteroscedasticity, serial correlation, and error cross‐section heterogeneity, when the number of time series observations is finite. The test has the additional perk that it is invariant to the initial condition.
Effective workload management in child welfare: Understanding the relationship between caseload and workload
Authors: Kim Jangmin , Yi Eun‐Hye , Pierce Barbara , Hall James
Published: March 2019

A common assumption in public social service organizations is that workload may be positively associated with caseload. However, few empirical studies have examined what specific characteristics of caseload affect caseworkers' workloads in the child welfare system. This study attempts to address this gap by identifying specific individual and regional factors that influence both subjective and objective dimensions of workloads. Survey data were collected from 1,244 caseworkers at one public child welfare agency in a Midwestern state in the United States. The data indicated that both perceptions of unmanageable workloads and self‐reported overtime work were significantly higher when caseworkers had a greater number of cases than the state caseload standard for the investigations units and worked with at least two different types of cases simultaneously (e.g., working with both investigation and ongoing service cases). Additionally, sufficient staffing numbers to meet caseload demands at the regional level significantly decreased the odds ratio of having to do overtime work. The major findings suggest that the objective and subjective dimensions of workload vary by individual‐ and regional‐level variables. Practice implications are discussed for effective and efficient workload management in the public child welfare system.
Bloodstream infection caused by enteric organisms during the first 6 months after intestinal transplant
Authors: Simkins Jacques , Morillas‐Rodriguez Jose A. , Morris Michele I. , Abbo Lilian M. , Camargo Jose F. , Selvaggi Gennaro , Beduschi Thiago , Tekin Akin , Vianna Rodrigo
Published: March 2019

Background

Data on bloodstream infection (BSI) due to enteric organisms are scarce.

Methods

This retrospective study (1/2009‐5/2017) was aimed to evaluate the incidence of BSI episodes due to enteric organisms during the first 6 months after intestinal transplant (ITx). Differences between the first (2009‐2012) and second period (2013‐2017) were evaluated as they differed from each other in the perioperative fungal prophylaxis and immunosuppressive regimen.

Results

Fifty‐five adult patients were analyzed. Twenty‐eight (51%) patients developed a total of 51 episodes of BSI. Mean time from transplant to BSI was 85.5 ± 58.8 days. The most common organisms were Klebsiella pneumoniae (33%), Enterococcus spp (31%), and Candida spp (18%). Twenty‐three (45%) were multidrug resistant. The most common sources were gut translocation (35%), central line infection (20%), and intra‐abdominal abscess (14%). Biopsy‐proven rejection was associated with 16 (31%) of the BSI episodes. Patients during the first period were more likely to develop BSI (79% vs 41%, P = 0.03). There were more episodes of rejection associated with BSI in the first period (45% vs 14%, P = 0.03). The rate of reoperation into the abdominal cavity within 2 weeks after ITx was higher and the transplant hospital stay was longer among those who developed BSI (P = 0.04 for both).

Conclusions

Half of our patients developed BSI (typically during the first 3 months). Gut translocation was the most common source of BSI. Patients with rejection and/or enteritis should be monitored closely for BSI.
Chronological storage age and metabolic age of stored red blood cells: are they the same?
Authors: D'Alessandro Angelo , Zimring James C. , Busch Michael
Published: March 2019

KEY IDEAS

Red blood cell (RBC) storage in the blood bank is characterized by the progressive loss of metabolic regulation, a phenomenon that targets energy and antioxidant metabolism;

While the progression of the storage lesion is inevitable, the rate at which this phenomenon occurs varies from donor to donor;

Red blood cells from some donors at the end of storage are metabolically superior to RBCs from other donors at the beginning of storage, suggesting that the age of blood alone may not be a sufficiently accurate predictor of stored blood quality; and

Animal studies and large‐scale omics screening in blood donors have helped identify mechanistic contributors to the metabolic heterogeneity of stored blood units.
Effect of Money Supply on Economic Growth: A Comparative Study of Nigeria and Ghana
Authors: Omodero Cordelia Onyinyechi
Published: March 2019

The effect of money supply in enhancing economic growth in Nigeria and Ghana is investigated in this study. The major objectives of the study are to establish the joint and individual influences of money supply mechanisms on economic growth in Nigeria and Ghana. The study employs data from 2009 to 2018 and uses Ordinary Least Squares regression technique for analysis of the data. The findings reveal that broad money supply (M2) has an insignificant negative influence on RGDP in Nigeria, but in Ghana the impact is significant and positive. Broad money supply (M3) exerts insignificant positive influence on RGDP in Nigeria, but significant negative impact on RGDP in Ghana while credit to private sectors (CPS) has insignificant positive influence on RGDP in both Nigeria and Ghana. The study among others suggests that the Monetary Authorities in the two countries should come up with monetary policy strategies that will help drive the economy better and such policies should consider M2 and CPS more as their contributions are necessary for economic expansion that lead to more output and employment.
A Study on the Effect of Fluid Properties and Watercut on Liquid Carry-Over in Gas-Liquid Cylindrical Cyclone Compact Separators
Authors: Kolla Srinivas Swaroop , Mohan Ram S. , Shoham Ovadia
Published: March 2019

Prediction of the operational envelope (OE-limited range of gas and liquid velocities) for liquid carry-over is essential for the optimized performance of gas-liquid cylindrical cyclone (GLCC©) compact separators. This study presents for the first time the operational envelop for three-phase gas-oil-water flow incorporating pressure and level control configurations. A series of experiments were conducted to evaluate the performance of a 3 in. diameter GLCC in terms of OE for liquid carry-over. Experiments were carried out at different watercuts ranging from 0% to 100% utilizing water and two different types of mineral oils namely: light oil and heavy oil with specific gravities of 0.859 and 0.937, respectively. The liquid level was controlled at 6 in. below the GLCC inlet for all the experimental flow conditions. The experimental results indicate that OE for liquid carry-over for three-phase flow is very sensitive to watercut. As the watercut reduces, the OE for liquid carry-over reduces monotonically. Also, the OE for heavy oil (indicated by higher viscosity) reduces as compared to light oil. The superficial gas velocity required to create an annular mist flow in the upper part of the GLCC increases with the increase of watercut and viscosity.
Modeling, Simulation, and Optimization of Geological Sequestration of CO2
Authors: Agarwal Ramesh K.
Published: March 2019

With heightened concerns on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from coal power plants, there has been a major emphasis in recent years on development of safe and economical geological carbon sequestration (GCS) technology. However, the detailed multiphase fluid dynamics and processes of GCS are not fully understood because various CO2 trapping mechanisms in geological formations have large variations in both spatial and temporal scales. As a result, there remain many uncertainties in determining the sequestration capacity of the reservoir and the safety of sequestered CO2 due to leakage. Furthermore, the sequestration efficiency is highly dependent on the CO2 injection strategy, which includes injection rate, injection pressure, and type of injection well, and its orientation, etc. The goal of GCS is to maximize the sequestration capacity and minimize the plume migration by optimizing the GCS operation. In this paper, first the basic fluid dynamics and trapping mechanisms for CO2 sequestration are briefly discussed. They are followed by a brief summary of current GCS projects worldwide with special emphasis on those in the United States. Majority of the paper is devoted to the numerical modeling, simulation, and optimization of CO2 sequestration in saline aquifers at macro spatial scales of a few to hundreds of kilometers and macro temporal scales of a few to hundreds of years. Examples of numerical simulations of a few large industrial scale projects are presented. The optimization studies include the investigation of various injection and well placement strategies to determine the optimal approach for maximizing the storage and minimizing the plume migration.
On the Applicability of Cavitation Erosion Risk Models With a URANS Solver
Authors: Melissaris Themistoklis , Bulten Norbert , van Terwisga Tom J. C.
Published: March 2019

In the maritime industry, cavitation erosion prediction becomes more and more critical, as the requirements for more efficient propellers increase. Model testing is yet the most typical way a propeller designer can, nowadays, get an estimation of the erosion risk on the propeller blades. However, cavitation erosion prediction using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) can possibly provide more information than a model test. In the present work, we review erosion risk models that can be used in conjunction with a multiphase unsteady Reynolds‐averaged Navier–Stokes (URANS) solver. Three different approaches have been evaluated, and we conclude that the energy balance approach, where it is assumed that the potential energy contained in a vapor structure is proportional to the volume of the structure, and the pressure difference between the surrounding pressure and the pressure within the structure, provides the best framework for erosion risk assessment. Based on this framework, the model used in this study is tested on the Delft Twist 11 hydrofoil, using a URANS method, and is validated against experimental observations. The predicted impact distribution agrees well with the damage pattern obtained from paint test. The model shows great potential for future use. Nevertheless, it should further be validated against full scale data, followed by an extended investigation on the effect of the driving pressure that leads to the collapse.
Study of Microdroplet Growth on Homogeneous and Patterned Surfaces Using Lattice Boltzmann Modeling
Authors: Pawar Nilesh D. , Kale Sunil R. , Bahga Supreet Singh , Farhat Hassan , Kondaraju Sasidhar
Published: March 2019

We present droplet growth dynamics on homogeneous and patterned surfaces (surface with hydrophilic and hydrophobic region) using two-dimensional thermal lattice Boltzmann method (LBM). In the first part, we performed 2D simulations on homogeneous hydrophobic surfaces. The result shows that the droplet grows at higher rate on a surface with higher wettability which is attributed to low conduction resistance and high solid–liquid contact area. In the later part, we performed simulations on patterned surface and observed that droplet preferentially nucleates on the hydrophilic region due to lower energy barrier and grows in constant contact line (CCL) mode because of contact line pinning at the interface of hydrophilic–hydrophobic region. As the contact angle reaches the maximum value of hydrophobic surface, contact line depins and droplet shows constant contact angle (CCA) growth mode. We also discuss the effect of characteristic width of hydrophilic region on growth of droplet. We show that contact angle of the droplet increases rapidly and reaches the contact angle of hydrophobic region on a surface with a lower width of the hydrophilic surface.
Experimental Assessment of the Performance of CECO Wave Energy Converter in Irregular Waves
Authors: Rodríguez Claudio A. , Rosa-Santos Paulo , Taveira-Pinto Francisco
Published: March 2019

The performance assessment of a wave energy converter (WEC) is a key task. Depending on the layout of the WEC system and type of power take-off (PTO) mechanism, the determination of the absorbed power at model scale involves several challenges, particularly when the measurement of PTO forces is not available. In irregular waves, the task is even more difficult due to the random character of forces and motions. Recent studies carried out with kinetic energy harvesters (KEH) have proposed expressions for the estimation of the power based only on the measured motions. Assuming that the WEC behaves as a KEH at model scale, the expressions for power estimation of KEHs have been heuristically adapted to WECs. CECO, a floating-point absorber, has been used as case study. Experimental data from model tests in irregular waves are presented and analyzed. Spectral analyses have been applied to investigate the WEC responses in the frequency domain and to derive expressions to estimate the absorbed power in irregular waves. The experimental transfer functions of the WEC motions demonstrated that the PTO damping is significantly affected by the incident waves. Based on KEH approach's results, absorbed power and PTO damping coefficients have been estimated. A linear numerical potential model to compute transfer functions has been also implemented and calibrated based on the experimental results. The numerical results allowed the estimation of combined viscous and losses effects and showed that although the KEH approach underestimated the absorbed power, qualitatively reproduced the WEC performance in waves.
On the use of organic ligands to sensitize inorganic phosphors for ultraviolet, visible, and infrared light harvesting
Authors: Falcony Ciro , Balderas Jesús U.
Published: March 2019

In the last decade, numerous research efforts have been focused on the use of wavelength-converting materials to extend the spectral response of existing solar cell technologies. In this regard, lanthanide-based nanophosphors are promising candidates with their emissions ranging from the UV to near-infrared. Nevertheless, new challenges are raised for the engineering, design, and synthesis of lanthanide phosphors with a high absorption cross section to match the wavelengths of solar cells spectral sensitivity. One creative approach involves the coordination of organic ligands at the nanophosphors surface to broaden their excitation wavelength range and yield ultrabright highly efficient hybrid phosphors. Herein, the state-of-the-art of the sensitization of inorganic lanthanide-based phosphors with organic antennas that could be used to enhance the performance of a-Si and c-Si solar cells through downshifting, upconversion, and downconversion mechanisms is briefly reviewed.
“Inactive” ingredients in oral medications
Authors: Reker Daniel , Blum Steven M. , Steiger Christoph , Anger Kevin E. , Sommer Jamie M. , Fanikos John , Traverso Giovanni
Published: March 2019

Inactive ingredients in oral medications are generally poorly appreciated, and many include materials associated with adverse reactions in patients.
The attack of the “seeding” clones
Authors: Montero Joan
Published: March 2019

Tumor clone tracking in breast cancer xenografts identifies a small subset of circulating tumor cells as “seeders” associated with metastasis.
When fat is beneficial
Authors: Ozcan Lale
Published: March 2019

In response to exercise, adipose tissue secretes TGF-β2 that improves metabolic health.
Salmonella enterica
in Soils Amended with Heat-Treated Poultry Pellets Survived Longer than Bacteria in Unamended Soils and More Readily Transferred to and Persisted on Spinach
Authors: Shah Manoj K. , Bradshaw Rhodel , Nyarko Esmond , Handy Eric T. , East Cheryl , Millner Patricia D. , Bergholz Teresa M. , Sharma Manan
Published: March 2019

Heat-treated poultry pellets (HTPP) often are used by fruit and vegetable growers as a slow-release fertilizer. However, contamination of soil on farms may occur through contaminated irrigation water or scat from wild animals. Here, we show that the presence of HTPP in soil led to increased
S.
Newport survival in soil and to greater likelihood of its transfer to and survival on spinach plants. There were no significant differences in survival durations of WT and Δ
rpoS
mutant isolates of
S.
Newport. The statistically similar populations recovered by plate count and estimated by PMA-qPCR for both strains in the amended and unamended soils in this study indicate that all viable populations of
S.
Newport in soils were culturable.
Spatial Heterogeneity of
Vibrio
spp. in Sediments of Chinese Marginal Seas
Authors: Wang Xiaolei , Liu Jiwen , Li Bei , Liang Jinchang , Sun Hao , Zhou Shun , Zhang Xiao-Hua
Published: March 2019

Vibrio
is an important component of natural marine microbial populations in terms of pathogenicity and roles in carbon cycling. Compared to the marine pelagic environment, our knowledge of the diversity and distribution pattern of
Vibrio
spp. in sediment is limited. Here, we show higher
Vibrio
abundance in Chinese marginal seas than in other studied sediments. There was a clear spatial differentiation of
Vibrio
abundance and community composition in different sea areas. The benthic
Vibrio
community displayed a strong distance-decay pattern across a wide spatial range, which was formed under the combined effects of spatial and environmental factors. These results provide deep insights into the ecological dynamics of
Vibrio
and its environmental controls, facilitating a more comprehensive understanding of the marine
Vibrio
ecology.
Genetic Diversity of Flavescence Dorée Phytoplasmas at the Vineyard Scale
Authors: Rossi Marika , Pegoraro Mattia , Ripamonti Matteo , Abbà Simona , Beal Dylan , Giraudo Alessia , Veratti Flavio , Malembic-Maher Sylvie , Salar Pascal , Bosco Domenico , Marzachì Cristina
Published: March 2019

Flavescence dorée, a threatening disease of grapevine caused by FD phytoplasma (FDp), is distributed within the most important wine-producing areas of Europe and has severe effects on both vineyard productivity and landscape management. FDp is a quarantine pest in Europe, and despite the efforts to contain the pathogen, the disease is still spreading. In this work, new genetic markers for the fine genetic characterization of FDp at local scale are presented. Our findings improve the knowledge of FDp epidemiological cycle and offer the possibility of tracking the route of the FDp infection. In particular, due to its high genetic variability, one of the newly developed markers could be sufficient to track the origin of new infection foci, either from the wild areas or from nurseries.
The Draft Genome Sequence of Pseudomonas frederiksbergensis Strain 11-D3 Reveals Its Ability To Mobilize Phosphorus
Authors: Zheng Bang-Xiao , Zhang Huang-Kai , Zhang Yu-Sen , Ding Kai
Published: March 2019

Pseudomonas frederiksbergensis
strain 11-D3 is a Gram-negative, nonmotile, aerobic bacterium isolated from a managed maize field in North China. This strain displays high efficiency for solubilization of inorganic phosphorus (P).
Complete Genome Sequence of an Anaerobic Benzene-Degrading Bacterium,
Azoarcus
sp. Strain DN11
Authors: Devanadera Allan , Vejarano Felipe , Zhai Yu , Suzuki-Minakuchi Chiho , Ohtsubo Yoshiyuki , Tsuda Masataka , Kasai Yuki , Takahata Yoh , Okada Kazunori , Nojiri Hideaki
Published: March 2019

Here, we present the complete genome sequence of
Azoarcus
sp. strain DN11, a denitrifying bacterium capable of anaerobic benzene degradation.
High-Quality Whole-Genome Sequence of an Estradiol-Degrading Strain, Novosphingobium tardaugens NBRC 16725
Authors: Ibero J. , Sanz D. , Galán B. , Díaz E. , García J. L.
Published: March 2019

In this work we report the complete sequence and assembly of the estradiol-degrading bacterium
Novosphingobium tardaugens
NBRC 16725 genome into a single contig using the Pacific Biosciences RS II system.
Evaluation of the Serologic Cross-Reactivity between Transmissible Gastroenteritis Coronavirus and Porcine Respiratory Coronavirus Using Commercial Blocking Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Kits
Authors: Magtoto Ronaldo , Poonsuk Korakrit , Baum David , Zhang Jianqiang , Chen Qi , Ji Ju , Piñeyro Pablo , Zimmerman Jeffrey , Giménez-Lirola Luis G.
Published: March 2019

Current measures to prevent TGEV from entering a naive herd include quarantine and testing for TGEV-seronegative animals. However, TGEV serology is complicated due to the cross-reactivity with PRCV, which circulates subclinically in most swine herds worldwide. Conventional serological tests cannot distinguish between TGEV and PRCV antibodies; however, blocking ELISAs using antigen containing a large deletion in the amino terminus of the PRCV S protein permit differentiation of PRCV and TGEV antibodies. Several commercial TGEV/PRCV blocking ELISAs are available, but performance comparisons have not been reported in recent research. This study demonstrates that the serologic cross-reactivity between TGEV and PRCV affects the accuracy of commercial blocking ELISAs. Individual test results must be interpreted with caution, particularly in the event of suspect results. Therefore, commercial TGEV/PRCV blocking ELISAs should only be applied on a herd basis.
Plasmid-Based CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing in Multiple
Candida
Species
Authors: Lombardi Lisa , Oliveira-Pacheco João , Butler Geraldine
Published: March 2019

Candida
species are a major cause of infection worldwide. The species associated with infection vary with geographical location and with patient population. Infection with
Candida tropicalis
is particularly common in South America and Asia, and
Candida parapsilosis
infections are more common in the very young. Molecular methods for manipulating the genomes of these species are still lacking. We describe a simple and efficient CRISPR-based gene editing system that can be applied in the
C. parapsilosis
species group, including the sister species
Candida orthopsilosis
and
Candida metapsilosis
. We have also constructed a separate system for gene editing in
C. tropicalis
.
Acute coronary syndromes presentations and care outcomes in white, South Asian and Chinese patients: a cohort study
Authors: King-Shier Kathryn , Quan Hude , Kapral M K , Tsuyuki Ross , An Libin , Banerjee Suvro , Southern Danielle A , Khan Nadia
Published: March 2019

Objectives

Successful treatment of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) relies on its rapid recognition. It is unclear whether the accepted presentation of chest pain applies to different ethnic groups. We thus examined potential ethnic variations in ACS symptoms and clinical care outcomes in white, South Asian and Chinese patients.

Design

Cross-sectional survey.

Setting

Participants were hospitalised at 1 of 12 Canadian centres across four provinces.

Participants

1334 patients with ACS (630 white; 488 South Asian; 216 Chinese).

Main outcome measures

ACS presentation symptoms (classic/typical midsternal pain/discomfort with or without radiation to the left neck, shoulder or arm) were assessed by self-report. Clinical care outcomes (time to emergency room [ER] presentation, cardiac catheterisation; receipt of cardiac catheterisation, percutaneous coronary intervention [PCI] or coronary artery bypass grafting [CABG]) were obtained by health record audit.

Results

The mean age of the sample was 62 years and 30% had ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The most common presenting symptom was midsternal pain/discomfort of any intensity regardless of ethnic status. Yet, a substantial proportion of patients reported atypical symptoms (33% white, 19% South Asian, 20% Chinese; p<0.006). After adjustment for age, sex, education, current smoking, extent of coronary artery disease, presence of diabetes or chronic kidney disease and STEMI vs non-STEMI/unstable angina, South Asians were more likely to present with at least moderate intensity midsternal pain/discomfort (adjusted OR [AOR] 1.44; 95% CI 1.05 to 1.98), whereas Chinese were less likely to present with radiating symptoms (AOR 0.53; 95% CI 0.38 to 0.74) compared with whites. South Asians with atypical pain (relative to those with midsternal pain/discomfort) took significantly longer to present to the ER (p=0.037), and were less likely to receive PCI (p=0.008) or CABG (p=0.041).

Conclusions

Atypical presentations were associated with greater delays in arrival to the emergency department and reduced invasive cardiovascular care in South Asians.
Relationship between nursing home quality indicators and potentially preventable hospitalisation
Authors: Xu Dongjuan , Kane Robert , Arling Greg
Published: March 2019

Background

Hospitalisations are very common among nursing home residents and many of these are deemed inappropriate or preventable. Little is known about whether clinical care quality is related to hospitalisation, especially potentially preventable hospitalisations (PPHs). Among the few studies that have been conducted, the findings have been inconsistent. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between quality indicators and overall and PPHs among Medicaid beneficiaries aged 65 years and older receiving care at nursing homes in Minnesota.

Methods

23 risk-adjusted quality indicators were used to assess nursing home quality of care. Quality indicators and other facility-level variables from the Minnesota Nursing Home Report Card were merged with resident-level variables from the Minimum Data Set. These merged data were linked with Medicaid claims to obtain hospitalisation rates during the 2011–2012 period. The sample consisted of a cohort of 20 518 Medicaid beneficiaries aged 65 years and older who resided in 345 Minnesota nursing homes. The analyses controlled for resident and facility characteristics using the generalised linear mixed model.

Results

The results showed that about 44 % of hospitalisations were PPHs. Available quality indicators were not strongly or consistently associated with the risk of hospitalisation (neither overall nor PPH). Among these 23 quality indicators, five quality indicators (antipsychotics without a diagnosis of psychosis, unexplained weight loss, pressures sores, bladder continence and activities of daily living [ADL] dependence) were related significantly to hospitalisation and only four quality indicators (antipsychotics without a diagnosis of psychosis, unexplained weight loss, ADL dependence and urinary tract infections) were related to PPH.

Conclusion

Although general quality indicators can be informative about overall nursing home performance, only selected quality indicators appear to tap dimensions of clinical quality directly related to hospitalisations.
Continuous Spinal Analgesia: Comparison Between Patient-Controlled and Bolus Administration of Plain Bupivacaine for Postoperative Pain Relief
Authors: Rundshagen I. , Standl T. , Kochs E. , Müller M. , Schulte am Esch J.
Published: March 2019

Background and Objectives

Adequate postoperative pain relief has been achieved in orthopedic patients by subarachnoid bolus administration of plain bupivacaine. This prospective randomized study compares bolus injections of bupivacaine with a patient controlled infusion via subarachnoid 28-gauge microcatheters for postoperative analgesia after elective hip replacement.

Methods

Forty-two patients (mean age, 69 ± 11 years) were randomly allocated to one of two groups. Group 1 patients received a constant subarachnoid infusion of 0.6 mg/h of bupivacaine by a patientcontrolled device and were allowed to self-administer 0.6 mg every 30 minutes Group 2 patients received a nurse-administered bolus of 3.75 mg of plain bupivacaine on request. Pain was assessed by patients and nurses by a visual analog scale (VAS) every hour. The degree of motor block and the level of analgesia were documented every 4 hours. Hemodynamic and respiratory parameters were recorded hourly. Differences between groups were tested by analysis of variance for repeated measurement.

Results

Technical problems occurred in six patients were more frequent in group 1 but none in group 2. Patient-controlled analgesia resulted in lower pain scores than bolus application during 18 postoperative hours (VAS score 19 ± 19 mm in group 1 and 39 ± 30 mm in group 2; P < .01). Lower total doses of bupivacaine were required in group 1 (17.6 ± 4 mg) than in group 2 (22.3 ± 7 mg: P < .05). The groups did not differ with respect to the degree of motor block (Bromage score 3.5 ± 0.5), the sensory level (L1-2 ± 1), or hemodynamic or respiratory parameters.

Conclusion

In spite of a higher incidence of technical problems, patient-controlled analgesia with a continuous background infusion via microspinal catheters provides more effective postoperative analgesia, without hemodynamic or respiratory side effects, than bolus administration.
Anesthetic Management of a Parturient With an Incompletely Resected Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformation
Authors: Viscomi Christopher M. , Wilson James , Bernstein Ira
Published: March 2019

Background and Objectives

The anesthetic, neurosurgical, and obstetric literature regarding management of parturients with intracranial arteriovenous malformations is relatively sparse. A case report is given of a parturient, with a recent subtotal resection of a cerebral arteriovenous malformation, who presented for delivery of a viable male fetus.

Methods

The patient was scheduled for an elective labor induction, with early epidural analgesia advocated as a strategy to minimize the cardiovascular changes of labor and prevent involuntary Valsalva maneuvers. An elective instrumental delivery was planned when the fetal head had descended appropriately.

Results

Epidural analgesia was initiated when the patient reached 3 cm cervical dilation and provided excellent labor analgesia. After a passive fetal descent during the second stage of labor, Luikart-Simpson forceps were used to facilitate this stage. The newborn Apgar score was 9 at both 1 and 5 minutes after delivery. Both the patient and the infant have done well.

Conclusions

The available obstetric and neurosurgical literature does not offer firm recommendations for the optimal route of fetal delivery or the timing of neurosurgical resection of an arteriovenous malformation in the parturient. Anesthetic management is predicated on the principles of minimizing the cardiovascular changes of labor and preventing involuntary Valsalva maneuvers during the second stage of labor. Both of these goals are readily accomplished with epidural anesthesia.