bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reversal of domain wall chirality with ferromagnet thickness in W/(Co)FeB/MgO systems
Authors: Dohi Takaaki , DuttaGupta Samik , Fukami Shunsuke , Ohno Hideo
Published: January 2019

We investigate the effect of the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction (DMI) on domain wall (DW) configurations in W/(Co)FeB/MgO structures with varying ferromagnet (FM) thicknesses. The DW chirality and effective DMI field are evaluated from field-induced DW motion. The results indicate a reversal of DW chirality with the FM thickness irrespective of the FM material (CoFeB or FeB) and the crystallographic phase of W (α or β phase). The observed change in the magnitude of the DMI field is supported by an additional measurement of spin-orbit torque assisted magnetization switching under in-plane magnetic fields. The present findings offer previously unknown insights into the origin of interfacial DMI and indicate the co-existence of multiple factors governing DW chirality in systems with broken inversion symmetry.
Rortex based velocity gradient tensor decomposition
Authors: Gao Yisheng , Liu Chaoqun
Published: January 2019

Recently, a vector named Rortex was proposed to represent the local fluid rotation [C. Liu et al., “Rortex—A new vortex vector definition and vorticity tensor and vector decompositions,” Phys. Fluids 30, 035103 (2018)]. In this paper, a universal Rortex based velocity gradient tensor decomposition is proposed and the relevant local velocity increment decomposition is provided. Vortex structures in boundary layer transition on a flat plate are analyzed to quantify the local rotational, compression-stretching, and shearing effects. The results demonstrate that vorticity is shearing-dominant, while the rotational part or Rortex in general occupies a small part of vorticity in most areas of this case. In other words, vorticity is a quality representing shearing rather than rotation or vortex in most regions of this case.
Neglecting nonlocality leads to unrealistic numerical scheme for fractional differential equation: Fake and manipulated results
Authors: Khan Muhammad Altaf
Published: January 2019

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the main comment raised on the published manuscript [A. Atangana and K. M. Owolabi, Math. Model. Nat. Phenom. 13, 3 (2018)] by Garrappa [Commun. Nonlinear Sci. Numer. Simul. 70, 302–306 (2019)]. It was shown that the scheme proposed by Garrappa [Commun. Nonlinear Sci. Numer. Simul. 70, 302–306 (2019)] did not capture the memory and nonlocality and led to unreliable results. Therefore, we decided to highlight and validate this issue by means of a scheme where misprinting or typos were observed. Further, we propose some examples where some of them were reported by Garrappa [Commun. Nonlinear Sci. Numer. Simul. 70, 302–306 (2019)]. It is shown further by considering different examples of the nature of linear and nonlinear problems, and we show that the scheme presented by Atangana and Owolabi [Math. Model. Nat. Phenom. 13, 3 (2018)] is correct and gives 100% agreement for the case of linear problems with the other methods in the literature, while for the case of nonlinear problems, it gives a reasonable agreement and thus the claim by Garrappa [Commun. Nonlinear Sci. Numer. Simul. 70, 302–306 (2019)] is baseless.

At the request of the Editor and Publisher of Chaos, this article has been retracted effective 14 May 2019.
Special Topic on Interfacial Electrochemistry and Photo(electro)catalysis
Authors: Lian Tianquan , Koper Marc T. M. , Reuter Karsten , Subotnik Joseph E.
Published: January 2019

Interfacial electrochemistry and photo(electro)catalysis are key processes that convert the energy of photons or electrons to chemical bonds in many energy conversion and storage technologies. Achieving a molecular level understanding of the fundamental interfacial structure, energetics, dynamics, and reaction mechanisms that govern these processes represents a broad frontier for chemical physics and physical chemistry. This Special Topic contains a collection of articles that range from the development of new experimental and computational techniques to the novel application of those techniques for mechanistic studies, as the principal investigators seek a fundamental molecular understanding of both electrode/electrolyte interfaces and the relevant electrocatalytic, photocatalytic, and photoelectrochemical reactions taking place thereabout. Altogether, this collection of articles captures the current state of this very active, frontier research field and highlights the current and remaining key scientific challenges and opportunities.
Shared decision making implementation: a case study analysis to increase uptake in New South Wales
Authors: Dimopoulos-Bick Tara , Osten Regina , Shipway Chris , Trevena Lyndal , Hoffmann Tammy
Published: January 2019

The aim of this study was to identify potential implementation interventions to increase the uptake of shared decision making (SDM) in clinical practice in New South Wales (NSW) Health. The Agency for Clinical Innovation hosted a full-day SDM masterclass in May 2017 and 53 attendees completed a survey to identify barriers to implementing SDM. The Theoretical Domains Framework, COM-B (‘capability’, ‘opportunity’, motivation’ and ‘behaviour’) Model and Behaviour Change Wheel were used to conduct a theoretical analysis of the barriers and identify potential interventions to increase the uptake of SDM. This was supplemented by a purposive review of articles about current international efforts to facilitate SDM. From the theoretical analysis, 9 of the 14 theoretical domains were considered relevant to implementing SDM in the NSW Health context. Multi-faceted interventions including education, training, enablement, modelling, incentivisation, persuasion and environmental restructuring were identified as potential ways to increase SDM. The review of international articles identified communication and marketing, patient and public involvement, research, training, legislation, patient decision aids, service provision, clinical champions, financial incentives and policy as interventions being used to increase the uptake of SDM internationally. Based on current perceptions about barriers for SDM implementation in NSW Health, initial efforts should focus on workforce skills development, motivation, communication and marketing, service provision and creating receptive work environments. Investments into facilitating SDM will require an ongoing commitment to enhancing patient experience, evidence translation and reducing unwarranted variations in care. What is known about the topic? Shared decision making is considered an important strategy for reducing unwarranted variation in health care and promoting person-centred care. Despite a growing evidence base, uptake in Australia has been slow. What does this paper add? A description of the theoretical methods and results used to identify potential implementation interventions to increase the uptake of shared decision making clinical practice in New South Wales Health, Australia. What are the implications for practitioners? Learnings from this present case study may be relevant to other organisations wanting to support a culture of shared decision making and meet the National Safety and Quality Healthcare Standards in Australia.
Trophic traits of Grammostola vachoni, a tarantula (Araneae : Theraphosidae) from Argentina
Authors: Schwerdt Leonela , Pompozzi Gabriel , de Villalobos Ana Elena , Pérez-Miles Fernando
Published: January 2019

This is the first study about trophic traits of Grammostola vachoni, a threatened theraphosid spider endemic to the mountain systems of central Argentina. Four prey types were used in experiments: crickets, cockroaches, beetle larvae and adult beetles. Grammostola vachoni was observed to eat at a rate of about once every 11 days, with the mean total number of prey consumed per spider during the experimental period being 2.7. Latency to the first attack was similar for crickets, cockroaches and beetle larvae, but was shorter for adult beetles. Feeding time was significantly longer for crickets and beetle larvae. Mass gain was significantly different among prey types. Feeding effectiveness and ingestion rate were significantly higher for crickets. A significant positive correlation for feeding effectiveness and ingestion rate with prey mass and the initial spider mass was also found.
Experimental and computational analyses reveal dynamics of tumor vessel cooption and optimal treatment strategies
Authors: Voutouri Chrysovalantis , Kirkpatrick Nathaniel D. , Chung Euiheon , Mpekris Fotios , Baish James W. , Munn Lance L. , Fukumura Dai , Stylianopoulos Triantafyllos , Jain Rakesh K.
Published: January 2019

Significance

Vessel cooption is a strategy that many tumors employ to progress without creating new blood vessels but by exploiting preexisting vessels of the host tissue. In addition to promoting tumor growth, cooption is also associated with tumor resistance to antiangiogenic therapy. Despite the importance of this mode of tumor progression, the molecular and cellular mechanisms are not fully understood. Here, we combine intravital microscopy imaging and mathematical modeling to explore the dynamics of individual cancer cell cooption and collective response of the coopted cancer cells during antiangiogenic treatment. We also provide guidelines for effective therapeutic strategies that combine inhibition of both angiogenesis and cooption.
Microstructure and mechanical properties of a nucleant-free basaltic glass-ceramic
Authors: Klein J. M. , da Silva K. M. S. , Titton A. P. , Cruz R. C. D. , Perottoni C. A. , Zorzi J. E.
Published: January 2019

The crystallisation kinetics of magnetite from basalt glass was studied using glass samples prepared by melting basaltic rocks from the Serra Geral Formation, without the addition of the nucleating agent, using differential scanning calorimetry under isothermal conditions. The temperature of maximum nucleation rate for magnetite was determined as 650 [Formula: see text]C. Upon further heating to 860 [Formula: see text]C, a second phase crystallises, which was identified by X-ray diffraction as a pyroxene (augite, Ca(Mg,Fe)Si[Formula: see text]O[Formula: see text]). The best mechanical properties were exhibited by a glass-ceramic nucleated at 650 [Formula: see text]C for 0.5 h and further heat-treated at 860 [Formula: see text]C for 1 h. The basalt glass-ceramic exhibited a fine grain and homogeneous microstructure, with high hardness and reasonable resistant to NaOH attack.
LncRNA FENDRR promotes high-glucose-induced proliferation and angiogenesis of human retinal endothelial cells
Authors: Shi Yu , Chen Chunsheng , Xu Yidan , Liu Yi , Zhang Hui , Liu Yang
Published: January 2019

The study aimed to investigate the role of lncRNA FENDRR in proliferation and angiogenesis of human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs). HRECs were cultured in high-glucose medium to mimic diabetic retinopathy (DR) model. We overexpressed or knocked down FENDRR in HRECs to evaluate the effect of FENDRR expression on cell proliferation, migration, and capillary morphogenesis of HRECs under either normal glucose or high glucose condition. Results showed that VEGF and FENDRR expression were increased in blood from DR patients compared with the control subjects. Furthermore, high glucose treatment upregulated expression of VEGF and FENDRR secreted from HRECs, in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Importantly, FENDRR overexpression significantly promoted the high-glucose-induced proliferation, migration, capillary morphogenesis, and VEGF expression in HRECs. In contrast, FENDRR knockdown exerted the opposite effects. In conclusion, lncRNA FENDRR promotes the high-glucose-induced proliferation and angiogenesis of HRECs and may serve as a potential target for anti-angiogenic therapy for DR.
Report on the APMP.M.F-S2 supplementary comparison for 100 kN force
Authors: Hayashi T , Ueda K , Maejima H , Chaemthet K , Amornsakun C , Sanponpute T
Published: January 2019

The comparison results revealed the equivalence of forces realized by the 100 kN DWM of NIMT (Thailand) to those by the 100 kN DWM of NMIJ (Japan) within their claimed uncertainties in the range up to 50 kN.

Main text

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.

The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
A story of birth and death: mRNA translation and clearance at the onset of maternal-to-zygotic transition in mammals†
Authors: Sha Qian-Qian , Zhang Jue , Fan Heng-Yu
Published: January 2019

In mammals, maternal-to-zygotic transition (MZT), or oocyte-to-embryo transition, begins with oocyte meiotic resumption due to the sequential translational activation and destabilization of dormant maternal transcripts stored in the ooplasm. It then continues with the elimination of maternal transcripts during oocyte maturation and fertilization and ends with the full transcriptional activation of the zygotic genome during embryonic development. A hallmark of MZT in mammals is its reliance on translation and the utilization of stored RNAs and proteins, rather than de novo transcription of genes, to sustain meiotic maturation and early development. Impaired maternal mRNA clearance at the onset of MZT prevents zygotic genome activation and causes early arrest of developing embryos. In this review, we discuss recent advances in our knowledge of the mechanisms whereby mRNA translation and degradation are controlled by cytoplasmic polyadenylation and deadenylation which set up the competence of maturing oocyte to accomplish MZT. The emphasis of this review is on the mouse as a model organism for mammals and BTG4 as a licensing factor of MZT under the translational control of the MAPK cascade.
MyD88-dependent signaling in non-parenchymal cells promotes liver carcinogenesis
Authors: Mohs Antje , Kuttkat Nadine , Otto Tobias , Youssef Sameh A , De Bruin Alain , Trautwein Christian
Published: January 2019

In Western countries, a rising incidence of obesity and type 2 diabetes correlates with an increase of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)—a major risk factor for liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). NASH is associated with chronic liver injury, triggering hepatocyte death and enhanced translocation of intestinal bacteria, leading to persistent liver inflammation through activation of Toll-like receptors and their adapter protein myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88). Therefore, we investigated the role of MyD88 during progression from NASH to HCC using a mouse model of chronic liver injury (hepatocyte-specific deletion of nuclear factor κB essential modulator, Nemo; NemoΔhepa). NemoΔhepa; NemoΔhepa/MyD88−/− and NemoΔhepa/MyD88Δhepa were generated and the impact on liver disease progression was investigated. Ubiquitous MyD88 ablation (NemoΔhepa/MyD88−/−) aggravated the degree of liver damage, accompanied by an overall decrease in inflammation, whereas infiltrating macrophages and natural killer cells were elevated. At a later stage, MyD88 deficiency impaired HCC formation. In contrast, hepatocyte-specific MyD88 deletion (NemoΔhepa/MyD88Δhepa) did not affect disease progression. These results suggest that signaling of Toll-like receptors through MyD88 in non-parenchymal liver cells is required for carcinogenesis during chronic liver injury. Hence, blocking MyD88 signaling may offer a therapeutic option to prevent HCC formation in patients with NASH.
Why networks matter in faith-related community development work: learning from diverse Christian responses to debt in England
Authors: Orton Andrew , Barclay David
Published: January 2019

This article explores the significant contribution being made by diverse Christian responses to debt in England, drawing on action research in London and the North East of England. These responses range from providing individual support and services to forms of organizing that tackle perceived causes through collective action and political campaigns. We show how complex links, relationships and networks have developed between responses, as those involved seek to generate more widespread, holistic and effective interventions. Through this, we show how these approaches have addressed related challenges by combining learning from different models and working across different scales, identities and boundaries, and consider wider learning for community development from this research.
‘Why can’t we help protect children too?’ Stigma by association among community workers in child protection and its consequences
Authors: Hamilton Sharynne , Cleland Deborah , Braithwaite Valerie
Published: January 2019

Community workers provide critical support services to parents and families with children who may be placed in out-of-home care by child protection authorities. Drawing on in-depth interviews with fifteen community workers, who represent nine agencies assisting families with child protection issues in a small jurisdiction in Australia, we show how the stigma attached to ‘bad’ parents is passed on to the community workers who are supporting them. The ‘stigma by association’ directed at community workers by child protection authorities means they are stereotyped negatively, undermined professionally and socially excluded. In spite of such stigmatic treatment, community workers remained committed to their professional role. Although workers were frustrated and disappointed in the treatment they received, there was no open acknowledgment of stigma-induced poor mental health. The results are interpreted within a broader social context where child protection authorities are being constantly reviewed and criticized in Australia. The support that community workers give to each other as frontline defenders of families against a powerful and publicly criticized government authority may allow community workers to construe themselves as heroes rather than villains in this highly adversarial environment. The costs play out at the institutional level, however, because reduced trust limits opportunities for genuine collaboration between government and community organizations.
Chronic Staphylococcus aureus Lung Infection Correlates With Proteogenomic and Metabolic Adaptations Leading to an Increased Intracellular Persistence
Authors: Tan Xin , Coureuil Mathieu , Ramond Elodie , Euphrasie Daniel , Dupuis Marion , Tros Fabiola , Meyer Julie , Nemazanyy Ivan , Chhuon Cerina , Guerrera Ida Chiara , Ferroni Agnes , Sermet-Gaudelus Isabelle , Nassif Xavier , Charbit Alain , Jamet Anne
Published: January 2019

Background

Chronic lung infection in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients by Staphylococcus aureus is a well-established epidemiological fact. Indeed, S. aureus is the most commonly identified pathogen in the lungs of CF patients. Improving our understanding of the mechanisms associated with the persistence of S. aureus is therefore an important issue.

Methods

We selected pairs of sequential S. aureus isolates from 3 patients with CF and from 1 patient with non-CF chronic lung disease. We used a combination of genomic, proteomic, and metabolomic approaches with functional assays for in-depth characterization of S. aureus long-term persistence.

Results

In this study, we show that late S. aureus isolates from CF patients have an increased ability for intracellular survival in CF bronchial epithelial-F508del cells compared to ancestral early isolates. Importantly, the increased ability to persist intracellularly was confirmed for S. aureus isolates within the own-patient F508del epithelial cells. An increased ability to form biofilm was also demonstrated. Furthermore, we identified the underlying genetic modifications that induce altered protein expression profiles and notable metabolic changes. These modifications affect several metabolic pathways and virulence regulators that could constitute therapeutic targets.

Conclusions

Our results strongly suggest that the intracellular environment might constitute an important niche of persistence and relapse necessitating adapted antibiotic treatments.
Naive CD4+ T Cells Harbor a Large Inducible Reservoir of Latent, Replication-competent Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1
Authors: Zerbato Jennifer M , McMahon Deborah K , Sobolewski Michelle D , Mellors John W , Sluis-Cremer Nicolas
Published: January 2019

Background

The latent human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) reservoir represents a major barrier to a cure. Based on the levels of HIV-1 DNA in naive (TN) vs resting memory CD4+ T cells, it is widely hypothesized that this reservoir resides primarily within memory cells. Here, we compared virus production from TN and central memory (TCM) CD4+ T cells isolated from HIV-1–infected individuals on suppressive therapy.

Methods

CD4+ TN and TCM cells were purified from the blood of 7 HIV-1–infected individuals. We quantified total HIV-1 DNA in the CD4+ TN and TCM cells. Extracellular virion-associated HIV-1 RNA or viral outgrowth assays were used to assess latency reversal following treatment with anti-CD3/CD28 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), phytohaemagglutinin/interleukin-2, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate/ionomycin, prostratin, panobinostat, or romidepsin.

Results

HIV-1 DNA was significantly higher in TCM compared to TN cells (2179 vs 684 copies/106 cells, respectively). Following exposure to anti-CD3/CD28 mAbs, virion-associated HIV-1 RNA levels were similar between TCM and TN cells (15 135 vs 18 290 copies/mL, respectively). In 4/7 donors, virus production was higher for TN cells independent of the latency reversing agent used. Replication-competent virus was recovered from both TN and TCM cells.

Conclusions

Although the frequency of HIV-1 infection is lower in TN compared to TCM cells, as much virus is produced from the TN population after latency reversal. This finding suggests that quantifying HIV-1 DNA alone may not predict the size of the inducible latent reservoir and that TN cells may be an important reservoir of latent HIV-1.
Entertainment Politics as a Modernist Project in a Baudrillard World
Authors: Richmond Julia C , Porpora Douglas V
Published: January 2019

As “post-truth” was Oxford Dictionaries’ 2016 word of the year, late-night comedians were featured on Time magazine’s cover bearing the tagline “The Seriously Partisan Politics of Late-Night Comedy.” This article attempts to frame what is going on in theoretical and philosophical terms. By a “Baudrillard World,” we mean the post-truth era that was first announced by theorists such as Jean Baudrillard. By a modernist project, we mean that the late night comedians are making various rhetorical moves to reassert a commitment to truth incompletely secured by conventional, cool-style journalism. We identify a number of offenses against truth that the late night comedians counter in an attempt to rescue not just particular facts but the very notion of truth.
Integrated Psychological Care is Needed, Welcomed and Effective in Ambulatory Inflammatory Bowel Disease Management: Evaluation of a New Initiative
Authors: Lores Taryn , Goess Charlotte , Mikocka-Walus Antonina , Collins Kathryn L , Burke Anne L J , Chur-Hansen Anna , Delfabbro Paul , Andrews Jane M
Published: January 2019

Background and Aims

Inflammatory bowel disease is associated with psychosocial issues which reduce quality of life and impair medical management. However, these issues are rarely addressed in routine care. A model of integrated psychological screening and intervention was trialled to measure prevalence, patient participation, and potential benefits to mental health and/or quality of life.

Methods

During a 12-month period, 490 adult patients at an established hospital-based service were approached to complete screening instruments for anxiety, depression, general distress, quality of life and medication adherence. Disease-specific and demographic data were also collected. Patients who scored highly on screening questionnaires were offered psychological intervention (in-service or externally referred). Participants were reassessed after 12 months.

Results

Psychological screening was well accepted with 68% (N = 335) participating. Psychological care was ‘needed’, with 55% (N = 183) scoring highly for anxiety, depression and/or general distress. Half of those ‘in need’ (N = 91) accepted intervention. In those who accepted, levels of anxiety (mean at intake [M1] = 12.11 vs mean at follow-up [M2] = 9.59, p < 0.001), depression (M1 = 8.38 vs M2 = 6.42, p < 0.001), general distress (M1 = 17.99 vs M2 = 13.96, p < 0.001), mental health quality of life (M1 = 54.64 vs M2 = 59.70, p < 0.001) and overall quality of life (M1 = 57.60 vs M2 = 64.10, p < 0.001) each improved between intake and follow-up. Engagement in psychological intervention was six times greater for those treated in-service vs externally referred (χ2[1] = 13.06, p < 0.001, odds ratio = 6.47).

Conclusions

Mental health issues are highly prevalent in people with inflammatory bowel disease. Patients are open to psychological screening and treatment. Psychological care can improve patient mental health and quality of life, and works best when integrated into routine management.
Usefulness of myocardial work measurement in the assessment of left ventricular systolic reserve response to spironolactone in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Przewlocka-Kosmala Monika , Marwick Thomas H , Mysiak Andrzej , Kosowski Wojciech , Kosmala Wojciech
Published: January 2019

Aims

Improvement in left ventricular (LV) systolic reserve, including exertional increase in global longitudinal strain (GLS), may contribute to the clinical benefit from therapeutic interventions in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). However, GLS is an afterload-dependent parameter, and its measurements may not adequately reflect myocardial contractility recruitment with exercise. The estimation of myocardial work (MW) allows correction of GLS for changing afterload. We sought to investigate the associations of GLS and MW parameters with the response of exercise capacity to spironolactone in HFpEF.

Methods and results

We analysed 114 patients (67 ± 8 years) participating in the STRUCTURE study (57 randomized to spironolactone and 57 to placebo). Resting and immediately post-exercise echocardiograms were performed at baseline and at 6-month follow-up. The following indices of MW were assessed: global work index (GWI), global constructive work (GCW), global wasted work, and global work efficiency. The amelioration of exercise intolerance at follow-up in the spironolactone group was accompanied by a significant improvement in exertional increase in GCW (P = 0.002) but not in GLS and other MW parameters. Increase in exercise capacity at 6 months was independently correlated with change in exertional increase in GCW from baseline to follow-up (β = 0.24; P = 0.009) but not with GLS (P = 0.14); however, no significant interaction with the use of spironolactone on peak VO2 was found (P = 0.97).

Conclusion

GCW as a measure of LV contractile response to exertion is a better determinant of exercise capacity in HFpEF than GLS. Improvement in functional capacity during follow-up is associated with improvement in exertional increment of GCW.
All-cause and cause-specific mortality in Scotland 1981–2011 by age, sex and deprivation: a population-based study
Authors: Brown Denise , Allik Mirjam , Dundas Ruth , Leyland Alastair H
Published: January 2019

Background

Average life expectancy has stopped increasing for many countries. This has been attributed to causes such as influenza, austerity policies and deaths of despair (drugs, alcohol and suicide). Less is known on the inequality of life expectancy over time using reliable, whole population, data. This work examines all-cause and cause-specific mortality rates in Scotland to assess the patterning of relative and absolute inequalities across three decades.

Methods

Using routinely collected Scottish mortality and population records we calculate directly age-standardized mortality rates by age group, sex and deprivation fifths for all-cause and cause-specific deaths around each census 1981–2011.

Results

All-cause mortality rates in the most deprived areas in 2011 (472 per 100 000 population) remained higher than in the least deprived in 1981 (422 per 100 000 population). For those aged 0–64, deaths from circulatory causes more than halved between 1981 and 2011 and cancer mortality decreased by a third (with greater relative declines in the least deprived areas). Over the same period, alcohol- and drug-related causes and male suicide increased (with greater absolute and relative increases in more deprived areas). There was also a significant increase in deaths from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease for those aged 75+.

Conclusions

Despite reductions in mortality, relative (but not absolute) inequalities widened between 1981 and 2011 for all-cause mortality and for several causes of death. Reducing relative inequalities in Scotland requires faster mortality declines in deprived areas while countering increases in mortality from causes such as drug- and alcohol-related harm and male suicide.
Validity of a Self-Reported Neglect Scale Among Older Adults in Poland
Authors: Zawisza Katarzyna , Galas Aleksander , Tobiasz-Adamczyk Beata , Grodzicki Tomasz
Published: January 2019

Background and Objectives

The purpose of the study was to create and validate a tool that could be implemented easily to recognize the presence and assess the level of neglect in community-dwelling older adults, and to provide information about the prevalence of the phenomenon in different subgroups of older adults in Poland.

Research Design and Methods

The cross-sectional study of elder neglect and self-neglect was conducted in Lesser Poland in 2017. It included 2,443 face-to-face interviews with randomly selected community-dwelling individuals from among the general population (1,635), social service users (280), and hospital patients (528). Classical Test Theory and Item Response Theory (IRT) were used to build the scale, and its content and construct validity and reliability were assessed.

Results

The Self-Reported Neglect Scale (SRNS) with a 2-factor structure (basic needs and psychological needs dimensions) was created. Results of the IRT analysis showed high item discrimination (2.7–4.8 for the first factor, 0.8–3.2 for the second). The 1-year prevalence of neglect as a percentage of nonzero values of the SRNS was estimated at 11.4%.

Discussion and Implications

The SRNS exhibited good psychometric properties. It may have promise as a tool for the assessment of neglect in epidemiological studies as well in the everyday practice of medical professionals and social workers.
CropSight: a scalable and open-source information management system for distributed plant phenotyping and IoT-based crop management
Authors: Reynolds Daniel , Ball Joshua , Bauer Alan , Davey Robert , Griffiths Simon , Zhou Ji
Published: January 2019

Background

High-quality plant phenotyping and climate data lay the foundation for phenotypic analysis and genotype-environment interaction, providing important evidence not only for plant scientists to understand the dynamics between crop performance, genotypes, and environmental factors but also for agronomists and farmers to closely monitor crops in fluctuating agricultural conditions. With the rise of Internet of Things technologies (IoT) in recent years, many IoT-based remote sensing devices have been applied to plant phenotyping and crop monitoring, which are generating terabytes of biological datasets every day. However, it is still technically challenging to calibrate, annotate, and aggregate the big data effectively, especially when they were produced in multiple locations and at different scales.

Findings

CropSight is a PHP Hypertext Pre-processor and structured query language-based server platform that provides automated data collation, storage, and information management through distributed IoT sensors and phenotyping workstations. It provides a two-component solution to monitor biological experiments through networked sensing devices, with interfaces specifically designed for distributed plant phenotyping and centralized data management. Data transfer and annotation are accomplished automatically through an hypertext transfer protocol-accessible RESTful API installed on both device side and server side of the CropSight system, which synchronize daily representative crop growth images for visual-based crop assessment and hourly microclimate readings for GxE studies. CropSight also supports the comparison of historical and ongoing crop performance while different experiments are being conducted.

Conclusions

As a scalable and open-source information management system, CropSight can be used to maintain and collate important crop performance and microclimate datasets captured by IoT sensors and distributed phenotyping installations. It provides near real-time environmental and crop growth monitoring in addition to historical and current experiment comparison through an integrated cloud-ready server system. Accessible both locally in the field through smart devices and remotely in an office using a personal computer, CropSight has been applied to field experiments of bread wheat prebreeding since 2016 and speed breeding since 2017. We believe that the CropSight system could have a significant impact on scalable plant phenotyping and IoT-style crop management to enable smart agricultural practices in the near future.
Linking genetic, metabolic, and phenotypic diversity among Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains using multi-omics associations
Authors: Kang Kang , Bergdahl Basti , Machado Daniel , Dato Laura , Han Ting-Li , Li Jun , Villas-Boas Silas , Herrgård Markus J , Förster Jochen , Panagiotou Gianni
Published: January 2019

Background

The selection of bioengineering platform strains and engineering strategies to improve the stress resistance of Saccharomyces cerevisiae remains a pressing need in bio-based chemical production. Thus, a systematic effort to exploit genotypic and phenotypic diversity to boost yeast's industrial value is still urgently needed.

Results

We analyzed 5,400 growth curves obtained from 36 S. cerevisiae strains and comprehensively profiled their resistances against 13 industrially relevant stresses. We observed that bioethanol and brewing strains exhibit higher resistance against acidic conditions; however, plant isolates tend to have a wider range of resistance, which may be associated with their metabolome and fluxome signatures in the tricarboxylic acid cycle and fatty acid metabolism. By deep genomic sequencing, we found that industrial strains have more genomic duplications especially affecting transcription factors, showing that they result from disparate evolutionary paths in comparison with the environmental strains, which have more indels, gene deletions, and strain-specific genes. Genome-wide association studies coupled with protein-protein interaction networks uncovered novel genetic determinants of stress resistances.

Conclusions

These resistance-related engineering targets and strain rankings provide a valuable source for engineering significantly improved industrial platform strains.
The genomic basis for colonizing the freezing Southern Ocean revealed by Antarctic toothfish and Patagonian robalo genomes
Authors: Chen Liangbiao , Lu Ying , Li Wenhao , Ren Yandong , Yu Mengchao , Jiang Shouwen , Fu Yanxia , Wang Jian , Peng Sihua , Bilyk Kevin T , Murphy Katherine R , Zhuang Xuan , Hune Mathias , Zhai Wanying , Wang Wen , Xu Qianghua , Cheng Chi-Hing Christina
Published: January 2019

Background

The Southern Ocean is the coldest ocean on Earth but a hot spot of evolution. The bottom-dwelling Eocene ancestor of Antarctic notothenioid fishes survived polar marine glaciation and underwent adaptive radiation, forming >120 species that fill all water column niches today. Genome-wide changes enabling physiological adaptations and the rapid expansion of the Antarctic notothenioids remain poorly understood.

Results

We sequenced and compared 2 notothenioid genomes—the cold-adapted and neutrally buoyant Antarctic toothfish Dissostichus mawsoni and the basal Patagonian robalo Eleginops maclovinus, representing the temperate ancestor. We detected >200 protein gene families that had expanded and thousands of genes that had evolved faster in the toothfish, with diverse cold-relevant functions including stress response, lipid metabolism, protein homeostasis, and freeze resistance. Besides antifreeze glycoprotein, an eggshell protein had functionally diversified to aid in cellular freezing resistance. Genomic and transcriptomic comparisons revealed proliferation of selcys–transfer RNA genes and broad transcriptional upregulation across anti-oxidative selenoproteins, signifying their prominent role in mitigating oxidative stress in the oxygen-rich Southern Ocean. We found expansion of transposable elements, temporally correlated to Antarctic notothenioid diversification. Additionally, the toothfish exhibited remarkable shifts in genetic programs towards enhanced fat cell differentiation and lipid storage, and promotion of chondrogenesis while inhibiting osteogenesis in bone development, collectively contributing to the achievement of neutral buoyancy and pelagicism.

Conclusions

Our study revealed a comprehensive landscape of evolutionary changes essential for Antarctic notothenioid cold adaptation and ecological expansion. The 2 genomes are valuable resources for further exploration of mechanisms underlying the spectacular notothenioid radiation in the coldest marine environment.
Inequality, financialization, and the US current account deficit
Authors: Ivanova Maria N
Published: January 2019

The US has run a persistent current account deficit since 1982. Its growth particularly accelerated in the early 2000s, and the deficit peaked at about 6% of US GDP in 2006. Coincidentally, the distribution of income and wealth has grown progressively unequal, while the so-called financialization of the US economy has deepened. This article argues that the concomitant processes of persistent current account deficits, rising inequality, and deepening financialization are not merely coincidental but can be traced to common causes arising from the global restructuring of US production through foreign direct investment and offshoring, which has underlain the structural transformation of the US economy since the 1980s. On the one hand, the US is the world’s biggest exporter of capital and recipient of foreign investment income; on the other hand, it is the biggest importer of foreign goods, often produced with the involvement of US capital. Ultimately, deindustrialization at home—a major factor behind the loss of middle-wage, middle-class jobs, and thus of rising income inequality—and the transnationalization of US production have boosted corporate profits, thereby propping up and accelerating the financialization of the US economy.
The 2013 Amendments to the Arab Investment Agreement
Authors: Hasaan Amr Arafa
Published: January 2019

Since their first emergence in the 1950s, international investment agreements (IIAs) have been subject to periodic update and revision. Hence, some scholars have classified them into generations. In 1980, the Member States of the Arab League signed the Unified Agreement for the Investment of Arab Capital in the Arab States, which was intended to enhance the encouragement and protection of foreign direct investment (FDI) among them. The practical application of IIAs sometimes resulted in unforeseen consequences for either investors or host States. There have also been changes in IIAs worldwide. In 2013, the Member States amended the Unified Agreement for the Investment of Arab Capital in the Arab States. This article analyses the changes that the Member States sought through that modification. It also underlines comparison between the principles of promotion and protection precedent to the amendment and thereafter. It also covers the alteration of investor–State resolution mechanisms under the Agreement.
The Effects of Recombinant Human Lactoferrin on Immune Activation and the Intestinal Microbiome Among Persons Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Sortino Ornella , Hullsiek Kathy Huppler , Richards Elizabeth , Rupert Adam , Schminke Andrea , Tetekpor Namo , Quinones Mariam , Prosser Rachel , Schacker Tim , Sereti Irini , Baker Jason V
Published: January 2019

Lactoferrin modulates mucosal immunity and targets mechanisms contributing to inflammation during human immunodeficiency virus disease. A randomized placebo-controlled crossover clinical trial of recombinant human (rh) lactoferrin was conducted among 54 human immunodeficiency virus–infected participants with viral suppression. Outcomes were tolerability, inflammatory, and immunologic measures, and the intestinal microbiome. The median age was 51 years, and the median CD4+ cell count was 651/µL. Adherence and adverse events did not differ between rh-lactoferrin and placebo. There was no significant effect on plasma interleukin-6 or D-dimer levels, nor on monocyte/T-cell activation, mucosal integrity, or intestinal microbiota diversity. Oral administration of rh-lactoferrin was safe but did not reduce inflammation and immune activation.

Clinical Trials Registration: NCT01830595.
Successful deployment of drug-disease interaction clinical decision support across multiple Kaiser Permanente regions
Authors: Bubp Jeff L , Park Michelle A , Kapusnik-Uner Joan , Dang Thong , Matuszewski Karl , Ly Don , Chiang Kevin , Shia Sek , Hoberman Brian
Published: January 2019

Objective

The study sought to develop a criteria-based scoring tool for assessing drug-disease knowledge base content and creation of a subset and to implement the subset across multiple Kaiser Permanente (KP) regions.

Materials and Methods

In Phase I, the scoring tool was developed, used to create a drug-disease alert subset, and validated by surveying physicians and pharmacists from KP Northern California. In Phase II, KP enabled the alert subset in July 2015 in silent mode to collect alert firing rates and confirmed that alert burden was adequately reduced. The alert subset was subsequently rolled out to users in KP Northern California. Alert data was collected September 2015 to August 2016 to monitor relevancy and override rates.

Results

Drug-disease alert scoring identified 1211 of 4111 contraindicated drug-disease pairs for inclusion in the subset. The survey results showed clinician agreement with subset examples 92.3%-98.5% of the time. Postsurvey adjustments to the subset resulted in KP implementation of 1189 drug-disease alerts. The subset resulted in a decrease in monthly alerts from 32 045 to 1168. Postimplementation monthly physician alert acceptance rates ranged from 20.2% to 29.8%.

Discussion

Our study shows that drug-disease alert scoring resulted in an alert subset that generated acceptable interruptive alerts while decreasing overall potential alert burden. Following the initial testing and implementation in its Northern California region, KP successfully implemented the disease interaction subset in 4 regions with additional regions planned.

Conclusions

Our approach could prevent undue alert burden when new alert categories are implemented, circumventing the need for trial live activations of full alert category knowledge bases.
Conservation Conundrum: At-risk Bumble Bees (Bombus spp.) Show Preference for Invasive Tufted Vetch (Vicia cracca) While Foraging in Protected Areas
Authors: Gibson Shelby D , Liczner Amanda R , Colla Sheila R
Published: January 2019

In recent decades, some bumble bee species have declined, including in North America. Declines have been reported in species of bumble bees historically present in Ontario, including: yellow bumble bee (Bombus fervidus) (Fabricus, 1798), American bumble bee (Bombus pensylvanicus) (DeGeer, 1773), and yellow-banded bumble bee (Bombus terricola) (Kirby, 1837). Threats contributing to bumble bee population declines include: land-use changes, habitat loss, climate change, pathogen spillover, and pesticide use. A response to the need for action on pollinator preservation in North America has been to encourage ‘bee-friendly’ plantings. Previous studies show differences in common and at-risk bumble bee foraging; however, similar data are unavailable for Ontario. Our research question is whether there is a difference in co-occurring at-risk and common bumble bee (Bombus spp.) floral use (including nectar and pollen collection) in protected areas in southern Ontario. We hypothesize that common and at-risk species forage differently, predicting that at-risk species forage on a limited selection of host plants. We conducted a field survey of sites in southern Ontario, using observational methods to determine bumble bee foraging by species. The results of a redundancy analysis show a difference in foraging between common and at-risk bumblebee species. At-risk bumble bee species show a preference for foraging on invasive, naturalized Vicia cracca (tufted vetch). This finding raises the question of how to preserve or provide forage for at-risk bumble bees, when they show an association with an invasive species often subject to control in protected areas.
Determinants of Mammographic Density Change
Authors: Azam Shadi , Sjölander Arvid , Eriksson Mikael , Gabrielson Marike , Czene Kamila , Hall Per
Published: January 2019

Background

Mammographic density (MD) is a strong risk factor for breast cancer. We examined how breast cancer risk factors are associated with MD area (cm2) change across age.

Methods

We conducted a cohort study of 31 782 Swedish women ages 40–70 years at time of baseline mammogram. Lifestyle and reproductive risk factors were assessed by a web-based questionnaire. MD was measured as dense area using the STRATUS method (mean over the left and right breast). Linear regression analyses with adjustments for age, body mass index (BMI), and menopausal status at baseline were performed to assess the association between breast cancer risk factors and mean baseline MD. To investigate mean MD change across age, linear regression analyses with adjustments for age, BMI, menopausal status, and age at last mammogram were performed. All tests of statistical significance were two-sided.

Results

Except for oral contraceptive use, established lifestyle and reproductive risk factors for breast cancer were associated with baseline mean MD. The overall average annual MD change was −1.0 cm2. BMI and physical activity were statistically significantly associated with MD change. Lean women (BMI <20 kg/m2) had a mean MD change of −1.13 cm2 per year (95% confidence interval = −1.25 to −1.02) compared with −0.46 cm2 per year (95% confidence interval = −0.57 to −0.35) for women with BMI 30 or higher. The annual MD change was −0.4 cm2 larger in women who were very physically active compared with less physically active women.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that all risk factors for breast cancer, except oral contraceptive use, are associated with baseline MD but that only age, BMI, and physical activity are determinants of MD change.