bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct and transgenerational effects of an experimental heatwave on early life stages in a freshwater snail
Authors: Leicht Katja , Seppälä Otto
Published: September 2019

Global climate change imposes a serious threat to natural populations of many species. Estimates of the effects of climate change‐mediated environmental stresses are, however, often based only on their direct effects on organisms, and neglect the potential transgenerational (e.g. maternal) effects.

We tested whether high temperature (i.e. an experimental heatwave), which is known to reduce the performance of adultLymnaea stagnalissnails, affects the produced offspring (eggs and hatchlings) through maternal effects, and how strong these effects are compared with the effects of direct exposure of offspring to high temperature. We examined the effect of maternal thermal environment (15°C versus 25°C) on per offspring investment (egg size), and the role of both maternal and offspring thermal environments (15°C versus 25°C) on hatching success and developmental time of eggs, offspring survival after hatching, and hatchling size at the age of 5 weeks.

Exposure of mothers to high temperature reduced the size of oviposited eggs, increased their hatching success, and also made the onset of hatching earlier. However, high maternal temperature reduced the survival and the final size of hatched juveniles. Direct exposure of offspring to high temperature reduced their survival (both eggs and hatchlings) but increased the developmental rate and growth of those individuals that survived. Interestingly, the magnitude of maternal effects on hatching success of eggs and hatchling survival were similar to the direct effects of high temperature.

Our results indicate that heatwaves can affect natural populations through transgenerational maternal effects and that the magnitude of those effects can be equally strong to the direct effects of temperature, although this depends on the trait considered. These findings highlight the importance of considering the transgenerational effects of climate warming when estimating its effects in the wild.
Telling stories to communicate the value of the pre‐employment structured job interview
Authors: Zhang Don C. , Zhu Xiaoyuan (Susan) , Ritter Kelsey‐Jo , Thiele Aneeqa
Published: September 2019

In an effort to bridge the scientist–practitioner gap in the employee selection, some researchers have advocated telling stories to better communicate the value of evidence‐based hiring practices to human resource (HR) professionals. In this paper, we conducted two experiments that examine the efficacy of storytelling for overcoming managers’ resistance to use structured job interviews. In two experiments, we found that participants who read a story regarding the effectiveness of structured interviews, as opposed to receiving evidence‐based advice, reported more favorable attitudes toward structured job interviews. Serial mediation analysis revealed that the observed attitude change was mediated by an increase in narrative transportation and reduction in counterarguing. Implications for using stories in communicating the value of evidence‐based HR practices are discussed.
The euro exchange rate and Germany's trade surplus
Authors: Hohberger Stefan , Ratto Marco , Vogel Lukas
Published: September 2019

In the context of debates about the euro exchange rate's (EXR) impact on Germany's (DE) trade surplus, we estimate a multiregion macroeconomic model (1999–2018) and provide a counterfactual in which we simulate the shocks of the estimated model in an alternative setting with freely floating nominal EXRs. The results suggest a reduction of the DE trade surplus by up to 1.3% of gross domestic product (GDP; around 1/4 of the surplus) during 2010–2015 compared to the data, together with a stronger real effective EXR (REER). The rest of the euro area (REA) net exports are more negative (by up to −0.6% of GDP) in the counterfactual before the EA crisis, but more positive (by up to 0.4% of GDP) in recent years. Overall, the counterfactual DE and REA trade balance and REER trajectories are very similar to the actual paths. Modifying shock processes in the counterfactual would give rise to larger differences.
Proposing channel coordination and horizontal cooperation in two competitive three‐echelon reverse supply chains
Authors: Rahmani Saeed , Haeri Abdorrahman , Hosseini‐Motlagh Seyyed‐Mahdi
Published: September 2019

Considering and analyzing various kinds of cooperation among supply chain members is an option for better managing each channel. It is noteworthy that in many real‐world cases, each of vertical and horizontal cooperation has an important role in the success of supply chains. Nevertheless, only vertical cooperation in most previous research is considered. This paper addresses both vertical and horizontal cooperation in two competitive reverse supply chains, each of which includes one collector, one remanufacturer, and one retailer. Our primary concern is to analyze quality improvement competition between the remanufacturers. Moreover, retail price competition between the retailers and the quality competition are simultaneously considered in the extended model. In this research, the investigated system has been analyzed under different structures including decentralized, centralized, horizontal cooperation, and coordinated decision‐making models. The results show that when the remanufacturers cooperate horizontally, the profit of each collector and that of the retailer will decrease compared with those in the decentralized structure. To overcome this problem, a new coordination contract named multiple‐link two‐part tariff is proposed to simultaneously coordinate the members of each chain. The proposed contract effectively convinces the remanufacturers to participate in the coordination model instead of the horizontal cooperation. Moreover, it provides a win–win–win condition for all chain members and improves the quality level of the remanufactured products. The results indicate the proper performance of the proposed contract in improving the benefits of the competing chains, especially when there exists no intense competition between the remanufacturers (i.e., when the market sensitivity to the quality of the remanufactured products is low and consequently less effort is needed to increase the quality of the remanufactured products). Moreover, the proposed contract not only is able to simultaneously increase both remanufactured products demand and of end‐of‐life products supply but also involves both economic and environmental benefits.
Silencing of NONO inhibits abdominal aortic aneurysm in apolipoprotein E‐knockout mice via collagen deposition and inflammatory inhibition
Authors: Xu Xingli , Zhang Fang , Lu Yue , Yu Sufang , Sun Wenqian , Sun Shangwen , Cheng Jing , Ma Jing , Zhang Meng , Zhang Cheng , Zhang Yun , Zhang Kai
Published: September 2019

The role of Non‐POU‐domain‐containing octamer‐binding protein (NONO) in the formation and development of angiotensin II (Ang II)‐induced abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in apolipoprotein E‐knockout (ApoE−/−) mice is still unknown. In Part I, the protein level of NONO was suggestively greater in the AAA tissues compare to that in the normal abdominal aortas. In Part II, 20 ApoE−/− male mice were used to examine the transfection efficiency of lentivirus by detecting GFP fluorescence. In Part III, mice were arbitrarily separated into two groups: one was the control group without Ang II infusion, and another was the Ang II group. Mice treated with Ang II were further randomly divided into three groups to receive the same volume of physiological saline (NT group), sh‐negative control lentivirus (sh‐NC group) and si‐NONO lentivirus (sh‐NONO group). NONO silencing suggestively reduced the occurrence of AAA and abdominal aortic diameter. Compare to the NT group, NONO silencing markedly augmented the content of collagen and vascular smooth muscle cells but reduced macrophage infiltration in AAA. In addition, knockdown of NONO also increased the expression of prolyl‐4‐hydroxylase α1, whereas also decreased the levels of collagen degradation and pro‐inflammatory cytokines in AAA. We detected the interface of NONO and NF‐κB p65, and found that NONO silencing inhibited both the nuclear translocation and the phosphorylation levels of NF‐κB p65. Silencing of NONO prevented Ang II‐influenced AAA in ApoE−/− mice through increasing collagen deposition and inhibiting inflammation. The mechanism may be that silencing of NONO decreases the nuclear translocation and phosphorylation of NF‐κB.
The Juvenile Justice Reform Act of 2018: Updating the Federal Approach to Youth Involved, and At‐Risk of Becoming Involved, in the Juvenile Justice System
Authors: Smoot Naomi
Published: September 2019

On December 21, 2018, the Juvenile Justice Reform Act was signed into law, marking the first update in 16 years to the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974, as amended. The reforms reflect much of the knowledge that has been gained through research and science over the past decade and strengthen the Act’s core protections for youth in the juvenile justice system. The changes also expand the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention’s role in research, and technical assistance, and provide for additional oversight for related programs.
Comparison of two commercially available rapid detection methods and a conventional culture method to detect naturally occurring salmonellae on broiler carcasses
Authors: Cosby Douglas E. , Cox Nelson A. , Berrang Mark E. , House Sandra L. , Line J. Eric , Frye Jonathan G. , Jackson Charlene R. , Hinton Arthur
Published: September 2019

Detection of Salmonella on commercially processed broiler carcasses is essential to reduce the incidences of human salmonellosis. This study was designed to compare the standard procedure for Salmonella detection with two commercial screening methods. During seven separate visits to two processing plants, eight carcasses were obtained (n = 112). Each carcass was rinsed and the rinsate processed according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) protocol. Predetermined aliquots of rinsates were screened on the BAX® and Roka® instruments according to manufacturer's protocol and analyzed using the USDA, FSIS cultural method. Four Salmonella‐like colonies from presumptive positive rinsates were selected, screened biochemically, and serologically confirmed as Salmonella. Results indicated Salmonella was recovered from 15.2% (17/112), 14.3% (16/112), and 12.5% (14/112) of carcasses by cultural methods, BAX, and Roka analysis, respectively. These findings indicate that both rapid, molecular methods tested were as effective as the conventional cultural procedure in detecting Salmonella from broiler carcass rinsates.

Practical Applications

According to the results of this study, there was no statistical difference in the number of carcass rinsates in which Salmonella was detected by the three methods. The ability of all three methods to detect naturally occurring Salmonella provides the poultry industry and regulatory agencies more tools to increase the safety of poultry products available to the consumer.
What socioenvironmental impacts did 35 years of export agriculture have in Mexico? (1980–2014): A transnational agri‐food field analysis
Authors: González Humberto
Published: September 2019

In this article, I propose to study environmental degradation and the deterioration of the health of workers and other inhabitants in regions of Mexico where intensive fruit and vegetable production for export has been developed. My proposition is that to understand the unsustainability of such agricultural practices in all their complexity, it is necessary to analyse historically the total agri‐food field of relations established by producers, distributors, and consumers in codependency with the natural environment. This analysis of the agri‐food field allows a multidimensional and multiscale study to be conducted of the hierarchical distribution of power and of economic benefits among the different social actors of the food system. This analysis also allowed us to study the development of the capitalist regime without going into the dichotomy of centre and periphery and to propose that it is a decentralized process with a multiplicity of locations that operates on the basis of mutual associations and influences between human and non‐human elements, with the active participation of a great variety of independent, collective, and institutional actors who have differentiated motivations, ranges of power and scales of value. The case study of Mexican export agriculture was the result of long‐term research based on a wide review of regional studies, field work statistics, and archives in Mexico and the United States. This cross‐border study makes it possible to identify asymmetrical transnational relations in a context in which the Mexican government has renounced its territorial and agri‐food sovereignty and Mexican consumers face greater vulnerability.
Mini‐invasive approach for removal of iliopsoas migrating grass awns with an atraumatic wound retractor
Authors: Moretti G. , Birettoni F. , Caivano D. , Nannarone S. , Crovace A. , Porciello F. , Bufalari A.
Published: September 2019

This case series describes a novel mini coeliotomy approach using a radial, atraumatic self‐retaining retractor for the retrieval of migrant plant foreign bodies from the iliopsoas muscles of six male dogs under intra‐operative ultrasonographic guidance. Four dogs had a history of pulmonary disease potentially compatible with inhalation of a foreign body approximately 2–4 months before presentation. Under ultrasonographic guidance, the grass awns were identified in the iliopsoas muscle and were completely removed. In this case series, the annular ring device provided an excellent view of the surgical field for intra‐abdominal manipulations. Patient follow‐up at 15 days and 6 to 12 months after surgery indicated a full recovery, and no grass awn fragment residues were identified.
Changes in some biological parameters of the silver cyprinid, Rastrineobola argentea (Pellegrin, 1904) in the Nyanza Gulf of Lake Victoria, Kenya
Authors: Yongo Edwine , Olukoye Joshua , Makame Ali , Chebon Brian
Published: September 2019

The study examined length–weight relationship, condition factor, size at 50% maturity and fecundity of Rastrineobola argentea in the Nyanza Gulf of Lake Victoria, Kenya. The 500 fish examined had a mean length of 39.4 ± 0.3 mm SL, ranging from 17 to 55 mm SL and weighed between 0.08 and 2.44 g. The length–frequency analysis indicated a unimodal distribution between 35 and 40 mm SL, with a modal length at 37 mm SL. The fish exhibited a positive allometric growth pattern (b = 3.4). The condition factor for all fish was 1.02. Male fish showed a decreasing trend in condition factor with increasing body length, while females exhibited an increasing trend. The length at 50% maturity was estimated at 43 and 44 mm SL for males and females, respectively. The smallest mature male was 41 mm SL and 42 mm SL for females, with 100% maturity already exhibited at 49 mm SL. Fecundity varied from 235 eggs for 33 mm SL to 2,309 eggs for 54 mm SL fish. positive linear relationships were found between fecundity against standard length and ovary weight. Comparisons with previous studies in this lake over time indicated a decrease in length at maturity and an increase in fecundity, which are strategies to maximize reproductive success. The findings of this study provide useful information for managing the fishery.
North Atlantic killer whaleOrcinus orcapopulations: a review of current knowledge and threats to conservation
Authors: Jourdain Eve , Ugarte Fernando , Víkingsson Gísli A. , Samarra Filipa I. P. , Ferguson Steven H. , Lawson Jack , Vongraven Dag , Desportes Geneviève
Published: September 2019

The first comprehensive review on North Atlantic killer whalesOrcinus orcawas published in 1988. Since then, a significant increase in published studies has substantially improved our understanding of occurrence patterns, major food sources, abundance and population structuring in the North‐east Atlantic. Dedicated studies on killer whales in the Mid‐ and West Atlantic were undertaken beginning in 2006, mainly following an increase in their presence due to rapidly changing environmental conditions in the Arctic regions of Canada and Greenland.

Compiling 111 scientific articles and reports published from 1957 to date, this review assesses the current state of knowledge of North Atlantic killer whale populations. We reviewed distribution, abundance, movements, genetic structure, acoustics, population parameters, and threats, whilst highlighting the connection among regions from east to west.

Our results indicated that, while North Atlantic killer whales should be recovering following the end of the harvest, culling and live captures in the 1980s, new emerging threats including chemical pollution, anthropogenic noise and increasing unregulated subsistence harvest in Greenland could be hampering this rebound.

There is an urgent need to collect data on the abundance and population structure of killer whales in Greenland and Eastern Canada. A lack of information across most regions of the North Atlantic Ocean has prevented regional status assessments from being conducted. Ongoing and future studies should be aimed at collecting relevant data to undertake these assessments, particularly genetic samples and photo‐identification.
Carbamazepine‐induced nystagmus in a 29‐year‐old patient
Authors: Al‐Sibahee Essam , Alkaissi Hussam
Published: September 2019

The reported cases of carbamazepine‐induced nystagmus were usually of the downbeat type. In this report, we present a case of bilateral, gaze‐evoked, horizontal nystagmus in a 29‐year‐old patient with epilepsy who has been treated with carbamazepine since the age of 14. This case shows that the differential diagnosis of horizontal nystagmus in a patient with epilepsy should include possible toxicity of carbamazepine.
Analysis of rabbit anti‐thymocyte globulin vs basiliximab induction in pediatric liver transplant recipients
Authors: Newland David M. , Royston Macy J. , McDonald Derry R. , Nemeth Thomas L. , Wallace‐Boughter Kelly , Carlin Kristen , Horslen Simon
Published: September 2019

Literature is limited comparing induction immunosuppression in pediatric liver transplant (LTx) recipients. This is a single‐center, retrospective cohort study of primary pediatric liver transplants at our center between 2005 and 2016 who received either basiliximab (BSX) or rabbit anti‐thymocyte globulin (rATG) induction. Maintenance immunosuppression consisted of tacrolimus ± a corticosteroid taper. Exclusions included receipt of an ABO‐incompatible graft, retransplantation, and multi‐organ transplantation. Primary outcomes were incidence of treated biopsy‐proven acute rejection (tBPAR) and PTLD within the first year and infections within 90 days of LTx. Secondary outcomes included graft and patient survival, time to first tBPAR, and incidence of steroid‐resistant rejection (SRR) within the first year post‐LTx. A total of 136 patients were included in the final analysis of which 57 patients (42%) received BSX induction. Patients who received rATG induction with or without a 2‐week corticosteroid taper experienced significantly more tBPAR compared to those who received BSX induction with a 6‐month corticosteroid taper (55.7% vs 33.3%, P = .01). There were no differences in the incidence of PTLD, infections, SRR, graft or patient survival, or time to first tBPAR between the two groups. Induction with rATG either with or without a short corticosteroid taper was associated with significantly more tBPAR in primary pediatric LTx recipients when compared to BSX induction with a prolonged corticosteroid taper in the setting of maintenance immunosuppression with tacrolimus.
To Belong or Not to Belong. Affective Self‐Nationalization in Thailand
Authors: Gaber Katrina
Published: September 2019

Through analyzing conflict narratives regarding Khao Phra Wihan, a territorial conflict important for nationalists in Thailand, this article aims to detangle how nationalization is experienced and performed on an individual level. In this article, the concept “affective self‐nationalization” is proposed to analyze the emotional and embodied practices through which individuals fashion themselves into nationalized subjects. In Thailand, self‐nationalization is instigated by the governing agency through repeated, regular, mandatory, public performances of loyalty through which individuals create the nation collectively. These performances create automatic feelings to the nation, establishes national others as fearsome, and rule through the basic human need of belonging. At the same time, individuals’ emotions shape the society through how they decide to perform nationalization. The concept of “affective self‐nationalization” captures the connections between the official nationalizing program of “outside” society in a form of nationalist emotional socialization with individual experience of nationalizing.
Perinatal risk factors associated with skin infection hospitalisation in Western Australian Aboriginal and Non‐Aboriginal children
Authors: Barnes Rosanne , Bowen Asha C. , Walker Roz , Tong Steven Y. C. , McVernon Jodie , Campbell Patricia T. , Fathima Parveen , de Klerk Nicholas H. , Wu Yue , Blyth Christopher C. , Carapetis Jonathan R. , Moore Hannah C.
Published: September 2019

Background

Hospitalisation with skin infection in Western Australian (WA) Aboriginal children is common, with the highest rates in infants and children from remote WA.

Objective

We aimed to quantify infant, maternal, and sociodemographic risk factors for skin infection hospitalisation in WA children, focussing on Aboriginal children aged <17 years.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective population‐based cohort study with linked perinatal and hospitalisation data on WA‐born children (1996‐2012), of whom 31 348 (6.7%) were Aboriginal. We used Cox regression to calculate adjusted hazard ratios and associated population attributable fractions (PAFs) for perinatal factors attributed to first hospitalisation with skin infection. To identify specific risk factors for early‐onset infection, we further restricted the cohort to infants aged <1 year.

Results

Overall, 5439 (17.4%) Aboriginal and 6750 (1.5%) non‐Aboriginal children were hospitalised at least once with a skin infection. Aboriginal infants aged <1 year had the highest skin infection hospitalisation rate (63.2 per 1000 child‐years). The strongest risk factors in Aboriginal children aged <17 years were socio‐economic disadvantage, very remote location at birth, and multi‐parity (≥3 previous pregnancies) accounting for 24%, 23%, and 15% of skin infection hospitalisations, respectively. Other risk factors included maternal age <20 years, maternal smoking during pregnancy, and low birthweight.

Conclusions

We have quantified the relative influence of perinatal risk factors associated with skin infection hospitalisations in WA children, providing measures indicating which factors have the potential to reduce the most hospitalisations. Our evidence not only supports existing calls for substantial government investment in addressing underlying social and environmental barriers to healthy skin in WA Aboriginal children but also identifies potential areas to target health promotion messaging at individuals/families on maternal smoking during pregnancy and skin hygiene for families.
Glyoxalase 1 expression is downregulated in preimplantation blastocysts of diabetic rabbits
Authors: Seeling Tom , Haucke Elisa , Navarrete Santos Alexander , Grybel Katarzyna J. , Gürke Jacqueline , Pendzialek S. Mareike , Schindler Maria , Simm Andreas , Navarrete Santos Anne
Published: September 2019

In a diabetic pregnancy, an altered maternal metabolism led to increased formation of reactive α‐dicarbonyls such as glyoxal (GO) and methylglyoxal (MGO) in the reproductive organs and embryos. The enzyme glyoxalase (GLO) 1 detoxifies reactive α‐dicarbonyls thus protecting cells against malfunction or modifications of proteins by advanced glycated end products (AGEs). The aim of this study was to analyse the influence of a maternal insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus (IDD) on GLO1 expression and activity in preimplantation embryos in vivo and human trophoblast cells (Ac‐1M88) in vitro. Maternal diabetes was induced in female rabbits by alloxan before conception and maintained during the preimplantation period. GLO1 expression and activity were investigated in 6‐day‐old blastocysts from healthy and diabetic rabbits. Furthermore, blastocysts and human trophoblast cells were exposed in vitro to hyperglycaemia, GO and MGO and analysed for GLO1 expression and activity. During gastrulation, GLO1 was expressed in all compartments of the rabbit blastocyst. Maternal diabetes decreased embryonic GLO1 protein amount by approx. 30 per cent whereas the enzymatic activity remained unchanged, indicating that the specific GLO1 activity increases along with metabolic changes. In in vitro cultured embryos, neither hyperglycaemia nor MGO and GO had an effect on GLO1 protein amount. In human trophoblast cells, a stimulating effect on the GLO1 expression was shown in the highest GO concentration, only. Our data show that maternal diabetes mellitus affects the specific activity of GLO1, indicating that GLO1 was post‐translationally modified due to changes in metabolic processes in the preimplantation embryos.
The complex relationship between welfare and reproduction in cattle
Authors: Ritter Caroline , Beaver Annabelle , von Keyserlingk Marina A. G.
Published: September 2019

Using reproduction parameters as indicators for cattle welfare has limitations and, at best, these parameters should only be viewed as indirect indicators of welfare. On a farm level, measures such as fertility rates emphasize biological performance of the herd but fail to consider the welfare of individual animals. Even on an individual level, the relationship between reproductive effectiveness and animal welfare is complex. Good reproductive performance does not automatically signify good welfare, as domestication and targeted breeding programmes have led to prioritization of high productive and reproductive performance in most modern farm animal species. In this review, we synthesize literature regarding cattle husbandry, reproduction, welfare and their multidimensional relationships. We argue that practices such as artificial insemination or the use of sexed semen may provide potential welfare advantages as these practices reduce the risk of disease transmission and injury or enable selection of specific beneficial traits. Furthermore, they may offer a solution to current practices jeopardizing welfare, such as the management of surplus bull calves in the dairy industry. Conversely, the animals’ ability to perform natural behaviours such as oestrous expression, an aspect arguably contributing to welfare, is often limited on commercial farms; this limitation is particularly evident in housing systems such as tie stalls where movement is restricted. Moreover, common management practices such as oestrus manipulation may lead to negative attitudes in citizens who often regard naturalness as important element of animal welfare.
Collagens and DNA methyltransferases in mare endometrosis
Authors: Alpoim‐Moreira Joana , Fernandes Carina , Rebordão Maria Rosa , Amaral Ana , Pinto‐Bravo Pedro , Bliebernicht Miguel , Skarzynski Dariusz J. , Ferreira‐Dias Graça
Published: September 2019

Inflammation and fibroproliferative diseases may be modulated by epigenetic changes. Therefore, we suggest that epigenetic mechanisms could be involved in equine endometrosis pathogenesis. DNA methylation is one of the methods to evaluate epigenetics, through the transcription of methyltransferases (DNMT1, DNMT3A, DNMT3B). The correlation between DNMTs and collagen (COL) transcripts was assessed for the different Kenney and Doig's (Current Therapy in Theriogenology. Philadelphia: WB Saunders; 1986) endometrium categories. Endometrial biopsies were randomly collected from cyclic mares. Histological classification (category I, n = 13; II A, n = 17; II B, n = 12; and III, n = 7) and evaluation of COL1A2, COL3A1 and DNMTs transcripts by qPCR, were performed. Data were analysed by one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Kruskal–Wallis test and Pearson correlation. As mares aged, there was an increase in endometrium fibrosis (p < .01), and in DNMT1 mRNA (p < .001). Considering DNMT3B transcripts for each category, there was an increase with fibrosis (p < .05). No changes were observed for DNMT1 and DNMT3A transcripts. However, DNMT3A mRNA levels were the highest in all categories (p < .01). In category I endometrium, a positive correlation was observed for transcripts of all DNMTs in both COLs (p < .01). In category IIA, this correlation was also maintained for all DNMTs transcripts in COL1A2 (p < .05), but only for DNMT3B in COL3A1 (p < .05). In category IIB, there was a positive correlation between DNMT3B and COL3A1 (p < .05). In category III, a positive correlation was only observed between DNMT3B and COL3A1 (p < .05). Our results suggest that there is a disturbance in COLs and DNMTs correlation during fibrosis.
Galectin‐3 is associated with severe heart failure and death: A hospital‐based study in Chinese patients
Authors: Wang Na , Dang Minyan , Zhang Wenzhi , Lei Yan , Liu Zhaochuan
Published: September 2019

Heart failure (HF) is a serious disease syndrome characterized by elevated pro‐inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory mediators presume to have significant contribution on disease progression. Galectins are carbohydrate‐binding proteins responsible of various physiological functions. Role of galectins in heart failure has been ill‐defined. In the present case‐controls study, 136 patients clinically diagnosed with heart failure and 125 healthy Chinese controls were recruited. Levels of galectins (Gal‐1, 3 and 9) and cytokines (IFN‐γ, IL‐17A, IL‐4 and TGF‐β) were quantified by ELISA. Increased levels of galectin‐1 and 3 was observed in HF patients and associated with clinical severity. In addition, pro‐inflammatory cytokines such as IFN‐γ and IL‐17A were increased in patients whereas, anti‐inflammatory TGFβ was decreased. Galectin‐3 was positively correlated with IFN‐γ, IL‐17A and inversely with TGF‐β. Furthermore, ROC curve analysis suggested galectin‐3 as a promising biomarker for diagnosis and HF and clinical severity. Interestingly, a two‐year follow‐up indicated significant association of elevated galectin‐3 with mortality due to HF. In conclusion, galectin‐3 associated with HF and clinical manifestations possibly by inducing pro‐inflammatory cytokines and could be a possible biomarker of HF and severe clinical conditions.
An Investigation of the End-Notched Flexure and End-Loaded Split Tests Applied to the Mode II Interlaminar Fracture of a SiC/SiC Ceramic Matrix Composite
Authors: Presby Michael J. , Kannan Manigandan , Morscher Gregory N. , Godines Cody , Eftekharian Amirhossein , Ahmad Jalees , Abdi Frank , Choi Sung R.
Published: September 2019

Delamination is a common failure mode observed in ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) and occurs as a result of applied interlaminar tensile and shear stresses exceeding the interlaminar strength. As CMCs are further implemented into aero engines, the need to understand their interlaminar failure becomes increasingly important. While significant contributions have been made toward understanding the mode I fracture toughness of CMCs, limited work exists on mode II. Several test methods for measuring the mode II fracture toughness have been proposed in the literature, namely, the end-notched flexure (ENF) and the end-loaded split (ELS) tests. This work investigates the mode II fracture toughness of a melt-infiltrated SiC/SiC CMC at ambient temperature using the ENF and ELS test methods. Acoustic emission (AE), direct current potential drop (DCPD), and digital image correlation (DIC) are implemented as health monitoring techniques to monitor crack initiation and propagation. Results show reasonable correlation between the two test methods and that the ELS test method is better suited for characterizing R-curve behavior.
Analysis of the Influence of Transient State of the Overhead Pipeline Placed in an Open-Air Space on the Accuracy of its Insulation Assessment Based on the Results of Outer Shell Thermovision Diagnostics
Authors: Kruczek Tadeusz
Published: September 2019

The proper thermal diagnostics of pipeline insulation is an important problem. The heat losses from the pipelines depend distinctly on the quality of this insulation. Changes in weather conditions cause transient accumulation of energy in the pipeline insulation and may cause difficulties during evaluation of the quality of the pipeline thermal insulation. Generally, the goal of this investigation was to identify the scale of energy accumulation inside thermal insulation. This is important because during the calculation of heat losses from thermal pipelines on the basis of infrared camera temperature measurement results usually a steady thermal state inside the insulation is assumed. In order to determine the distributions of the temperature inside the insulation, the calculations of the temperature changes inside the pipeline insulation for real changeable meteorological conditions with the use of software ansys-fluent and others have been carried out. Both the heat transfer between the inner pipeline tube and outer pipeline shell and energy accumulation inside the pipeline elements were considered. For the pipeline insulation evaluation purpose, different coefficients for the analysis of energy accumulation scale were defined and used. The measurement results of the temperature of inner pipeline tube and outer pipeline shell gathered during the operation of the special experimental rig were used as input data for the aforementioned numerical simulations. In these calculations, they constituted the first (Dirichlet's) boundary condition. The conclusions resulting from this work are useful for specialists involved in the technical evaluation of the thermal protection features of pipelines.
A Semi-Infinite Hydraulic Fracture Driven by a Herschel–Bulkley Fluid
Authors: Bessmertnykh Alena O. , Dontsov Egor V.
Published: September 2019

Hydraulic fracturing is an industrial process often applied to enhance oil and gas recovery. Under this process, fractures are generated by the injection of highly pressurized fluids, which often exhibit shear-thinning rheology and yield stress. The global fracture propagation is influenced by various processes occurring near the fracture tip. To gain an insight into fracture propagation, the problem of a semi-infinite hydraulic fracture propagating in a permeable linear elastic rock is solved. To investigate the effect of fluid yield stress, we focus on a fracture driven by Herschel–Bulkley fluid. The mathematical model consists of the elasticity equation, the lubrication equation, and the propagation criterion for the semi-infinite plane strain fracture to obtain the fracture opening. The non-linear system of governing equations is represented in the non-singular form and solved numerically using Newton’s method. The solution is influenced by the competing processes related to rock toughness, fluid properties, and leak-off. The effects of these phenomena prevail at different length scales, and the corresponding limits can be described via analytical solutions. For a Herschel-Bulkley fluid, an additional limiting solution related to the fluid yield stress is obtained, and the regions of the dominance of limiting solutions affected by the yield stress are investigated. Finally, a faster approximate solution for the problem is proposed and its accuracy against a numerical solution is evaluated. The obtained result can be applied in hydraulic fracturing simulators to account for the effect of Herschel–Bulkley fluid rheology on the near-tip region.
Open-access megajournals lose momentum
Authors: Brainard Jeffrey
Published: September 2019

Concerns include declining volume, slower publication, and softening citation measures.
Fire on the mountain
Authors: Appenzeller Tim
Published: September 2019

More than 2 centuries after Humboldt charted life zones on Ecuador's Chimborazo, climate change is transforming the peak.
Building mountain biodiversity: Geological and evolutionary processes
Authors: Rahbek Carsten , Borregaard Michael K. , Antonelli Alexandre , Colwell Robert K. , Holt Ben G. , Nogues-Bravo David , Rasmussen Christian M. Ø. , Richardson Katherine , Rosing Minik T. , Whittaker Robert J. , Fjeldså Jon
Published: September 2019

Mountain regions are unusually biodiverse, with rich aggregations of small-ranged species that form centers of endemism. Mountains play an array of roles for Earth’s biodiversity and affect neighboring lowlands through biotic interchange, changes in regional climate, and nutrient runoff. The high biodiversity of certain mountains reflects the interplay of multiple evolutionary mechanisms: enhanced speciation rates with distinct opportunities for coexistence and persistence of lineages, shaped by long-term climatic changes interacting with topographically dynamic landscapes. High diversity in most tropical mountains is tightly linked to bedrock geology—notably, areas comprising mafic and ultramafic lithologies, rock types rich in magnesium and poor in phosphate that present special requirements for plant physiology. Mountain biodiversity bears the signature of deep-time evolutionary and ecological processes, a history well worth preserving.
Synthesis of a copper-supported triplet nitrene complex pertinent to copper-catalyzed amination
Authors: Carsch Kurtis M. , DiMucci Ida M. , Iovan Diana A. , Li Alex , Zheng Shao-Liang , Titus Charles J. , Lee Sang Jun , Irwin Kent D. , Nordlund Dennis , Lancaster Kyle M. , Betley Theodore A.
Published: September 2019

Catching a copper nitrene

Nitrogen typically forms three bonds in its stable compounds. If only one bond is available, the resultant electron-deficient nitrene can react rapidly with hydrocarbons to fill out its valence shell. Metal-stabilized nitrenes have been widely implicated in carbon-nitrogen bond-forming reactions, but the putative intermediates have rarely been synthesized directly. Carsch
et al.
now report preparation of a copper nitrene complex from an azide precursor. X-ray absorption and diffraction studies support a triplet electronic state that does not engage in multiple bonding with the copper center.

Science
, this issue p.
1138
Above- and belowground linkages shape responses of mountain vegetation to climate change
Authors: Hagedorn Frank , Gavazov Konstantin , Alexander Jake M.
Published: September 2019

Upward shifts of mountain vegetation lag behind rates of climate warming, partly related to interconnected changes belowground. Here, we unravel above- and belowground linkages by drawing insights from short-term experimental manipulations and elevation gradient studies. Soils will likely gain carbon in early successional ecosystems, while losing carbon as forest expands upward, and the slow, high-elevation soil development will constrain warming-induced vegetation shifts. Current approaches fail to predict the pace of these changes and how much they will be modified by interactions among plants and soil biota. Integrating mountain soils and their biota into monitoring programs, combined with innovative comparative and experimental approaches, will be crucial to overcome the paucity of belowground data and to better understand mountain ecosystem dynamics and their feedbacks to climate.
Shape regulation of high-index facet nanoparticles by dealloying
Authors: Huang Liliang , Liu Mohan , Lin Haixin , Xu Yaobin , Wu Jinsong , Dravid Vinayak P. , Wolverton Chris , Mirkin Chad A.
Published: September 2019

Stabilizing rougher nanoparticles

For many reactions catalyzed by metal nanoparticles, the more exposed metal atoms on high-index faces can be more active than metal atoms on smooth, low-index faces. Surface ligands can be used to stabilize high-index surfaces, but they can also be hard to remove. Huang
et al.
report the solid-state synthesis of metal nanoparticles such as platinum and chromium that can form tetrahexahedral nanoparticles with high-index faces. Metals such as bismuth and lead were alloyed with the transition metals at high temperatures and then evaporatively dealloyed during a quench to room temperature.

Science
, this issue p.
1159
Accelerating the movement for mountain peoples and policies
Authors: Makino Yuka , Manuelli Sara , Hook Lindsey
Published: September 2019

Policies can have impacts extending far downstream
Pseudomonas aeruginosa ExsA Regulates a Metalloprotease, ImpA, That Inhibits Phagocytosis of Macrophages
Authors: Tian Zhenyang , Cheng Sen , Xia Bin , Jin Yongxin , Bai Fang , Cheng Zhihui , Jin Shouguang , Liu Xiaoyun , Wu Weihui
Published: September 2019

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
is an opportunistic pathogenic bacterium whose type III secretion system (T3SS) plays a critical role in acute infections. Translocation of the T3SS effectors into host cells induces cytotoxicity. In addition, the T3SS promotes the intracellular growth of
P. aeruginosa
during host infections. The T3SS regulon genes are regulated by an AraC-type regulator, ExsA. In this study, we found that an extracellular metalloprotease encoded by
impA
(PA0572) is under the regulation of ExsA.
Development of an Evolutionary Tree Concept Inventory
Authors: Kummer Tyler A. , Whipple Clinton J. , Bybee Seth M. , Adams Byron J. , Jensen Jamie L.
Published: September 2019

Despite the importance of tree-thinking and evolutionary trees to biology, no appropriately developed concept inventory exists to measure student understanding of these important concepts. To address this need, we developed a multiple-choice concept inventory consisting of 24 pairs of items, and we provide evidence to support its use among undergraduate students. A set of learning outcomes was developed to guide the creation of the concept inventory. The learning outcomes, student interviews, and student responses were used to develop and revise inventory items. Supporting evidence was gathered from traditional item analysis, exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, traditional reliability analyses, and comparisons to alternative assessments. Appropriate implementation and utility of the concept inventory are discussed.
Promoting Science Communication with Children’s Literature as a High-Impact Practice (HIP) Assessment
Authors: Ruffell Sarah E. , Mayberry Tommy
Published: September 2019

To emphasize the importance of public outreach and science communication within STEM, and to foster in students a greater appreciative understanding of the scientific content within their courses, the Science Library Project has students creating children’s books about key course content. At the end of this project, the student writer-publishers are able to display their critical and creative work as they collaborate with local teachers in a networked conversation about science and multimodal communication. This innovative pedagogical approach to assessment is important both inside and outside of the Sciences because it participates in High Impact Practice (HIP) pedagogy to have students invest a significant amount of time and effort over an extended period of time as they participate in frequent, timely, and constructive feedback and, most importantly, have the opportunity to discover the relevance of their learning through real-world applications in the public demonstration of their book projects. This practical paper shares our approach to creating and implementing the Science Library Project that activates written and visual communication modes to motivate Science learners to engage with course concepts in deeper and creative ways.
Cross-sectional survey of mental health literacy among undergraduate students of the University of Nigeria
Authors: Aluh Deborah Oyine , Okonta Matthew Jegbefume , Odili Valentine Uche
Published: September 2019

Objective

This study sought to assess knowledge of schizophrenia and help-seeking behaviour among undergraduate students of a Nigerian university. Sociodemographic predictors of correct recognition were also explored.

Design

The study was a cross-sectional descriptive survey.

Setting

The study was carried out at the University of Nigeria, a pioneer university located in Southeastern Nigeria.

Participants

Undergraduate students of the University of Nigeria.

Methods

All consenting male and female students of three purposively selected faculties were recruited for the study. Self-administered vignette-based questionnaires were distributed to students of the selected faculties between September and November 2018. Data were analysed using the IBM Statistical Product and Services Solution for Windows V.21.0.

Results

Out of the 400 questionnaires that were distributed, 389 were completed and returned (97.3% response rate). Respondents were mainly female (64.9%, n=252) and were between the ages of 18 and 24 years (75.8%, n=294). One in eight respondents (12.1%, n=47) correctly identified and labelled the schizophrenia vignette. Hallucination was the most identified symptom of distress for schizophrenia (47.9%, n=186). The most common alternative label for schizophrenia was ‘mental illness’ (24.7%, n=96). Schizophrenia was also mislabelled as depression (11.6%, n=45). More than a 10th of the respondents used stigmatising labels such as ‘crazy’ and ‘mad’ (11.1%, n=43). Psychiatrists were the most recommended source of help for the vignette character (36.3%, n=141). There was a strong association between the faculty of study and the ability to correctly identify and label the schizophrenia vignette (χ2=44.557, p<0.001).

Conclusion

Mental health literacy among students of the University of Nigeria was poor. Research on culturally sensitive interventions to improve mental health literacy should be embarked on.
Short-notice (48 hours) ACCREDITATION trial in Australia: stakeholder perception of assessment thoroughness, resource requirements and workforce engagement
Authors: Uren Hailie , Vidakovic Branislav , Daly Michael , Sosnowski Kellie , Matus Vladimir
Published: September 2019

Background

External, independent accreditation assessments of healthcare organisations are necessary to ensure the nationally legislated minimum standards of quality and safety (QS) are met. The predetermined scheduling of the assessments continues to be criticised due to the high level of organisational emphasis on preparing for accreditation.

Objectives

To determine the stakeholder perception of assessment thoroughness, staff resource requirements and workforce engagement changes if only 48 hours’ notice is given to an organisation prior to an accreditation assessment, compared with the standard-notice accreditation process.

Methods

Logan and Beaudesert Hospitals in Brisbane, Australia, trialled the ‘Short-Notice Survey Accreditation Assessment Process’ (SNAAP) between August 2017 and December 2018. The organisation was given just 48 hours’ notice prior to an accreditation assessment. Staff perception of the standard-notice accreditation process and short-notice process was assessed using a 5-point Likert scale repeated measures questionnaire (pretrial, 6 and 12 months after SNAAP launch).

Results

There was a statistically significant stakeholder opinion that SNAAP more effectively identified the true strengths and achievements of the organisation’s QS compared with ‘standard-notice’ survey (p=0.033). There was a significantly lower overall perceived proportion of staff resources required for SNAAP preparation in contrast to ‘standard-notice’ process (Baseline Av=21.38% vs Follow-up 1 and 2 Av=9.75%–6.25%, p=0.021). The questionnaire results reflected that SNAAP increased staff engagement in QS activities (Av=3.75 and 3.69, 95% CI=3.45–4.05 and 3.45–3.94).

Conclusions

With sufficient cultural and operational preparation to move to SNAAP, hospitals can potentially use SNAAP as a truer validation of QS standards, require less staffing resources to prepare for accreditation assessments and improve staff engagement in QS assurance and improvement.