bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The fungal community and its interaction with the concentration of short‐chain fatty acids in the caecum and colon of weaned piglets
Authors: Li Jiayan , Luo Yuheng , Chen Daiwen , Yu Bing , He Jun , Huang Zhiqing , Mao Xiangbing , Zheng Ping , Yu Jie , Luo Junqiu , Tian Gang , Yan Hui , Wang Quyuan , Wang Huifen 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIn sharp contrast to the numerous studies on bacteria, very little is known about the fungal community in mammalian gut. Recent studies on human and mice highlighted the importance of “mycobiota” in the metabolism and gut health of host, but our knowledge on the fungal composition and distribution in swine gut is very limited. In the current study, the fungal community in the caecal and colonic digesta from five weaned piglets was analysed based on an Illumina HiSeq 2500 platform targeting the internal transcribed spacer 1 region, and its relationship with the concentration of short‐chain fatty acids was also investigated. Results revealed that the fungal profile in the caecal and colonic digesta of the piglets was distinct, and the caecal fungal diversity was significantly higher (p < .05). Basidiomycota and Ascomycota were the two predominant fungal phyla in the caecum and colon of the piglets. Comparing with that in colon, the abundance of Saccharomycopsis, Wallemia and Mrakia showed significantly higher (p < .05), and the abundance of Scheffersomyces, Aspergillus, Penicillium and Mucor was significantly lower in the caecum (p < .05). Canonical correspondence analysis showed a correlation between the fungal community and the concentration of isobutyrate, isovalerate, propionate and acetate in the digesta samples. Spearman's correlation indicated that the low‐abundance genera, Fusarium, Plectosphaerella and Metarhizium, were positively correlated with of isobutyrate (p < .05), while Xeromyces were negatively correlated with acetate (p < .05), and Cornuvesica was negatively correlated with both acetate and propionate (p < .05). Results illuminated a probable interaction between the fungal composition and the bacterial degradation of protein and complex carbohydrates in the diet. These findings would be helpful to enhance our understanding of fungi in swine gut and provide a foundation for future work on the function of mycobiota in pigs.
Abomasal emptying rate of diarrhoeic and healthy suckling calves fed with oral rehydration solutions
Authors: Hildebrandt Thomas , Scheuch Eberhard , Weitschies Werner , Schneider Felix , Grimm Michael , Bachmann Lisa , Vervuert Ingrid 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe aim of the study was to determine the abomasal emptying rate (AER) of calves suffering from naturally occurring diarrhoea compared with that of healthy calves. Furthermore, the effects of an oral rehydration solution (ORS) mixed into milk replacer on the AER were determined. Acetaminophen absorption test (APAT) was performed to estimate the AER. Sixty Holstein–Frisian calves (age < 14 days) were included in the study and divided into groups as follows: healthy calves (H; n = 16), healthy calves fed with ORS (HORS; n = 14), diarrhoeic calves (D; n = 15) and diarrhoeic calves fed with ORS (DORS; n = 15). For the APAT, the calves were fed 2 L of milk replacer containing 50 mg acetaminophen (AP)/kg body weight. Venous blood samples were collected before and after milk replacer and AP intake in 30–60 min intervals for 12 hr. During the APAT, no significant differences in median maximum acetaminophen concentration (Cmax) were observed among all groups. Time to reach maximum acetaminophen concentration (Tmax) in DORS (median 390 min, 25/75 quartiles: 300/480 min) was significantly higher compared with that in H (median: 270 min 25/75 quartiles: 210/315 min) and HORS (median: 300 min (25/75 quartiles: 240/360 min). Non‐linear regression revealed that the calculated abomasal half‐life (AP t1/2) tended to be delayed in DORS (median: 652 min, 25/75 quartiles: 445/795 min, p = .10). The area under the AP curve values (AUC) from 0 to 120 min and 0 to 240 min of the observation period were significantly higher in H than D and DORS. In conclusion, significant differences in the AER indices reflected delayed abomasal emptying in diarrhoeic calves. Furthermore, the hypertonic ORS tended to have an additive delaying impact on the AER, which needs attention for the feeding management of diarrhoeic calves.
Determinants of Public‐Sector Efficiency: Decentralization and Fiscal Rules
Authors: Christl Michael , Köppl‐Turyna Monika , Kucsera Dénes 
Published: January 2020

SUMMARYThis paper investigates the determinants of public‐sector efficiency, in particular the role of fiscal decentralization and fiscal rules. For 23 European countries over the period from 1995 to 2015, we construct a measure of public‐sector performance consisting of nine distinct indices for each area of public policy, such as administration, health education, economic performance, security and infrastructure.We use several efficiency techniques, e.g., free disposal hull and order‐m, and investigate input‐and output‐oriented efficiency in the public sector. We analyse in depth the impact of fiscal decentralization and fiscal rules on public‐sector efficiency. We conclude that, whereas decentralization fosters efficiency, fiscal rules have no effect. Moreover, fiscal rules, when combined with decentralization, may harm efficiency, which is consistent with the ratchet effect.
Uncertainty and unmet care needs before and after surgery in patients with gastric cancer: A survey study
Authors: Lee Ji Yea , Jang Yeonsoo , Kim Sanghee , Hyung Woo Jin 
Published: January 2020

AbstractUncertainty and unmet care needs constantly change in patients with cancer. However, there is a lack of information regarding the changing pattern of these variables. This study aimed to examine the changes in uncertainty and unmet care needs at diagnosis and after surgery among patients with gastric cancer. In total, 86 individuals completed a self‐reported questionnaire. Data were collected twice – to measure uncertainty and unmet care needs at cancer diagnosis (T1), and after surgery (T2) – and analyzed using descriptive analysis and a dependent t‐test. Uncertainty was moderate at both periods but significantly higher at T1. Unmet care needs were highest in the information domain and lowest in the sexuality domain at both T1 and T2. Only the physical/daily living domain were significantly higher at T2, whereas the information, psychological, and patient care/support domains were significantly higher at T1. Different levels of uncertainty and unmet needs were identified at T1 and T2. Healthcare providers should assess changing unmet care needs at each stage of the cancer trajectory and provide related nursing care and information to this population, even immediately after diagnosis.
Heat stress during flowering in cereals – effects and adaptation strategies
Authors: Jagadish S. V. Krishna 
Published: January 2020

SummaryHeat stress during flowering has differential impact on male and female reproductive organ viability leading to yield losses in field crops. Unlike flooded rice, dryland cereals such as sorghum, pearl millet and wheat have optimised their flower opening during cooler early morning or late evening hours to lower heat stress damage during flowering. Although previous studies have concluded that pollen viability determines seed set under heat stress, recent findings have revealed pearl millet and sorghum pistils to be equally sensitive to heat stress. Integrating flower opening time during cooler hours with increased pollen and pistil viability will overcome heat stress‐induced damage during flowering under current and future hotter climatic conditions.
Shifts in plant–microbe interactions over community succession and their effects on plant resistance to herbivores
Authors: Howard Mia M. , Kao‐Kniffin Jenny , Kessler André 
Published: January 2020

Summary

Soil microorganisms can influence the development of complex plant phenotypes, including resistance to herbivores. This microbiome‐mediated plasticity may be particularly important for plant species that persist in environments with drastically changing herbivore pressure, for example over community succession.

We established a 15‐yr gradient of old‐field succession to examine the herbivore resistance and rhizosphere microbial communities of Solidago altissima plants in a large‐scale field experiment. To assess the functional effects of these successional microbial shifts, we inoculated S. altissima plants with microbiomes from the 2nd, 6th and 15th successional years in a glasshouse and compared their herbivore resistance.

The resistance of S. altissima plants to herbivores changed over succession, with concomitant shifts in the rhizosphere microbiome. Late succession microbiomes conferred the strongest herbivore resistance to S. altissima plants in a glasshouse experiment, paralleling the low levels of herbivory observed in the oldest communities in the field.

While many factors change over succession and may contribute to the shifts in rhizosphere communities and herbivore resistance we observed, our results indicated that soil microbial shifts alone can alter plants' interactions with herbivores. Our findings suggest that changes in soil microbial communities over succession can play an important role in enhancing plant resistance to herbivores.
Dynamic inference for non‐Markov transition probabilities under random right censoring
Authors: Dobler Dennis , Titman Andrew 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe main contribution of this article is the verification of weak convergence of a general non‐Markov (NM) state transition probability estimator by Titman, which has not yet been done for any other general NM estimator. A similar theorem is shown for the bootstrap, yielding resampling‐based inference methods for statistical functionals. Formulas of the involved covariance functions are presented in detail. Particular applications include the conditional expected length of stay in a specific state, given occupation of another state in the past, and the construction of time‐simultaneous confidence bands for the transition probabilities. The expected lengths of stay in a two‐sample liver cirrhosis dataset are compared and confidence intervals for their difference are constructed. With borderline significance and in comparison to the placebo group, the treatment group has an elevated expected length of stay in the healthy state given an earlier disease state occupation. In contrast, the Aalen‐Johansen (AJ) estimator‐based confidence interval, which relies on a Markov assumption, leads to a drastically different conclusion. Also, graphical illustrations of confidence bands for the transition probabilities demonstrate the biasedness of the AJ estimator in this data example. The reliability of these results is assessed in a simulation study.
The Internet of Things: Social dimensions
Authors: Lupton Deborah 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe Internet of Things (IoT) is a vast, dispersed system in which a diverse array of objects, humans, and other living things is connected via “smart” technologies and the Internet. In this article, I present a thematic review of the literature that focuses on the social dimensions of the IoT. Drawing on research published in sociology, anthropology, cultural geography, critical urban studies, science and technology studies, environmental studies, and human–computer interaction studies and design, I outline key conceptual approaches and then discuss four major themes emerging across these dispersed but cognate literatures: (a) techno‐utopian imaginaries, (b) risks and harms, (c) lived experiences, and (d) interventions into futures. As I show, to date, most of the social research literature has focused on the topics of smart cities and smart homes in the context of the Global North. Some researchers have begun to employ innovative methods to generate new and alternative ways of imagining IoT technologies. The article concludes with proposing directions for future research. These include directing more attention to publics' role in intervening in the futures of IoT, to applications of smart technologies beyond the smart city and home, and the IoT in the context of the Global South.
Bloodstream infection by multidrug‐resistant Streptococcus oralis in a leukemic patient with febrile neutropenia after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Watanabe Noriyuki , Kobayashi Kiyoko , Koyama Sachie , Tabira Mayu , Matsuno Junpei , Taji Yoshitada , Akuzawa Yu , Ishikawa Maho , Maeda Tomoya , Imai Kazuo , Tarumoto Norihito , Asou Norio , Mitsutake Kotaro , Ebihara Yasuhiro 
Published: January 2020

AbstractWe reported the case of a patient with leukemia who developed febrile neutropenia after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Blood culture results revealed the presence of Streptococcus oralis, while antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed the resistance to penicillin and cephem. Furthermore, isolates were not susceptible to either meropenem or daptomycin but not to vancomycin. S oralis is known to belong to Streptococcus mitis group and be a causative agent of bacteremia in the neutropenic patients, but multidrug resistance of S oralis is rare. Our findings suggest that we might pay attention to the emergence of the microorganisms acquiring multidrug resistance in neutropenic patients.
Simulation-Based Assessment of Performance Indicator for Data Center Cooling Optimization
Authors: Petrongolo John , Nemati Kourosh , Fouladi Kamran 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Data center power consumption has grown substantially in the past 20 years. According to the United States Data Center Energy Usage Report, the data center consumption in 2014 was estimated at 70 billion kWh, which accounted for 1.8% of the total U.S. electricity. The present effort investigates the effects of various data center parameters on a new set of metrics called the performance indicator to help assess and optimize the cooling performance of data centers. The three metrics in the performance indicator include power usage effectiveness ratio (PUEr), thermal conformance, and thermal resilience. The data center parameters investigated include computer room air handler (CRAH) setpoints, room configuration layouts, and containment strategies. The results show that the CRAH setpoint significantly influences the PUEr with higher setpoint values resulting in lower PUEr values. Room configuration layout changes and containment strategies showed substantial effects on thermal conformance and thermal resilience. The thermal conformance was increased approximately 10% with room configuration changes without changing the PUEr. Full hot aisle containment also improved the thermal conformance by 7.4%.
Influencing Greater Adoption of Eco-Driving Practices Using an Associative Graphical Display
Authors: Potvin-Bernal J. , Hansma B. , Donmez B. , Lockwood P. , Shu L. H. 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Substantial energy savings during the use phase of internal combustion and electric automobiles can be achieved by increasing eco-driving behavior, particularly reduced acceleration and braking. However, motivating widespread adoption of this behavior is challenging due to incompatibility with drivers’ values and priorities, and disassociation between drivers’ actions and observable consequences. Informational approaches, e.g., training programs and educational campaigns, are either difficult to scale up or largely ineffective, with drivers reluctant to make long-term changes. Alternatively, behavior can be influenced by redesigning the context within which the behavior occurs. Such an intervention must be effective across demographics and underlying behaviors to achieve ubiquity. The current study investigates the perceived effect on the driving style of a simple graphical dashboard display depicting an animated coffee cup. This display incorporates associative mental models and contextual relevance to increase the salience of inefficient vehicle movements and nudge drivers to adopt smoother driving. An online Amazon Mechanical Turk survey (92 participants) revealed a significant preference for the coffee-cup over a dial-gauge display when controlling for demographic variables. This result offers a preliminary indication that a behavioral nudge may be effective in influencing drivers to adopt eco-driving practices.
Consent for babies born following surrogate pregnancies
Authors: Hodgson Heather Sharon , Nye Abigail , Finlay Fiona 
Published: January 2020

Surrogate pregnancies are becoming more common, but the law governing who can give consent following surrogate births is complex. Parental responsibility (PR) may be held by a variety of individuals, depending on the specific circumstances.We conducted a survey of paediatric medical staff within Health Education South West to establish knowledge regarding consent for a baby before a parental or adoption order is obtained. Our results showed that 19% of the 47 respondents answered all scenarios correctly. 43% of respondents knew that the surrogate mother had PR in all scenarios; however, 13% incorrectly assumed that either intended parent always had PR. Knowledge of other individuals who could provide consent in the scenarios was variable.Our survey revealed poor understanding regarding medicolegal aspects of consent in these complex situations, emphasising the need for more specific published guidance for primary and secondary healthcare professionals encountering these babies in the early postnatal period.
Is chronic ankle instability associated with impaired muscle strength? Ankle, knee and hip muscle strength in individuals with chronic ankle instability: a systematic review with meta-analysis
Authors: Khalaj Nafiseh , Vicenzino Bill , Heales Luke James , Smith Michelle D 
Published: January 2020

ObjectiveDetermine whether impairments in lower limb muscle strength exist in individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI) compared with uninjured controls.DesignSystematic review with meta-analysis.Data sourceA comprehensive search of PubMed, Cochrane, CINAHL, Web of Science and EMBASE electronic databases from inception to 10 February 2019.Eligibility criteria for selecting studiesCross-sectional and case–control studies were included if they objectively measured lower limb muscle strength in individuals with CAI compared with controls. Risk of bias and quality of included studies were assessed. Data of included studies were extracted, and meta-analysis was conducted where appropriate.Results12 397 unique studies were identified, of which 20 were included and 16 were eligible for meta-analysis. Reviewed studies clearly described the aim/hypothesis and main outcome measure, but most lacked sample size calculation and assessor blinding. Meta-analyses showed individuals with CAI had lower eccentric and concentric evertor strength (30 and 120°/s; Nm; standardised mean difference (SMD) between −0.73 and −0.95), eccentric invertor strength (60 and 120°/s; both Nm and Nm/kg; SMD between −0.61 and −1.37), concentric invertor strength (60 and 120°/s; Nm; SMD=−0.7) and concentric knee extensor strength (SMD=−0.64) compared with control participants. Ankle eccentric dorsiflexor strength was not different between groups. Although pooling was not possible, data from three separate studies indicated that hip flexor, abductor and external rotator strength, but not hip adductor and extensor strength, was lower in individuals with CAI than in control participants.ConclusionIndividuals with CAI have ankle inversion and eversion strength deficits. Our data also point to differences between individuals with CAI and controls in hip and knee strength. These elements of the kinetic chain should be evaluated by clinicians who rehabilitate individuals with CAI.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42016037759.
Metabolic characteristics of Africans with normal glucose tolerance and elevated 1-hour glucose: insight from the Africans in America study
Authors: Briker Sara M , Hormenu Thomas , DuBose Christopher W , Mabundo Lilian S , Chung Stephanie T , Ha Joon , Sherman Arthur , Tulloch-Reid Marshall K , Bergman Michael , Sumner Anne E 
Published: January 2020

IntroductionRisk of insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, diabetes and cardiac death is increased in Asians and Europeans with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and 1-hour glucose ≥8.6 mmol/L. As African descent populations often have insulin resistance but a normal lipid profile, the implications for Africans with NGT and glucose ≥8.6 mmol/L (NGT-1-hour-high) are unknown.ObjectiveWe performed oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs) in 434 African born-blacks living in Washington, DC (male: 66%, age 38±10 years (mean±SD)) and determined in the NGT group if either glucometabolic or lipid profiles varied according to a 1-hour-glucose threshold of 8.6 mmol/L.MethodsGlucose tolerance category was defined by OGTT criteria. NGT was subdivided into NGT-1-hour-high (glucose ≥8.6 mmol/L) and NGT-1-hour-normal (glucose <8.6 mmol/L). Second OGTT were performed in 27% (119/434) of participants 10±7 days after the first. Matsuda Index and Oral Disposition Index measured insulin resistance and beta-cell function, respectively. Lipid profiles were obtained. Comparisons were by one-way analysis of variance with Bonferonni corrections for multiple comparisons. Duplicate tests were assessed by к-statistic.ResultsOne-hour-glucose ≥8.6 mmol/L occurred in 17% (47/272) with NGT, 72% (97/134) with pre-diabetes and in 96% (27/28) with diabetes. Both insulin resistance and beta-cell function were worse in NGT-1-hour-high than in NGT-1-hour-normal. Dyslipidemia occurred in both the diabetes and pre-diabetes groups but not in either NGT group. One-hour glucose concentration ≥8.6 mmol/L showed substantial agreement for the two OGTTs (к=0.628).ConclusionsAlthough dyslipidemia did not occur in either NGT group, insulin resistance and beta-cell compromise were worse in NGT-1 hour-high. Subdividing the NGT group at a 1-hour glucose threshold of 8.6 mmol/L may stratify risk for diabetes in Africans.
Web-based decision-making tool for smoking cessation (Pare de fumar conosco) among patients with chronic conditions in Brazil : one-arm feasibility study
Authors: Cupertino Ana Paula , Cartujano-Barrera Francisco , Basile Colugnati Fernando Antonio , Batista Formagini Taynara Dutra , Garcia de Siqueira Galil Arise , Ferreira Carvalho Banhato Eliane , Ferreira Marilda Aparecida , Richter Kimber P 
Published: January 2020

ObjectiveTo assess the feasibility of Pare de fumar conosco, a web-based smoking cessation decision-making tool, among patients with chronic conditions in Brazil.MethodsWe recruited 85 Brazilian smokers in two clinical centres for chronic conditions to complete Pare de fumar conosco. Outcome measures included interest in using smoking cessation resources and self-reported 7-day point prevalence abstinence 12 weeks following the intervention.ResultsThe average age of participants was 54.2 years old (SD=10.5) and 77.9% had not completed high school. All participants were daily smokers and the majority smoked ≥11 cigarettes per day (63.5%). Pre–post intervention interest in using pharmacotherapy and group counselling significantly increased (82.4% vs 22.4%, p≤0.0001; and 85.9% vs 21.2%, p≤0.0001, respectively). At 12 weeks, eight participants (9.4%) reported 7-day point prevalence abstinence using intention-to-treat analysis (35.2% follow-up rate).ConclusionThe Pare de fumar conosco smoking cessation web-based tool significantly increased interest in pharmacotherapy and behavioural counselling. Additional testing as a formal randomised clinical trial appears warranted.