bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Understanding PCR Processes to Draw Meaningful Conclusions from Environmental DNA Studies
Authors: Kelly Ryan P. , Shelton Andrew Olaf , Gallego Ramón 
Published: August 2019

AbstractAs environmental DNA (eDNA) studies have grown in popularity for use in ecological applications, it has become clear that their results differ in significant ways from those of traditional, non-PCR-based surveys. In general, eDNA studies that rely on amplicon sequencing may detect hundreds of species present in a sampled environment, but the resulting species composition can be idiosyncratic, reflecting species’ true biomass abundances poorly or not at all. Here, we use a set of simulations to develop a mechanistic understanding of the processes leading to the kinds of results common in mixed-template PCR-based (metabarcoding) studies. In particular, we focus on the effects of PCR cycle number and primer amplification efficiency on the results of diversity metrics in sequencing studies. We then show that proportional indices of amplicon reads capture trends in taxon biomass with high accuracy, particularly where amplification efficiency is high (median correlation up to 0.97). Our results explain much of the observed behavior of PCR-based studies, and lead to recommendations for best practices in the field.
Time and space scattered volcanism of Mt. Etna driven by strike-slip tectonics
Authors: Firetto Carlino M. , Cavallaro D. , Coltelli M. , Cocchi L. , Zgur F. , Patanè D. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractHigh-resolution seismic reflection, magnetic and gravity data, acquired offshore of Etna volcano, provide a new insight to understanding the relationship between tectonics and spatial-temporal evolution of volcanism. The Timpe Plateau, a structural high pertaining to the Hyblean foreland domain, located offshore of southeastern Mt. Etna, is speckled by volcanics and strongly affected by strike-slip tectonics. Transpressive deformation produced a push-up and a remarkable shortening along WNW-ESE to NW-SE trending lineaments. Fault segments, bounding basinal areas, show evidence of positive tectonic inversion, suggesting a former transtensive phase. Transtensive tectonics favoured the emplacement of deep magmatic intrusive bodies and Plio-Quaternary scattered volcanics through releasing zones. The continuing of wrench tectonics along different shear zones led to the migration of transtensive regions in the Etna area and the positive inversion of the former ones, where new magma ascent was hampered. This process caused the shifting of volcanism firstly along the main WNW-ESE trending “Southern Etna Shear Zone”, then towards the Valle del Bove and finally up to the present-day stratovolcano.
Information Transfer by Near-Infrared Surface-Plasmon-Polariton Waves on Silver/Silicon Interfaces
Authors: Agrahari Rajan , Lakhtakia Akhlesh , Jain Pradip K. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractElectronic interconnections restrict the operating speed of microelectronic chips as semiconductor devices shrink. As surface-plasmon-polariton (SPP) waves are localized, signal delay and crosstalk may be reduced by the use of optical interconnections based on SPP waves. With this motivation, time-domain Maxwell equations were numerically solved to investigate the transport of information by an amplitude-modulated carrier SPP wave guided by a planar silicon/silver interface in the near-infrared spectral regime. The critical-point model was used for the permittivity of silicon and the Drude model for that of silver. The signal can travel long distances without significant loss of fidelity, as quantified by the Pearson and concordance correlation coefficients. The signal is partially reflected and partially transmitted without significant loss of fidelity, when silicon is terminated by air; however, no transmission occurs when silicon is terminated by silver. The fidelity of the transmitted signal in the forward direction rises when both silicon and silver are terminated by air. Thus, signals can possibly be transferred by SPP waves over several tens of micrometers in microelectronic chips.
The Delta Neutrophil Index Predicts the Development of In-hospital Hypotension in Initially Stable Patients with Pyogenic Liver Abscess
Authors: Kong Taeyoung , Park Yoo Seok , Lee Hye Sun , Kim Sinae , Lee Jong Wook , You Je Sung , Chung Hyun Soo , Park Incheol , Chung Sung Phil 
Published: August 2019

AbstractPrompt diagnosis and timely treatment are important for reducing morbidity and mortality from pyogenic liver abscess (PLA). The purpose of this study was to investigate the importance of the delta neutrophil index (DNI) reflecting the fraction of immature granulocytes as a predictor of the development of in-hospital hypotension in initially stable patients with PLA. We retrospectively identified 308 consecutive patients (>18 years) who were hemodynamically stable at presentation and diagnosed with PLA in the emergency department (ED) between January 2011 and September 2017. The outcome of interest was in-hospital hypotension 1–24 hours after admission to the ED. A high DNI at ED admission was an independent predictor of the development of in-hospital hypotension in initially stable patients with PLA (odds ratio [OR]: 1.44, 95.0% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06–1.95; P = 0.02). A DNI > 3.3% was associated with in-hospital hypotension at ED admission (OR: 5.37, 95.0% CI: 2.91–9.92; P < 0.001). The development of in-hospital hypotension was associated with an increased risk of 30-day mortality (HR: 8.55, 95.0% CI: 2.57–28.4; P < 0.001). A high DNI independently predicts the development of in-hospital hypotension in initially stable patients with PLA. In-hospital hypotension is associated with an increased risk of 30-day mortality.
Corrosion behavior of metastable AISI 321 austenitic stainless steel: Investigating the effect of grain size and prior plastic deformation on its degradation pattern in saline media
Authors: Tiamiyu A. A. , Eduok Ubong , Szpunar J. A. , Odeshi A. G. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe role of grain size and strain rate on the corrosion behavior of plastically-deformed Ti-stabilized austenitic stainless steel (AISI 321) in saline media was investigated. The as-received coarse-grained alloy (CG: ~37 µm) was subjected to thermomechanical processing to develop fine (FG: ~3 µm) and ultrafine (UFG: ~0.24 µm) grained structures. These samples were deformed under high (dynamic) and low (quasi-static) strain-rate conditions to a similar true strain of ~0.86. Microstructural analyses on specimens after deformation prior to corrosion study suggests a shift from the estimated stacking fault energy value of the steel. Electrochemical tests confirm the highest corrosion resistance for UFG specimens due to the formation of the most stable adsorbed passive film. This is followed by FG and CG specimens in that order. For the three grain sizes, the corrosion resistance of specimen deformed under quasi-static loading condition is higher than that subjected to dynamic impact loading while the corrosion resistance of undeformed samples is the least. This work also confirms the non-detrimental effect of TiCs in AISI 321 austenitic stainless steel on its corrosion resistance. However, TiNs were observed to be detrimental by promoting pitting corrosion due to galvanic coupling of TiNs with their surrounding continuous phase. The mechanism of pitting in AISI 321 in chloride solution is proposed.
Space-like 56Fe irradiation manifests mild, early sex-specific behavioral and neuropathological changes in wildtype and Alzheimer’s-like transgenic mice
Authors: Liu Bin , Hinshaw Robert G. , Le Kevin X. , Park Mi-Ae , Wang Shuyan , Belanger Anthony P. , Dubey Shipra , Frost Jeffrey L. , Shi Qiaoqiao , Holton Peter , Trojanczyk Lee , Reiser Vladimir , Jones Paul A. , Trigg William , Di Carli Marcelo F. , Lorello Paul , Caldarone Barbara J. , Williams Jacqueline P. , O’Banion M. Kerry , Lemere Cynthia A. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractSpace travel will expose people to high-energy, heavy particle radiation, and the cognitive deficits induced by this exposure are not well understood. To investigate the short-term effects of space radiation, we irradiated 4-month-old Alzheimer’s disease (AD)-like transgenic (Tg) mice and wildtype (WT) littermates with a single, whole-body dose of 10 or 50 cGy56Fe ions (1 GeV/u) at Brookhaven National Laboratory. At ~1.5 months post irradiation, behavioural testing showed sex-, genotype-, and dose-dependent changes in locomotor activity, contextual fear conditioning, grip strength, and motor learning, mainly in Tg but not WT mice. There was little change in general health, depression, or anxiety. Two months post irradiation, microPET imaging of the stable binding of a translocator protein ligand suggested no radiation-specific change in neuroinflammation, although initial uptake was reduced in female mice independently of cerebral blood flow. Biochemical and immunohistochemical analyses revealed that radiation reduced cerebral amyloid-β levels and microglia activation in female Tg mice, modestly increased microhemorrhages in 50 cGy irradiated male WT mice, and did not affect synaptic marker levels compared to sham controls. Taken together, we show specific short-term changes in neuropathology and behaviour induced by56Fe irradiation, possibly having implications for long-term space travel.
Electrical writing, deleting, reading, and moving of magnetic skyrmioniums in a racetrack device
Authors: Göbel Börge , Schäffer Alexander F. , Berakdar Jamal , Mertig Ingrid , Parkin Stuart S. P. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractA magnetic skyrmionium (also called 2π-skyrmion) can be understood as a skyrmion—a topologically nontrivial magnetic whirl—which is situated in the center of a second skyrmion with reversed magnetization. Here, we propose a new optoelectrical writing and deleting mechanism for skyrmioniums in thin films, as well as a reading mechanism based on the topological Hall voltage. Furthermore, we point out advantages for utilizing skyrmioniums as carriers of information in comparison to skyrmions with respect to the current-driven motion. We simulate all four constituents of an operating skyrmionium-based racetrack storage device: creation, motion, detection and deletion of bits. The existence of a skyrmionium is thereby interpreted as a ‘1’ and its absence as a ‘0’ bit.
The knowledge attitude and practice (KAP) of mothers of asthmatic children toward asthma in Khartoum asthma clinics
Authors: Noureddin Ahmed Abdulgadir , Shaaban Kamil Mirghani , Mohamed Sagad Omer Obeid , Abdalla Ahmed Ali , Mahmoud Ahmed Abdallah Ali , Salman Mohammed S. Tawer 
Published: August 2019

AbstractPrevention of asthma attacks is one of the major challenges of public health. Sufficient knowledge and positive attitudes and correct practices are crucial for the prevention of exacerbations. However, there is insufficiency of information in regard to these in Sudan. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and to identify the attitude and practice of mothers of asthmatic children concerning their use of inhalers, compliance to preventers and to measure its effect on the severity of the disease in their children. A sample of 100 consecutive mothers of asthmatic children was enrolled. Any mother with a child diagnosed with bronchial asthma for more than 3 months, and who attended the outpatient clinic of paediatric asthma in Soba or Ahmed Gasim hospitals or the Emergency room of Ahmed Gasim or Ibrahim Malik hospital in the period from 1st to 31st of October 2016 was eligible to be included. Asthma was believed to be infectious by 7% of the respondents. 17% of the mothers thought asthma was preventable by a vaccine. 21% found inhaler use unacceptable. Half of the mothers (50%) did not use the inhaler correctly. Most of the mothers (69%) did not use the inhaler if symptoms were mild and 53% didn’t use preventers. The severity of asthma was found to be significantly associated with the attitude and practice of mothers (P < 0.05). In conclusion, sustained efforts are required to increase knowledge about all dimensions of asthma and its management among patients and to disperse myths and misguided judgments regarding the disease and its treatment.
Diet, digestion and energy intake in captive common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus): research and management implications
Authors: Power Michael L. , Adams Jessica , Solonika Kirsten , Colman Ricki J. , Ross Corinna , Tardif Suzette D. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractCommon marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) are susceptible to intestinal inflammation which leads to chronic diarrhea, weight loss, and vitamin D deficiency. We examined food intake and digestion in three mixed-sex groups of adult marmosets maintained on three commercial base diets. Animals underwent two consecutive 4-day digestion trials. Body mass stayed constant. Feces and diet were assayed for Mn, fat, and gross energy (GE). Apparent digestibility of dry matter (ADDM) was calculated by the total collection method and from dietary and fecal Mn; the methods produced correlated results (r = 0.658, p < 0.001). Apparent digestibility of energy (ADE) was calculated from ADDM and the GE of feces and diet; apparent digestibility of fat (ADfat) was calculated from ADDM and fecal fat. ADDM and ADE varied by diet (p < 0.001). We found poor digesters on all three diets. The concentration of fecal fat was inversely related to ADE (r = −0.729, p < 0.001). High fecal fat (>10%) was associated with ADfat of zero, consistent with lipid malabsorption. Mean digestible energy intake (DEI) was equal to 1.5 the estimated metabolic rate, but varied widely between individuals. The diet with the fewest animals with high fecal fat had the highest mean DEI and most animals above 450 g, suggesting it may be obesogenic.
The effect of placental location identified before delivery on birthweight discordance among diamniotic-dichorionic twin pregnancies: a three-year retrospective cohort study
Authors: Lin Dongxin , Wu Shuzhen , Fan Dazhi , Li Pengsheng , Chen Gengdong , Ma Huiting , Ye Shaoxin , Rao Jiaming , Zhang Huishan , Chen Ting , Zeng Meng , Liu Yan , Guo Xiaoling , Liu Zhengping 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThis retrospective cohort study aimed to investigate the effect of placental location on birthweight discordance among diamniotic-dichorionic twin pregnancies. Medical records and sonographic reports of 978 diamniotic-dichorionic twin pregnancies delivered at Foshan Maternal and Fetal Health Hospital were reviewed. Pregnancies with congenital malformation, intrauterine death or placenta previa were excluded. The placental location for each twin was determined by last sonographic examination before delivery, and the pregnancies were grouped by different versus same placental location in each pregnancy. Maternal and fetal characteristics were summarized. The primary outcome of interest was birthweight discordance (BWD) ≥20%, and secondary outcomes included small for gestational age (SGA) as a binary outcome and mean value and absolute difference in birthweight as continuous outcomes. Student’s t test and the chi-square test were used for univariate analyses, while multivariate regressions were used to adjust for confounders. General estimated equation (GEE) models were used to address the correlation between fetuses when assessing SGA. A total of 866 eligible subjects were included in the analysis. In total, 460 pregnancies had placentas with different locations, and 406 had placentas with same locations. The gestational age at delivery was slightly younger in the same placental location group than in the different placental location group (35.8 ± 0.1 vs. 36.1 ± 0.1 weeks, P = 0.067). Other maternal and fetal characteristics were comparable between the two study groups. There was no significant difference in BWD ≥20% (aOR = 1.06; 95% CI: 0.71–1.59) or SGA (aOR = 1.32; 95% CI: 0.76–2.28) between the same and different placental location groups. Neither the mean value nor the absolute difference in birth weight was associated with placental location combination (P = 0.478 and P = 0.162, respectively). In conclusion, discordant birthweight is not affected by same location of diamniotic-dichorionic placentas.
Pediatric Audiology Productivity: Results From a Multicenter Survey
Authors: Steuerwald Wendy , Hunter Lisa L. , Karzon Roanne 
Published: August 2019

Purpose
This report focuses on audiology productivity measures and targets, impacting variables, and implementation of productivity in pediatric settings and “life span facilities” with a significant population of pediatric patients.

Research Design
A questionnaire was sent to 116 facilities in geographically diverse locations.

Results

Of the 116 surveys sent, 25 surveys were returned (response rate of 21.5%) and 22 had sufficient data to be included for analyses. The majority of the sites measure productivity at the individual and/or department level. No predominant productivity measurement method was reported. Measurement methods included the following: appointment length (
n
= 6), weighting Current Procedural Terminology codes (
n
= 6), relative value units (
n
= 5), a combination of methods (
n
= 1), and other specific parameters (
n
= 1). Thirteen sites measured productivity as a percentage of scheduled worked time with a target of 69% (ranged from 40% to 85%). Many variables thought to impact productivity were evaluated: age of the patient, scheduling, use of a 2nd tester, no-show rate, hearing aid status, components of auditory brainstem response evaluation, documentation time, and monaural or binaural services. Schedule review and adjustment, efficiency, and communication with staff were methods reported to increase productivity.

Conclusion
Most surveyed facilities measure productivity at the individual and/or department levels. However, there is no standard method. Current productivity measures include time-based measures based on appointment length, time-based measures assigned to Current Procedural Terminology codes, relative value units, combined approaches, and individual site developed programs. Many variables impact productivity measurements. Further study and discussion are needed to develop an optimal method for productivity measurement in audiology.
Cost structure – an important indicator of innovation activity in agro-industrial complex (by the example of crop production)
Authors: Voiku Ivan , Varlamov George 
Published: August 2019

In agro-industrial complex, cost structure is of strategic importance, because it allows to determine the level of innovation activity. The study revealed diversified influence of the innovation factor (acceleration of scientific and technological progress) on the cost structure and, first of all, on the change in the ratio of share of direct labor and materialized labor in favor of the latter. Implementation of the achievements of scientific and technological progress in enterprise activities leads to a reduction in the cost of direct labor and, at the same time, to an increase in its value due to the growth of qualification requirements. Furthermore, the innovative development of enterprises assumes the implementation of intensive technologies and the acquisition of more productive equipment. In the research, all the main agricultural crops in the Pskov region (Russia) are divided into groups according to the share of direct labor and materialized labor. The effectiveness of innovative development is determined by:

ratio of the savings from reduction of direct labor costs to the effect from implementation of the innovations, which have affected this reduction;
ratio of the savings from reduction of material costs and energy costs to the effect from implementation of the expensive technological innovations, which have affected this reduction.
Retrospektive Evaluation der Umsetzung einer klinikinternen Handlungsanweisung zur Ernährungstherapie von Intensivpatienten
Authors: Dresen Ellen , Weißbrich Carsten , Bühlmeier Judith , Weisheit Christina , Egert Sarah , Putensen Christian , Stehle Peter 
Published: August 2019

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund Die begleitende Ernährungstherapie von Intensivpatienten stellt eine besondere Herausforderung in der klinischen Routine dar und erfordert die Implementation von leitlinienbasierten Handlungsanweisungen.
Methoden In einer retrospektiven Analyse wurde die Umsetzung der klinikinternen Handlungsanweisung zur Ernährung kritisch kranker Patienten (Gültigkeitszeitraum September 2013 bis Januar 2016) sowie der Anordnung zur Ernährungstherapie auf einer operativen Intensivstation des Universitätsklinikums Bonn an Daten des Ernährungsmanagements von 31 Langzeit-Intensivpatienten (7 Frauen; Alter: 60 ± 17 Jahre; BMI: 28 ± 10 kg/m2; Dauer des Intensivaufenthalts: 34 ± 16 Tage) evaluiert. Ausgewertet wurden Daten zur Initiation, zum Ablauf sowie zur Berechnung und Umsetzung der Energie- und Proteinzufuhr. Dazu wurden jeweils die im Stationsalltag angeordnete bzw. protokollierte Zufuhr, die protokollierte Zufuhr abzüglich Reflux sowie das retrospektiv beurteilte Ziel, welches durch die klinikinterne Handlungsanweisung indiziert war, miteinander verglichen (linear gemischtes Modell).
Ergebnisse Mit der enteralen Ernährung wurde im Mittel an Tag 4 ± 3, mit der (supplementierenden) parenteralen an Tag 3 ± 3 begonnen. Die Energiezufuhr wurde mit Korrekturfaktoren als ein Vielfaches des Grundumsatzes nach Harris & Benedict berechnet. Der individuell verwendete Korrekturfaktor zur Berechnung der angeordneten Energiezufuhr wich über die gesamte Dauer des stationären Aufenthalts 0,1 ± 0,3 vom retrospektiv als angemessen erachteten Korrekturfaktor ab. Hieraus resultierte eine Abweichung der angeordneten Energiezufuhr vom Energieziel von 123 ± 528 kcal/24 h. Insbesondere in den Tagen 1 – 10 betrug die Abweichung des angeordneten vom retrospektiv als angemessen erachteten Korrekturfaktor 0,2 ± 0,4, was zu einer Differenz zwischen angeordneter Energiezufuhr und Energieziel von 426 ± 772 kcal/24 h führte. Die protokollierte Proteinzufuhr lag über die gesamte Behandlungsdauer bei 1,1 g/kg KG/24 h, während das retrospektiv ermittelte Proteinziel 1,0 g/kg KG/24 h betrug.
Schlussfolgerung Die Analyse liefert vertrauenswürdige Daten zur Implementation einer individualisierten Ernährungstherapie von Langzeit-Intensivpatienten auf einer operativen Intensivstation; diese können zur Weiterentwicklung von entsprechenden Handlungsanweisungen genutzt werden. Defizite bestehen sowohl im zeitlichen Ablauf (zu später Beginn) als auch in der Anordnung der Energie-/Nährstoffzufuhr. Umfassende Schulungen des ärztlichen und pflegerischen Personals zur Anwendung/Umsetzung der Ernährungstherapie sind zu empfehlen.
Antwort auf den Leserbrief zum Beitrag: Frühgeburtenrate in 6 Perinatalzentren in Baden-Württemberg – Potenzial zur Reduktion der Frühgeborenenzahl
Authors: Trotter Andreas , Schreiber Ricarda , Sander Silvia , Muche Rainer , Lucke Wolfram 
Published: August 2019

Frühgeburtenrate in 6 Perinatalzentren in Baden-Württemberg – Potential zur Reduktion der Frühgeborenenzahl
Sehr geehrte Herren Rossi, Heller und Maier,vielen Dank für Ihren Leserbrief bezüglich unserer Arbeit Trotter et al. 1, gerne gehen wir auf die einzelnen Punkte ein.