bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Arrhythmia induction using isoproterenol or epinephrine during electrophysiology study for supraventricular tachycardia
Authors: Patel Parin J. , Segar Rachel , Patel Jyoti Kandlikar , Padanilam Benzy J. , Prystowsky Eric N. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundElectrophysiology study (EPS) is an important part of the diagnosis and workup for supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). Provocative medications are used to induce arrhythmias, when they are not inducible at baseline. The most common medication is the β1‐specific agonist, isoproterenol, but recent price increases have resulted in a shift toward the nonspecific agonist, epinephrine.ObjectiveWe hypothesize that isoproterenol is a better induction agent for SVT during EPS than epinephrine.MethodsWe created a retrospective cohort of 131 patients, who underwent EPS and required medication infusion with either isoproterenol or epinephrine for SVT induction. The primary outcome was arrhythmia induction.ResultsSuccessful induction was achieved in 71% of isoproterenol cases and 53% of epinephrine cases (P = 0.020). Isoproterenol was significantly better than epinephrine for SVT induction during EPS (odds ratio [OR], 2.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14‐4.85; P = 0.021). There was no difference in baseline variables or complications between the two groups. Other variables associated with successful arrhythmia induction included a longer procedure duration and atrioventricular nodal re‐entry tachycardia as the clinical arrhythmia. In a multivariable model, isoproterenol remained significantly associated with successful induction (OR, 2.57; 95% CI, 1.002‐6.59; P = 0.05).ConclusionsIsoproterenol was significantly better than epinephrine for SVT arrhythmia induction. However, epinephrine was safe and successfully induced arrhythmias in the majority of patients who received it. Furthermore, when atropine was added in epinephrine‐refractory cases, in a post hoc analysis there was no difference in arrhythmia induction between medications. Cost savings could thus be significant without compromising safety.
Molecular evidence for the paraphyly of Scolecophidia and its evolutionary implications
Authors: Miralles Aurélien , Marin Julie , Markus Damien , Herrel Anthony , Hedges S. Blair , Vidal Nicolas 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe phylogenetic relationships between the three main clades of worm snakes remain controversial. This question is, however, crucial to elucidate the origin of the successful snake radiation, as these burrowing and miniaturized wormlike organisms represent the earliest branching clades within the snake tree. The present molecular phylogenetic study, intended to minimize the amount of missing data, provides fully resolved inter‐subfamilial relationships among Typhlopidae. It also brings robust evidence that worm snakes (Scolecophidia) are paraphyletic, with the scolecophidian family Anomalepididae recovered with strong support as sister clade to the ‘typical snakes’ (Alethinophidia). Ancestral state reconstructions applied to three different traits strongly associated to a burrowing life‐style (scolecoidy, absence of retinal cones and microstomy) provide results in favour of a burrowing origin of snakes, and suggest that worm snakes might be the only extant fossorial representatives of the primordial snake incursion towards an underground environment.
Antibacterial effects of Schisandra chinensis extract on Staphylococcus aureus and its application in food
Authors: Song Liya , Cui Shumei , Li Ting , Yang Shuran , Wang Qian , He Keke , Zheng Yumei , He Congfen 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill is a member of the Magnoliaceae and is used in traditional medicine. Its extracts have antibacterial activity against foodborne pathogens. In present study, the antibacterial properties of Sc. chinensis were tested on S.aureus. An in vitro antibacterial assay showed that Sc. chinensis extracts (SCE) inhibited the growth of test bacteria at a MBC of 18mg mL−1. SCE demonstrated strong antibacterial activity in barley soup system. Treated by SCE, the growth curves of S.aureus exhibited extended lag phases and abbreviated log phases, S. aureus presented with wrinkled and withered surfaces and surrounded by soluble substances probably consisting of leaked intracellular materials. Further, S. aureus released the periplasmic enzyme (AKPase) and increased activities of membrane‐bound Na+/K+/ Ca++‐ATPase. Therefore, SCE can damage S. aureus cell membranes and walls. Moreover, SCE decreased dehydrogenase and total ATPase activities, and intracellular protein contents, even interacted with DNA by groove binding.Practical applicationsIn a barley soup model food system, SCE possessed a high level of antibacterial activity and significantly reduced total viable bacterial counts. This study laid the theoretical foundation for the application of Schisandra chinensis extract in preventing the growth of foodborne pathogens.
Production of safer food by understanding risk factors for L. monocytogenes occurrence and persistence in food processing environments
Authors: Alvarez‐Ordóñez Avelino , Leong Dara , Hunt Karen , Scollard Johann , Butler Francis , Jordan Kieran 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen that causes listeriosis, a relatively rare gastrointestinal disease with a high mortality rate. As L. monocytogenes is ubiquitous in the environment, control of the organism in food processing environments is necessary to prevent cross‐contamination of the food from the environment. In this study, the outcomes of a survey of management practices at 32 food processing facilities were statistically correlated with the occurrence and persistence of L. monocytogenes using multiple regression analyses and logistic regression analysis. No management practices correlated with persistence, while training of staff by management or external trainers, and separation of hygiene control areas correlated with a reduction in L. monocytogenes occurrence. The importance of management practices in reduction of L. monocytogenes in food processing environments was identified. Wider implementation of these practices could contribute to reduction in the occurrence of L. monocytogenes in food processing environments, facilitating production of safer food.Practical applicationsThis study highlights that management practices can decrease the occurrence of L. monocytogenes in food processing environments, helping with the production of safer food. In particular, segregation of areas close to food contact and relevant training of staff by management are important. If applied, these simple practices could help with reduction of L. monocytogenes in food.
Bridging the Gaps: Credits, Adoption, and Inequality
Authors: FARIAS MARIA ELISA , SCAVIA JAVIER , FUENTES RAÚL 
Published: September 2018

AbstractWe examine here the role of credits on technology adoption and inequality from the perspective of developing countries. Utilizing a model of exogenous growth, with heterogeneous labor and technical progress embodied in physical capital, we find that credits can contribute to a faster adoption and to reducing income inequality. Thus, a virtuous cycle of credits, a shorter technological gap, less inequality, and economic growth is feasible to be created when there is full liquidity in the market. When credits are constrained, the cycle loses virtuosity, where the economy can lose up to two points in growth due to credit constraints.
Teachers' attitudes toward and frequency of engagement in reading aloud in the primary classroom
Authors: Merga Margaret Kristin , Ledger Susan 
Published: September 2018

AbstractReading aloud to children is considered one of the most highly effective strategies for fostering a range of literacy skills, both at home and within contemporary classrooms. However, little is known about teachers' attitudes toward reading aloud, their self‐reported frequency of engagement in the practice and what may pose as contemporary barriers to the practice. The 2016 Western Australian Study in Reading Aloud (WASRA) collected data from over 100 teachers at 14 Australian schools. The WASRA reveals tensions in translating reading aloud practices into daily practice due to reported lack of time and high curriculum demands. The findings suggest that primary school teachers typically enjoy reading aloud to children, though fewer enjoyed reading themselves. Recommendations are provided to address time and curriculum demands purported as being inhibitors of daily reading practices. These recommendations go some way to help mitigate against literacy inequities within our primary classrooms and in so doing encourage provision of daily reading opportunities for teachers and reading aloud practices.
Embracing the tension between vulnerability and credibility: ‘intellectual candour’ in health professions education
Authors: Molloy Elizabeth , Bearman Margaret 
Published: September 2018

The tension between expressing vulnerability and seeking credibility creates challenges for learning and teaching. This is particularly true in health care, in which practitioners are regarded as highly credible and making errors can often lead to dire consequences and blame. From a transformative learning perspective, expressing vulnerability may help individuals to access different ways of knowing. By contrast, from a sociological perspective, seeking to maintain credibility results in ritualised interactions and these ritualised encounters can reinforce credibility. One means of embracing this tension between expressing vulnerability and appearing credible is ‘intellectual candour’, an improvisational expression of doubts, thoughts and problems with the dual purpose of learning and promoting others’ learning. Educators’ revelations of inner struggles are proposed as a means of inviting reciprocal vulnerability. This builds trust and a platform for learning, particularly of the transformative nature. It also allows modelling of how to balance the vulnerability–credibility tension, which may provide a template for professional practice.
Thinking of selection and widening access as complex and wicked problems
Authors: Cleland Jennifer A , Patterson Fiona , Hanson Mark D 
Published: September 2018

Objectives‘Wicked problems’ are complex in nature, have innumerable causes associated with multiple social environments and actors with unpredictable behaviour and outcomes, and are difficult to define or even resolve. This paper considers why and how the frameworks of complexity theory and wicked problems can help medical educators consider selection and widening access (WA) to medicine through fresh eyes to guide future policy and practice. We illustrate how ‘wickedity’ can frame the key issues in this area, and then address steps that education stakeholders might take to respond to and act on these issues.MethodsWe used the 10 properties of a wicked problem to frame common issues in the broad field of selection and WA in medicine. We drew heavily on literature from different disciplines, particularly education, and, through debate and reflection, agreed on the applicability of the theory for illuminating and potentially addressing outstanding issues in selection and WA.ResultsFraming medical school selection using the 10 properties of wicked problems is a means of shifting thinking from erroneous ‘simple’ solutions to thinking more contextually and receptively. The wicked problem framework positions selection as a multi‐causal, complex, dynamic, social problem and foregrounds stakeholders’ views and context as being highly relevant in medical school selection.ConclusionsThe wicked problem lens shifts thinking and action from seeking one elusive, objective truth to recognising the complexity of medical school selection, managing uncertainty, questioning and considering ‘issues’ associated with medical school selection more productively. Although there are criticisms of this framework, labelling medical selection as ‘wicked’ provides original insights and genuine reframing of the challenges of this important, and high profile, aspect of medical education. Doing so, in turn, opens the door to different responses than would be the case if selection and WA were simple and readily tamed.
Genome‐wide identification of genes directly regulated by ChvI and a consensus sequence for ChvI binding in Sinorhizobium meliloti
Authors: Ratib Nicole R. , Sabio Erich Y. , Mendoza Carolina , Barnett Melanie J. , Clover Sarah B. , Ortega Jesus A. , Dela Cruz Francesca M. , Balderas David , White Holly , Long Sharon R. , Chen Esther J. 
Published: September 2018

SummaryExoS/ChvI two‐component signaling in the nitrogen‐fixing α‐proteobacterium Sinorhizobium meliloti is required for symbiosis and regulates exopolysaccharide production, motility, cell envelope integrity and nutrient utilization in free‐living bacteria. However, identification of many ExoS/ChvI direct transcriptional target genes has remained elusive. Here, we performed chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by microarray analysis (chIP‐chip) to globally identify DNA regions bound by ChvI protein in S. meliloti. We then performed qRT‐PCR with chvI mutant strains to test ChvI‐dependent expression of genes downstream of the ChvI‐bound DNA regions. We identified 64 direct target genes of ChvI, including exoY, rem and chvI itself. We also identified ChvI direct target candidates, like exoR, that are likely controlled by additional regulators. Analysis of upstream sequences from the 64 ChvI direct target genes identified a 15 bp‐long consensus sequence. Using electrophoretic mobility shift assays and transcriptional fusions with exoY, SMb21440, SMc00084, SMc01580, chvI, and ropB1, we demonstrated this consensus sequence is important for ChvI binding to DNA and transcription of ChvI direct target genes. Thus, we have comprehensively identified ChvI regulon genes and a ‘ChvI box’ bound by ChvI. Many ChvI direct target genes may influence the cell envelope, consistent with the critical role of ExoS/ChvI in growth and microbe–host interactions.
Changes to the core and flanking sequences of G‐box elements lead to increases and decreases in gene expression in both native and synthetic soybean promoters
Authors: Zhang Ning , McHale Leah K. , Finer John J. 
Published: September 2018

SummaryCis‐regulatory elements in promoters are major determinants of binding specificity of transcription factors (TFs) for transcriptional regulation. To improve our understanding of how these short DNA sequences regulate gene expression, synthetic promoters consisting of both classical (CACGTG) and variant G‐box core sequences along with different flanking sequences derived from the promoters of three different highly expressing soybean genes, were constructed and used to regulate a green fluorescent protein (gfp) gene. Use of the classical 6‐bp G‐box provided information on the base level of GFP expression while modifications to the 2–4 flanking bases on either side of the G‐box influenced the intensity of gene expression in both transiently transformed lima bean cotyledons and stably transformed soybean hairy roots. The proximal 2‐bp sequences on either flank of the G‐box significantly affected G‐box activity, while the distal 2‐bp flanking nucleotides also influenced gene expression albeit with a decreasing effect. Manipulation of the upstream 2‐ to 4‐bp flanking sequence of a G‐box variant (GACGTG), found in the proximal region of a relatively weak soybean glycinin promoter, significantly enhanced promoter activity using both transient and stable expression assays, if the G‐box variant was first converted into a classical G‐box (CACGTG). In addition to increasing our understanding of regulatory element composition and structure, this study shows that minimal targeted changes in native promoter sequences can lead to enhanced gene expression, and suggests that genome editing of the promoter region can result in useful and predictable changes in native gene expression.
A Pilot Observational Study of Environmental Summertime Health Risk Behavior in Central Brisbane, Queensland: Opportunities to Raise Sun Protection Awareness in Australia's Sunshine State
Authors: Dexter Ben , King Rachel , Harrison Simone L. , Parisi Alfio V. , Downs Nathan J. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractMelanoma skin cancer rates in Queensland exceed the national Australian incidence rate, which together with New Zealand are recognized as the world's highest. Incidence is especially high among younger members of the population. In this study, the sun‐protective behaviors of urban Queenslanders (n = 752) going about their day‐to‐day activities during a midweek noon time hourly period were observed on a summer's day in central Brisbane (27.47°S, 153.03°E), Australia. Observed sun protection practices were poor, given the time of year and peak solar noon period of the study. More individuals (n = 249; 33.1%) were seen wearing sunglasses than a hat (n = 101; 13.4%). Ninety‐three individuals were actively engaging with mobile phones (phone in hand). A further 231 individuals (30.7%) were observed with a mobile phone on them. Opportunities to modify group behavior based on mobile phone sun protection notifications and to engage with “at risk” members of the Queensland population are considered from the variable codependencies examined in this study, including the influence of social group size, observed sun protection and mobile phone use. Our preliminary findings suggest that mobile phones provide an underutilized opportunity for delivering tailored skin cancer prevention messaging.
Insect meals in fish nutrition
Authors: Nogales‐Mérida Silvia , Gobbi Paola , Józefiak Damian , Mazurkiewicz Jan , Dudek Krzysztof , Rawski Mateusz , Kierończyk Bartosz , Józefiak Agata 
Published: September 2018

AbstractDifferent studies have shown that insect meals can partially or completely replace the fish and soya bean meals that are commonly used in aquaculture. However, information is lacking on the amino acid and fatty acid contents and digestibility of different insect meals. Moreover, we evaluated different proportions of insect diets and determined how these affected the nutritional values of insect meals. Our purpose was to clarify these aspects and consider the availability of protein, amino acids, lipids and fatty acids in insect meals in fish nutrition. Generally, insect meals have higher indispensable amino acid contents than other meal types, with contents closely related to those in fish meal. Insect meal can be an important source of essential amino acids such as methionine, with contents ranging between 0.47 and 4.03 g 100 g−1 sample. These values are higher than those reported for other animal and plant meals. In addition, insects are also good sources of lipids and fatty acids, and the amounts and types of fatty acids vary according to the species, stage of development and type of feed. Moreover, the additional nutritional value of insect meal includes compounds such as chitin, which is primarily considered a fibre but also contains nitrogen and amino acids. Insect peptides with activity against pathogenic microflora provide secondary biological effects, which may significantly improve animal health.
Does the distinction between gross and value‐added exports matter? An empirical investigation of export elasticities
Authors: Ceglowski Janet 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThis study uses bilateral U.S. export data from the OECD’s Trade in Value‐Added database to estimate and compare elasticities for three distinct export measures: conventional measures of gross exports, domestic value added in gross exports, and value‐added exports. It finds little evidence of significant differences in the income elasticities across the three export measures or in the price elasticities of gross exports and domestic value added in gross exports. However it finds a significantly higher price elasticity for value‐added exports, suggesting that conventional price elasticity estimates may underestimate the impact of a real dollar depreciation on U.S. exports of value added.
Teaching human factors: a near‐peer approach
Authors: Aldridge Matthew J , Purdell‐Lewis Jeremy 
Published: September 2018

SummaryBackgroundAn understanding of human factors and ergonomics (HFE) is critical for optimal team performance, and is an important component of the postgraduate medical curriculum. This training is often delivered by senior clinicians with experience of using and teaching HFE concepts. A lack of availability of these experienced tutors can be a constraint on training provision.ContextA near‐peer tutor (NPT) approach was used to deliver a classroom‐based HFE course to postgraduate doctors, supported by a tutor handbook. We aimed to compare feedback from this course with a previous course taught by experienced tutors.MethodsLearners (n = 21) attending this course were divided into small groups, with one NPT per group. Each group viewed three video reconstructions of incidents from health care and other industries, followed by a structured discussion. Learners were encouraged to recognise concepts from HFE, and to develop changes to their own practice. The NPTs were guided through the session by a tutor handbook, which they received in advance.Human factors and ergonomics training is associated with a significant decrease in errorResultsInitial and 2‐month feedback was extremely positive, with Likert scores of 5/5 for Organisation, Content, Teaching Methods and Overall Impression. This was significantly (p < 0.05) better than feedback from a previous HFE course with senior tutors. Median NPT confidence ratings before and after receiving the handbook were 4/10 and 8/10, respectively.ConclusionsThese results support the use of NPTs in delivering HFE training to postgraduate doctors. Self‐reported confidence is increased by providing a handbook with discussion prompts. Training in HFE does not require senior tutors with significant clinical commitments, and can be provided to a high standard by NPTs.