bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
DNA cloning demonstrates high genetic heterogeneity in populations of the subaerial green alga Trentepohlia (Trentepohliales, Chlorophyta)
Authors: Klimešová Michala , Rindi Fabio , Škaloud Pavel 
Published: November 2018

Mats of the green alga Trentepohlia, a genus widely distributed in the tropics as well as temperate regions, have always been perceived as homogeneous (i.e., formed by only one species). As such, their general nature and specific feature play a supportive role in the species delimitation. However, the presence of morphologically dissimilar thalli was observed under the light microscope and when cultivating a piece of a single mat. To address this, we performed DNA cloning of the rbcL gene on mat fragments of T. abietina, T. annulata, T. jolithus and T. umbrina sampled in Europe to reveal if they are composed of one or more species. We revealed that more Trentepohlia haplotypes may coexist in a single mat. In consideration of this, we conclude that the use of material isolated in unialgal culture will be almost mandatory for a taxonomic reassessment of this complicated genus. Another direct implication of this problem is that herbarium specimens consisting of field‐collected material should not be used for direct sequencing. We further hypothesize the reasons why multiple haplotypes of Trentepohlia occur more frequently in the tuft‐like mats. Possibly, fragments and/or cells of other microalgae, including other species of Trentepohlia, might be retained in such mats more easily than in the crustose trentepohlialean mats.
Outcome of secondary intention healing of full thickness lower eyelid defects in dogs
Authors: Jack M. W. , Crosse K. R. , Odom T. F. , Poirier V. J. 
Published: November 2018

ObjectivesTo assess healing of the canine lower eyelid without anatomical reconstruction.Materials and MethodsRetrospective case series of three client‐owned dogs with lower eyelid defects. These dogs that underwent debridement of lower eyelid wounds that were left to heal by secondary intention were assessed for anatomical, functional and aesthetic outcomes.ResultsTwo of the cases had previously undergone tumour resection with a lip‐to‐lid reconstruction and, following flap failure, developed a full thickness defect. The third dog presented with a traumatic laceration. Each dog lost approximately 70 to 90% of the lower eyelid margin. Two received topical antimicrobial eye drops after debridement, while the third dog required no further treatment. Follow‐up periods of 3 years, 15 months and 4 months were available. All owners were satisfied with the cosmetic outcome and provided pictures. One owner reported epiphora but no other ophthalmic complications occurred.Clinical SignificanceThe result of this small case series supports the notion that not all lower eyelid injuries or tumour resections require anatomical reconstruction. Selected cases can be left to heal by secondary intention with minimal post‐operative complications.
Nurse‐led brief sleep education intervention aimed at parents of school‐aged children with neurodevelopmental and mental health disorders: Results from a pilot study
Authors: Bastida‐Pozuelo María‐Felisa , Sánchez‐Ortuño María‐Montserrat , Meltzer Lisa J. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractPurposeTo test the effects of a single‐session parent sleep educational intervention, led by a pediatric nurse, on sleep in a group of school‐aged children attending a National Health Service mental health clinic in Murcia, Spain.Design and MethodsParents/caregivers of 26 children (mean age = 8.58 years; standard deviation = 0.58; 80.8% male) with neurodevelopmental or mental health disorders (84.6% pervasive developmental disorder), and with a suspicion of a behavioral sleep problem, participated in a 45‐min group educational session about healthy sleep practices, supplemented by a written handout. The main outcome measures were derived from items of the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire and included an insomnia composite score, a daytime sleepiness composite score, average sleep onset latency, and sleep duration on both weekdays and weekends. Outcome variables were assessed before and 3 months after the intervention.ResultsAfter the educational intervention, the insomnia and daytime composite scores decreased significantly (ps < 0.03). Weekday and weekend sleep duration significantly increased (
ps < 0.01). No statistically significant difference was observed in sleep onset latency before and after the intervention.Practice ImplicationsA brief and relatively inexpensive single sleep educational session can positively impact sleep in children with neurodevelopmental and mental health disorders. Thus, this intervention meets the characteristics of a successful “entry level” treatment in a stepped‐care approach. The stepped‐care model places nurses in a pivotal position to ensure that their patients will receive the least complex and most accessible intervention, from which they are likely to get some benefit, and that a sizeable number of patients who need treatment may receive it. Thus, it is important for nurses in all types of practice settings to have an understanding of healthy sleep patterns, as well as sleep disorders in children. Pediatric nurses, regardless of their setting, are in a unique position to screen children and adolescents for sleep behavior problems or sleep disorders, to educate families about healthy sleep practices, provide guidance and feedback, and recommend referral to pediatric specialized care for more complex assessment and management.
Multifractal and lacunarity analyses of microvascular morphology in eyes with diabetic retinopathy: A projection artifact resolved optical coherence tomography angiography study
Authors: Zhu Tiepei , Ma Jinlian , Li Jinyu , Dai Xizhe , Ye Panpan , Su Zhaoan , Kong Dexing , Ye Juan 
Published: November 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the degree of microvascular impairment in DR using multifractal and lacunarity analyses and to compare the diagnostic ability between traditional Euclidean measures (fovea avascular zone area and vessel density) and fractal geometric features.MethodsThis retrospective cross‐sectional study included a total of 143 eyes of 94 patients with different stages of DR. The retinal microvasculature was imaged by projection removed OCTA. We examined the degree of association between fractal metrics of the retinal microvasculature and DR severity. The area under the ROC curve was used to estimate the diagnostic performance.ResultsWith increasing DR severity, the multifractal spectrum shifted toward the left bottom and exhibited less left skewness and asymmetry. The vessel density, multifractal features, and lacunarity measured from the DCP were strongly associated with DR severity. The multifractal feature D5 showed the highest diagnostic ability. The combination of multifractal features further improved the discriminating power.ConclusionsMultifractal and lacunarity analyses can be potentially valuable tools for assessment of microvascular impairments in DR. Multifractal geometric parameters exhibit a better discriminatory performance than Euclidean measures, particularly for detection of the early stages of DR.
Spx, the central regulator of the heat and oxidative stress response in B. subtilis, can repress transcription of translation‐related genes
Authors: Schäfer Heinrich , Heinz Anja , Sudzinová Petra , Voß Michelle , Hantke Ingo , Krásný Libor , Turgay Kürşad 
Published: November 2018

SummarySpx is a Bacillus subtilis transcription factor that interacts with the alpha subunits of RNA polymerase. It can activate the thiol stress response regulon and interfere with the activation of many developmental processes. Here, we show that Spx is a central player orchestrating the heat shock response by up‐regulating relevant stress response genes as revealed by comparative transcriptomic experiments. Moreover, these experiments revealed the potential of Spx to inhibit transcription of translation‐related genes. By in vivo and in vitro experiments, we confirmed that Spx can inhibit transcription from rRNA. This inhibition depended mostly on UP elements and the alpha subunits of RNA polymerase. However, the concurrent up‐regulation activity of stress genes by Spx, but not the inhibition of translation related genes, was essential for mediating stress response and antibiotic tolerance under the applied stress conditions. The observed inhibitory activity might be compensated in vivo by additional stress response processes interfering with translation. Nevertheless, the impact of Spx on limiting translation becomes apparent under conditions with high cellular Spx levels. Interestingly, we observed a subpopulation of stationary phase cells that contains raised Spx levels, which may contribute to growth inhibition and a persister‐like behaviour of this subpopulation during outgrowth.
Quantitative trait locus analysis for soybean (Glycine max) seed protein and oil concentrations using selected breeding populations
Authors: Seo Jeong‐Hyun , Kim Ki‐Seung , Ko Jong‐Min , Choi Man‐Soo , Kang Beom‐Kyu , Kwon Soon‐Wook , Jun Tae‐Hwan 
Published: November 2018

AbstractSoybean seed protein and oil concentrations are important traits that directly affect the quality of soyfoods. Many studies and breeding programmes have been conducted to find major quantitative trait loci (QTL) that regulate protein and oil concentrations and to develop soybean cultivars with high protein and/or oil content. The purpose of this study was to identify these QTL using a selected breeding population. The population was tested in field conditions over a period of 3 years. Seed protein and oil concentrations were measured each year. Single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were used to construct genetic map using a 180K SoyaSNP array, which identified 1,570 SNPs. We identified 12 QTL for seed protein, 11 for seed oil concentration and four for both traits. Among these, 17 QTL were closely mapped to previously reported QTL, whereas ten sites were novel. Several QTL were detected across at least two experimental years. These loci are good candidate QTL for optimal seed protein and oil concentrations. Our results demonstrate that favourable target QTL can be successfully identified using selected breeding populations.
Paediatric and adult bronchiectasis: Vaccination in prevention and management
Authors: O'Grady Kerry‐Ann F. , Cripps Allan W. , Grimwood Keith 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACTBronchiectasis has received increased attention recently, including an emphasis on preventing infective exacerbations that are associated with disease progression and lung function decline. While there are several bacteria and viruses associated with bronchiectasis, licensed vaccines are only currently available for Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae (H. influenzae protein D as a conjugate in a pneumococcal vaccine), Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Bordetella pertussis and influenza virus. The evidence for the efficacy and effectiveness of these vaccines in both preventing and managing bronchiectasis in children and adults is limited with the focus of most research being on other chronic lung disorders, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, asthma and cystic fibrosis. We review the existing evidence for these vaccines in bronchiectasis and highlight the existing gaps in knowledge. High‐quality experimental and non‐experimental studies using current state‐of‐the‐art microbiological methods and validated, standardised case definitions are needed across the depth and breadth of the vaccine development pathway.
GMM nonparametric correction methods for logistic regression with error‐contaminated covariates and partially observed instrumental variables
Authors: Song Xiao , Wang Ching‐Yun 
Published: November 2018

AbstractWe consider logistic regression with covariate measurement error. Most existing approaches require certain replicates of the error‐contaminated covariates, which may not be available in the data. We propose generalized method of moments (GMM) nonparametric correction approaches that use instrumental variables observed in a calibration subsample. The instrumental variable is related to the underlying true covariates through a general nonparametric model, and the probability of being in the calibration subsample may depend on the observed variables. We first take a simple approach adopting the inverse selection probability weighting technique using the calibration subsample. We then improve the approach based on the GMM using the whole sample. The asymptotic properties are derived, and the finite sample performance is evaluated through simulation studies and an application to a real data set.
Rate efficient estimation of realized Laplace transform of volatility with microstructure noise
Authors: Wang Li , Liu Zhi , Xia Xiaochao 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIn this paper, we consider the problem of estimating the Laplace transform of volatility within a fixed time interval [0,T] using high‐frequency sampling, where we assume that the discretized observations of the latent process are contaminated by microstructure noise. We use the pre‐averaging approach to deal with the effect of microstructure noise. Under the high‐frequency scenario, we obtain a consistent estimator whose convergence rate is
, which is known as the optimal convergence rate of the estimation of integrated volatility functionals under the presence of microstructure noise. The related central limit theorem is established. The simulation studies justify the finite‐sample performance of the proposed estimator.
Resistance against Ralstonia solanacearum in tomato depends on the methionine cycle and the γ‐aminobutyric acid metabolic pathway
Authors: Wang Guoping , Kong Jie , Cui Dandan , Zhao Hongbo , Niu Yu , Xu Mengyun , Jiang Gaofei , Zhao Yahua , Wang Wenyi 
Published: November 2018

SummaryBacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum is a complex and destructive disease that affects over 200 plant species. To investigate the interaction of R. solanacearum and its tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plant host, a comparative proteomic analysis was conducted in tomato stems inoculated with highly and mildly aggressive R. solanacearum isolates (RsH and RsM, respectively). The results indicated a significant alteration of the methionine cycle (MTC) and downregulation of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) biosynthesis. Furthermore, transcriptome profiling of two key tissues (stem and root) at three stages (0, 3 and 5 days post‐inoculation) with RsH in resistant and susceptible tomato plants is presented. Transcript profiles of MTC and GABA pathways were analyzed. Subsequently, the MTC‐associated genes SAMS2, SAHH1 and MS1 and the GABA biosynthesis‐related genes GAD2 and SSADH1 were knocked‐down by virus‐induced gene silencing and the plants’ defense responses upon infection with R. solanacearum RsM and RsH were analyzed. These results showed that silencing of SAHH1, MS1 and GAD2 in tomato leads to decreased resistance against R. solanacearum. In summary, the infection assays, proteomic and transcriptomic data described in this study indicate that both MTC and GABA biosynthesis play an important role in pathogenic interaction between R. solanacearum and tomato plants.
Adjunctive virtual reality for procedural pain management of burn patients during dressing change or physical therapy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Luo Huaxiu , Cao Chang , Zhong Jian , Chen Junjie , Cen Ying 
Published: November 2018

AbstractDressing change and physical therapy are extremely painful procedures for burn patients. Adjunctive virtual reality therapy reportedly reduces pain when added to analgesics, but a summary analysis of the data has yet to be performed. We conducted this systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials to verify the pain‐reducing efficacy of virtual reality among burn patients undergoing dressing change or physical therapy. We searched MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE (via OVID), and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (via OVID) for relevant trials based on predetermined eligibility criteria from database establishment to February 2018. Two reviewers screened citations and extracted data independently. The quality of the included studies was evaluated according to the Cochrane Handbook, whereas statistical heterogeneity was assessed using chi‐square tests and I2 statistics. Review Manager 5.3 was used for statistical analysis. Thirteen randomized controlled trials with 362 patients who underwent 627 burn dressing change or physical therapy sessions were included. The additional use of virtual reality significantly reduced pain intensity, time spent thinking about pain, and unpleasantness, and was more fun compared with that of using analgesics alone. Virtual reality is an effective pain reduction measurement added to analgesics for burn patients undergoing dressing change or physical therapy. However, multicenter, parallel group design randomized controlled trials are still required.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Howard Nina 
Published: November 2018

International Journal of English and Cultural Studies (IJECS) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether IJECS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 1, Number 2 Torbjörn Lodén, Stockholm University, SwedenVesselina Anastasova Laskova, University of Udine, ItalyRaven Maragh, Gonzaga University, USAMariam Nemsadze, Akaki Tsereteli State University, GeorgiaScott Edward Freer, University of Leicester, UKMałgorzata Podolak, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin, PolandMohammed Nasser, Wasit University, IraqLeo H. Aberion, University of San Jose-Recoletos, PhilippinesStevanus Ngenget, Catholic University of De La Salle Manado, IndonesiaChia-Cheng Lee, Portland State University , USAFarzaneh Shakki, Islamic Azad University, Iran Nina HowardEditorial AssistantInternational Journal of English and Cultural StudiesRedfame Publishing--------------------------------------------9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97006-6018, USATel: 1-503-828-0536 ext. 510Fax: 1-503-828-0537Email: ijecs@redfame.comWebsite: http://ijecs.redfame.com
Variability of outcome measures in trials of intravenous therapy in acute severe paediatric asthma: a systematic review
Authors: Gray Charmaine S , Powell Colin V E , Babl Franz E , Dalziel Stuart R , Craig Simon 
Published: November 2018

ObjectiveTo determine the variability of primary and secondary outcomes used in trials of intravenous bronchodilators in children with acute severe paediatric asthma.MethodsSystematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform for randomised trials in children (less than18 years) with acute severe paediatric asthma comparing intravenous bronchodilator therapy to another treatment. Initial search was performed on 7 January 2016 with an updated search performed on 6 September 2018. Primary and secondary outcomes were collated.ResultsWe identified 35 published papers and four registered study protocols. 56 primary outcomes were found, the most common being a clinical asthma score (23/56; 41%). Other identified primary outcomes included bedside tests of respiratory function (11/56; 20%) and measures of length of stay (9/56; 16%). There were a total of 60 different secondary outcomes, the most common were various length of stay measures (24/60; 40%) and adverse events (11/60; 18%).ConclusionStudies comparing intravenous treatment modalities for children with acute severe paediatric asthma exhibit great variation in the type, number and timing of outcome measures used. There are no patient or family-specific outcomes reported. There is a need to develop international consensus.Trial registration numberCRD42017055331.
Walking up hills, through history and in-between disciplines: MHH and Health Sciences Education at the tip of Africa
Authors: Tsampiras Carla 
Published: November 2018

Celebration, frustration, contestation and imagination all manifest themselves when examining the evolution of the field of Medical and Health Humanities (MHH) at the University of Cape Town (UCT). That this field has been growing at the same time as access to, inclusion in, and social justice issues linked to higher education have come under the spotlight has the potential to shape how we think and plan for the future of the field. Doing this will require treks up hills, journeys through difficult histories and dynamic dances in-between disciplines.This article examines MHH at UCT broadly, referring to projects and programmes that are underway primarily in the humanities and health sciences faculties. From this overview, the article specifically examines the curricula changes introduced in the Faculty of Health Sciences inspired by MHH and the author’s interest in historical consciousness. It describes current points of intervention in physiotherapy and MBChB undergraduate curricula; and through short-term special study modules that have allowed those interested in MHH to explore relationships between health and healing and art, music, writing, yoga, PhotoVoice, drama, drawing and complex histories.It discusses some of the challenges of introducing humanities teaching into health sciences curricula; and some of the tensions that result from the meeting of divergent epistemologies and pedagogies. The article considers if, and how, MHH might engage with social (in)justice, and inclusions and exclusions and potentially offer a balm to soothe the bruising effects of oppressive histories and a hegemonically hierarchical present.
Design and Analysis of a Query Processor for Brick
Authors: Fierro Gabe , Culler David E. 
Published: November 2018

Brick is a recently proposed metadata schema and ontology for describing building components and the relationships between them. It represents buildings as directed labeled graphs using the RDF data model. Using the SPARQL query language, building-agnostic applications query a Brick graph to discover the set of resources and relationships they require to operate. Latency-sensitive applications, such as user interfaces, demand response, and model-predictive control, require fast queries—conventionally less than 100ms.
We benchmark a set of popular open source and commercial SPARQL databases against three real Brick models using seven application queries and find that none of them meet this performance target. This lack of performance can be attributed to design decisions that optimize for queries over large graphs consisting of billions of triples but give poor spatial locality and join performance on the small dense graphs typical of Brick. We present the design and evaluation of HodDB, a RDF/SPARQL database for Brick built over a node-based index structure. HodDB performs Brick queries 3--700× faster than leading SPARQL databases and consistently meets the 100ms threshold, enabling the portability of important latency-sensitive building applications.
This article is an extension of a previously published work [16].