bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of nanosystems in Staphylococcus aureus biofilms treatment
Authors: Pinto Rita M , Lopes-de-Campos Daniela , Martins M Cristina L , Van Dijck Patrick , Nunes Cláudia , Reis Salette 
Published: August 2019

ABSTRACT
Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is considered by the World Health Organization as a high priority pathogen for which new therapies are needed. This is particularly important for biofilm implant-associated infections once the only available treatment option implies a surgical procedure combined with antibiotic therapy. Consequently, these infections represent an economic burden for Healthcare Systems. A new strategy has emerged to tackle this problem: for small bugs, small particles. Here, we describe how nanotechnology-based systems have been studied to treat S. aureus biofilms. Their features, drawbacks and potentialities to impact the treatment of these infections are highlighted. Furthermore, we also outline biofilm models and assays required for preclinical validation of those nanosystems to smooth the process of clinical translation.
‘Dionysian Socialism?’: The Korčula Summer School as Kurort of the New Left
Authors: Sorenson Kaitlyn Tucker 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
This article explores and analyses several remarkable parallels between two unique cultural spaces, namely, that of the Korčula Summer School and that of the Kurorte – the Grand Spas of Central Europe. Though distinct from one another with respect to their historical as well as topographical locations within Europe, it is as cultural spaces that the two share their least apparent – but perhaps most significant – points of affinity. Just as Baden-Baden had served as the ‘summer capital of Europe’ for one set of cultural elites across political, linguistic and national boundaries, so did Korčula offer a space for cultural and intellectual exchange for philosophers from both sides of the Cold War. The article demonstrates how both of these spaces were marked by their shared internationalism, their political engagement, their privilege, their respective distance from daily social orders, and their intellectual intensity. Thus, it is suggested that Central-European Kurort culture – commonly considered a belle-époque phenomenon – did indeed survive the Great Wars, and found new expressions in a post-war, socialist context.
Evolutionary Dissection of the Dot/Icm System Based on Comparative Genomics of 58 Legionella Species
Authors: Gomez-Valero Laura , Chiner-Oms Alvaro , Comas Iñaki , Buchrieser Carmen 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe Dot/Icm type IVB secretion system of Legionella pneumophila is essential for its pathogenesis by delivering >300 effector proteins into the host cell. However, their precise secretion mechanism and which components interact with the host cell is only partly understood. Here, we undertook evolutionary analyses of the Dot/Icm system of 58 Legionella species to identify those components that interact with the host and/or the substrates. We show that high recombination rates are acting on DotA, DotG, and IcmX, supporting exposure of these proteins to the host. Specific amino acids under positive selection on the periplasmic region of DotF, and the cytoplasmic domain of DotM, support a role of these regions in substrate binding. Diversifying selection acting on the signal peptide of DotC suggests its interaction with the host after cleavage. Positive selection acts on IcmR, IcmQ, and DotL revealing that these components are probably participating in effector recognition and/or translocation. Furthermore, our results predict the participation in host/effector interaction of DotV and IcmF. In contrast, DotB, DotO, most of the core subcomplex elements, and the chaperones IcmS-W show a high degree of conservation and not signs of recombination or positive selection suggesting that these proteins are under strong structural constraints and have an important role in maintaining the architecture/function of the system. Thus, our analyses of recombination and positive selection acting on the Dot/Icm secretion system predicted specific Dot/Icm components and regions implicated in host interaction and/or substrate recognition and translocation, which will guide further functional analyses.
Tractable targets for meropenem-sparing antimicrobial stewardship interventions
Authors: Russell Clark D , Laurenson Ian F , Evans Morgan H , Mackintosh Claire L 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Background
As meropenem is a restricted antimicrobial, lessons learned from its real-life usage will be applicable to antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) more generally.

Objectives
To retrospectively evaluate meropenem usage at our institution to identify targets for AMS interventions.

Methods
Patients receiving meropenem documented with an ‘alert antimicrobial’ form at two tertiary care UK hospitals were identified retrospectively. Clinical records and microbiology results were reviewed.

Results
A total of 107 adult inpatients receiving meropenem were identified. This was first-line in 47% and escalation therapy in 53%. Source control was required in 28% of cases after escalation, for predictable reasons. Those ultimately requiring source control had received more prior antimicrobial agents than those who did not (P = 0.03). Meropenem was rationalized in 24% of cases (after median 4 days). Positive microbiology enabled rationalization (OR 12.3, 95% CI 2.7–55.5, P = 0.001) but rates of appropriate sampling varied. In cases with positive microbiology where meropenem was not rationalized, continuation was retrospectively considered clinically and microbiologically necessary in 8/40 cases (0/17 empirical first-line usage). Rationalization was more likely when meropenem susceptibility was not released on the microbiology report (OR 5.2, 95% CI 1.3–20.2, P = 0.02). Input from an infection specialist was associated with a reduced duration of meropenem therapy (P &lt; 0.0001). Early review by an infection specialist has the potential to further facilitate rationalization.

Conclusions
In real-life clinical practice, core aspects of infection management remain tractable targets for AMS interventions: microbiological sampling, source control and infection specialist input. Further targets include supporting rationalization to less familiar carbapenem-sparing antimicrobials, restricting first-line meropenem usage and selectively reporting meropenem susceptibility.
Understanding the appreciability requirement under Singapore competition law
Authors: Seet Joshua , Zheng Yirong 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Singapore competition law is concerned with prohibiting conduct that has appreciable adverse effects on competition. This article examines how the requirement to show appreciability is satisfied under the Section 34 Prohibition against anti-competitive agreements, and explores how the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS) has recently adopted a more expansive approach to presuming appreciability. It also argues that the CCCS’s assessment of appreciability based on turnover and employee numbers obscures the concept of appreciability. This article further clarifies that the appreciability requirement is relevant under the Section 47 Prohibition against an abuse of dominance even though cases and guidelines have not expressly acknowledged this, and argues that a distinct assessment of appreciability should apply when finding an infringement of the Section 47 Prohibition.
Global merger control—where to now?
Authors: Levy Nicholas , Waksman Alexander , Sheridan Lanto 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Considerable progress has been made over the past 30 years in ensuring that US and EU merger control norms are broadly understood and respected; that decisions are taken by independent agencies unfettered by political influence; and that agencies cooperate with each other to avoid divergent outcomes. Notwithstanding these achievements, important challenges remain. In particular, the broad consensus around the objectives and architecture of merger control is increasingly being questioned. This article identifies the principal strengths of global merger control, describes its major challenges, and considers ways to modernize and strengthen the existing system.
Bioavailability of valine in spray-dried L-valine biomass is not different from that in crystalline L-valine when fed to weanling pigs1
Authors: Oliveira Maryane S F , Htoo John K , González-Vega J Caroline , Stein Hans H 
Published: August 2019

AbstractAn experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that Val from a spray dried L-Val fermentation biomass (Val-FB; 64.4% L-Val) has a bioavailability of 100% relative to Val from L-Val (98% L-Val) when fed to weanling pigs. A Val-deficient basal diet containing 0.63% standardized ileal digestible (SID) Val was formulated. Six additional diets were prepared by supplementing the basal diet with 0.08%, 0.17%, or 0.25% L-Val or 0.12%, 0.25%, or 0.37% Val-FB to create experimental diets from both Val sources that contained 0.71%, 0.79%, or 0.87% SID Val. Two hundred twenty-four weaned pigs (6.87 ± 0.64 kg initial BW) were allotted to a randomized complete block design with 7 diets, 4 pigs per pen, and 8 replicate pens per diet. Diets were fed for 20 d. At the conclusion of the experiment, a blood sample from 1 pig per pen was analyzed for blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and plasma free AA. A linear regression model was used to estimate the relative bioavailability (RBV) of Val in Val-FB relative to Val from L-Val. Results indicated that the final BW and ADG were greater (P < 0.01) for pigs fed diets supplemented with Val-FB than pigs fed diets supplemented with L-Val. The ADFI decreased (linear, P ≤ 0.01), whereas G:F increased (linear, P < 0.01) by increasing inclusion of both Val sources in the diets. Regardless of source of dietary Val, BUN values were reduced (linear and quadratic, P < 0.01) as the concentration of Val in the diet increased. Pigs fed diets supplemented with L-Val had increased (linear and quadratic, P ≤ 0.05) concentrations of Val and Arg in plasma, and plasma concentrations of Ile, Leu, Lys, Ala, Cys, and Pro linearly increased (P < 0.05). There was also an increase (linear, P < 0.05) in plasma concentrations of Ile, Leu, Met, Ala, Asp, Cys, and Pro as Val-FB was added to the diets, and the concentration of Val in plasma increased (linear and quadratic, P < 0.05). Using L-Val as the standard, the RBV of Val in Val-FB as determined by ADG, G:F, and final BW was 146%, 135%, and 143%, respectively, with 95% confidence intervals of 99% to 191%, 83% to 187%, and 70% to 217%, respectively. In conclusion, the linear regression estimated a RBV of at least 100% for Val in Val-FB relative to Val from L-Val, and pigs fed diet supplemented with Val-FB had greater final BW, ADG, and G:F than pigs fed diets supplemented with the same amount of Val from L-Val.
Nonmedical Factors Influencing Early Deaths in Burns: A Study of the National Burn Repository
Authors: Nygaard Rachel M , Endorf Frederick W 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIt is well-established that survival in burn injury is primarily dependent on three factors: age, percent total-body surface area burned (%TBSA), and inhalation injury. However, it is clear that in other (nonburn) conditions, nonmedical factors may influence mortality. Even in severe burns, patients undergoing resuscitation may survive for a period of time before succumbing to infection or other complications. In some cases, though, families in conjunction with caregivers may choose to withdraw care and not resuscitate patients with large burns. We wanted to investigate whether any nonmedical socioeconomic factors influenced the rate of early deaths in burn patients. The National Burn Repository (NBR) was used to identify patients that died in the first 72 hours after injury and those that survived more than 72 hours. Both univariate and multivariate regression analyses were used to examine factors including age, gender, race, comorbidities, burn size, inhalation injury, and insurance type, and determine their influence on deaths within 72 hours. A total of 133,889 burn patients were identified, 1362 of which died in the first 72 hours. As expected, the Baux score (age plus burn size), and inhalation injury predicted early deaths. Interestingly, on multivariate analysis, patients with Medicare (p = .002), self-pay patients (p < .001), and those covered by automobile policies (p = .045) were significantly more likely to die early than those with commercial insurance. Medicaid patients were more likely to die early, but not significantly (p = .188). Worker’s compensation patients were more likely to survive the first 72 hours compared with patients with commercial insurance (p < .001). Men were more likely to survive the early period than women (p = .043). On analysis by race, only Hispanic patients significantly differed from white patients, and Hispanics were more likely to survive the first 72 hours (p = .028). Traditional medical factors are major factors in early burn deaths. However, these results show that nonmedical socioeconomic factors including race, gender, and especially insurance status influence early burn deaths as well.
Ductal Carcinoma in Situ: Current Concepts in Biology, Imaging, and Treatment
Authors: Shehata Mariam , Grimm Lars , Ballantyne Nancy , Lourenco Ana , Demello Linda R , Kilgore Mark R , Rahbar Habib 
Published: August 2019

AbstractDuctal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of the breast is a group of heterogeneous epithelial proliferations confined to the milk ducts that nearly always present in asymptomatic women on breast cancer screening. A stage 0, preinvasive breast cancer, increased detection of DCIS was initially hailed as a means to prevent invasive breast cancer through surgical treatment with adjuvant radiation and/or endocrine therapies. However, controversy in the medical community has emerged in the past two decades that a fraction of DCIS represents overdiagnosis, leading to unnecessary treatments and resulting morbidity. The imaging hallmarks of DCIS include linearly or segmentally distributed calcifications on mammography or nonmass enhancement on breast MRI. Imaging features have been shown to reflect the biological heterogeneity of DCIS lesions, with recent studies indicating MRI may identify a greater fraction of higher-grade lesions than mammography does. There is strong interest in the surgical, imaging, and oncology communities to better align DCIS management with biology, which has resulted in trials of active surveillance and therapy that is less aggressive. However, risk stratification of DCIS remains imperfect, which has limited the development of precision therapy approaches matched to DCIS aggressiveness. Accordingly, there are opportunities for breast imaging radiologists to assist the oncology community by leveraging advanced imaging techniques to identify appropriate patients for the less aggressive DCIS treatments.
A Proposal to Define Three New Breast Calcification Shapes: Square, Sandwich, and Teardrop, Pill & Capsule
Authors: Baker Jay A , Grimm Lars J , Johnson Karen S 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
To define and illustrate three new descriptors for microcalcification morphology on mammography, and provide a preliminary assessment of their potential clinical value.

Methods
The institutional review board approved this retrospective study and waived the requirement for informed consent. One thousand consecutive biopsy-proven cases of microcalcifications were retrospectively reviewed by the index study observer, a fellowship-trained breast radiologist blinded to histologic outcome. Each case was evaluated for traditional Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) morphology descriptors, as well as for the presence of one of three proposed new calcification morphology descriptors: (1) square, (2) sandwich, and (3) teardrop, pill & capsule. Positive predictive value (PPV) for each proposed shape was calculated. Interobserver variability was calculated on a subset of 200 cases, which were evaluated by two additional breast radiologists blinded to the interpretation of the index observer.

Results
Of 1000 cases, 702 (70.2%) were benign, and 298 (29.8%) were malignant. There were 51 (5.1%) square and 60 (6.0%) sandwich calcification cases, which were all benign at biopsy (PPV, 0%). Of the 106 (10.6%) cases that included teardrop, pill & capsule calcifications, 90 were malignant (PPV, 84.9%). Interobserver variability for the traditional BI-RADS morphology descriptors (κ = 0.40) was comparable to observer variability of the proposed new morphologies: square (κ = 0.39), sandwich (κ = 0.47), and teardrop, pill & capsule (κ = 0.49).

Conclusion
The proposed calcification descriptors square and sandwich-shaped had a PPV of 0%, and they may represent new typically benign morphologies. In contrast, teardrop, pill & capsule–shaped calcifications indicate a higher likelihood of malignancy than that of previously established descriptors.
Culturing embryonic cells from the parthenogenetic clonal marble crayfish (Marmorkrebs) Procambarus virginalis Lyko, 2017 (Decapoda: Astacidea: Cambaridae)
Authors: Deleon Heriberto , Garcia Juan , Silva Dionn Carlo , Quintanilla Oscar , Faulkes Zen , Thomas John M 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe parthenogenetic marbled crayfish, or Marmorkrebs (Procambarus virginalis Lyko 2017), is an emerging model organism. We describe a method to isolate cells from early-stage embryos and culture them in vitro. The identity of the cells was confirmed by sequencing the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. This technique can be applied for use in the manipulation of embryonic parthenogenetic crayfish cells.
Temperature-Dependent Demography and Population Projection of Tamarixia radiata (Hymenoptera: Eulophidea) reared on Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae)
Authors: Ramos Aguila Luis Carlos , Hussain Mubasher , Huang Wei , Lei Lijin , Bamisile Bamisope Steve , Wang Fangfei , Chi Hsin , Wang Liande 
Published: August 2019

AbstractTamarixia radiata Waterson (Hymenoptera: Eulophidea) is the principal natural enemy used for the control of the major citrus pest Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae). In this study, we collected the life-history data of T. radiata at four different temperatures (20, 27.5, 30, and 35°C) and analyzed them by using the age-stage, two-sex life table. The longest preadult developmental time (16.53 d) was observed at 20°C, whereas the shortest one was 7.29 d at 35°C. The preadult development rate was well-fitted to a linear equation. The lower threshold temperature (T0) was 7.85°C and the thermal summation (K) was 193.36 degree-day. The highest fecundity (F) was 322.7 eggs per female was at 27.5°C, whereas the lowest one was 10.8 eggs per female at 35°C. The net reproductive rate (R0) were 70.97, 169.42, 55.70, and 3.25 offspring at 20, 27.5, 30, and 35°C, respectively; the intrinsic rate of increase (r) were 0.1401, 0.3167, 0.3517, and 0.1143 d−1, respectively. The highest values of fecundity, net reproductive rate, intrinsic rate of increase, and finite rate of increase were observed at 27.5°C. The relationships among F, R0, Nf, and N in all treatments were consistent with R0=F×(Nf/N). The age of peak reproductive value was close to the total preoviposition period in all treatments. Population projections based on the age–stage, two-sex life table showed the dynamics of stage structure and its variability. Faster population growth was observed at 27.5 and 30°C.
Matching pursuit based on the rotated time-frequency atomic dictionary and its applications to seismic non-stationary data
Authors: Qi Pengfei , Wang Yanchun 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe time-frequency spectrum of an attenuated seismic wave rotates due to the influence of intrinsic quality factor. Traditional time-frequency analysis methods are either limited by time-frequency resolution or incapable of rotated time-frequency representation. To solve it, a matching pursuit (MP) method based on the rotated time-frequency atomic dictionary (MPFR) was proposed. By introducing a frequency rotation factor to the four-parameter dictionary in the conventional MP method, a five-parameter dictionary with frequency rotation characteristics was constructed, and the calculation process of each parameter was given. We tested the method on the synthetic traces and field data sets. The results showed that the proposed method can effectively realize rotated time-frequency characterization of attenuated seismic waves. Compared with the conventional atoms, the rotated time-frequency atoms are more compliant to the local features of non-stationary seismic data. Moreover, the effective description of rotated time-frequency characteristics can be used as an auxiliary technique to predict the reservoirs related to the attenuation. A care has to be taken when thin layers are encountered, since wavelet interference may cause rotated time-frequency characteristics independent of dispersion and attenuation in MPFR method.
Symbols of Political Participation: Jayalalitha’s Fan Imagery in Tamil Nadu
Authors: Holt Amy-Ruth 
Published: August 2019

AbstractContributing to the growing literature on fandom, this study investigates the political fan imagery in Tamil Nadu of the past AIADMK chief-minister J. Jayalalitha (1948–2016) that arouse popular devotion in her followers as if she was a Hindu deity (Hills 2002; Porter 2009; Duffett 2013). During Jayalalitha’s reign, her AIADMK followers, often called bhaktas, pursued her favour by making divine-like icons of her as well as by performing extreme physical acts for her attention that may be reproduced as visual narratives in the local press. The Tamil karate star Shihan Hussaini crucified himself on a cross wearing a t-shirt with Jayalalitha’s political nickname on it, the MLA representative M.V. Karuppaiah floated in a swimming pool holding an AIADMK flag in his mouth for forty-eight hours, and minister Sellur Raju organized huge ritual processions derived from local traditions, repurposed for Jayalalitha’s praise. These bhakti images involve a transactional visuality between iconic depictions of Jayalalitha and supportive narratives featuring her devotees’ unusual actions that serve as defining symbols of their political participation.
Ecology and Management of the Western Bean Cutworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Corn and Dry Beans—Revision With Focus on the Great Lakes Region
Authors: Smith Jocelyn L , Difonzo Christina D , Baute Tracey S , Michel Andrew P , Krupke Christian H 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
The western bean cutworm, Striacosta albicosta (Smith) is a native North American pest of corn and dry beans. The historical geographic range of the western bean cutworm covered the western Great Plains states including Colorado, Nebraska, and Wyoming. Since 1999, the geographic range of the western bean cutworm has rapidly expanded eastward across the U.S. Corn Belt and eastern Canada, causing significant and economic damage to corn Zea mays (L.) and dry edible beans Phaseolus spp., in parts of this region. Since 2010, increasing challenges related to managing this pest in its new range prompted numerous research studies that provided new insights into the biology and management of western bean cutworm. This revision of a previous Journal of IPM profile summarizes new information regarding the ecology and biology of western bean cutworm, and discusses updated recommendations for scouting and management in corn and dry beans, with an emphasis in the expanded geographic range of the Great Lakes region.