bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Including the genetic values of the possible parents when analyzing pedigrees that contain MULT groups
Authors: Willis Kevin , Willis Raymond E. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIn a studbook, MULT is used in a parent ID field when the actual parent is unknown but the parent is known to be one of a set of possible parents. Probabilities of being the actual parent are assigned to each possible parent in the MULT group, and that information is used in the calculation of mean kinships (MKs). Parental probabilities are typically assigned based on the species biology and/or what was known about how the animals were being managed at the time of conception. If there is no additional information, the default is to assign each possible parent the same probability. What has not been considered to date is the impact of different MKs among the group of possible parents. Methods are developed which allow a combination of parental probabilities and MKs into parental weights. These weights replace parental probabilities in the analysis. One important conclusion is that even when the MKs of possible parents are quite different, the difference between the parental weights and probabilities is typically less than 30%. This highlights the importance of correct estimation of parental probabilities, whenever possible, instead of reliance on a default.
Dark mesons at the LHC
Authors: Kribs Graham D. , Martin Adam , Ostdiek Bryan , Tong Tom 
Published: July 2019

Abstract

A new, strongly-coupled “dark” sector could be accessible to LHC searches now. These dark sectors consist of composites formed from constituents that are charged under the electroweak group and interact with the Higgs, but are neutral under Standard Model color. In these scenarios, the most promising target is the dark meson sector, consisting of dark vector-mesons as well as dark pions. In this paper we study dark meson production and decay at the LHC in theories that preserve a global SU(2) dark flavor symmetry. Dark pions — like the pions of QCD — can be pair-produced through resonant dark vector meson production, pp → ρ

D
→ π

D

π

D
, and decay in one of two distinct ways: “gaugephobic”, when

$$ {\pi}_D\to f{\overline{f}}^{\prime } $$

π
D

→
f

f
¯

′

generally dominates; or “gaugephilic”, when π

D
→ W + h, Z + h dominates once kinematically open. Unlike QCD, the decay π

D

0
→ γγ is virtually absent due to the dark flavor symmetry. We recast a vast set of existing LHC searches to determine the current constraints on (and future opportunities for) dark meson production and decay. When

$$ {m}_{\rho_D} $$

m

ρ
D

is slightly heavier than

$$ 2{m}_{\pi_D} $$

2

m

π
D

and ρ

D

±,0
kinetically mixes with the weak gauge bosons, the 8 TeV same-sign lepton search strategy sets the best bound,

$$ {m}_{\pi_D} $$

m

π
D

> 500 GeV. Yet, when only the ρ

D

0
kinetically mixes with hypercharge, we find the strongest LHC bound is

$$ {m}_{\pi_D} $$

m

π
D

> 130 GeV, that is only slightly better than what LEP II achieved two decades ago. We find the relative insensitivity of LHC searches, especially at 13 TeV, can be blamed mainly on their penchant for high mass objects or large missing energy. Dedicated searches would undoubtedly yield substantially improved sensitivity. We provide a GitHub page to speed the implementation of these searches in future LHC analyses. Our findings for dark meson production and decay provide a strong motivation for model-independent searches of the form pp → A → B + C → SM SM + SM SM where the theoretical prejudice is for SM to be a 3rd generation quark or lepton, W, Z, or h.
Rational development of transformation in Clostridium thermocellum ATCC 27405 via complete methylome analysis and evasion of native restriction–modification systems
Authors: Riley Lauren A , Ji Lexiang , Schmitz Robert J , Westpheling Janet , Guss Adam M 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
A major barrier to both metabolic engineering and fundamental biological studies is the lack of genetic tools in most microorganisms. One example is Clostridium thermocellum ATCC 27405T, where genetic tools are not available to help validate decades of hypotheses. A significant barrier to DNA transformation is restriction–modification systems, which defend against foreign DNA methylated differently than the host. To determine the active restriction–modification systems in this strain, we performed complete methylome analysis via single-molecule, real-time sequencing to detect 6-methyladenine and 4-methylcytosine and the rarely used whole-genome bisulfite sequencing to detect 5-methylcytosine. Multiple active systems were identified, and corresponding DNA methyltransferases were expressed from the Escherichia coli chromosome to mimic the C. thermocellum methylome. Plasmid methylation was experimentally validated and successfully electroporated into C. thermocellum ATCC 27405. This combined approach enabled genetic modification of the C. thermocellum-type strain and acts as a blueprint for transformation of other non-model microorganisms.
Adaptation of an Analytical Procedure for Concurrent Determination of Np and Pu in clay samples
Authors: Renz Tobias , Plaschke Markus , Quinto Francesca , Bauer Andreas , Lagos Markus , Taubald Heinrich , Geckeis Horst 
Published: July 2019

AbstractNp and Pu are two important actinides of concern for the safe long-term disposal of nuclear waste. Both actinides are, in addition, constituents of global nuclear fallout. Investigation of their environmental behavior requires ultra-sensitive analytical methods, but current methods for a concurrent determination in clay minerals are lacking. In the present study, a Pu isotope was investigated for use as a non-isotopic yield tracer for Np in extraction, purification, and mass spectrometric determination of Np and Pu isotopes in clay materials. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used in this developmental study, but the method is intended for future ultra-trace analysis of global-fallout Np and Pu in clay-rich soil materials by the more sensitive accelerator mass spectrometry. Another field of application may be the investigation of diffusion patterns of actinides in compacted clay liners and potential host rocks for radioactive waste disposal. The analytical procedure includes the following steps: (1) extraction of Np and Pu from clay samples; (2) adjustment of Np and Pu to Np(IV) and Pu(III); (3) pre-concentration of Np and Pu by co-precipitation with iron hydroxide; (4) adjustment of Pu to Pu(IV); (5) extraction chromatographic separation of Pu and Np from iron and matrix elements; and (6) determination of Np and Pu by mass spectrometry. The analytical procedure was applied successfully to spiked montmorillonite and illite test portions of up to 1 g. High chemical yields near 90% were obtained for both Np and Pu. The suitability of Pu as a non-isotopic tracer for Np was indicated by Np/Pu chemical yield ratios close to unity. Accurate pH adjustment during the reductive co-precipitation and short processing times are vital to obtain high chemical yields and Np/Pu yield ratios close to unity.
Iron Mineralogy and Magnetic Susceptibility of Soils Developed on Various Rocks in Western Iran
Authors: Ayoubi Shamsollah , Adman Vali 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe characterization of magnetic minerals and the relationship of these minerals to the magnetic susceptibility of soils that have developed on various parent materials can provide valuable information to various disciplines, such as soil evolution and environmental science. The aim of the study reported here was to investigate variations in the magnetic susceptibility (χ) of soils in western Iran due to differences in lithology and to examine the relationship of χ to ferrimagnetic minerals. Eighty samples were collected from eight parent materials taken from both intact rocks and associated soils. The soil parent materials included a range of igneous and sedimentary rocks, such as ultrabasic rocks (Eocene), basalt (Eocene), andesite (Eocene), limestone (Permian), shale (Cretaceous), marl (Cretaceous), and the Qom formation (partially consolidated fine evaporative materials, early Miocene). The 80 samples were analyzed for χ using a dual-frequency magnetic sensor and for mineralogy using X-ray diffraction (XRD). The highest χ values were found in the ultrabasic rocks and associated soils, while the lowest χ values were observed in the limestone rocks and associated soils. The pedogenic processes significantly enhanced the χ values of soils developed on the sedimentary rocks due to the formation of ferrimagnetic minerals. In contrast, χ values decreased as a result of pedogenic processes in soils developed on igneous rocks due to the dilution effects of diamagnetic materials, such as halite, calcite, phyllosilicates, and organic matter. The significant positive correlation between the XRD peak intensity of the maghemite/magnetite particles and χ values confirmed that χ values in soils are largely controlled by the distribution and content of ferrimagnetic minerals. These results show that χ measurements can be used to quantify low concentrations of ferrimagnetic minerals in the soils of semiarid regions.
RANS prediction of open jet aerofoil interaction and design metrics
Authors: Al-Shabab A. A. Sheikh , Tucker P. G. 
Published: July 2019

ABSTRACTRANS models remain an attractive turbulence simulation method which could provide some open jet aerofoil interaction analysis at a fraction of the cost of a high-fidelity LES approach. The present work explores the potential and limitations of RANS in this context by simulating an open jet aerofoil noise experiment using the aerospace oriented Menter SST RANS model. This model’s tendency to transition at a critical Reynolds number lower than the experimental value was found to impact the boundary layer development. However, the introduction of a low-Re correction improved the prediction of surface pressure and skin friction, enabling the suction surface separation bubble to be captured. The free shear layer’s virtual origin characteristics exhibited sensitivity to the interaction with the aerofoil, which can be developed into a metric of the interaction. The main challenge for RANS was accounting for the rise in background disturbance level in the working section, which is caused by the high-turbulence intensity in the free shear layers.
Indices of clinical research coordinators’ competence
Authors: Hornung Carlton A. , Ianni Phillip A. , Jones Carolynn T. , Samuels Elias M. , Ellingrod Vicki L. ,   for the DIAMOND Investigators
Published: July 2019

AbstractIntroduction:There is a clear need to educate and train the clinical research workforce to conduct scientifically sound clinical research. Meeting this need requires the creation of tools to assess both an individual’s preparedness to function efficiently in the clinical research enterprise and tools to evaluate the quality and effectiveness of programs that are designed to educate and train clinical research professionals. Here we report the development and validation of a competency self-assessment entitled the Competency Index for Clinical Research Professionals, version II (CICRP-II).Methods:CICRP-II was developed using data collected from clinical research coordinators (CRCs) participating in the “Development, Implementation and Assessment of Novel Training In Domain-Based Competencies” (DIAMOND) project at four clinical and translational science award (CTSA) hubs and partnering institutions.Results:An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) identified a two-factor structure: the first factor measures self-reported competence to perform Routine clinical research functions (e.g., good clinical practice regulations (GCPs)), while the second factor measures competence to perform Advanced clinical functions (e.g., global regulatory affairs). We demonstrate the between groups validity by comparing CRCs working in different research settings.Discussion:The excellent psychometric properties of CICRP-II and its ability to distinguish between experienced CRCs at research-intensive CTSA hubs and CRCs working in less-intensive community-based sites coupled with the simplicity of alternative methods for scoring respondents make it a valuable tool for gauging an individual’s perceived preparedness to function in the role of CRC as well as an equally valuable tool to evaluate the value and effectiveness of clinical research education and training programs.
Active Shooter: What Would Health Care Students Do While Caring for Their Patients? Run? Hide? Or Fight?
Authors: McKenzie Nicole , Wishner Carolina , Sexton Martha , Saevig Danielle , Fink Brian , Rega Paul 
Published: July 2019

ABSTRACTObjective:The aim of this study was to explore the clinical decisions that health care students would make if faced with an active shooter event while providing patient care.Methods:A cross-sectional study design was used to survey 245 students from 6 different professional programs. Participants read 4 case-based scenarios, selected 1 of 4 actions in a multiple-choice format, and responded to an open-ended question. Demographic questions asked whether participants had been a victim of violence and whether they have taken a certified active shooter course. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and chi-square testing.Results:For each case, most students chose “patient-centric” versus “provider-centric” actions (range: 66%–94% and 4%–17%, respectively). The gender of the patient made no difference in actions. Those who attended a certified active shooter course tended to act with more “provider-centric” concerns than those who did not take such a course.Conclusion:A significant majority of interprofessional health care students, when presented with specific case-scenarios, declared they would act to protect themselves and their patients during an active shooter event. This “patient-centric” attitude transcends the oversimplified “Run-Hide-Fight” axiom and must be addressed by all health care educational institutions.
The association between implementation of second-tier prevention practices and CLABSI incidence: A national survey
Authors: Ben-David Debby , Vaturi Azza , Solter Ester , Temkin Elizabeth , Carmeli Yehuda , Schwaber Mitchell J. ,   the Israel CLABSI Prevention Working Group
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackground:Prevention of central-line–associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) represents a complex challenge for the teams involved in device insertion and maintenance. First-tier practices for CLABSI prevention are well established.Objective:We describe second-tier prevention practices in Israeli medical-surgical ICUs and assess their association with CLABSI rates.Methods:In June 2017, an online survey assessing infection prevention practices in general ICUs was sent to all Israeli acute-care hospitals. The survey comprised 14 prevention measures supplementary to the established measures that are standard of care for CLABSI prevention. These measures fall into 2 domains: technology and implementation. The association between the number of prevention measures and CLABSI rate during the first 6 months of 2017 was assessed using Spearman’s correlation. We used negative binomial regression to calculate the incidence rate ratio (IRR) associated with the overall number of prevention measures and with each measure individually.Results:The CLABSI rates in 24 general ICUs varied between 0.0 and 17.0 per 1,000 central-line days. Greater use of preventive measures was associated with lower CLABSI rates (ρ, –0.70; P < .001). For each additional measure, the incidence of CLABSI decreased by 19% (IRR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.73–0.89). Specific measures associated with lower rates were involvement of ward champions (IRR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.31–0.71), auditing of insertions by infection control staff (IRR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.19–0.64), and simulation-based training (IRR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.22–0.64).Conclusion:Implementation of second-tier preventive practices was protective against CLABSI. Use of more practices was correlated with lower rates.
Verification of Radiocarbon Transport Predicted by Numerical Modeling in the Porous Formation of NE Hungary Considering Paleo-Hydrogeology
Authors: Székely Ferenc , Deák József , Szűcs Péter , Kompár László , Zákányi Balázs , Molnár Mihály 
Published: July 2019

ABSTRACTVerification of a groundwater flow model by radiocarbon (14C) data are presented taking into consideration the paleo-hydrogeological changes. Northeastern area of the Great Hungarian Plain was a deep-lying flat area, and its central part (Nyírség) has been uplifted in the last 15,000 years. These geological events have drastically changed the hydrogeological conditions of Nyírség. The groundwater flow system is composed of the Quaternary-Pliocene-Upper Pannonian clastic sediments. Groundwater flow modeling has been performed to define the main lateral and vertical flow directions and velocities controlling the propagation of the environmental radioactive tracer 14C. Solute-transport modeling was used to calculate the 14C activity. The recent steady-state groundwater flow velocity was reduced to a reasonable value characterizing the average flow velocity over the 15 ka simulation period using “trial and error” method. The best fit between the simulated and measured 14C data was achieved by assuming 0.4 flow velocity reduction factor. Results indicate that the present steady-state flow model with this flow velocity reduction factor is capable of reproducing the observed 14C data taking into account the effect of the significant uplift of the part of the land surface in the last 15 ka in NE Hungary.
The effect of l-arginine supplementation on lipid profile: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Hadi Amir , Arab Arman , Moradi Sajjad , Pantovic Ana , Clark Cain C. T. , Ghaedi Ehsan 
Published: July 2019

AbstractA number of clinical trials have examined the effect of l-arginine on lipid profile in recent years; however, the results remain equivocal. Therefore, the present study aims to summarise and quantitatively examine the available evidence on the effectiveness l-arginine supplementation on lipid parameters using a systematic review and meta-analytic approach. Online databases including PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar were searched up to April 2019 for randomised controlled trials that examined the effect of l-arginine supplementation on lipid profile in adults. Treatment effects were expressed as weighted mean difference (WMD) and the corresponding standard error in concentrations of serum lipids. To estimate the overall effect of l-arginine supplementation, we used the random-effects model. In total, twelve studies were included in the systematic review. The meta-analysis revealed that l-arginine supplementation did not significantly change the concentrations of total cholesterol (WMD: –5·03 mg/dl; 95 % CI –10·78, 0·73; P = 0·08; inconsistency index (I2) = 39·0 %), LDL (WMD: –0·47 mg/dl; 95 % CI –3·61, 2·66; P = 0·76; I2 = 0·0 %), or HDL (WMD: 0·57 mg/dl; 95 % CI –1·28, 2·43; P = 0·54; I2 = 68·4 %). A significant reduction was observed only in serum TAG levels (WMD: –7·04 mg/dl; 95 % CI –11·42, –2·67; P < 0·001; I2 = 0·0 %). This meta-analysis concludes that l-arginine supplementation can significantly reduce blood TAG levels; however, there is insufficient evidence to support its hypocholesterolaemic effects. To draw straightforward conclusions regarding generalised recommendations for l-arginine supplementation for improving lipid profile, there is a need for more well-controlled trials targeting exclusively patients with dyslipidaemia.
The use of a combination scoring index to improve durum productivity under drought stress
Authors: Mohammadi Reza 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBreeding for drought tolerance using novel genetic resources possessing relevant agronomic and adaptive traits is a key to enhance productivity and food security in wheat growing areas. Herein, the main objectives were (i) to use a combination scoring index (multiple scoring index, (MSI)) for selection of durum wheat genotypes under different drought stress intensities (SIs) (ii) to examine repeatability of the scoring index through bootstrap re-sample method, and (iii) to study the relationship of MSI with some drought-adaptive traits. Sixteen durum wheat genotypes were grown under rainfed and irrigated conditions during three cropping seasons (2012–2015), resulting in different drought SIs, that is, mild (SI < 0.3), moderate (0.3 < SI < 0.6), and severe (SI > 0.6). The average grain yields among test environments varied between 708 and 3631 kg ha−1. The validation of the methodology of scoring index was confirmed by the correlation coefficients between score indices and their original values across different drought SIs. According to MSI, the genotypes G16, G1, and G3 had the best combination of high productivity and high resilience to mild, moderate, and severe drought stress conditions, respectively. These results indicated that the ranking of genotypes varied among different drought SIs, which support the high potential of durum wheat for adaptation to different drought stress conditions. Based on the bootstrap samples, non-repeatable correlations were observed between the estimates of MSI from different levels of stress. The significant correlation between MSI with grain yield and 1000-kernel weight (TKW) under severe drought condition provides evidence that MSI ultimately be considered as a tool for effective selection of drought-tolerant genotypes. The MSI selected genotypes based on high productivity and resilience, to each level of drought SI, and favorable adaptive traits useful for breeding.
Body image in relation to nutritional status in adults from the Basque Country, Spain
Authors: Ibáñez-Zamacona María Eugenia , Poveda Alaitz , Rebato Esther 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe aim of this research was to analyse variation in body image perception and satisfaction by age, sex and nutritional status in an adult sample from the Basque Country, Spain. A case-control study was performed for 227 women and 178 men aged 18–70 years. Stunkard’s silhouettes were used to evaluate Current Body Image (CBI) and Ideal Body Image (IBI), as well as dissatisfaction and inconsistency scores. Nutritional status was assessed following the WHO criteria for BMI in an adult population. The sample was divided into four groups based on sex and age (early adulthood <45 years, and middle/older adulthood ≥45 years). The Mann–Whitney U test was employed to evaluate sex and age differences, and the Gamma coefficient to assess the association between body image variables and nutritional status. Significant age differences in CBI (p<0.05) and sex differences in IBI (p<0.001) were detected. Both variables showed a positive association with BMI (p<0.01), which indicates that BMI is a biological characteristic related to body image satisfaction and influences participants’ perception of themselves. Dissatisfaction scores showed that both sex and age differences (p<0.05) were negatively associated with BMI (p<0.001). Only participants ≥45 years presented sex differences in inconsistency scores (p<0.05); this variable was associated with BMI in women (p<0.01). Preferences in body image showed sexual dimorphism, with women preferring thinner bodies than men – a pattern observed in many Western populations – linked in part to sociocultural pressures. Women were more dissatisfied with their bodies than men; a higher dissatisfaction was observed in older relative to younger participants. The results confirm the association between nutritional status and body size perception and satisfaction, but also the relationship between nutritional status and the reliability with which women can classify themselves; in men, this relationship was not as clear.