bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Percutaneous Peripheral Nerve Stimulation for the Treatment of Chronic Low Back Pain: Two Clinical Case Reports of Sustained Pain Relief
Authors: Kapural Leonardo , Gilmore Christopher A. , Chae John , Rauck Richard L. , Cohen Steven P. , Saulino Michael F. , Wongsarnpigoon Amorn , McGee Meredith J. , Boggs Joseph W.
Published: March 2017

As the leading cause of disability among U.S. adults, chronic low back pain (LBP) is one of the most prevalent and challenging musculoskeletal conditions. Neuromodulation provides an opportunity to reduce or eliminate the use of opioids to treat chronic LBP, but the cost and invasiveness of existing methods have limited its broad adoption, especially earlier in the treatment continuum. The present case report details the results of a novel method of short‐term percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) in 2 subjects with chronic LBP. At the end of the 1‐month therapy, stimulation was discontinued and the leads were withdrawn. PNS produced clinically significant improvements in pain (62% average reduction in Brief Pain Inventory Question #5, average pain), and functional outcomes (73% reduction in disability, Oswestry Disability Index; 83% reduction in pain interference, Brief Pain Inventory). Both subjects reduced nonopioid analgesic use by 83%, on average, and the one subject taking opioids ceased using all opioids. The only adverse event was minor skin irritation caused by a topical dressing. The clinically significant improvements were sustained at least 4 months after start of therapy (79% average reduction in pain; both reported minimal disability; 100% reduction in opioids; 74% reduction nonopioids). The results reveal the utility of this novel, short‐term approach and its potential as a minimally invasive neuromodulation therapy for use earlier in the treatment continuum to produce sustained pain relief and reduce or eliminate the need for analgesic medications, including opioids, as well as more expensive and invasive surgical or therapeutic alternatives.
Brief Clinical Report: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis of Pain Memory‐reframing Interventions for Children's Needle Procedures
Authors: Noel Melanie , McMurtry C. Meghan , Pavlova Maria , Taddio Anna
Published: March 2017

Objective

Children's pain memories play a powerful role in shaping future pain experiences. Interventions aiming to reframe children's memories of painful medical procedures hold promise for altering pain memories and improving subsequent pain experience; however, this evidence has not been synthesized. This brief clinical report includes a systematic review and meta‐analysis of existing memory‐reframing interventions for needle procedures in children and adolescents to stimulate future research.

Methods

Database searches identified relevant randomized and quasi‐randomized controlled trials. Data were extracted and pooled using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) and Cochrane methodologies. Critically important outcomes included fear during a subsequent needle procedure; important outcomes included memory of fear and pain following the needle procedure and pain and distress during a subsequent needle procedure.

Results

Three studies including 158 children 3 to 18 years of age were identified. The quality of evidence was low to very low. There was no benefit for the critically important outcome of anticipatory fear; however, the test for overall effect trended toward significance (P = 0.07). Memory‐reframing interventions were efficacious in altering children's memories of needle procedures to be less distressing. No benefit was found for acute fear or anticipatory, acute, or overall distress.

Conclusions

There are limited data suggesting that interventions that reframe children's memories of needle procedures hold promise for altering pain memories and potentially reducing anticipatory fear. High‐quality intervention development work is needed to determine how these interventions can be adapted to the developing child in order to lead to lasting reductions in pain, fear, and distress at future needle procedures.
Identifying neurocognitive markers for outcome prediction of global functioning in individuals with first‐episode and ultra‐high‐risk for psychosis
Authors: Sawada Kingo , Kanehara Akiko , Sakakibara Eisuke , Eguchi Satoshi , Tada Mariko , Satomura Yoshihiro , Suga Motomu , Koike Shinsuke , Kasai Kiyoto
Published: March 2017

Aim

There is an increasing need for identifying neurocognitive predictors of global functional outcome in early psychosis toward optimizing an early intervention strategy.

Methods

We conducted a longitudinal observational study to investigate an association between neurocognitive assessments at baseline and global functional outcome at an average of 1‐year follow up. Participants included ultra‐high‐risk for psychosis (UHR) individuals who had not converted to psychosis during the follow‐up period (UHR‐NP) and those with first‐episode psychosis (FEP). We evaluated neurocognition at baseline using the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia Japanese version, including Verbal Memory, Working Memory, Motor Speed, Verbal Fluency, Attention/Processing Speed, and Executive Function. We also assessed global functional outcome using the modified Global Assessment of Functioning (mGAF) scale both at baseline and after the follow‐up period.

Results

Thirty‐four UHR‐NP individuals (34/47, 72%) and 29 FEP individuals (29/36, 81%) completed assessment of neurocognitive function at baseline and functional outcome at follow up. In the UHR‐NP group, Attention/Processing Speed was significantly associated with the mGAF score at follow up. In the FEP group, Executive Function was significantly associated with the average mGAF score during follow up.

Conclusion

Attention/Processing Speed and Executive Function at baseline may predict global functional outcome of early psychosis. These neurocognitive tests are easy to incorporate in clinical settings and, if replicated in independent samples, may be included in routine clinical assessments for prediction of functional outcome in early psychosis.
Is the diversification of Mediterranean Basin plant lineages coupled to karyotypic changes?
Authors: Escudero M. , Balao F. , Martín‐Bravo S. , Valente L. , Valcárcel V.
Published: March 2017

The Mediterranean Basin region, home to 25,000 plant species, is included in the worldwide list of hotspots of biodiversity. Despite the indisputably important role of chromosome transitions in plant evolution and diversification, no reference study to date has dealt with the possible relationship between chromosome evolution and lineage diversification in the Mediterranean Basin.

Here we study patterns of diversification, patterns of chromosome number transition (either polyploidy or dysploidy) and the relationship between the two for 14 Mediterranean Basin angiosperm lineages using previously published phylogenies.

We found a mixed pattern, with half of the lineages displaying a change in chromosome transition rates after the onset of the Mediterranean climate (six increases, one decrease) and the other half (six) experiencing constant rates of chromosome transitions through time. We have also found a heterogeneous pattern regarding diversification rates, with lineages exhibiting moderate (five phylogenies) or low (six) initial diversification rates that either increased (six) or declined (five) through time. Our results reveal no clear link between diversification rates and chromosome number transition rates.

By promoting the formation of new habitats and driving the extinction of many species, the Mediterranean onset and the posterior Quaternary climatic oscillations could have been key for the establishment of new chromosomal variants in some plant phylogenies but not in others. While the biodiversity of the Mediterranean Basin may be partly influenced by the chromosomal diversity of its lineages, this study concludes that lineage diversification in the region is largely decoupled from karyotypic evolution.
What Explains Agency Heads’ Length of Tenure? Testing Managerial Background, Performance, and Political Environment Effects
Authors: Petrovsky Nicolai , James Oliver , Moseley Alice , Boyne George A.
Published: March 2017

There are a number of influences on how long an agency head serves. The importance of particular influences, in turn, depends on the prospective destination of the agency head: elsewhere in the public sector, the private sector, or retirement. The authors estimate survival models of agency heads’ tenure using panel data on British central government executive agencies from 1989 to 2012. Findings suggest that chief executives of poorly performing agencies are encouraged to retire sooner. There is no evidence that a change in political control increases the risk of any form of exit, suggesting that political pressure to leave is not substantial for this type of official. Outsiders—agency heads recruited from outside central government—are relatively difficult to retain for a longer time, such that potential shortfalls in suitable managers caused by retirements in an aging workforce may be difficult to make up by appointing from this source.
Effect of vitrification on the mRNA transcriptome of bovine oocytes
Authors: Wang N , Li C‐Y , Zhu H‐B , Hao H‐S , Wang H‐Y , Yan C‐L , Zhao S‐J , Du W‐H , Wang D , Liu Y , Pang Y‐W , Zhao X‐M
Published: March 2017

Contents

Vitrification has been shown to decrease the developmental capacity of mammalian oocytes, and this is closely associated with the abnormal mRNA expressions of vitrified oocytes. However, the effect of vitrification on transcriptional machinery of oocytes examined by RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) has yet to be defined. In the present study, the mRNA transcriptomes of fresh and vitrified bovine oocytes were analysed by Smart‐seq2 with the differently expressed genes determined by DEseq2 (an adjusted p‐value of .05 and a minimum fold change of 2). The differentially expressed mRNAs were then searched against the Gene Ontology (GO) and Genomes (KEGG) database. Finally, the mRNA expressions of 10 candidate genes were validated using quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR). Approximately 12,000 genes were detected in each sample of fresh or vitrified oocytes. Of these, the expression levels of 102 genes differed significantly in vitrified groups: 12 genes mainly involved in cell cycle, fertilization and glucose metabolism were upregulated, and 90 genes mainly involved in mitochondria, ribosomal protein, cytoskeleton, transmembrane protein, cell cycle and calcium ions were downregulated. GO analysis showed that these genes were mainly enriched in terms of membrane‐bounded organelles, macromolecular complex, and intracellular part. The mRNA expression levels of 10 candidate genes selected randomly were in agreement with the results of the RNA‐seq. In conclusion, our results showed that vitrification affected the mRNA transcriptome of bovine oocytes by downregulating genes, which contributed to the decreased developmental capacity of vitrified oocytes. Our findings will be useful in determining approaches to improve the efficiency of vitrified oocytes.
Post‐mortem examination of the reproductive organs of female wild boars (Sus scrofa) in Sweden
Authors: Malmsten Anna , Jansson Gunnar , Dalin Anne‐Marie
Published: March 2017

Contents

In recent decades, wild boars (Sus scrofa) have increased in numbers and distribution in Europe. Compared to other wild ungulates of similar body size, wild boars have a high reproductive capacity. To increase the knowledge of wild boar reproduction, the objective of this study was to investigate characteristics of reproductive organs, and to provide information on the occurrence of abnormalities in reproductive organs from free‐ranging female wild boars. Between December 2011 and December 2015, reproductive organs from female wild boars (>30 kg body weight), were collected during hunting in four Swedish counties at estates where supplementary feeding was applied. The organs were macroscopically examined and measured. The stage of the reproductive cycle was defined according to the ovarian structures and in relation to uterus characteristics. Observed abnormalities were noted. The results from 569 animals that met the requirements to be included in this study showed significant differences in weight and length of the uterus between the various reproductive stages. Sampling region had significant effect on these differences. Abnormalities in the reproductive organs were present in approximately 10% of the examined animals. The prevalence of abnormalities increased significantly with age and was significantly affected by sampling region.
Regulatory Analysis Procedures and Political Influence on Bureaucratic Policymaking
Authors: Woods Neal D.
Published: March 2017

Well‐known theories suggest that administrative procedures may be used as mechanisms of political control of the bureaucracy. This study investigates whether three common regulatory analysis procedures—cost‐benefit analysis, risk assessment, and economic impact analysis—lead to greater influence by political officials on bureaucratic policymaking. Multivariate analyses of data from a unique survey of state administrators indicate that regulatory analysis requirements are associated with decreases in the perceived influence of elected political officials on the content of administrative rules. This association is particularly evident in cases where proposed rules are subjected to a cost–benefit test. These findings contradict prominent theories of administrative procedures, but are consistent with recent research on the political power of administrative agencies.
Different by Design? Analyzing How Governments Justify GMO Liberalization through the Lens of Strategic Communication
Authors: Wenzelburger Georg , König Pascal D.
Published: March 2017

GMO liberalization can be seen as politically risky for policy actors; it confronts them with policy‐specific strategic challenges and incentives regarding their policy communication. This perspective has received much more attention in association with two other kinds of policies, welfare state retrenchment and foreign policy. The aim of this paper is thus to situate GMO liberalization within a larger framework and to examine how governments deal with this kind of policy through their communication. The analysis looks at the liberalization of GMOs in Norway and the UK to examine how their communication depends on policy characteristics as well as country‐specific conditions. The findings suggest that the communication of GMO liberalization differs markedly from the communication of welfare state retrenchment and foreign military interventions and that the typical features of GMO policies as well as the sociocultural context of the two countries mattered for how the governments have communicated GMO liberalization.
An economic rationale for dismissing low‐quality experts in trial
Authors: Kim Chulyoung
Published: March 2017

The history of the admissibility standard for expert testimony in American courtrooms reveals that the standard has gradually increased to a high level following a series of important decisions by the Supreme Court. Whether such a stringent standard for expert testimony is beneficial or detrimental to the American justice system is still under fierce debate, but there has been scant economic analysis of this issue. This paper attempts to fill the gap by presenting a game‐theoretic argument showing that a stringent admissibility standard operates to increase the accuracy of judicial decision‐making in certain situations. More precisely, when the judge faces uncertainty regarding an expert's quality, the admissibility standard may provide the judge with information about the quality of expert testimony, thereby increasing the accuracy of judicial decision‐making by mitigating the judge's inference problem. I show the ways in which this effect dominates at trial and discuss related issues.
The Association Between Gun Ownership and Statewide Overall Suicide Rates
Authors: Anestis Michael D. , Houtsma Claire
Published: March 2017

An extensive body of research has demonstrated an association between gun ownership and suicide that extends beyond the effects of a range of covariates. We aimed to expand on extant research by examining the extent to which gun ownership predicts statewide overall suicide rates beyond the effects of demographic, geographic, religious, psychopathological, and suicide‐related variables. By extending the list of covariates utilized, considering those covariates simultaneously, and using more recent data, we sought to present a more stringent test. Gun ownership predicted statewide overall suicide rates, with the full model accounting for more than 92% of the variance in statewide suicide rates. The correlation between firearm suicide rates and the overall suicide rate was significantly stronger than the correlation between nonfirearm suicide rates and the overall suicide rate. These findings support the notion that access to and familiarity with firearms serves as a robust risk factor for suicide. Therefore, means safety efforts aimed at reducing accessibility and increasing safe storage of firearms would likely have a dramatic impact on statewide overall suicide rates.
Increased insulin‐stimulated glucose uptake in both leg and arm muscles after sprint interval and moderate‐intensity training in subjects with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes
Authors: Sjöros T. J. , Heiskanen M. A. , Motiani K. K. , Löyttyniemi E. , Eskelinen J‐J. , Virtanen K. A. , Savisto N. J. , Solin O. , Hannukainen J. C. , Kalliokoski K. K.
Published: March 2017

We investigated the effects of sprint interval training (SIT) and moderate‐intensity continuous training (MICT) on glucose uptake (GU) during hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp and fatty acid uptake (FAU) at fasting state in thigh and arm muscles in subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2D) or prediabetes.

Twenty‐six patients (age 49, SD 4; 10 women) were randomly assigned into two groups: SIT (n=13) and MICT (n=13). The exercise in the SIT group consisted of 4–6×30 s of all‐out cycling with 4‐ minute recovery and in the MICT group 40‐ to 60‐ minute cycling at 60% of VO2peak. Both groups completed six training sessions within two weeks. GU and FAU were measured before and after the intervention with positron emission tomography in thigh (quadriceps femoris, QF; and hamstrings) and upper arm (biceps and triceps brachii) muscles.

Whole‐body insulin‐stimulated GU increased significantly by 25% in both groups, and this was accompanied with significantly increased insulin‐stimulated GU in all thigh and upper arm muscles and significantly increased FAU in QF. Within QF, insulin‐stimulated GU improved more by SIT than MICT in rectus femoris (P = .01), but not differently between the training modes in the other QF muscles.

In individuals with T2D or prediabetes, both SIT and MICT rapidly improve insulin‐stimulated GU in whole body and in the thigh and arm muscles as well as FAU in the main working muscle QF. These findings highlight the underused potential of exercise in rapidly restoring the impaired skeletal muscle metabolism in subjects with impaired glucose metabolism.
Skin hydration analysis by experiment and computer simulations and its implications for diapered skin
Authors: Saadatmand M. , Stone K. J. , Vega V. N. , Felter S. , Ventura S. , Kasting G. , Jaworska J.
Published: March 2017

Background

Experimental work on skin hydration is technologically challenging, and mostly limited to observations where environmental conditions are constant. In some cases, like diapered baby skin, such work is practically unfeasible, yet it is important to understand potential effects of diapering on skin condition. To overcome this challenge, in part, we developed a computer simulation model of reversible transient skin hydration effects.

Methods

Skin hydration model by Li et al. (Chem Eng Sci, 138, 2015, 164) was further developed to simulate transient exposure conditions where relative humidity (RH), wind velocity, air, and skin temperature can be any function of time. Computer simulations of evaporative water loss (EWL) decay after different occlusion times were compared with experimental data to calibrate the model. Next, we used the model to investigate EWL and SC thickness in different diapering scenarios.

Results

Key results from the experimental work were: (1) For occlusions by RH=100% and free water longer than 30 minutes the absorbed amount of water is almost the same; (2) Longer occlusion times result in higher water absorption by the SC. The EWL decay and skin water content predictions were in agreement with experimental data. Simulations also revealed that skin under occlusion hydrates mainly because the outflux is blocked, not because it absorbs water from the environment. Further, simulations demonstrated that hydration level is sensitive to time, RH and/or free water on skin. In simulated diapering scenarios, skin maintained hydration content very close to the baseline conditions without a diaper for the entire duration of a 24 hours period.

Conclusion

Different diapers/diaper technologies are known to have different profiles in terms of their ability to provide wetness protection, which can result in consumer‐noticeable differences in wetness. Simulation results based on published literature using data from a number of different diapers suggest that diapered skin hydrates within ranges considered reversible.
Relationship between the changes in blood flow and volume in the finger during a Braille character discrimination task
Authors: Murata J. , Murata S. , Soma M. , Nakae H. , Sato Y. , Kogo H. , Umeki N.
Published: March 2017

Purpose

We hypothesized that skin blood flow (SBF) of fingers are modulated during concentrated finger perception and that the changes in SBF reflect fluctuations in finger volume (FV). The aim of this study, therefore, was examine the relationship between the changes in SBF and FV during Braille reading.

Methods

We measured SBF of the finger, cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC), FV, and arterial blood pressure during Braille reading performed under blind conditions in thirty healthy subjects. The subjects were instructed to read a flat plate with raised letters (Braille reading) for 15 seconds using their forefinger, and to touch a blank plate as a control for the Braille discrimination procedure.

Results

Arterial blood pressure slightly increased during Braille reading but remained unchanged during the touching of the blank plate. SBF, CVC, and FV were reduced during Braille reading (decreased by −26%, −29%, and −0.3 mL/100 mL respectively). Furthermore, a significant relationship was observed between the changes in SBF and FV (r=.613) during Braille reading.

Conclusion

These results suggested that SBF of fingers is modulated during concentrated finger perception, and that the variability of blood flow reflects the response in FV.
Identification of a novel HLA‐B*18 allele, B*18:119, using sequence‐based typing in a caucasoid individual
Authors: André C. , Pantaleo G. , Aubert V.
Published: March 2017

HLA‐B*18:119 differs from HLA‐B*18:01:01 at nucleotide 28 C>T in exon 4 changing histidine to tyrosine.
The novel KIR3DS1*082 allele identified in a southern Chinese Han individual
Authors: He L.‐M. , Wang S.‐X. , Xu Y.‐P.
Published: March 2017

KIR3DS1*082 allele differs from the closest allele
KIR3DS1*01301 at nucleotide 1114T>C in exon 8.
When the earth blisters: Exploring recurrent liquefaction features in the coastal system of Christchurch, New Zealand
Authors: Giona Bucci Monica , Almond Peter , Villamor Pilar , Ries William , Smith Carol , Tuttle Martitia
Published: March 2017

The 14 February, or Valentine's Day, 2016 earthquake located offshore of Christchurch produced a new generation of liquefaction in the coastal environment of Christchurch, an environment of recurrent liquefaction during the 2010–2011 Canterbury Earthquake Sequence. The Valentine's Day earthquake occurred while trenches were open at a site in the coastal environment for studying the 2010–2011 liquefaction features. Observations in the 2016 trenches provided insights into the formation of a suite of surface and subsurface liquefaction features characteristic of the dune deposits, related to the persistent shallow water table, well‐sorted sands within the liquefiable layer and the soil above. Given these conducive conditions, there is a high potential that all earthquakes capable of inducing liquefaction may have been recorded during formation of the dunes near Christchurch. However, overprinting by subsequent generations of liquefaction features may be common and present challenges in unravelling the event history.
Modeling global Hammond landform regions from 250‐m elevation data
Authors: Karagulle Deniz , Frye Charlie , Sayre Roger , Breyer Sean , Aniello Peter , Vaughan Randy , Wright Dawn
Published: March 2017

In 1964, E.H. Hammond proposed criteria for classifying and mapping physiographic regions of the United States. Hammond produced a map entitled “Classes of Land Surface Form in the Forty‐Eight States, USA”, which is regarded as a pioneering and rigorous treatment of regional physiography. Several researchers automated Hammond?s model in GIS. However, these were local or regional in application, and resulted in inadequate characterization of tablelands. We used a global 250 m DEM to produce a new characterization of global Hammond landform regions. The improved algorithm we developed for the regional landform modeling: (1) incorporated a profile parameter for the delineation of tablelands; (2) accommodated negative elevation data values; (3) allowed neighborhood analysis window (NAW) size to vary between parameters; (4) more accurately bounded plains regions; and (5) mapped landform regions as opposed to discrete landform features. The new global Hammond landform regions product builds on an existing global Hammond landform features product developed by the U.S. Geological Survey, which, while globally comprehensive, did not include tablelands, used a fixed NAW size, and essentially classified pixels rather than regions. Our algorithm also permits the disaggregation of “mixed” Hammond types (e.g. plains with high mountains) into their component parts.
Knowledge and practice regarding dengue and chikungunya: a cross‐sectional study among Healthcare workers and community in Northern Tanzania
Authors: Kajeguka Debora C. , Desrochers Rachelle E. , Mwangi Rose , Mgabo Maseke R. , Alifrangis Michael , Kavishe Reginald A. , Mosha Franklin W. , Kulkarni Manisha A.
Published: March 2017

Objective

To investigate knowledge and prevention practices regarding dengue and chikungunya amongst community members, as well as knowledge, treatment and diagnostic practices among healthcare workers.

Method

We conducted a cross‐sectional survey with 125 community members and 125 healthcare workers from 13 health facilities in six villages in the Hai district of Tanzania. A knowledge score was generated based on participant responses to a structured questionnaire, with a score of 40 or higher (of 80 and 50 total scores for community members and healthcare workers, respectively) indicating good knowledge. We conducted qualitative survey (n = 40) to further assess knowledge and practice regarding dengue and chikungunya fever.

Results

15.2% (n = 19) of community members had good knowledge regarding dengue, whereas 53.6%, (n = 67) of healthcare workers did. 20.3% (n = 16) of participants from lowland areas and 6.5% (n = 3) from highland areas had good knowledge of dengue (χ2 = 4.25, P = 0.03). Only 2.4% (n = 3) of all participants had a good knowledge score for chikungunya. In the qualitative study, community members expressed uncertainty about dengue and chikungunya. Some healthcare workers thought that they were new diseases.

Conclusion

There is insufficient knowledge regarding dengue and chikungunya fever among community members and healthcare workers. Health promotion activities on these diseases based on Ecological Health Mode components to increase knowledge and improve preventive practices should be developed.
Game‐XP: Action Games as Experimental Paradigms for Cognitive Science
Authors: Gray Wayne D.
Published: March 2017

Why games? How could anyone consider action games an experimental paradigm for Cognitive Science? In 1973, as one of three strategies he proposed for advancing Cognitive Science, Allen Newell exhorted us to “accept a single complex task and do all of it.” More specifically, he told us that rather than taking an “experimental psychology as usual approach,” we should “focus on a series of experimental and theoretical studies around a single complex task” so as to demonstrate that our theories of human cognition were powerful enough to explain “a genuine slab of human behavior” with the studies fitting into a detailed theoretical picture. Action games represent the type of experimental paradigm that Newell was advocating and the current state of programming expertise and laboratory equipment, along with the emergence of Big Data and naturally occurring datasets, provide the technologies and data needed to realize his vision. Action games enable us to escape from our field's regrettable focus on novice performance to develop theories that account for the full range of expertise through a twin focus on expertise sampling (across individuals) and longitudinal studies (within individuals) of simple and complex tasks.
Compartmentalisation of [FeFe]‐hydrogenase maturation in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Sawyer Anne , Bai Yu , Lu Yinghua , Hemschemeier Anja , Happe Thomas
Published: March 2017

Molecular hydrogen (H2) can be produced in green microalgae by [FeFe]‐hydrogenases as a direct product of photosynthesis. The Chlamydomonas reinhardtii hydrogenase HYDA1 contains a catalytic site comprising a classic [4Fe4S] cluster linked to a unique 2Fe sub‐cluster. From in vitro studies it appears that the [4Fe4S] cluster is incorporated first by the housekeeping FeS cluster assembly machinery, followed by the 2Fe sub‐cluster, whose biosynthesis requires the specific maturases HYDEF and HYDG. To investigate the maturation process in vivo, we expressed HYDA1 from the C. reinhardtii chloroplast and nuclear genomes (with and without a chloroplast transit peptide) in a hydrogenase‐deficient mutant strain, and examined the cellular enzymatic hydrogenase activity, as well as in vivo H2 production. The transformants expressing HYDA1 from the chloroplast genome displayed levels of H2 production comparable to the wild type, as did the transformants expressing full‐length HYDA1 from the nuclear genome. In contrast, cells equipped with cytoplasm‐targeted HYDA1 produced inactive enzyme, which could only be activated in vitro after reconstitution of the [4Fe4S] cluster. This indicates that the HYDA1 FeS cluster can only be built by the chloroplastic FeS cluster assembly machinery. Further, the expression of a bacterial hydrogenase gene, CPI, from the C. reinhardtii chloroplast genome resulted in H2‐producing strains, demonstrating that a hydrogenase with a very different structure can fulfil the role of HYDA1 in vivo and that overexpression of foreign hydrogenases in C. reinhardtii is possible. All chloroplast transformants were stable and no toxic effects were seen from HYDA1 or CPI expression.
Identification of STN7/STN8 kinase targets reveals connections between electron transport, metabolism and gene expression
Authors: Schönberg Anna , Rödiger Anja , Mehwald Wiebke , Galonska Johann , Christ Gideon , Helm Stefan , Thieme Domenika , Majovsky Petra , Hoehenwarter Wolfgang , Baginsky Sacha
Published: March 2017

The thylakoid‐associated kinases STN7 and STN8 are involved in short‐ and long‐term acclimation of photosynthetic electron transport to changing light conditions. Here we report the identification of STN7/STN8 in vivo targets that connect photosynthetic electron transport with metabolism and gene expression. Comparative phosphoproteomics with the stn7 and stn8 single and double mutants identified two proteases, one RNA‐binding protein, a ribosomal protein, the large subunit of Rubisco and a ferredoxin‐NADP reductase as targets for the thylakoid‐associated kinases. Phosphorylation of three of the above proteins can be partially complemented by STN8 in the stn7 single mutant, albeit at lower efficiency, while phosphorylation of the remaining three proteins strictly depends on STN7. The properties of the STN7‐dependent phosphorylation site are similar to those of phosphorylated light‐harvesting complex proteins entailing glycine or another small hydrophobic amino acid in the −1 position. Our analysis uncovers the STN7/STN8 kinases as mediators between photosynthetic electron transport, its immediate downstream sinks and long‐term adaptation processes affecting metabolite accumulation and gene expression.
Spatial dialectics and the geography of social movements: the case of Occupy London
Authors: Halvorsen Sam
Published: March 2017

This paper develops spatial dialectics as an analytical method capable of exposing and explaining the contradictions, dilemmas and tensions that cut through the spatialities of social movements. Despite scholarly recognition of internal divides in movements such as Occupy, there is greater need to conceptualise the inherently contradictory nature of social movements, in particular by reflecting on the role of spatiality. Building on recent work on multiple spatialities of activism, the paper shifts attention to contradiction as a key factor in spatial mobilisation, further arguing that the recent turn to assemblage thought is ill equipped for such a task. Dialectics is introduced via Bertell Ollman's influential account of its ontological and epistemological bases, before turning to Edward Soja's reading of Henri Lefebvre to incorporate spatiality. Spatial dialectics disrupts the linearity of thesis–antithesis–synthesis, placing contradictions not only within the historical unfolding of relations but also within co‐dependent yet antagonistic moments of space, through Lefebvre's ‘trialetic’ of perceived, conceived and lived space. Building on ‘militant research’, which combined a seven‐month ethnography, 43 in‐depth interviews and analyses of representations of space, spatial dialectics is put to work through the analysis of three specific contradictions in Occupy London's spatial strategies: a global movement that became tied to the physical space of occupation; a prefigurative space engulfed by internal hierarchies; and a grassroots territorial strategy that was subsumed into logics of dominant territorial institutions. In each case, Occupy London's spatial strategies are explained in the context of unfolding contradictions in conceived, perceived and lived spaces and the subsequent dilemmas and shifts in spatial strategy this led to. In conclusion, the paper highlights broader lessons for social movements’ spatial praxis generated through the analysis of Occupy London.
Duration of platelet storage and outcomes of critically ill patients
Authors: Flint Andrew , Aubron Cécile , Bailey Michael , Bellomo Rinaldo , Pilcher David , Cheng Allen C. , Hegarty Colin , Reade Michael C. , McQuilten Zoe
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND

The storage duration of platelet (PLT) units is limited to 5 to 7 days. This study investigates whether PLT storage duration is associated with patient outcomes in critically ill patients.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

This study was a retrospective analysis of critically ill patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of two hospitals in Australia who received one or more PLT transfusions from 2008 to 2014. Storage duration was approached in several different ways. Outcome variables were hospital mortality and ICU‐acquired infection. Associations between PLT storage duration and outcomes were evaluated using multiple logistic regression and also by Cox regression.

RESULTS

Among 2250 patients who received one or more PLT transfusions while in the ICU, the storage duration of PLTs was available for 64% of patients (1430). In‐hospital mortality was 22.1% and ICU infection rate 7.2%. When comparing patients who received PLTs of a maximum storage duration of not more than 3, 4, or 5 days, there were no significant differences in baseline characteristics. After confounders were adjusted for, the storage duration of PLTs was not independently associated with mortality (4 days vs. ≤3 days, odds ratio [OR] 0.88, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.59‐1.30; 5 days vs. ≤3 days, OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.68‐1.37) or infection (4 days vs. ≤3 days, OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.39‐1.29; 5 days vs. ≤3 days, OR 1.11, 95% CI 0.67‐1.83). Similar results were obtained regardless of how storage duration of PLTs was approached.

CONCLUSIONS

In this large observational study in a heterogeneous ICU population, storage duration of PLTs was not associated with an increased risk of mortality or infection.
Presumed lupus erythematosus cells identified in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from a Mexican Hairless dog
Authors: Black Laura J. , Hechler Ashley C. , Duffy Maura E. , Beatty Sarah S.K.
Published: March 2017

A neutered male Mexican Hairless dog was presented for generalized weight loss and weakness. Initial laboratory testing and diagnostic imaging revealed thrombocytopenia and an interstitial to miliary lung pattern affecting all lung fields. Mild joint effusion was found on physical examination affecting the stifle, tarsal, carpal, and elbow joints. Examination of synovial fluid demonstrated an inflammatory polyarthropathy in 3 joints. Cytocentrifuged and direct preparations of the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid sample were made and cells consistent with lupus erythematosus (LE) cells and ragocytes were found. Based on these findings, the anti‐nuclear antibody (ANA) titer was determined as 1:640. A clinical diagnosis of systemic LE was made based on the satisfaction of 2 major criteria (thrombocytopenia and inflammatory polyarthritis), 4 minor criteria (central nervous system signs, lymphadenopathy, fever of unknown origin, and pleuritis), positive ANA titer, and the identification of presumed LE cells in BAL fluid. This case report highlights a novel finding of LE cells in respiratory secretions and provides a review of diagnostic criteria of systemic LE.
Regional development and climate change mitigation modelling of municipal solid waste emissions in the middle east
Authors: Dumble Paul
Published: March 2017

This study adapts a climate change mitigation model to assess impacts of municipal solid wastes in the Middle East and North Africa region, taking into account the future development of integrated waste management infrastructure involving collection, treatment and disposal. Mitigated and unmitigated disposal scenarios including waste growth reduction are used to estimate disposal methane emission changes at regional and subregional level. This study shows that unmitigated regional emissions by 2050 could rise to 296 542 GgCO2eq from a current level in 2015 of 128 184 GgCO2eq additionally decreasing annually by up to 8.75% falling to 10.16% due to waste characterisation changes as developing countries in the region progress to developed country status. A further annual rise, due to hotter drier climate conditions experienced as desertification, of up to a range of 1.70% increasing to 2.29% is also demonstrated. The findings enable regional planners to better assess and develop plans for implementation of integrated waste management policies.
Phylogenetic analyses of Chaetopteridae (Annelida)
Authors: Moore Jenna M. , Nishi Eijiroh , Rouse Greg W.
Published: March 2017

Phylogenetic relationships within Chaetopteridae were assessed using parsimony cladistic analysis of 43 external morphological characters and molecular phylogenetic analysis of three genes: mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I DNA (COI) and nuclear 28S and 18S ribosomal DNA. The group currently comprises four accepted genera: Chaetopterus Cuvier, Spiochaetopterus Sars, Phyllochaetopterus Grube and Mesochaetopterus Potts, with 97 available species names. We selected 79 species and one subspecies with adequately detailed data for morphological comparison. Sixteen additional unidentified chaetopterid species were included to enhance representation of the morphological and genetic diversity of the family. The morphological matrix was coded chiefly from the original descriptions, as well as revisions, type specimens and newly collected specimens. Chaetopteridae was monophyletic in the molecular phylogeny, and united by a number of morphological features, including a single pair of grooved peristomial palps, three morphologically distinct tagmata (A, B, C) and the presence of stout, modified cutting chaetae on anterior chaetiger 4 (A4). Chaetopterus and Mesochaetopterus formed well‐supported sister clades based on sequence data; however, the reciprocal monophyly of these genera was not supported by morphological data. Spiochaetopterus and Phyllochaetopterus were paraphyletic/polyphyletic as currently defined, and the status of these and other available generic names is discussed.
ISLAM, STATE AND SECULARISM; ANALYSIS ON THE SUBSTANTIVE POLITICAL PARADIGM IN INDONESIA
Authors: Latief Mohamad , Jandra Mifedwil
Published: March 2017

This research aims at analyzing political secularism in Indonesia and most specifically dealing with the recurrent polemic upon the relationship between Islam and State. The research initially seeks to describe the political situation of the country where the formalistic and substantives debate, especially on their distinctive approach to stipulate the proper role of religion on the country’s politic, could be witnessed. The description, however, will deal more on the latter political paradigm which is increasingly grasping an impressive preference from numbers of political individuals and institutions particularly when they come to discuss Islamic tenets and their application within the context of a pluralistic society like Indonesia. Using normative and socio-historical approaches, the paper argues that this political preference, despite its convincing successes in Islamizing the country’s politic, still suffers from numbers of defects that finally raise our apprehension. These defects summarily provide proofs to the questioned commitment of the substantive to the Islamic political values as a whole; the one which reveals an agreed separation of the state and religion; the one of secularism.Keywords; Formalistic, Substantive, Secularism, Partai Kebangkitan Bangsa, Partai Amanat Nasional. AbstractThis research aims at analyzing political secularism in Indonesia and most specifically dealing with the recurrent polemic upon the relationship between Islam and State. The research initially seeks to describe the political situation of the country where the formalistic and substantives debate, especially on their distinctive approach to stipulate the proper role of religion on the country’s politic, could be witnessed. The description, however, will deal more on the latter political paradigm which is increasingly grasping an impressive preference from numbers of political individuals and institutions particularly when they come to discuss Islamic tenets and their application within the context of a pluralistic society like Indonesia. Using normative and socio-historical approaches, the paper argues that this political preference, despite its convincing successes in Islamizing the country’s politic, still suffers from numbers of defects that finally raise our apprehension. These defects summarily provide proofs to the questioned commitment of the substantive to the Islamic political values as a whole; the one which reveals an agreed separation of the state and religion; the one of secularism.Keywords; Formalistic, Substantive, Secularism, Partai Kebangkitan Bangsa, Partai Amanat Nasional.
A Series of Class Acts: Mystifications in Irish Print Media Discourses
Authors: Flanagan Eugene
Published: March 2017

In this study, in the context of increasing inequality across the developed economies and beyond, I engage with the related issue of social class. I argue, despite postmodernist claims to the contrary, that social class continues to be a tendency to structure capitalist societies, and a primary determinant of life chances. In so doing, I draw on several strands of international class-based theory and research, and on research in the specifically Irish context. Using an explanatory critique, I highlight the failure of contemporary Irish print media discourses to acknowledge the class-based content of the issues to which they refer, while nevertheless promoting the interests of the dominant parties concerned. In conclusion, among other things, I claim that social class is deeply ingrained in Irish society, but that the sources concerned in the print media are much more likely to mystify than accurately inform their readers on this issue.
The Kinematic Principle for Designing Deoxyribose Nucleic Acid Origami Mechanisms: Challenges and Opportunities1
Authors: Su Hai-Jun , Castro Carlos E. , Marras Alexander E. , Zhou Lifeng
Published: March 2017

Deoxyribose nucleic acid (DNA) origami nanotechnology is a recently developed self-assembly process for design and fabrication of complex three-dimensional (3D) nanostructures using DNA as a functional material. This paper reviews our recent progress in applying DNA origami to design kinematic mechanisms at the nanometer scale. These nanomechanisms, which we call DNA origami mechanisms (DOM), are made of relatively stiff bundles of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), which function as rigid links, connected by highly compliant single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) strands, which function as kinematic joints. The design of kinematic joints including revolute, prismatic, cylindrical, universal, and spherical is presented. The steps as well as necessary software or experimental tools for designing DOM with DNA origami links and joints are detailed. To demonstrate the designs, we presented the designs of Bennett four-bar and crank–slider linkages. Finally, a list of technical challenges such as design automation and computational modeling are presented. These challenges could also be opportunities for mechanism and robotics community to apply well-developed kinematic theories and computational tools to the design of nanorobots and nanomachines.
Probabilistic Methods for Predicting the Remaining Life of Offshore Pipelines
Authors: Aljaroudi Alireda , Thodi Premkumar , Akinturk Ayhan , Khan Faisal , Paulin Mike
Published: March 2017

When offshore pipelines approach the end of their design life, their condition could threaten oil flow continuity as well as become a potential safety or environmental hazard. Hence, there is a need to assess the remaining life of pipelines to ensure that they can cope with current and future operational demand and integrity challenges. This paper presents a methodology for assessing the condition of aging pipelines and determining the remaining life that can support extended operation without compromising safety and reliability. Applying this methodology would facilitate a well-informed decision that enables decision makers to determine the best strategy for maintaining the integrity of aging pipelines.