bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bloodstream infections caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae in onco‐hematological patients: clinical impact of carbapenem resistance in a multicentre prospective survey
Authors: Trecarichi Enrico Maria , Pagano Livio , Martino Bruno , Candoni Anna , Di Blasi Roberta , Nadali Gianpaolo , Fianchi Luana , Delia Mario , Sica Simona , Perriello Vincenzo , Busca Alessandro , Aversa Franco , Fanci Rosa , Melillo Lorella , Lessi Federica , Del Principe Maria Ilaria , Cattaneo Chiara , Tumbarello Mario ,   for the HaematologicMalignancies Associated Bloodstream Infections Surveillance (HEMABIS) registry – Sorveglianza Epidemiologica Infezioni Funginein Emopatie Maligne(SEIFEM) group, Italy
Published: July 2016

The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for mortality in patients suffering from hematological malignancies (HMs) with bloodstream infections (BSIs) caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP). We conducted a prospective cohort study on KP BSI in 13 Italian hematological units participating in the HEMABIS registry–SEIFEM group. The outcome measured was death within 21 days of BSI onset. Survivor and non‐survivor subgroups were compared and Cox regression analysis was conducted to identify independent predictors of mortality. A total of 278 episodes of KP BSI were included in the study between January 2010 and June 2014. We found that 161 (57.9%) KP isolates were carbapenem resistant (CRKP). The overall 21‐day mortality rate was 36.3%. It was significantly higher for patients with CRKP BSI (84/161, 52.2%) than for those with BSI caused by carbapenem susceptible KP (CSKP) (17/117, 14.5%; P < 0.001). Septic shock (HR 3.86), acute respiratory failure (HR 2.32), inadequate initial antimicrobial therapy (HR 1.87) and carbapenem resistance by KP isolates (HR 1.85) were independently associated with mortality. A subanalysis was conducted in only 149 patients with CRKP BSI who had received ≥48 hr of adequate antibiotic therapy, and combination therapy was independently associated with survival (HR 0.32). Our study shows that in recent years carbapenem resistance has dramatically increased in HM patients with KP BSI in Italy and is associated with a worse outcome. The optimal management of such infections and the definition of new empirical/targeted antimicrobial strategies in HM patients can still be considered unmet clinical needs. Am. J. Hematol. 91:1076–1081, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Association of Serum Calprotectin (S100A8/A9) Level With Disease Relapse in Proteinase 3–Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody–Associated Vasculitis
Authors: Pepper Ruth J. , Draibe Juliana B. , Caplin Ben , Fervenza Fernando C. , Hoffman Gary S. , Kallenberg Cees G. M. , Langford Carol A. , Monach Paul A. , Seo Philip , Spiera Robert , William St.Clair E. , Tchao Nadia K. , Stone John H. , Specks Ulrich , Merkel Peter A. , Salama Alan D. ,   the RAVE–Immune Tolerance Network Research Group
Published: July 2016

Objective

S100A8/A9 (calprotectin) has shown promise as a biomarker for predicting relapse in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)–associated vasculitis (AAV). This study was undertaken to investigate serum S100A8/A9 level as a biomarker for predicting future relapse in a large cohort of patients with severe AAV.

Methods

Serum levels of S100A8/A9 were measured at baseline and months 1, 2, and 6 following treatment initiation in 144 patients in the Rituximab in ANCA‐Associated Vasculitis trial (cyclophosphamide/azathioprine versus rituximab [RTX] for induction of remission) in whom complete remission was attained.

Results

Patients were divided into 4 groups: proteinase 3 (PR3)–ANCA with relapse (n = 37), PR3‐ANCA without relapse (n = 56), myeloperoxidase (MPO)–ANCA with relapse (n = 6), and MPO‐ANCA without relapse (n = 45). Serum S100A8/A9 level decreased in all groups during the first 6 months of treatment. The percentage reduction from baseline to month 2 was significantly different between patients who experienced a relapse and those who did not in the PR3‐ANCA group (P = 0.046). A significantly higher risk of relapse was associated with an increase in S100A8/A9 level between baseline and month 2 (P = 0.0043) and baseline and month 6 (P = 0.0029). Subgroup analysis demonstrated that patients treated with RTX who had increased levels of S100A8/A9 were at greatest risk of future relapse (P = 0.028).

Conclusion

An increase in serum S100A8/A9 level by month 2 or 6 compared to baseline identifies a subgroup of PR3‐ANCA patients treated with RTX who are at higher risk of relapse by 18 months. Since RTX is increasingly used for remission induction in PR3‐ANCA–positive patients experiencing a relapse, S100A8/A9 level may assist in identifying those patients requiring more intensive or prolonged treatment.
Development of anti‐HIV peptides based on a viral capsid protein
Authors: Mizuguchi Takaaki , Ohashi Nami , Matsumoto Daichi , Hashimoto Chie , Nomura Wataru , Yamamoto Naoki , Murakami Tsutomu , Tamamura Hirokazu
Published: July 2016

Peptide inhibitors with cell permeability targeting an HIV‐1 capsid (CA) protein might make therapeutic by regulating HIV‐1 replication. Overlapping fragment peptide libraries covering the whole sequence of an HIV‐1 CA protein have been synthesized with the addition of an octa‐arginyl moiety to increase their cell permeability. Amongst these peptides, several compounds which inhibit the HIV‐1 replication cycle have been found. Conjugation of cell‐penetrating functions such as an octa‐arginyl group to individual peptides in combination with the addition of chloroquine in cell‐based anti‐HIV assays was previously proven to be a useful assay method with which to search for active peptides. Anti‐HIV assays have been performed in the presence or absence of chloroquine and found that most of compounds have higher anti‐HIV activity in the presence, rather than in the absence of chloroquine. Some potent seeds as anti‐HIV agents might naturally lie hidden in CA proteins, and could become useful leads to HIV inhibitors.
A global country-level comparison of the financial burden of surgery
Authors: Shrime M G , Dare A , Alkire B C , Meara J G
Published: July 2016

Background

Approximately 30 per cent of the global burden of disease is surgical, and nearly one-quarter of individuals who undergo surgery each year face financial hardship because of its cost. The Lancet Commission on Global Surgery has proposed the elimination of impoverishment due to surgery by 2030, but no country-level estimates exist of the financial burden of surgical access.

Methods

Using publicly available data, the incidence and risk of financial hardship owing to surgery was estimated for each country. Four measures of financial catastrophe were examined: catastrophic expenditure, and impoverishment at the national poverty line, at 2 international dollars (I$) per day and at I$1·25 per day. Stochastic models of income and surgical costs were built for each country. Results were validated against available primary data.

Results

Direct medical costs of surgery put 43·9 (95 per cent posterior credible interval 2·2 to 87·1) per cent of the examined population at risk of catastrophic expenditure, and 57·0 (21·8 to 85·1) per cent at risk of being pushed below I$2 per day. The risk of financial hardship from surgery was highest in sub-Saharan Africa. Correlations were found between the risk of financial catastrophe and external financing of healthcare (positive correlation), national measures of well-being (negative correlation) and the percentage of a country's gross domestic product spent on healthcare (negative correlation). The model performed well against primary data on the costs of surgery.

Conclusion

Country-specific estimates of financial catastrophe owing to surgical care are presented. The economic benefits projected to occur with the scale-up of surgery are placed at risk if the financial burden of accessing surgery is not addressed in national policies.
An LC–MS/MS assay for the quantitative determination of 2‐pyridyl acetic acid, a major metabolite and key surrogate for betahistine, using low‐volume human K2EDTA plasma
Authors: Soni Krunal , Bhatt Chandrakant , Singh Kanchan , Bhuvaneshwari P.C. , Jha Anil , Patel Palak , Patel Harilal , Srinivas Nuggehally R.
Published: July 2016

Betahistine is widely used for the treatment of vertigo. Owing to first‐pass metabolism, 2‐pyridyl acetic acid (2PAA, major metabolite of betahistine) was considered as surrogate for quantitation. A specific and sensitive LC–MS/MS method was developed and validated for quantitation of 2PAA using turbo‐ion spray in a positive ion mode. A solid‐phase extraction was employed for the extraction of 2PAA and 2PAA d6 (IS) from human plasma. Chromatographic separation of analytes was achieved using an ACE CN, 5 μm (50 × 4.6 mm) column with a gradient mobile phase comprising acetonitrile–methanol (90:10% v/v) and 0.7% v/v formic acid in 0.5 mm ammonium trifluoroacetate in purified water (100% v/v). The retention times of 1.15 and 1.17 min for 2PAA and internal standard, respectively, were achieved. Quantitation of 2PAA and internal standard was achieved by monitoring multiple reaction monitoring transition pairs (m/z 138.1 to m/z 92.0 and m/z 142.1 to m/z 96.1, respectively). The developed method was validated for various parameters. The calibration curves of 2PAA showed linearity from 5.0 to 1500 ng/mL, with a lower limit of quantitation of 5.0 ng/mL. The bias and precision for inter‐ and intra‐batch assays were <10%. The developed method was used to support clinical sample analysis.
The Contribution of Therapist Effects to Patient Dropout and Deterioration in the Psychological Therapies
Authors: Saxon David , Barkham Michael , Foster Alexis , Parry Glenys
Published: July 2016

Background

In the psychological therapies, patient outcomes are not always positive. Some patients leave therapy prematurely (dropout), while others experience deterioration in their psychological well‐being.

Methods

The sample for dropout comprised patients (n = 10 521) seen by 85 therapists, who attended at least the initial session of one‐to‐one therapy and completed a Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation‐Outcome Measure (CORE‐OM) at pre‐treatment. The subsample for patient deterioration comprised patients (n = 6405) seen by the same 85 therapists but who attended two or more sessions, completed therapy and returned a CORE‐OM at pre‐treatment and post‐treatment. Multilevel modelling was used to estimate the extent of therapist effects for both outcomes after controlling for patient characteristics.

Results

Therapist effects accounted for 12.6% of dropout variance and 10.1% of deterioration variance. Dropout rates for therapists ranged from 1.2% to 73.2%, while rates of deterioration ranged from 0% to 15.4%. There was no significant correlation between therapist dropout rate and deterioration rate (Spearman's rho = 0.07, p = 0.52).

Conclusions

The methods provide a reliable means for identifying therapists who return consistently poorer rates of patient dropout and deterioration compared with their peers. The variability between therapists and the identification of patient risk factors as significant predictors has implications for the delivery of safe psychological therapy services. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Message

Therapists play an important role in contributing to patient dropout and deterioration, irrespective of case mix.

Therapist effects on patient dropout and deterioration appear to act independently.

Being unemployed as a patient was the strongest predictor of both dropout and deterioration.

Patient risk to self or others was also an important predictor.
Quasi‐V2 hysteretic control boost DC–DC regulator with synthetic current ripple technique
Authors: Tsai Chien‐Hung , Huang Chi‐Yuan , Guo Jhih‐Sian , Wang Chen‐Yu
Published: July 2016

Conventionally, a high accuracy operational amplifier (OPA)‐based current sensor is used for sensing current message under a full load range, which increases the cost characteristic. Instead of a high accuracy OPA‐based current sensor, this paper describes using a switching inductor quasi‐V2 hysteretic control boost dc–dc regulator with a proposed current‐sensing technique named emulated‐ramp feedback (ERF), which can improve transfer efficiency under a full load range. Two control systems are presented in this paper. The first system, a hysteretic voltage control switching boost converter with ERF, achieves the hysteretic voltage control in a boost regulator and lowers the cost characteristic without using compensator. The second system, a quasi‐V2 hysteretic voltage control switching boost converter with ERF, demonstrates the compatibility of ERF technique in rippled‐based control boost converters. The regulator was implemented with TSMC 0.25‐µm HV CMOS process. Experimental results show the second system can work under the specification of 5–12 V with a 0 to 300‐mA load range. Additionally, this system attained a recovery time is 27/95 µs for step‐up/step‐down in a 100 to 300‐mA continuous conduction mode load current, and a peak efficiency of 92.1% with a chip area of only 1.014 mm2. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using spatiotemporal correlative niche models for evaluating the effects of climate change on mountain pine beetle
Authors: Sidder Aaron M. , Kumar Sunil , Laituri Melinda , Sibold Jason S.
Published: July 2016

Over the last decade, western North America has experienced the largest mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosaeHopkins) outbreak in recorded history, and Rocky Mountain forests have been severely impacted. Although bark beetles are indigenous to North American forests, climate change has facilitated the beetle's expansion into previously unsuitable habitats. We used three correlative niche models (maximum entropy [MaxEnt], boosted regression trees, and generalized linear models) to estimate (1) the current potential distribution of the beetle in the U.S. Rocky Mountain region, (2) how this distribution has changed since historical outbreaks in the 1960s and 1970s, and (3) how the distribution may be expected to change under future climate scenarios. Additionally, we evaluated the temporal transferability of the niche models by forecasting historical models and testing the model predictions using temporally independent outbreak data from the current outbreak. Our results indicated that there has been a significant expansion of climatically suitable habitat over the past 50 yr and that much of this expansion corresponds with an upward shift in elevation across the study area. Furthermore, our models indicated that drought was a more prominent driver of current outbreak than temperature, which suggests a change in the climatic signature between historical and current outbreaks. Projections under future conditions suggest that there will be a large reduction in climatically suitable habitat for the beetle and that high‐elevation forests will continue to become more susceptible to outbreak. While all three models generated reasonable predictions, the generalized linear model correctly predicted a higher percentage of current outbreak localities when trained on historical data. Our findings suggest that researchers aiming to reduce omission error in estimates of future species responses may have greater predictive success with simpler, generalized models.
Fast Electromagnetic Transient Simulations of Power Systems Utilizing Single‐Phase Phasor‐Based Modeling of Remote Systems
Authors: NODA TAKU , SAKAMOTO ORIE , YONEZAWA RIKIDO
Published: July 2016

Electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulations of relatively large power systems have become quite common, for instance, in the case where simulations of HVDC converters are carried out with large ac power systems connected to the converters. Thus, the increase in computation time is a serious concern. To reduce computation time, this paper proposes a method to reduce computational demand of a remote power system which is located far from the source of a transient event to be simulated. In the proposed method, the remote power system, which is supposed to be represented by a three‐phase EMT‐based model, is reduced to a single‐phase phasor‐based model, and the size of the circuit to be simulated is thus reduced and the dynamics calculations of inductors and capacitors included in the remote power system are neglected. The calculation algorithm of generator models included in the remote power system is also simplified. The proposed method has been applied to EMT simulations of the WEST 10 benchmark power system prepared by the IEEJ, and it has been shown that the computation time is remarkably reduced without significant loss of accuracy if the portion assumed to be the remote power system is sufficiently far from the source of a transient event.
Plasma Behavior in a High‐Temperature Noble Gas Plasma Disk‐Shaped MHD Power Generator
Authors: TANAKA MANABU , OKUNO YOSHIHIRO
Published: July 2016

R‐θ two‐dimensional numerical simulations have been carried out to clarify the plasma behavior in a high‐temperature noble gas plasma disk‐shaped magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) generator. At low inlet total temperature and high load resistance, the plasma has spiral structure which is similar to the nonuniform structure under the weak noble gas ionization condition in a seed‐plasma MHD generator. As seen in a linear‐shaped Faraday‐type MHD generator, the plasma becomes stable with increase in the inlet total temperature because the coulomb collision of electrons becomes dominant. Even at low inlet total temperature, the ionization instability can be suppressed for low load resistance, because the relatively low electron temperature due to less Joule heating makes the ionization relaxation time longer than plasma residential time.
Municipal Governance and Sustainability: The Role of Local Governments in Promoting Transitions
Authors: Smedby Nora , Quitzau Maj‐Britt
Published: July 2016

This research addresses local governance for building energy efficiency. In order to turn an increasingly proactive environmental policy agenda at subnational levels into practice, local governments experiment with new forms of governance. One important policy area in this regard is building energy use, often addressed through urban development projects. Such initiatives provide important insight into the role that local governments may play in terms of pushing developers from mainstream building practices towards the uptake of more radical energy efficient solutions by enabling socio‐technical translation. The analysis is based on two case studies from Sweden and Denmark, where the local governments have actively sought to challenge mainstream building practices through a combination of different modes of governing. It is shown how this combination of different modes of governing at the local level provides several translation entries for local governments seeking to foster sustainability transitions. The article concludes that more attention should be directed towards translation as part of the practical environmental governing at the local level. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Evolution and future of urban ecological science: ecology in, of, and for the city
Authors: Pickett Steward T. A. , Cadenasso Mary L. , Childers Daniel L. , Mcdonnell Mark J. , Zhou Weiqi
Published: July 2016

The contrast between ecology
in
cities and ecology
of
cities has emphasized the increasing scope of urban ecosystem research. Ecology
in
focuses on terrestrial and aquatic patches within cities, suburbs, and exurbs as analogs of non‐urban habitats. Urban fabric outside analog patches is considered to be inhospitable matrix. Ecology
of
the city differs from ecology
in
by treating entire urban mosaics as social–ecological systems. Ecology
of
urban ecosystems incorporates biological, social, and built components. Originally posed as a metaphor to visualize disciplinary evolution, this paper suggests that the contrast has conceptual, empirical, and methodological contents. That is, the contrast constitutes a disciplinary or “local” paradigm shift. The paradigm change between ecology
in
and ecology
of
represents increased complexity, moving from focus on biotic communities to holistic social–ecological systems. A third paradigm, ecology
for
the city, has emerged due to concern for urban sustainability. While ecology
for
includes the knowledge generated by both ecology
in
and ecology
of
, it considers researchers as a part of the system, and acknowledges that they may help envision and advance the social goals of urban sustainability. Using urban heterogeneity as a key urban feature, the three paradigms are shown to contrast in five important ways: disciplinary focus, the relevant theory of spatial heterogeneity, the technology for representing spatial structure, the resulting classification of urban mosaics, and the nature of application to sustainability. Ecology
for
the city encourages ecologists to engage with other specialists and urban dwellers to shape a more sustainable urban future.
Preorganized Fluorescent Receptor for the Preferential Binding of the Glutarate Anion
Authors: Más‐Montoya Miriam , Curiel David , Ramírez de Arellano Carmen , Tárraga Alberto , Molina Pedro
Published: July 2016

A carbazolo[1,2‐a]carbazole‐2,11‐dicarboxamide has been synthesized and studied as a dicarboxylate anion receptor. The preorganized structure of this ligand affords a size‐selective response when a homologous series of dicarboxylates are analyzed. The structural correlation between the receptor and the different dianions was confirmed by 1H NMR studies, and different binding modes were also studied by X‐ray crystal structure analysis. The fluorescent properties of the carbazolocarbazole unit give a ratiometric response for those anions that have the best size fit. During the recognition process, the selective signaling of the glutarate anion results in a switch in the fluorescence color between the free and bound species. The detection of glutarate metabolites is important for the diagnosis of glutaric aciduria.
Synthesis of C‐2‐ and C‐3‐Sulfonatomethyl O‐ and S‐Glycosides by Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons Olefination
Authors: Eszenyi Dániel , Mándi Attila , Herczeg Mihály , Bényei Attila , Komáromi István , Borbás Anikó
Published: July 2016

The applicability of the Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons olefination to the introduction of the sulfonatomethyl moiety at the 2‐ and 3‐positions of orthogonally protected O‐ and S‐glycosides has been studied. The conformational preferences and relative energies of the exo‐ and endocyclic alkenesulfonic acids obtained were analysed by high‐temperature molecular dynamics and DFT calculations. Thioglycosides bearing a sulfonatomethyl moiety at the secondary position have been prepared for the first time. Finally, the attempted synthesis of 2‐sulfonatomethyl glucoside by nucleophilic substitution reaction is also described.
Engineering bacterial microcompartments with heterologous enzyme cargos
Authors: Wagner Hanna J. , Capitain Charlotte C. , Richter Karsten , Nessling Michelle , Mampel Jörg
Published: July 2016

Bacterial microcompartments (BMCs) are intracellular proteinaceous organelles devoid of a lipid membrane that encapsulates enzymes of metabolic pathways. Salmonella enterica synthesizes propanediol‐utilization BMCs containing enzymes involved in the degradation of 1,2‐propanediol. BMCs can be designed to enclose heterologous proteins, paving the way to engineered catalytic microreactors. Here, we investigate broader applicability of this design principle by directing three different enzymes to the BMC. We demonstrate that β‐galactosidase, esterase Est5, and cofactor‐dependent glycerol dehydrogenase can be directed to the BMC and copurified with the microcompartment shell in a catalytically active form. We show that the BMC shell protects enzymes from pH‐dependent but not from temperature stress. Moreover, we provide evidence that the heterologously expressed BMCs act as a moderately selective diffusion barrier for lipophilic small molecules.
Comparison of the Quick Mild Cognitive Impairment (Qmci) screen to the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) in an Australian geriatrics clinic
Authors: Clarnette Roger , O'Caoimh Rónán , Antony Deanna N. , Svendrovski Anton , Molloy D. William
Published: July 2016

Introduction

The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) accurately differentiates mild cognitive impairment (MCI) from mild dementia and normal controls (NC). While the MoCA is validated in multiple clinical settings, few studies compare it with similar tests also designed to detect MCI. We sought to investigate how the shorter Quick Mild Cognitive Impairment (Qmci) screen compares with the MoCA.

Methods

Consecutive referrals presenting with cognitive complaints to a teaching hospital geriatric clinic (Fremantle, Western Australia) underwent a comprehensive assessment and were classified as MCI (n = 72) or dementia (n = 109). NC (n = 41) were a sample of convenience. The Qmci and MoCA were scored by trained geriatricians, in random order, blind to the diagnosis.

Results

Median Qmci scores for NC, MCI and dementia were 69 (+/−19), 52.5 (+/−12) and 36 (+/−14), respectively, compared with 27 (+/−5), 22 (+/−4) and 15 (+/−7) for the MoCA. The Qmci more accurately identified cognitive impairment (MCI or dementia), area under the curve (AUC) 0.97, than the MoCA (AUC 0.92), p = 0.04. The Qmci was non‐significantly more accurate in distinguishing MCI from controls (AUC 0.91 vs 0.84, respectively = 0.16). Both instruments had similar accuracy for differentiating MCI from dementia (AUC of 0.91 vs 0.88, p = 0.35). At the optimal cut‐offs, calculated from receiver operating characteristic curves, the Qmci (≤57) had a sensitivity of 91% and specificity of 93% for cognitive impairment, compared with 87% sensitivity and 80% specificity for the MoCA (≤23).

Conclusion

While both instruments are accurate in detecting MCI, the Qmci is shorter and arguably easier to complete, suggesting that it is a useful instrument in an Australian geriatric outpatient population. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An integrated vegetated ditch system reduces chlorpyrifos loading in agricultural runoff
Authors: Phillips Bryn M , Anderson Brian S , Cahn Michael , Rego Jessa L , Voorhees Jennifer P , Siegler Katie , Zhang Xuyang , Budd Robert , Goh Kean , Tjeerdema Ron S
Published: July 2016

Agricultural runoff containing toxic concentrations of the organophosphate pesticide chlorpyrifos has led to impaired water body listings and total maximum daily load restrictions in California's central coast watersheds. Chlorpyrifos use is now tightly regulated by the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. This study evaluated treatments designed to reduce chlorpyrifos in agricultural runoff. Initial trials evaluated the efficacy of 3 different drainage ditch installations individually: compost filters, granulated activated carbon (GAC) filters, and native grasses in a vegetated ditch. Treatments were compared to bare ditch controls, and experiments were conducted with simulated runoff spiked with chlorpyrifos at a 1.9 L/s flow rate. Chlorpyrifos concentrations and toxicity to Ceriodaphnia dubia were measured at the input and output of the system. Input concentrations of chlorpyrifos ranged from 858 ng/L to 2840 ng/L. Carbon filters and vegetation provided the greatest load reduction of chlorpyrifos (99% and 90%, respectively). Toxicity was completely removed in only one of the carbon filter trials. A second set of trials evaluated an integrated approach combining all 3 treatments. Three trials were conducted each at 3.2 L/s and 6.3 L/s flow rates at input concentrations ranging from 282 ng/L to 973 ng/L. Chlorpyrifos loadings were reduced by an average of 98% at the low flow rate and 94% at the high flow rate. Final chlorpyrifos concentrations ranged from nondetect (<50 ng/L) to 82 ng/L. Toxicity to C. dubia was eliminated in 3 of 6 integrated trials. Modeling of the ditch and its components informed design alterations that are intended to eventually remove up to 100% of pesticides and sediment. Future work includes investigating the adsorption capacity of GAC, costs associated with GAC disposal, and real-world field trials to further reduce model uncertainties and confirm design optimization. Trials with more water-soluble pesticides such as neonicotinoids are also recommended. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2017;13:423–430. © 2016 SETAC

Key Points

An on-farm integrated vegetated treatment system utilizing compost and granulated activated carbon installations significantly reduced chlorpyrifos concentrations in simulated agricultural runoff. Concentrations of chlorpyrifos were reduced to nontoxic levels in half of the trials, at flows ranging from 3.2 to 6.3 L/s.
Randomised trial on treatment of vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia—Imiquimod, laser vaporisation and expectant management
Authors: Tainio Karoliina , Jakobsson Maija , Louvanto Karolina , Kalliala Ilkka , Paavonen Jorma , Nieminen Pekka , Riska Annika
Published: July 2016

Vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VAIN) is associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The most common treatment modality is laser vaporisation, but recurrences are common. Imiquimod is an immune response modulator which is used for the treatment of external condylomas and other HPV‐related genital neoplasias. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of vaginally administered imiquimod in comparison with laser vaporisation and expectant management of high‐grade VAIN. This proof of principle pilot study was a prospective 16‐week randomised trial. We enrolled 30 patients with histologically confirmed VAIN 2 or 3 into three study arms: vaginally administered imiquimod, laser vaporisation and expectant management. Follow‐up colposcopy visits included high‐risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) testing, cytology and punch biopsies. At baseline 77% (n = 20/26) of the patients were hrHPV positive. HPV clearance was significantly higher in the imiquimod arm (63%, n = 5/8) than in the laser arm (11%, n = 1/9) (p = 0.05) or in the expectant management arm (17%, n = 1/6) (p = 0.138). At baseline 25 patients (83%) had VAIN 2 and five (17%) had VAIN 3. None of the lesions progressed during the follow‐up. Histological regression (≤VAIN 1) was observed in 80% (n = 8/10) of patients in the imiquimod arm, 100% (n = 10/10) of the laser arm (p = 0.474) and 67% (n = 6/9) of the expectant management arm (p = 0.628). Vaginal imiquimod appears to be as effective as laser treatment in high‐grade VAIN.
An O-Glycosylation of Fibronectin Mediates Hepatic Osteodystrophy Through α4β1 Integrin
Authors: Sens Carla , Altrock Eva , Rau Katrin , Klemis Verena , von Au Anja , Pettera Stefan , Uebel Stephan , Damm Timo , Tiwari Sanjay , Moser Markus , Nakchbandi Inaam A
Published: July 2016

Patients with cholestatic liver disease experience increased fracture risk. Higher circulating levels of a fibronectin isoform called oncofetal fibronectin (oFN) were detected in a subset of such patients. Administering this isoform to mice suppresses osteoblast differentiation and diminishes bone mineral density in vivo, suggesting it is responsible for bone loss in cholestatic liver disease. The aim of this study was to define the mechanism by which oFN affects osteoblast function and evaluate possible modifiers in experimental hepatic osteodystrophy. The fibronectin isoform oFN is characterized by the presence of various glycosylations. In line with this, adding oFN that underwent enzymatic O-deglycosylation to osteoblasts normalized nodule formation in vitro. Of three possible O-glycosylation sites in oFN, only a mutation at AA 33 of the variable region or binding of this glycosylated site with an antibody normalized osteoblast differentiation. Because the responsible site is located in the variable region of fibronectin, which binds to α4β1 or α4β7 integrins, these integrins were evaluated. We show that integrin α4β1 mediates the inhibitory effect of oFN both in vitro as well as in vivo. In a hepatic osteodystrophy mouse model, we demonstrate that liver fibrosis is associated with increased circulating oFN and diminished BMD. In addition, trabecular bone loss induced by oFN injection or fibrosis induction could be prevented by either administering an antibody that binds to α4 integrin (PS/2) or the CS1 peptide, which contains a binding site for α4β1 integrin. In summary, oFN inhibits osteoblast activity. This is because of an O-glycosylation in the variable region that results in decreased integrin-mediated signaling. This deleterious effect can be thwarted by binding α4β1 integrin. Thus, we have characterized the defect and the receptor mediating bone loss in patients with hepatic osteodystrophy and evaluated possible therapeutic interventions in a murine model. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Structure, stability, and nature of bonding in carbon monoxide bound complexes (E = group 14 element; X = H, F, Cl, Br, I)
Authors: Ghara Manas , Pan Sudip , Kumar Anand , Merino Gabriel , Chattaraj Pratim K.
Published: July 2016

A density functional theory study is performed to predict the structures and stability of carbon monoxide (CO) bound(E = C, Si, Ge, Sn, Pb; X = H, F, Cl, Br, I) complexes. The possibility of bonding through both C‐ and O‐sides of CO is considered. Thermochemical analysis reveals that all the dissociation processes producing CO andare endothermic in nature whereas most of the dissociation reactions are endergonic in nature at room temperature. The nature of bonding in EC/O bonds is analyzed via Wiberg bond index, natural population analysis, electron density, and energy decomposition analyses in conjunction with natural orbitals for chemical valence scheme. In comparison to CO stretching frequency () in free CO, while a red shift is noted in O‐side binding, the C‐side binding results in a blue shift in. The relative change invalues in CO boundcomplexes on changing either E or X is scrutinized and possible explanation is provided in terms of polarization in the σ‐ and π‐orbitals and the relative strength of C→E or O→E σ‐donation and E→C or E→O π‐back‐donation. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Physical and Mechanical Modifications of Collagen Microfibers Using Ethanol‐Based Dehydrating Conditions
Authors: Bak Seon Young , Lee Sang Woo , Kim Kyung Sik , Kim Hyun Woo
Published: July 2016

This study describes novel and simple conditions for the fabrication of collagen microfibers with specific physical and mechanical properties, which can then be potentially applied as cell‐based matrices. The microfibers are fabricated from collagen hydrogels, using various concentrations of ethanol, in ethanol–water solvents. At higher ethanol concentration, fibers exhibited increased uniformity of surface morphology, decreased diameter, and increased tensile strength. The morphology of cells on microfibers varies due to the surface morphology of microfibers but the microfibers fabricated under all conditions investigated show similar number of attached cells on the surface of fibers, and cells sustain their viability for 90 h.

image
Regularity and a priori error analysis of a Ventcel problem in polyhedral domains
Authors: Nicaise Serge , Li Hengguang , Mazzucato Anna
Published: July 2016

We consider the regularity of a mixed boundary value problem for the Laplace operator on a polyhedral domain, where Ventcel boundary conditions are imposed on one face of the polyhedron and Dirichlet boundary conditions are imposed on the complement of that face in the boundary. We establish improved regularity estimates for the trace of the variational solution on the Ventcel face and use them to derive a decomposition of the solution into a regular and a singular part that belongs to suitable weighted Sobolev spaces. This decomposition, in turn, via interpolation estimates both in the interior as well as on the Ventcel face, allows us to perform an a priori error analysis for the finite element approximation of the solution on anisotropic graded meshes. Numerical tests support the theoretical analysis. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A simple and effective single‐step time marching technique based on adaptive time integrators
Authors: Soares Delfim
Published: July 2016

In this work, a novel time marching procedure is presented in which adaptive time integration parameters are locally computed, allowing different spatial and temporal distributions. As a consequence, a more versatile technique arises, enabling an enhanced performance. The main features of the proposed technique are: (1) it is simple; (2) it has guaranteed stability; (3) it is an efficient non‐iterative adaptive single‐step procedure; (4) it provides enhanced accuracy; (5) it enables advanced controllable algorithmic dissipation in the higher modes; (6) it is truly self‐starting; and (7) it is entirely automatic, requiring no input parameter from the user. The proposed technique is very complete, providing the main positive attributes that are requested from an effective time marching procedure. Numerical results are presented along the paper, illustrating the excellent performance of the method. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Variational integrators – A continuous time approach
Authors: Muehlebach M. , Heimsch T. , Glocker Ch.
Published: July 2016

This article presents a family of variational integrators from a continuous time point of view. A general procedure for deriving symplectic integration schemes preserving an energy‐like quantity is shown, which is based on the principle of virtual work. The framework is extended to incorporate holonomic constraints without using additional regularization. In addition, it is related to well‐known partitioned Runge–Kutta methods and to other variational integration schemes. As an example, a concrete integration scheme is derived for the planar pendulum using both polar and Cartesian coordinates. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Projection stabilized nonconforming finite element methods for the stokes problem
Authors: Achchab Boujemâa , Agouzal Abdellatif , Bouihat Khalid , Majdoubi Adil , Souissi Ali
Published: July 2016

In this article we study a projection‐stabilized nonconforming finite element discretization of the Stokes problem. We present a priori error analysis and give a recovery‐based a posteriori error estimator for the considered problem. Numerical results illustrate the theoretical performance of the error estimator. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 33: 218–240, 2017
Biodegradable date stones filler for enhancing mechanical, dynamic, and flame retardant properties of polyamide‐6 biocomposites
Authors: Moustafa Hesham , Darwish Nabila A. , Nour Mohamed A. , Youssef Ahmed M.
Published: July 2016

The need of using biodegradable fillers as polymer reinforcements instead of the polluting and hazard fillers has recently become a very important issue. Therefore, the aim of this study was the utilization of date stones (DS) as reinforcing and flame retardant biofiller in polyamide‐6 (PA6) with and without maleic anhydride‐grafted polypropylene (PP‐g‐MAH) compatibilizer. The composition of DS powder was revealed by X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) and chemical methods. Scanning electron microscopy images of biocomposites showed better compatibility of filler/polymer interface at 20 wt% DS and 5 wt% of the compatibilizer. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results confirmed our suggested reaction mechanism. The dynamic data showed satisfied enhancement in the storage modulus (E′) for maleated PA6 at 20 wt% DS filler. The tensile and impact strengths of the biocomposites enhanced for maleated PA6. The presence of the biofiller had no distinct effect on the thermal stability of the biocomposite. The flame retardant properties significantly improved with increasing DS filler content. The X‐ray diffraction and FTIR data revealed that the char layer acted as an insulating barrier to oxygen and heat transfer between the gas phase and the condensed phase thus reduced the heat release rate during the burning. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:1978–1987, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Prescription behavior for gastroprotective drugs in new users as a result of communications regarding clopidogrel – proton pump inhibitor interaction
Authors: Kruik‐Kollöffel Willemien J. , van der Palen Job , Kruik H. Joost , van Herk‐Sukel Myrthe P. P. , Movig Kris L. L.
Published: July 2016

Safety concerns of the concomitant use of clopidogrel and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) were published in 2009 and 2010 by the medicines regulatory agencies, including a direct healthcare professional communication. We examined the association between various safety statements and prescription behavior for gastroprotective drugs in naïve patients in the Netherlands during the years 2008–2011. Data from the PHARMO Database Network were analyzed with interrupted time series analyses to estimate the impact of each communication on drug prescriptions. Dispensings were used as a proxy variable for prescription behavior. After the early communication in January 2009, 15.5% (95% CI 7.8, 23.4) more patients started concomitantly with (es)omeprazole and 13.8% (95% CI 6.5, 21.2) less with other PPIs. Directly after the first statement in June 2009, we found a steep increase in histamine 2‐receptor antagonists (H2RA) peaking at 25%, placing those patients at risk for gastrointestinal events. This effect for H2RA faded away after a few months. In February 2010, when the official advice via an adjusted statement was to avoid (es)omeprazole, we found a decrease of 11.9% (95% CI 5.7, 18.2) for (es)omeprazole and an increase of +16.0% (95% CI 10.3, 21.7) for other PPIs. Still 22.6% (95% CI 19.5, 25.7) of patients started on (es)omeprazole in February 2010, placing them at risk for cardiovascular events. Advices of regulatory authorities were followed, however, reluctantly and not fully, probably partly because of the existing scientific doubt about the interaction.
Performance based durability design, carbonation part 1 – Benchmarking of European present design rules
Authors: von Greve‐Dierfeld Stefanie , Gehlen Christoph
Published: July 2016

The paper reports on a benchmark of European deemed‐to‐satisfy rules for exposure class XC (carbonation exposed structural members). The benchmark of the descriptive rules was carried out following the probabilistic design approach for carbonation‐induced corrosion developed in [1] and adopted in fib bulletin 34: Model Code for Service Life Design (2006) [2] and fib Model Code for Concrete Structures 2010 [3], respectively. To perform a representative study, three groups of European countries were selected, representing different parts of Europe, south (Spain, Portugal), middle (Netherlands, Great Britain and Germany) and northern Europe (Denmark, Norway). Reliability ranges for carbonation‐induced depassivation of rebar were calculated for ”favourable“ and ”unfavourable“ design situations in exposure classes XC2, XC3 and XC4 [4]. In each design situation the deemed‐to‐satisfy rules of selected countries were followed. The probabilistic calculations were mainly based on short‐term carbonation data. However, some calculations were also based on long‐term observation. The latter was implemented for independent validation purposes. The calculated reliability ranges are very broad and in some ”unfavourable“ situations, the deemed‐to satisfy requirements do not guarantee the required limit state (LS) arget reliabilities for the particular exposure. In ”favoura‐ble“ situations less stringent demands would have been sufficient.
Organocatalyzed Group Transfer Polymerization
Authors: Chen Yougen , Kakuchi Toyoji
Published: July 2016

In contrast to the conventional group transfer polymerization (GTP) using a catalyst of either an anionic nucleophile or a transition‐metal compound, the organocatalyzed GTP has to a great extent improved the living characteristics of the polymerization from the viewpoints of synthesizing structurally well‐defined acrylic polymers and constructing defect‐free polymer architectures. In this article, we describe the organocatalyzed GTP from a relatively personal perspective to provide our colleagues with a perspicuous and systematic overview on its recent progress as well as a reply to the curiosity of how excellently the organocatalysts have performed in this field. The stated perspectives of this review mainly cover five aspects, in terms of the assessment of the livingness of the polymerization, limit and scope of applicable monomers, mechanistic studies, control of the polymer structure, and a new GTP methodology involving the use of tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane and hydrosilane.

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New insights into decapping enzymes and selective mRNA decay
Authors: Grudzien‐Nogalska Ewa , Kiledjian Megerditch
Published: July 2016

Removal of the 5′ end cap is a critical determinant controlling mRNA stability and efficient gene expression. Removal of the cap is exquisitely controlled by multiple direct and indirect regulators that influence association with the cap and the catalytic step. A subset of these factors directly stimulate activity of the decapping enzyme, while others influence remodeling of factors bound to mRNA and indirectly stimulate decapping. Furthermore, the components of the general decapping machinery can also be recruited by mRNA‐specific regulatory proteins to activate decapping. The Nudix hydrolase, Dcp2, identified as a first decapping enzyme, cleaves capped mRNA and initiates 5′–3′ degradation. Extensive studies on Dcp2 led to broad understanding of its activity and the regulation of transcript specific decapping and decay. Interestingly, seven additional Nudix proteins possess intrinsic decapping activity in vitro and at least two, Nudt16 and Nudt3, are decapping enzymes that regulate mRNA stability in cells. Furthermore, a new class of decapping proteins within the DXO family preferentially function on incompletely capped mRNAs. Importantly, it is now evident that each of the characterized decapping enzymes predominantly modulates only a subset of mRNAs, suggesting the existence of multiple decapping enzymes functioning in distinct cellular pathways. WIREs RNA 2017, 8:e1379. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1379

This article is categorized under:

RNA Processing > Capping and 5′ End Modifications

RNA Turnover and Surveillance > Turnover/Surveillance Mechanisms

RNA Turnover and Surveillance > Regulation of RNA Stability